Header image: Momoz’s “fire in the hole” chicken momosIn light of COVID-19, we encourage diners to take precautions when going out. You can also support your favourite restaurants by getting takeaway and delivery.
Americano![]()
Those pining for the flavours of Italian-American cuisine can head to Americano from 1 June for flatbread pizzas, fresh pastas and a dessert trolley to beat them all (cannoli is the word!). The bar side of the venue is also noteworthy, with an extensive list of wine and cocktails (award-winning mixologist Massimo Petovello, formerly of ICHU and Buenos Aires Polo Club is the drink consultant) and a daily extended happy hour from 12–7pm. The two-storey, high-ceilinged space is decked out with an eye-catching Big Apple theme featuring supersized cinematic-style murals. Opening hours TBC.
33 Staunton Street, SoHo, Central, 2628 6186, info@americanohk.com
Awa Awa![]()
A new project by the team behind Sake Central, Okinawan restaurant Awa Awa is set to open mid-month, bringing us a cheeky, kitschy taste of Japan’s southernmost island prefecture. First and foremost, the name of the eatery is a tribute to the first character in Awamori, a reference to the distinctive foam that occurs during the fermentation process of Awamori – the alcoholic bevvy synonymous with Okinawa (there’s also another meaning to the monikor attributed to Japan’s “soapland” culture, but we’ll let you do your own research on that one). With this in mind, Awa Awa will feature an extensive collection of Awamori, eventually offering at least one type from each of Okinawa’s 47 distilleries, along with dishes that showcase the complexities of Okinawan cuisine through its nuances of Chinese, Hawaiian, Mexican, American and Taiwanese cultural influences. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 6–10pm.
42 & 44 Peel Street, SoHo, Central
Baked Indulgence pop-up at Harbour City![]()
Baked Indulgence’s awesome cookies will be popping up for a limited time at Harbour City alongside new treats created in partnership with HK-born actress Grace Chan. These goodies include Neapolitan cookies and cake, lemon bars and molten blackout brownies (shout-out to the Biscoff flavour!). Open daily (tentatively for the next seven months), 11:30am–7pm.
Kiosk K, 3/F, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, 3–27 Canton Road, TST
Barcode![]()
This one-to-watch café offers premium java drinks, sweet bites (molten mocha tiramisu, anyone?) and sandwiches in neat to-go packaging – such as this one of slow-cooked quail with over-easy egg and caramelised onion in a sherry brown butter sauce. Stay tuned for news about the launch of Barcode’s “hidden”, invite-only bar concept come sundown (the classic and dessert-focused drinks are said to be whipped up by Gagan Gurung of Tell Camellia). Open daily, 8am–6pm.
1 Glenealy, Central
BaseHall openings & events![]()
Two of the city’s fiercest drag queens, Madame Mincemeat and XXXotica, with be the hostesses with the mostest at the launch of BaseHall’s Drag Brunch series on Saturday, 12 June from 12–3pm. Each ticket ($1,000/person) is inclusive of a slap-up snack platter featuring all the food hall’s vendors – including FRANCIS, BaseHall’s newest addition (see below) – and three hours of free-flow booze. This will be the first time that HK customers are able to sample two new premium alcohol brands: local brand ONLY’s zero-sugar canned vodka soda and Bruno Mars’ rum brand SelvaRey. As the press release states: “No tea, no shade – it will be an afternoon of games, kiki-ing and lip-syncing galore.”
Two more events are on the cards for BaseHall this month. On 18 June, BaseHall will host a “rap classics” event, and on the 25th, it’s Global Beatles Day with DJ Shang.
In other news, Pub 1842 by Young Master is expanding to include food pop-up Grub 1842 from 7 June. The pop-up will host rotational food concepts, starting with a super-cool mac ‘n’ cheese bar. Find a classic panko-crusted mac, a squid-ink mac, a mushroom and burrata mac and more. There will also be a custom Grub 1842 cannoli from Holy Cannoli, only at BaseHall, and an enlarged drink menu, to include a selection of natural wines from La Cabane.
FRANCIS has also joined the gang at BaseHall with a focus on Middle Eastern rotisserie meats such as beef short rib shawarma, but there are plenty of meat-free options too. For plant-based diners, the outlet serves up a sabich as a signature item. This sandwich is a favourite Israeli street snack; at FRANCIS, it comes as a Jerusalem-style sesame bagel with fried aubergine, potato, hard-boiled egg and harissa.
Finally, newly launched WineHouse by BaseHall Bar offers a curated collection of wines from around the world, priced from just $35 a glass. Sparkling sake and a creative cocktail menu complete WineHouse’s offerings.
