Southern French with a Twist at Vacances

Located in Changning’s WYSH complex is Vacances, a restaurant dealing in Southern French cuisine with a localized twist. 

Perched on the second floor, the restaurant boasts a beautifully kept terrace overlooking the complex, a perch that is popular for the lunchtime crowd looking to soak in the sun. By day, the space is bright and airy; evenings become subdued, ideal for a date.

On The Menu

The food is pretty good. 

Country Pate & Pickled Mustard

The Country Pate & Pickled Mustard (¥58) is a textbook, value-driven portion — rich, flavorful, and hearty. It arrives with blistered peppers, sourdough slices for spreading, and a welcome twist of pickled lotus root standing in for traditional cornichons. It’s an excellent starter.

Crispy Tripes

Our server steered me toward the Crispy Tripes (¥68) with litsea and kaffir lime leaf mayonnaise, a choice I wouldn't have made but was glad for it. Peppery and crunchy with a satisfying chew, the spice-dusted tripe is an unexpectedly addictive, snack-like serving.

Stracciatella Salad

The Stracciatella Salad (¥88) delivers exactly what it promises — cool and creamy cheese with a combination of tomatoes. Though, I could have done without the peach slices.

Bouillabaisse

An individual serving of Bouillabaisse (¥78) is loaded with squid, shrimp, halibut, and potatoes, accompanied by crostini. This iconic Marseille fish soup is slightly lightened here, yet it remains quite delicious and enjoyable. It’s a comforting bowl easily shared between two.

Red Shrimp Risotto

A clear favorite was the Red Shrimp Risotto (¥138), an ample portion of al dente rice cooked in a tomato-based sauce with parmesan and topped with red prawn crudo. It is deeply tomato-y and cheesy.

Sautéed Pigeon

Recommended as a popular dish, the Sautéed Pigeon (¥188) was served with black sauerkraut and crispy herbed onions. Though it wasn’t a favorite for me. 

The location, however, can be quiet. On some nights, the lack of foot traffic creates a serene, if slightly stark, atmosphere; a consideration for those who prefer a more animated setting.

The daytime menu is distinctly lunchy rather than brunchy, and its accessibility explains the uptick during the day. For a much more affordable price than dinner, you can get a two-course meal (one appetizer or dessert and a main) for ¥98, or all three courses for ¥128. It’s an easy-going lineup featuring options like a lyonnaise salad, beef pasta, risotto, and panna cotta.

Venue is also dog-friendly.

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Vacances
Click here for the listing.