One of Beijing’s Old-Timers: Morel’s Restaurant

Morel’s is one of Beijing’s oldest Western restaurants, established in 2000, long before Beijing’s dining scene blew up with the high standards of the Legation Quarter and the populated, trendy Sanlitun restaurant selection.

And you’ve got to give credit to the old-timers still standing.  I’ve driven by both Morel’s outlets thousands of times, seeing the bright green “Morel’s” sign bordered with white Christmas lights, I’ve always been curious to try out the goods, considering they have a reputation for good steaks and Belgium beer.

With the great value of CW Gourmet Month menus, I took this opportunity to hit up Morel’s for the first time. Morel’s Gourmet Month menu looked pretty enticing with 4 courses (soup, appetizer, entree and dessert) for a reasonable RMB 150 per person.

I’ve never been to Belgium before, so I’m not sure the standards for a typical Belgium-style restaurant, but the inside interior of Morel’s is pretty old-fashioned and honestly, quite lame with the green and white checkered table cloths and all their staff wearing bright orange uniforms.

We were greeted and served by one of the most impressive waiters I have ever encountered in a Beijing restaurant.  He spoke fantastic English, he was incredibly polite and extremely knowledgeable and informative of the menu and answered all of our questions (such a rare find).

The quantity of the food was plenty, quality mediocre. The bisque of crayfish soup was too salty, but it was served piping hot and was good to dip the toasty, warm bread. The foie gras was good, but served on standard salad greens (they were out of endives) and the two grilled beef medallions were ok, served with Belgium Frites (typical fries). For dessert, the chocolate fondant was firm throughout (no oozing chocolate coming out of the center) with vanilla ice cream on top.

Overall, it was good value for RMB 150, but considering the tacky atmosphere and average food taste, I most likely will not be returning. For a quaint restaurant serving European cuisine and good steaks, I’d recommend Chef Too, Alameda or SALT.

Review of Morel’s Restaurant: Gongti Bei Lu, opposite Workers’ Gymnasium North Gate, northwest corner of Chunxiu Lu 工体北路 朝阳区工体北路春秀路西北角工人体育馆北门对面 Tel: 6416-8802

Best Part:

• Our waiter spoke amazing English, was incredibly polite and extremely knowledgeable and informative of the menu
• Easy to find location, across from Gongti North Gate
• One of Beijing’s oldest standing Western restaurants (respect for old-timers)
• Good Belgium beer & Belgium waffles
• Decent food for a reasonable price

Comments:

• Tacky interior design and mediocre food quality (reminded me of Brasserie Flo in terms of overall dining experience)
• The place would be a million times better if they redesigned their outside sign, updated their menu, fixed up their interior design and had more promotions of their Belgium beer.
• It’s a decent place, but just nothing to write home about. I probably won’t return considering the vast selection of amazing restaurants available in Beijing, but I would not be against giving them another try.