Bistro Wu — Restaurant in Aix-en-Provence

The meal began with a strange sense of disconnection. I had already chosen my set, read the menu carefully, and clearly told her what I wanted, yet the staff insisted on unnecessary explanations, ignoring my pace and preferences. The experience felt more like watching a performance than being served as a guest. It felt like she had memorized the dish descriptions with great effort and was so focused on reciting them without making a mistake that she couldn’t actually hear anything I was saying — just delivering a monologue. When I later told her which menu I had chosen, she said yes and nodded as if she understood, but clearly hadn’t retained it.

The menu changes periodically, so don’t expect the same dishes you may have seen on Google or social media — it’s worth knowing this in advance. The price point suggests fine dining, but the portions were extremely small — to the point of feeling stingy rather than refined.

The real issue was the service. After asking where I was from and learning I was heading to Provence, the server launched into a dismissive commentary: calling the region “just farmland full of bees” and remarking that “everyone’s going north now because it’s too hot.” These comments were not only unsolicited, but also remarkably tone-deaf — especially from someone in hospitality.

After I had just finished the main course — and was still waiting for dessert — the server commented that I “must have a good appetite,” in a tone that felt subtly judgmental. I responded politely by complimenting the food, but she didn’t acknowledge it and simply walked away — as if her job were to evaluate customers rather than host them. She later brought me a palate cleanser and added, rather oddly, that it was “to freshen your mouth,” which struck me more as a veiled jab than any genuine thoughtfulness. I’ve never heard anyone say that. That’s way too harsh. Frankly, I think she might be the one who could benefit from eating a bit more herself. Also, the ice cream was so sour it was uncomfortable.

As a Chinese guest, I also found the concept of presenting Chinese cuisine in a Michelin-style tasting menu rather confusing. While the fusion of flavors was handled with some finesse, the overall positioning felt off — more like a marketing gimmick than a sincere culinary expression. One dish was described as having “Guizhou flavors,” but it simply tasted spicy — and having eaten widely across China, I found nothing uniquely Guizhou about it. Spice alone does not represent regional depth. The Peking duck lacked authenticity, and the chicken soup tasted more like a ready-made supermarket product than a patiently simmered broth. At this price point, I expected a much higher standard. The cod dish, however, was excellent — by far the best part of the meal

The portion size isn’t just my concern—other customers also found it too small. As a petite woman, I finished everything, yet was told I “must have a good appetite.” Instead of addressing the issue, the staff just judged me. They never talked about portion size at all.

The repeated remarks that “Provence is just farmland full of bees” and “everyone is heading north” were not helpful or friendly, but dismissive of why so many people—including myself—choose to visit Provence. As a guest who traveled here for the lavender and sunshine, these comments felt like constant criticism and belittling of our choices. No matter the explanation, only those present can truly sense the intent.

I was the one who brought up the bee safety issue, not her. When I mentioned that I shouldn’t wear perfume in lavender fields, she was left speechless—which showed she only knew how to put people down, not communicate. I’m not a picky guest and am usually happy to support fellow Chinese, but her constant criticism and controlling attitude made the whole experience uncomfortable.

She mocked me for finishing fried noodles that weren’t even on the menu, even though she now secretly serves a dish she used to tell customers to go...

Stumbled upon this restaurant by accident with my wife on a saturday at lunch time. Having returned from Beijing a couple of days before, I was immediately appealed by the prospect of trying fine Chinese cuisine in Aix.

Long story short, it was so good I returned 4 days later for dinner with 7 colleagues from work (from 4 different countries). Everyone loved it, including the fine Chinese white wine.

In both occasions the restaurant was full. As others have commented, I recommend placing a reservation now as the place is undoubtedly going to become very popular as word of...

I am so impressed by this lovely place who specializes in the fusion cuisine between Chinese and French. The chef and the owner are so passionate about food and wine. What surprised me is they also sell Chinese wine where you can find nowhere in other place. This my first time drinking tea wine!(lovely and easy drinking, great summer drink!) The food I love most of the shrimp soup with zucchini flower(also stuffed with shrimp). The cod and slow cooked beef is also a must try. This place definitely worth a...