Shop 9A–9C, LG/F, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place, Central, book Drag Brunch online
BEDU’s Dinner with Corey: Ethical Seafood (16 June)
Next up in BEDU’s Dinner with Corey series are two seafood-forward menus ($650/person for 5 courses or $850/person for 7 courses) on Wednesday, 16 June, focusing on sustainable under-the-sea eats. Expect Middle Eastern-inspired dishes from Chef Corey Riches including roasted wild scallop, abalone tagine and kingfish basturma.
40 Gough Street, Central, book online ($150/person deposit)
Black Sheep Restaurants’ PLATED summer series (Mondays and Tuesdays)![]()
Black Sheep Restaurants’ seemingly never-ending creativity when it comes to new menus and projects is making itself known with its summertime series called PLATED, featuring seasonal, value-for-dollar menus at select Black Sheep eateries on Mondays and Tuesdays. Kicking off the series on 21 June, we have Un Été Saïgonais at Le Garçon Saigon ($288/person), Fiesta de Verano at Taqueria Super Macho ($188/person) and Summer in Amalfi at Osteria Marzia ($488/person).
Click here for menus and to book online
Boticario![]()
Boticario was originally slated to open last autumn, but COVID put a stop to that. Now, the cocktail bar inspired by 1920s Buenos Aires is finally up and running. Boticaro’s eating and drinking spaces are many and varied and include both a spacious patio and a balcony. With a nod to the the herbal healing traditions of South America’s pharmacies, the cocktail menu is built around the concept of “cures for the modern age”, and there’s a brilliant two-for-one “healing hour” on weekdays from 3–7pm. The visually striking cocktails are laced with homemade sodas, phosphates, tonics, tinctures, house infusions and craft spirits and are all served in Insta-perfect ceramic and glass vessels. On the food front, guests can expect bites with a South American slant like the popular street snack choripán – grilled chorizo on a crusty roll with red onion relish. Open daily, 12pm–12am (from 11am at the weekend).
Shop G5 & UG15, G/F & 1/F, Tsim Sha Tsui Centre, 66 Mody Road, TST East, 2765 0800, book online
Café Bohème (TKO)![]()
Following hot on the heels of its success at West Kowloon Art Park, this trendy, bohemian spot located just off both the cycle and pedestrian paths of Tseung Kwan O is sure to be another hit with those looking for a laid-back spot for some homemade thin-crust pizzas, classic pastas and hearty salads. The indoor-outdoor seating options at Café Bohème add to the chilled vibe.
Shop 8, G/F, Alto Residences, 29 Tong Yin Street, TKO, 2661 2238, book online
Calioo Carnival (27–30 May)
We’ve recently chanced upon the Calioo app, a platform for discovering food items made by small shops and local vendors, and it’s already a big hit. So we’ll definitely be heading to the Calioo Carnival, where over 50 of their vendors will be showcased alongside immersive game booths. Featured vendors include Explicit Spices with their three signature chilli oils made with sakura shrimp, burnt lava cheesecakes by Soulgood Bakery and Twinkie Cookies, offering innovative mochi cookies and matcha terrine. Open 27–30 May, 11am–9pm (from 5–9pm on the 27th and 11am–6pm on the 30th). Free entry to the food market, but please register online before visiting.
108–120 Percival Street, Causeway Bay (opposite Lee Theatre)
ChaTraMue (Central)
Thailand’s number-one tea brand ChaTraMue was founded in 1945 and made its way to Hong Kong in 2019. They have now opened a fifth branch in the 852, this one located conveniently next to the escalator entrance on Queen’s Road Central. We’re big fans of the OG Thai milk tea, but the Thai lemon tea is a super thirst quencher on days when the mercury is soaring. They also sell divine milk tea soft-serve! Open daily, 11am–8pm.
Shop A, G/F, 100 Queen’s Road Central, Central
Club Rangoon’s Drink for Justice fundraising event (19 June)![]()
Partnering with Italian wine, craft beer and liqueur supplier Salotto Lounge, Burmese eatery Club Rangoon will be hosting its Drink for Justice fundraising event on Saturday, 19 June at 7pm, part of the restaurant’s ongoing series that aims to support just causes in Hong Kong, including the only refugee-led charity here, Refugee Union. For one night only, three specially created Burmese-Italian cocktails will be shaken and stirred behind the bar, where $10 of each drink will be donated to Refugee Union in honour of World Refugee Day on 20 June.
33 Aberdeen Street, Central, 2503 3077, book online
Coffee & Nata
![]()
Known as the king of Portuguese pastries, the pastel de nata, or custard tart, is akin to Hong Kong’s iconic egg tart, but these beauties are made with puff pastry instead of shortcrust and are usually a bit sweeter, fronting a caramelised and puffed-up appearance. They’re also hugely popular in Macau. Lisbon import Coffee & Nata offers these Portuguese tarts online for delivery or pick-up at various locations around town including Discovery Bay Plaza, Mira Place One in Tsim Sha Tsui and Lab Concept at Queensway Plaza in Admiralty. We love the original flavour, but we’re also keen to try the chocolate and salted caramel versions.
