Zoe’s Café Bistro is half bistro, half deli with a typical glass counter displaying pies, muffins, and cakes at the entrance. The place is neat and clean, soothing to the eyes, but does not have the smell of cold cuts and fresh-baked breads, or the feel of a real Bronx deli.

A large blackboard in the middle of the dining area lists the offerings in a large chalk font: sandwiches, pastas, beverages, salads, breakfast, weekend brunch and smoothies.

The food doesn’t come cheap however-a salad, sandwich (made with baguette, panini or ciabata) or pasta dish costs 50RMB to 70RMB, but the portions are "supersize me" large.

Zoe's seems to be saying size matters. The grilled chicken sandwich, stacked with fresh spinach and cheese, served on a large square plate (48RMB) is fine, but it doesn’t make much of an impression. Likewise, the huge slab of hamburger meat stuck in a large square bun with tomatoes and lettuce (almost too wide to fit in your mouth), and served with French fries (46RMB), looked attractive, but the meat is tasteless and grease poures out onto the plate. The lentil soup is good, but on Time Out’s visit was served lukewarm.

Breakfast and brunch is also on offer. The big American brunch for 62RMB is available at weekends only and the American breakfast (60RMB) daily.

However, Zoe’s reliace on a microwave was made to obvious just by looking at the shunken and wrinkled sausages and the French toast (10RMB) was too soft.

Zoe's is a good concept. It's bright and clean and serves enticing-sounding dishes and snacks, but unfortunately, the food lacks soul. With prices like these Zoe's could do a lot better.

Zoe’s Oriental Plaza No. 3, 1st Floor, Millenium Heights, Dongcheng district, (tel 8518 2176). Open 7am-9pm. Meal for two RMB120.

兆亿西餐厅东城区东方广场尊萃豪庭公寓1层3号