Bistro Ivi Brings Good Value to Fortune Plaza

You’re not looking for the hippest new joint. You’re tired of spending a hundred kuai on exquisitely crafted bites only to walk away hungry. And you don’t need a wine list that passes for summer reading. If this sounds familiar, then Bistro Ivi might be for you.

Located in the basement of the Fortune Plaza residences, the small lofted space features dark contemporary stylings, with three tables on the main floor and more seating upstairs. They offer pastas and mains ranging from Thai beef rice noodle salad to pan-fried snapper – essentially, you’re getting Element Fresh-style entrees for the price of an Element Fresh appetizer. The lunch set (RMB 55) includes your pick of a large selection of mains plus their daily fresh juice or coffee – both options are a good value – and was actually still available when we showed up for dinner.

We tried the Vietnamese-style pork rib with steamed rice (RMB 50). While a far cry from the charbroiled slabs you’d get at a down-home pho restaurant, these chops were tender and accompanied by a fiery chilli-lime dipping sauce that stole the show. The pan-fried snapper with stir-fried baby vegetables (RMB 60) was less exciting, with overcooked fish under an occasionally crisp skin. For a side, the sauteed garlic mushrooms (RMB 20) were punchy little caramelized bites of butter and garlic.

If you’re feeling fancy, they’ve got two sparkling wines, seven whites and ten reds on the list. But mostly this is a spot for a lunch you won’t regret.

Also try: The Loop, Element Fresh

Bistro Ivi Daily 9am-9pm. W111, Fortune Plaza (near Grand Millennium), 7 Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District (6536 1248) 朝阳区东三环中路7号财富中心公寓楼底w111号(近千禧大酒店)

By subway: 100m west of Jintaixizhao station (Line 10)

Photo: Judy Zhou