Order online
Cook for India charity dinner at CHAAT (7 June)![]()
The COVID crisis in India is beyond devastating, but most of us wonder how we can help being so far away. Well, this event is one very delicious way to do so! Rosewood Hong Kong is set to host the Cook for India charity dinner ($2,788/person) on 7 June at its acclaimed Indian restaurant CHAAT, with 100% of the proceeds going towards COVID relief efforts in India via UNICEF. For one night only, CHAAT Chef de Cuisine Manav Tuli will be cooking alongside seven top Indian chefs from around Hong Kong in an incredible 16-hands collaboration dinner. The multi-course menu is astounding and wide-ranging, with each chef contributing one or two dishes, from Caprice Chef Suveg Kavatkar’s amuse-bouche of roasted blue lobster and morel mushroom with vin jaune and Madras curry powder, to Gaylord Chef Yogesh Yadav’s chicken makhanwala main course, to petits fours courtesy of Pondi Chef Taran Chadhai.
5/F, Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, TST, 3891 8732, book online
CRUST Italian![]()
News of CRUST’s impending opening on 10 June has got us all hot under the collar. Opening at street level of the iconic Woo Cheong Pawn Shop in Wanchai, CRUST is billed as an authentic Neapolitan pasticceria, or pastry and coffee shop, as well as a restaurant presenting elevated Napoli cuisine and a takeaway counter serving up traditional street eats from Naples, the likes of which we have never had the pleasure of tasting in Hong Kong. See above for a look at the beautiful frittatine di pasta – pasta topped with béchamel sauce, ham and peas that’s then battered, breaded and fried with a double-coated golden casing. There’s also some pizza fritta, or deep-fried pizza resembling a calzone-doughnut hybrid, we’re jonesing for. Mamma mia! Open daily for breakfast, lunch, aperitivo and dinner, 8am–10:30pm.
60A–66 Johnston Road, Wanchai, 2191 0278, book online
Dang Wen Li by Dominique Ansel (Central)![]()
Get ready, pastry lovers – Dang Wen Li’s 3,000-square-flat flagship store (60 covers) in Central will open on 7 June, baking up the HK capsule collection treats we have come to know and love, from the Lemon Juice Box to the HK Milk Tea Cookie Shot. Chef Dominique Ansel will debut a HK-exclusive treat at this boutique – croissant toast – in both sweet (maple) and savoury (sea salt) flavours. There will also be a lot more savoury items – like the Hong Kong Satay Beef Peanut, a peanut-shaped waffle filled with satay beef and peanut sauce – and new sweet treats galore on the menu. We can’t wait to try the limited-time Frozen S’Mores: homemade vanilla ice cream surrounded by chocolate feuilletine and honey marshmallow, toasted to order on a smoked willow-wood branch. Open weekdays, 8am–8:30pm, and weekends and public holidays, 9am–8pm.
Shop 2, G/F, H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road Central, Central, 3482 7735
Date by Tate x Koffee Mameya collab at K11 MUSEA![]()
Two-Michelin-starred chef Vicky Lau’s Date by Tate will join forces with Koffee Mameya, the sibling to cult Japanese coffee brand Omotesando Koffee, for a refined coffee- and pastry-pairing experience at the K11 MUSEA Koffee Mameya shop from 1 June onwards. For this collaboration, Chef Lau and Chef Graf Kwok from Date by Tate have prepared a selection of three exclusive “kube” pastries (chestnut cake, curry & dry fruits financier and chocolate & black truffle pound cake) to pair with Koffee Mameya’s signature light and dark roasts. Open weekdays, 11am–6pm, and weekends and public holidays, 12–7pm.
Shop B217, B2/F, K11 MUSEA, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, TST, 2131 6790
Dinner for a Cause charity event at Casa Lisboa (28 June)![]()
Nepal also needs our help in fighting COVID-19! We can do this by booking Casa Lisboa’s Dinner for a Cause charity dinner ($1,500/person) from 7pm on 28 June, with all proceeds donated to the National Innovation Centre in Nepal. The ticket price is inclusive of free-flow signature cocktails, cava and Portuguese wines and innovative eats by Executive Chef Jesus Pascual and three Nepali F&B superstars: Chef Makhim Arun (formerly of Caprice and Zuma), Sachin Gurung from The Diplomat and Gagun Gurung from Tell Camellia.
