One of my favorite Parisian memories is lounging at an al fresco cafe enjoying an ice cream after spending the morning checking out the Pompidou's latest exhibitions. It was a warm day in mid-October, and it seemed like the entire city decided to play hooky, soaking in the sunshine and people-watching at the city's ubiquitous terraced outlets.

Now I can approximate the same experience in Hong Kong at the bistro Metropolitan.

Designed by local food-and-beverage guru Kinney Chan, about one-third of the restaurant is devoted to a large tiled terrace with tiny marble tables behind a weathered metal gate. Inside, the length of one side is devoted to an open kitchen and bar, with chef Frank Lebiez darting back and forth overseeing his sous chefs.