Arcane
As the name suggests, Arcane is private and discreet. The brainchild of critically acclaimed chef Shane Osborn, it’s a refined tribute to fine ingredients and the art of good cooking. The modern European menu is composed of dishes created with elegant finesse that articulate the chef’s skills yet remain humble. There’s also a small garden on the terrace that supplies the restaurant with 30 varieties of herbs, vegetables and fruits.
3/F, 18 On Lan Street, 2728 0178
Braza
Inspired by the churrascarias of southern Brazil, Braza is a carnivore’s dream. Sword-like skewers of meat are paraded around the tables and carved as per diners’ requests. The grilled pineapple dusted in cinnamon is also a household favourite.
3/F, Grand Progress Building, 15 Lan Kwai Fong, 2890 9268
Bistecca
Massive Florentine steaks dry-ageing in the meat locker greet diners upon entry here. The 32-ounce Wagyu is the prima donna, but there are plenty of smaller cuts to salivate over too.
2/F, Grand Progress Building, 15 Lan Kwai Fong, 2525 1308
Brickhouse
There’s something about the jovial nature of Mexican food that connects it to party time and rowdy gatherings. Located in the centre of LKF, it’s easy to see how Brickhouse has become a cult legend. Tucked deep in a dark alley behind the canopy of a handbag shop and open until 4am on weekends, Brickhouse pumps out innovative cocktails and drool-worthy bites. We love the Mexican street corn, rolled in chilli mayo and cheese, and their bevy of tacos.
20A D’Aguilar Street, 2810 0560
Cé La Vi
Three distinct floors housing a restaurant, lounge and al fresco bar. The modern Japanese menu is comprised of airy tempura, juicy skewers and seasoned sashimi, with the molten matcha tart gaining its own following. International DJs turn up the beat in the lounge and the al fresco bar overlooking Hong Kong’s iconic skyline.
25/F, California Tower, 30–32 D’Aguilar Street, 3700 2300
FoFo By El Willy
Hong Kong’s food scene underwent a Spanish revival a few years back, with tapas restaurants popping up like mushrooms after a rainstorm. Of those, few had the lasting power of FoFo. The menu is a mix of tradition and innovation, with whimsical names such as ‘explosive smoked salmon airbag’ and more classic dishes such as the suckling pig and lobster juicy rice.
20/F, M88, Wellington Place, 2–8 Wellington Street, 2900 2009
Jinjuu
Classic Korean gets a modern makeover at Jinjuu. Opened by London-based Korean-American chef Judy Joo, the menu revolves around the Anju culture, where it’s all about eating while drinking. Light-hearted dishes such as carnitas fries, Korean tacos, K-town mini sliders and fried chicken lollipops share the menu alongside classics like bibimbap. There’s even a kimchi Bloody Mary on the menu and, of course, a healthy selection of soju.
UG/F, California Tower, 30–32 D’Aguilar Street, 3755 4868
禮賓傅 Lai Bun Fun
Refined Cantonese cuisine is the inspiration behind Lai Bun Fu. Set in a contemporary space with a splash of British colonial influence, the menu is as elegant as the decor. Signature dishes include succulent crispy-skinned chicken with five kinds of sauce, foie gras prawn cutlets on toast and chicken wings stuffed with bird’s nest.
5/F, 18 On Lan Street, 2564 3868
Mercato
Celebrated Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten brings his winning formula to Hong Kong with the opening of the second Mercato. The original resides at a historical address on the Bund in Shanghai and has won over diners with its rustic chic Italian appeal. A visit is not complete without dipping into the house-made ricotta topped with strawberry compote or grabbing a slice or two of the spicy salami, broccoli and ricotta pizza. Save room for the salted caramel ice cream with candied peanuts, popcorn and hot fudge!
8/F, California Tower, 30–32 D’Aguilar Street, 3706 8567
Mercedes Me
Combining the unlikely duo of luxury cars with fine international cuisine, Mercedes Me is a beautiful space showcasing the latest cars and technologies of Mercedes-Benz while managing to serve beautiful food under the helm of renowned passionate chef Edgar Sanuy.
G/F, Entertainment Building, 30 Queen’s Road, 2895 7398
ON Dining Kitchen & Lounge
ON Dining certainly deserved its first Michelin star last year and they have continued that high standard by retaining it for this year. The second venture of Chef Phillipe Orrico, this is fine dining without the pretension. We highly suggest the Dover sole, deboned tableside with a mere few swishes of the knife. Hong Kong’s premier cheese maestro, Jeremy Evrard, is on hand to expertly pair the best cheeses to either cocktail or wine. He is perhaps the only cheese sommelier in Hong Kong who can purvey the finest and most exclusives cheeses from the elusive caves of Europe.
28–29/F, 18 On Lan Street, 2174 8100
Ore-No Kappou by Ginza Okamoto
The flagship restaurant from Ginza Okamoto group in Japan, Ore-no Kappou flies under the banner of ‘Michelin for the masses’. High-quality Japanese ingredients such as toro, A5 Wagyu and uni are offered at reasonable prices.
6/F, California Tower, 30–32 D’Aguilar Street, 2328 3302
壽司喰 Sushi Kuu
A reliable go to for satisfying that sushi craving. We love the sticky eel over scrambled egg rice dotted with pine nuts and the grilled thick cubes of ox tongue. Grab a seat at the sushi counter, have a drink with Chef Satoru and let him surprise you with an assortment from the omakase menu.
1/F, M88, Wellington Place, 2–8 Wellington Street, 2971 0180
霸王川莊 Sichuan House
For those who teeter on the sadistic side, there’s Sichuan House. The menu revolves around fiery hot cuisine, chock-full of numbing flowery peppercorns and tear-inducing chilli peppers. We dare you to try the famous 水煮鱼, which comes in a giant bowl brimming with chilli oil and peppers!
7/F, M88, Wellington Place, 2–8 Wellington Street, 2521 6699
Townhouse
A massive airy space, Townhouse serves up Asian flavours with a Western twist. Comfort food classics such as cheung fan are given a delicious twist with cheese sauce, a 63-degree egg and pancetta.
23/F, California Tower, 30–32 D’Aguilar Street, 2344 2366
Westwood Carvery
If you’re hankering for a Grade A beef-dip sandwich or a slab of juicy, tender prime rib, head to this diner tucked away in LKF. The restaurant is always packed to the brim, especially at lunchtime. We love the prime rib sandwich with garlicky shoestring fries, plus a gorgeous red apple even Snow White couldn’t resist.
2 Wo On Lane, 2869 8111