2/F, Parekh House, 63 Wyndham Street, Central, phone/WhatsApp 6071 5047 to book
DiVino Patio’s The Artist Kitchen![]()
To raise a metaphorical glass to Italian National Day on 2 June, DiVino Patio’s private dining room with be turned into a mini art gallery throughout the month, showcasing Sai Kung–based Italian contemporary artist Roberta Boffo’s work, which will also be available for purchase. Working with the artist, Chef Omar Agostini will present his interpretations of dishes inspired by Boffo’s monchromatic black-and-white artworks. The chef’s four-course set menu ($618/person) includes salmon tartare, homemade tagliatelle with baby lamb ragu and aubergine, roasted French pigeon breast and a dessert known simply as Black & White – Cicco finger cake with coconut ice cream.
Shop 11, 1/F, Brim 28, 28 Harbour Road, Wanchai, 2877 3552, book online
Faye
This new bar by Buzz Concepts has taken over the rooftop space once graced by CÉ LA VI. We don’t know much about Faye so far, except that it’s outer space themed with stunning views… so stay tuned! Open daily, 4pm–2am (3pm–12am on Sunday).
25–26/F, California Tower, 30–32 D’Aguilar Street, LKF, Central
Feather & Bone (Lee Garden)![]()
Pioneering butcher, grocer and restaurateur Feather & Bone has opened its incredible 11th branch, this time in the heart of Causeway Bay. The huge, two-level space (over 2,000-square-foot shop and nearly 3,500-square-foot restaurant) is the first of the brand to offer both an in-house bakery and a seafood counter. To celebrate the opening, there are special offers on at this location throughout June – a 10% discount is offered on prime cuts of dry-aged beef upon purchase of a full slab and a complimentary freshly baked pastry comes with every coffee or tea purchased between 7–10am on weekdays. Open daily, 7am–10pm.
Shop LG11–22, LG/F, Lee Garden Two, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay, 3529 1228
Fendi Caffè pop-up at Harbour City (until 6 June)![]()
This groovy pop-up is a collaboration between Fendi and local café Between, serving up modern Japanese-style dishes and speciality coffee at Harbour City in celebration of the iconic Italian fashion house’s 70s-inspired Summer 2021 capsule collection, Summer Vertigo. At the pop-up, this translates to a psychedelic glamping site complete with coffee truck. Open daily from 20 May–6 June, 11am–9pm.
Atrium II, G/F, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, 3–27 Canton Road, TST
Graham St Food Hall![]()
We adore food halls – we can pick and choose our faves or have ‘em all. Graham St Food Hall (GSFH) is the new food hall on the block, featuring global dishes from five different vendors and a variety of drinks, available for both takeaway and delivery and with indoor and outdoor seating, as well as special daily offers, pop-ups and weekly events such as trivia nights, flea markets and pet adoption days. The five home-grown food vendors include Hambāgā (Japanese-style hamburger steak donburi), Smoke & Barrels (BBQ platters, plates + sarnies – check out our review), Motown Pizza (Detroit-style pizza + chicken wings), La Viña (Basque cheesecake + baked goods) and Casa Cacao (El Celler de Can Roca Chef Jordi Roca’s artisanal bean-to-bar chocolates from Girona, Spain). Open daily, 10am–10pm.
Shop 3, 23 Graham Street, Central, 9612 0988
HATCH (5 June pop-up)
HATCH is a modern pop-up space and production kitchen that plays host to special collaborative pop-ups with innovative chefs and exciting concepts from Hong Kong and beyond. When it’s not featuring pop-ups or being used for private events, Executive Chef Jaime Young showcases a rotating diner menu of American and European comfort foods. Make sure to check out the “bodega” section!
On 5 June, Chef Russell Doctrove will bring Patty Boi to HATCH, paying tribute to the flavours of the Caribbean. Choose from Jamaican-inspired patties such as Island Kush with kaffir lime, curry and coconut, Holy Grail with Omnipork, lemongrass, galangal and ginger and Skywalker with bourbon- and vanilla-infused cherries. But why choose just one?
60 Staunton Street, SoHo, Central, 9215 2680, hello@eatdrinkhatch.com
Hazukido (Causeway Bay)![]()
Croissant alert! Hazukido is a popular Taiwanese bakery that only uses ingredients from Japan to bake up their unique croissants, which are known for their crispy, glazed exterior and unique flavours the likes of salted egg yolk, Earl Grey milk tea and brown sugar mochi. The brand has launched its 12th outlet in Hong Kong, but this is only the second shop on HK Island. Open daily, 11am–9pm.
Shop G03A, G/F, Causeway Bay Plaza 1, 489 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, 2510 8828
The Holy Block (5 June)![]()
Get ready for the mother of all block parties from 12pm on 5 June when Holy Cannoli joins forces with COA (Asia’s top bar!), BEDU, La Cabane and Fernet Hunter at The Wild Lot. Your stamp ticket gets you cannoli, cocktails, wine and a feed by BEDU, plus good vibes and live music by the DJs in the house.
