H Queen’s feels like the place to be lately. Since the glossy new skyscraper opened in Central in mid-2018, it’s been gradually filling up with high-end restaurants, galleries and shops. Estiatorio KEIA is the newest restaurant to open and, like the others in the building, including sister restaurant ICHU, it’s a beauty. Located on the second floor, the large space has a dining room, bar area and terrace designed by the award-winning studio Sundukovy Sisters.
For those who think the design looks familiar, it is indeed backed by the Dubai-based Bulldozer Group, who were also behind Causeway Bay’s Seafood Room (now closed). Both restaurants share the same modern, glam, slightly bohemian vibe, with large, colourful murals, sculptural pendant lights and layered metal, marble and wood.
And as for the food at KEIA? It’s an estiatorio, or an upmarket Greek restaurant, that specialises in fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavours.
Starters
For the starters, my favourite dishes were the Greek salad ($158), saganaki ($138) and grilled octopus leg ($248).
The salad was very fresh and generous with the amount of feta cheese.
While I’m not sure the flaming ouzo did anything for the flavour of the saganaki dish (not pictured), the cheese itself was creamy and chewy and went perfectly with the crunchy crust and marinated pear.
The grilled octopus leg was very fresh with a slightly smoky taste that complemented the creamy, fava-based sauce and tangy olives and capers.
Mains
KEIA makes its pasta fresh everyday, and our table couldn’t get enough of the seafood bucatini with bottarga ($278). The pasta was rustic and hearty, the seafood (mussels, squid, shrimp) was generously portioned and the sauce was sweet and fresh. We were dining with a large group, and when our section finished our portion, we had no shame in asking those sitting beside us for their leftovers!
Sea bass ($488/whole fish) lovers will enjoy this rendition. It’s grandly presented before the staff take it away for portioning. The fish was fresh and grilled simply, allowing the natural flavours to shine.
Lastly, the grilled squid ($288) sounded simple, but it was one of my favourite dishes of the night. The squid itself had great flavour, and the sinful melted lemon-herb butter took me to heaven.
Both the sautéed broccolini ($68) and Greek roasted potatoes ($68) were simple and well prepared.
Desserts
Our meal ended with ekmek ($118), a traditional Greek bread pudding, and yoghurt mousse cake ($118). Both were great choices, heavy with pistachio, with deliciously light dairy (custard for the former, ice cream for the latter) elements.
Ekmek
Yoghurt mousse cake
Verdict
For the location and quality of service and food, KEIA is an excellent choice. It’s a feel-good place that’s perfect for date night, girls’ night out or a business dinner. Somehow it’s possible to leave feeling virtuous, satisfied yet fairly light with regards to your stomach and wallet. Given the value, I’m guessing it’ll be one of H Queen’s most popular dining options for some time to come.
2/F, H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road Central, Central, 2677 7737
This write-up is based on a complimentary media tasting provided in exchange for an honest review and no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed here represent the author’s.
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