Aux Beaux Arts is located in the atrium lobby of MGM Grand Hotel; choose to sit ‘al fresco’ under the massive domed glass ceiling of the terrace, or inside, where dark wooden walls and hanging white chandeliers evoke memories of Parisian bistros. Widely spaced tables with crisp white linen clothes soften an otherwise stark interior; regardless of your vantage point the essence of France is evoked with timeless grace and rustic elegance.

Aux Beaux Arts is a classic bistro daring to serve an eclectic array of French favourites; with a menu that is perhaps a little too large. One can choose from a magnificent seafood platter (for two) to more expected bistro choices; a traditional dish of French snails baked in garlic butter a la Bourguignonne was superbly executed, devoid of floods of oily butter leaving only a deep meaty snail with a hint of garlic. Beef tartar with French fries and mixed green salad is an icon of French culinary creativity; this version is pleasant but served already prepared, which robs the diner of the opportunity to tweak his tartar to his personal tastes.; An accompaniment of commercial chips served with tomato sauce and a rather lacklustre green salad were avoidable; beef tartar should be the star of any French restaurant yet sadly this tartar was merely an understudy that needs more rehearsal. Patisserie and Paris are synonymous and Aux Beaux Arts’ dessert chef shows off with a wonderfully indulgent Paris-Brest with praline cream and roasted almonds. A light yet complex praline cream oozed from the choux pastry; whilst lacking the expected drizzle of dark chocolate and perhaps a few more roasted almonds, this is a dessert to savour.

An extensive wine list is available featuring some of the world’s finest and rarest vintages; with prices ranging from a few hundred to a staggering one million.A range of affordable wines by the glass is also offered.

Attentive staff with a good knowledge of the menu make a concerted effort to please; all dishes were introduced and attention to detail such as refolding napkins and refreshing water glasses was adhered to.

A meal for two with a reasonable bottle of wine will cost around MOP1700, Aux Beaux Arts offers authentic French cuisine in a comfortable and elegant surrounding.