6–10 Shin Hing Street, Sheung Wan, book online ($340 in advance or $400 at the door)
Hong Kong Helps India charity dinner at Chaiwala (30 May)![]()
India’s fight against COVID needs all the help it can get, so we’re thrilled to report on another charity event organised to do just that. On 30 May, Chaiwala will host a fundraising dinner for India, with all proceeds going to the Indian Red Cross Society. The four-course menu ($400/person) will feature Chef Prabir Banerjee’s classic Indian signatures. At adjoining bar Hugger Mugger, organised by bar industry duo Tom Egerton (Proof & Company) and Holly Graham (DRiNK; Asia’s 50 Best Bars), five award-winning bartenders representing the Indian community in the 852 will shake up cocktails (cash only) to raise funds for the same charity, some with a unique Indian twist. Drinks will be available for takeaway too. Throughout the night at both spots, there will be raffle draws, with prizes including staycations, premium spirits, brunches, dinners and more.
Basement, 43–55 Wyndham Street, Central, book online
Hoo Pocha![]()
This is an uber-cool addition to Tsim Sha Tsui’s Little Korea. Dining at Hoo Pocha is (almost) like being in Seoul. Think concrete floors, folding tables, plastic stools and lots of neon. The food – fried chicken, kimchi pancakes, fish-cake stew and the like – is served on metal plates, with stews and soups bubbling over gas stoves. The bento boxes are big hits too; they’re styled after fave childhood lunch boxes in Korea, cheese tteokbokki included. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 12–4pm and 6–10pm.
22/F, Lamma Tower, 12–12A Hau Fook Street, TST, 9229 5812, (WhatsApp) book online
Hotal Colombo’s Crab Club at the Beach (24 June)![]()
Chef Gizzy Alesbrook of Hotel Colombo will be bringing the tradition of Sri Lankan crab feasts to the 852 with this very immersive dining experience dubbed Crab Club at the Beach ($698/person) – literally, at Shek O Beach – on Thursday, 24 June from 6–10pm. The star crustacean comes in two finger-licking varieties – coconut lime curry and garlic and chilli – accompanied by an array of house sambols, pickles, salads and sides, plus plenty of cold beer to wash it all down.
Book online (4-person minimum)
La Paloma’s Hot Wednesdays (9 & 23 June)![]()
Chef Alex Fargas of La Paloma is teaming up with some of HK’s leading chefs to launch a sizzling fortnightly series known as Hot Wednesdays ($398/person) where giant fusion paellas and tapas dishes will be on the menu. Kicking things off from 6pm on 9 June, Chef Jamie Draper of Mr Wolf will be bringing a very British sensibility to the Spanish hotspot, followed by Chef Satoru Mukogawa from Sushi Kuu with a Japanese twist on 23 June. Click here for all upcoming Hot Wednesdays events.
1/F, 189 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun, 2291 6161, book online
The Lawn Club![]()
Created by the team behind The Grounds at AIA Vitality Park, The Lawn Club provides a modern version of the garden party. Each ticket is inclusive of a four-person pod, playing court access (on a first come, first served basis) and in-pod games. The classic lawn games showcased include boules, bocce and croquet. Live screenings of international summer sporting events are also part of the draw, as are nightly DJs and live performances. On the food and drink front, Shake Shack will be delivering burgers and fries to the pods alongside a wide selection of drink options – all available via contactless ordering. We may not be able to travel this summer, but we can still make the most of it here in the Kong.
Hong Kong Observation Wheel and AIA Vitality Park, 33 Man Kwong Street, Central, book online
MARGO and Kyle & Bain![]()
Scheduled to open in late June at Central’s Queen’s Galleria, MARGO is a modern European brasserie helmed by Mario Paecke (former Chef de Cuisine at SOMM and Sous-Chef at Amber), showcasing both local and German influences owing to the chef’s native origin (we’re looking forward to his spin on Berlin’s classic currywurst!).
Kyle & Bain is hidden away on the mezzanine level of the same building – a chic martini bar by John Nugent, the man behind award-winning The Diplomat, which ranks at number 20 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2021. With a nod to the past, this bar is named after William Kyle and John Bain, who patented the first ice machine, bringing ice to 1800s Hong Kong (and The Galleria also happens to be located right next to Ice House Street). Find out more here.
Shop 6 & Shop 9, The Galleria, 9 Queen’s Road Central, Central, 2130 7731 (MARGO), 2222 2345 (Kyle & Bain)
Midway Beef Dogs pop-up at LANDMARK
Perfect for summertime, Black Sheep Restaurants’ newest pop-up baby, opening on 7 June, is Midway Beef Dogs, dedicated to Chicago-style all-beef “red hots” in all their glory. The dogs are authentically topped with yellow mustard (ketchup is a no-no in the Windy City), relish, pickled peppers, tomato slices, a pickle spear, minced onion and a dash of celery salt – all encased in a freshly baked poppy-seed bun. Available daily from 11am–7pm for takeaway (or until sold out).
BELOWGROUND, 1B/F, LANDMARK, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central
Momoz![]()
We love us some momos, and Momoz, the brainchild of new local restaurant group Cygnus Concepts, will be bringing these beloved Nepalese dumplings to both Central and Tsim Sha Tsui on 21 June. There are classic momos and more modern creations on the menu, from chicken katsu curry fried momos to super-spicy “fire in the hole” (eek!) momos in lamb and chicken varieties. In addition to momos, Nepali-style rolls are a speciality, and like the momos, they come in both classic and creative fillings folded into roti paratha. To go along with the stylish fast-casual concept, MOMOZ will feature a collection of in-house canned cocktails and mocktails that have been designed to pair with the flavours of their dishes. Both branches open Tuesday–Sunday from 11am till late (2am at the weekend in LKF!).
Central: 6 Lan Kwai Fong, LKF, Central, 2898 3129
TST: Shop 3, G/F, Lee Wai Commercial Building, 1 & 3 Hart Avenue, TST, 3752 2670
MOTD![]()
MOTD is a new venue in Tin Hau focusing on both private dining and events (MOTD stands for “menu of the day”, “music of the day” and “mood of the day”, depending on what’s scheduled on any given day). On the private dining side, a new resident chef will be up for a minimum of six nights of culinary showcase each month. In June, you can book The Palate Recital by Chef Kenny ($1,180/person), nine nights of a six-course, reservation-only French-Japanese menu (see above) highlighted by prized Japanese ingredients including Yamoto pork. The Palate Recital is available for booking from 17–19 and 21–26 June.
1/F, Union Park Tower, 168 Electric Road, 2335 5333, Tin Hau, 6778 9807 (WhatsApp), book online
Mother Pearl pop-up at The Upper House![]()
Continuing its home-grown brand partnerships, from Cookie DPT to Honi Honi Tiki Cocktail Lounge, The Upper House’s latest pop-up located beside The Lawn is Mother Pearl, the first and only vegan bubble tea purveyor in Hong Kong. For a guilt-free summertime treat, check out Mother Pearl’s best-selling Yuen Yeung 2.0, a local coffee-tea fave, here made with almond milk, monkfruit sugar tea jelly and activated charcoal tapioca and topped with organic coffee froth, or the pop-up-exclusive affogato with Happy Cow vegan vanilla ice cream. Open daily, 11am–7pm, from 3 June–31 August.
6/F, The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 5506 3575
Mott 32’s Sommelier Sessions![]()
A great way to kick off the workweek, Mott 32 has debuted its Sommelier Sessions this summer, giving diners a 50% discount on a selection of bottles from the restaurant’s wine list every Monday and Tuesday evening (all bottles up to $2,000). The restaurant’s three sommeliers – Marie-Paule Herman, Ben Mok and Rin Mohamad – have curated a wine list that enhances Chef Lee Man-Sing’s regional Chinese dishes – no easy feat when it comes to pairing wine with Chinese cuisine. Sommelier Sessions will also be an opportunity for Mott 32’s sommeliers to put the spotlight on different producers and grape varietals. For the month of June, the eatery will be participating in Wines of Germany’s Riesling Weeks, with four Rieslings on offer by the glass and bottle.
Basement, Standard Chartered Bank Building, 4–4A Des Voeux Road Central, Central, 2885 8688, reservations@mott32.com
Nina Patisserie (Tsuen Wan West)![]()
Nina Patisserie now has a brick-and-mortar location at Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West, having launched an online shop a few months back. All the sweet treats we’ve seen look gorgeous, but we’re particularly tempted by the napoleon collection (another term for millefeuille) and the palmiers in assorted flavours. There’s bright, café-style seating for breakfast, lunch and teatime. Open weekdays, 8am–8pm, and weekends and public holidays, 9am–9pm.
G/F, Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West, 8 Yeung Uk Road, Tsuen Wan, 5330 5315
ODDS![]()
We’ve be oohing and ahhing over all the gorgeous pics that newcomer ODDS has recently posted on Instagram. It looks like a luxr mishmash of teppanyaki, sushi, yakitori, bar and café, all under one roof. Check out the presentation of the fatty tuna and Wagyu tartare with caviar! Open daily, 12–10pm.
Shop G2, G/F, Standard Chartered Bank Building, 4–4A Des Voeux Road Central, Central, 2891 3988, book online
PABLO![]()
Quirky artist Pablo Picasso is the inspiration behind this modern Mexican restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui East – so modern, in fact, that there are Southeast Asian influences throughout the menu. PABLO’s take on tacos al pastor uses marinated pork neck, a popular SE Asian ingredient, along with the Thai staples of mint, basil and lime leaf, while the yellow ceviche with hamachi has been reinvented with the use of mango, ginger, turmeric and lemongrass. Vegetarian dishes are a big focus at PABLO; in the red ceviche, for instance, compressed watermelon is used to mimic seafood. Open daily, 12–11pm, for lunch, happy hour and dinner, with late-night bar bites available until midnight.
Shop G80–85, G/F, Tsim Sha Tsui Centre, 66 Mody Road, TST East, 3741 2990
The Peninsula Boutique & Café![]()
The Peninsula Boutique & Arcade is a brand-new addition to The Peninsula Arcade, presenting a sleek space for both browsing the luxury hotel’s extensive collection of gifts and also enjoying coffee, tea, pastries, ice-cream sundaes and light bites from The Peninsula’s famed culinary team. Afternoon Indulgence tea sets ($575/2) are already drawing queues and include scones, macarons, 3-D ganache-filled chocolate and Hokkaido milk soft-serve ice cream, in addition to a choice of four savoury and four sweet treats. Open daily from 28 May, 10am–7pm.
The Peninsula Arcade, Salisbury Road, TST, 2696 6969, enquiry.pml@peninsula.com
Pici Pasta Run (26 June)![]()
Work off all those delicious carbs at Pici’s first-ever Pasta Run on 26 June, when teams of four participants in fancy dress will race around to check in at the pasta eatery’s three HK Island-side outlets (Cental, newly opened Kennedy Town and the OG Wanchai) – with great Pici eats offered to runners at each location, from morning pasta to a protein pick-me-up. The registration fee ($200/person) goes toward supporting mental health via local charity Mind HK. Start times of 9:30am, 10:30am and 11:30am. Prizes for the best-dressed teams!
REX Wine & Grill and Venédia
These two new Italian concepts have quite a pedigree, backed by Octavo Management Group. Both are located at One Chinachem Central. At street level, there’s Venédia, described as an authentic Italian gran caffè with Old World charm. The food menu, from pastries to pastas, will be directed by Octavium’s dynamic duo of chefs Roland Schuller and Bjoern Alexander, while coffee, classic Italian cocktails and gelato take supporting roles. Luxurious REX Wine & Grill is located one floor below Venédia, with the kitchen of this underground Italian chophouse helmed by Chef Nathan Green, who has now bid farewell to wildly successful Henry at Rosewood Hong Kong. The beef selections are the stars, spotlighted by breeds like Italian scottona and rare Japanese olive-fed cattle. The wine programme is another core concept, and wine collectors can store their own bottles in the members’ cellar. Opening details TBC.
B/F & G/F, One Chinachem Central, 22 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, 2857 7157 (REX), 2851 2303 (Venédia), bonappetit.octavo@gmail.com
Rise by Classified (TST East)![]()
Rise made its debut in Central late last year, and it’s proven to be so popular that the Classified folk have opened a second location across the harbour. The focus at Rise is on freshly baked pastries – the new croissant-waffle croffle is the cover star – and coffee-based beverages. Open Monday–Saturday, 8am–8pm, and Sunday and public holidays, 9am–6pm.
Shop 05, G/F, H Zentre, 15 Middle Road, TST East, 2631 3454
Roganic x Yardley Brothers beer-pairing dinner (25 June)
Michelin-starred Roganic is Hong Kong’s only restaurant to hold the prestigious Michelin “Green Star” accolade in recognition of its focus on sustainability, and Chef Ash Salmon has been given access to the best small-batch brews from local craft brewer Yardley Brothers in order to create an amazing beer-pairing menu ($1,480/person). For one night only, on Friday, 25 June, experience the special six-course event and be the first to celebrate the release of two new barrel-aged beers – a Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc barrel-aged sour and a Frederiksdal French oak barrel-aged cherry sour – paired perfectly.
UG/F, Sino Plaza, 255 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, 2817 8383, book online
Shake Shack x Yardbird pop-up at ifc mall (12 June)![]()
These two guys are celebrating some important milestones in HK this summer – it’s American burger chain Shake Shack’s third anniversary here, while newly Michelin-starred yakitori specialist Yardbird has been around for a whole decade! For just one day at the ifc Shack – from 4pm on Saturday, 12 June till the goods run out – diners can dig into an exclusive trio of Shake Shack x Yardbird burger, bites and drink.
Update: we got a sneaky peek at the menu, and you’re in for some tasty stuff. The line-up includes a chicken katsu sando, skewered, topped with tonkastu sauce and cabbage slaw on Shake Shack’s signature pillowy potato bun, the Shack’s Chick’n Bites tossed in locally made (by Yardbird!) Flagrant Hot Sauce (we’re addictive) and Sunday’s 50/50, a canned cocktail made with the Shack’s Fifty/Fifty (half lemonade, half organic iced tea) and Sunday’s Spirits whisky.
Shop 4018, 4/F, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, 2522 5611
Stazione Novella’s Summer of Spritz (Mondays)![]()
There’s nothing like a smashable Aperol spritz on a sultry HK summer eve, so we know where we’ll be heading when the craving strikes on a Monday – Stazione Novella. The Florentine wine bar’s Summer of Spritz is back, offering a generous spread of aperitivo bites every Monday from 5–8pm to accompany your on-tap spritz, priced at just $48 on the day. We also have our eyes on the Garibaldi slushie, a very grown-up slushie mixed with Campari and OJ.
52–56 Staunton Street, SoHo, Central, 2559 0559
Swedish Midsummer party (28 May)
Make yourself a flower crown, do some maypole dancing and gorge on cinnamon buns at the Consulate General of Sweden’s Swedish Midsummer party at PMQ on 28 May from 3–9pm. Free entry. Glad Midsommar!
PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central
Tchin Tchin![]()
Billed as a fusion Asian-Mediterranean wine bar, Tchin Tchin’s tapas-style food menu runs the gamut, from Taiwanese bottarga (cured mullet roe soaked in Kaoliang, a high-proof fermented sorghum wine), to BBQ pulled pork bao, to 90-day dry-aged Spanish Rubia T-Bone, which must be pre-ordered. Tchin Tchin first opened at the end of January, and we’re finally hearing good things about it now – tchin tchin to that! Open Monday–Saturday, 3–10pm.
41 Hollywood Road, Central, tchintchinhk@outlook.com
Today Is Long (TIL) AM: Coffee; PM: Booze pop-up at Harbour City![]()
Cool-cat Aussie-style coffee shop Today Is Long (TIL) in Sai Ying Pun is heading across the harbour for the first-time, collaborating with Blaze Beer Club, an Australian craft beer subscription, and local brewery Carbon Brews to present more than 100 speciality coffee and craft beer products. A mystery gift, together with a free cup of coffee of equivalent value, will be given out to those who purchase coffee tokens at the AM: Coffee; PM: Booze pop-up. If you head there on a weekend, you can take part in coffee and craft beer workshops led by the face behind popular coffee blog Coffee Now Today and pro tutors from Carbon Brews and Blaze Beer Club, as well as participate in coffee tastings, an iced latte candle workshop, a coffee-grounds soap-making class and more fun, hands-on experiences. Open daily, 10am–9pm, from 11 June–11 July.
LCX, 3/F, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, 3–27 Canton Road, TST
Tokyo Chikara Meshi![]()
Photo credit: @anakjajan
Opened in Tokyo in 1975 (a lifetime away in F&B terms), Tokyo Chikara Meshi is renowned for its signature Japanese beef bowls, or gyudon, which are grilled to order. This popular Japanese fast-food chain is landing in Mongkok this month, and we can’t wait to sink our teeth into the affordable grilled beef (and pork) bowls (some with cheese!), fried chicken, gyoza and more Japanese foodie faves. Opening date TBC.
Shop G8, G/F, The FOREST, 17 Nelson Street, Mongkok
Tong Chong Street Market’s Street Food Carnival
Street food is the bi-monthly theme at Tong Chong Street Market this month, continuing until 2 July. Open on weekdays (except public holidays) from 8am–3pm, we can sample global street-food flavours like Isaan Thai bites from Chachawan, Fish & Chick’s classic British beer-battered fish and chips and coffee courtesy of Blue Bottle.
One Taikoo Place, 979 King’s Road, Quarry Bay
Vinothek Berlin![]()
Part of the month-long Riesling Weeks Hong Kong annual celebration each June, Vinothek Berlin is the first German wine experience pop-up to land here, featuring wine tastings, German food items, lifestyle products and more. Open daily from 18–27 June, 12–9pm. Click here to learn more.
Shop 16B, G/F, 24–47 Paterson Street, Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay
The Wild 80’s Pride Festival![]()
Casa of Love is a storytelling platform celebrating love in all forms, and each June – LGBTQ+ Pride Month – a limited-edition capsule collection of lifestyle goods will be available for sale, both online and offline. The collection will be making its debut on Saturday, 26 June from 12–7pm at The Wild Lot’s themed 80s Pride Festival. The event will begin with a panel discussion on the current climate for the LGBTQ+ community in Hong Kong, along with a featured exhibition celebrating LGBTQ+ culture with local artists. Special drag queen aerobics sessions hosted by Madame Mincemeat and a dance party by DJ Zahra are also on the cards. On the F&B front, there’s a great selection from Baofanji, Taboocha, Dougheyes and more that’s included in the ticket price ($250 until 6pm on 11 June, $300 from 6pm on 11 June or $350 on the day).
6–10 Shin Hing Street, Sheung Wan, book online
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