New Restaurants, Pop-Ups & Menus: August 2021

Header image: G Room’s whole lobster paella

Get out of the summer heat at these new spots coming in August – Shane Osborn’s mindful-eating restaurant Moxie at LANDMARK, innovative Italian at Radical Chic on the 101st floor of the International Commerce Centre (i.e., the sky), hybrid sports bar Ministry of Mussels in Lan Kwai Fong and more!

1908bc

We’ve become so used to using the abbreviation BC to refer to “before COVID” these days, but this restaurant’s name has no such sinister connection. It refers to “British Chinese”, a unique fusion cuisine born in the UK back in 1908, when the first Chinese restaurant opened in London. Popular British-Chinese dishes at upscale 1908bc include the likes of crispy aromatic shredded duck (the rough-and-tough sibling of traditional Peking duck), “chip shop” curry served with a basket of fries and even a “big plate” of fish and chips with a side of mushy peas – a mishmash of Eastern and Western flavours that are very nostalgic for some. Until the 31st of the month, there’s an opening special of 20% off lunch sets. Open Monday–Saturday for lunch and dinner sessions.

5/F, The Pemberton, 22–26 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, 2116 4668, book online

Ami and Wood Ear

Described as a “fine bistronomie”, or casual French fine dining, concept, we’re thrilled to welcome Gourmet Dining Group’s Ami to Hong Kong (GDG is the group behind Michelin superstars Arbor and ÉPURE). Ami’s dynamic kitchen duo are Executive Chef Nicolas Boutin of ÉPURE and Chef de Cuisine Eric Taluy, with the menu showcasing two distinct experiences: an approachable all-day à-la-carte offering inspired by the traditions of Parisian dining culture and an upgraded Chef’s Inspiration monthly-changing tasting menu, which is only available by booking the Salon or Gallery private rooms. Highlights of the à-la-carte menu include French guinea fowl paired with octopus, hand-cut heritage beef tartare and Challans duck breast on the bone. Elevated renditions of Parisian bar food also get a look-in, from croque-monsieur to duck rillettes. Most of the bar dishes are designed for pairing with whisky, which nicely segues to dedicated whisky bar Wood Ear.

Wood Ear’s whisky in question is mainly sourced from auctions and private collectors, with over 400 rare labels from Japan, Scotland and around the world up for sipping. A Whisky Journey tasting experience allows guests to try a range of rare whiskies curated by age and region. Open daily, 12–9:30pm on weekdays and from 11:30am on weekends and public holidays.

Shop 302, 3/F, Alexandra House, 18 Chater Road, Central, 3185 8396, book online

The Aubrey’s Champagne and Sake Bar

Glam izakaya The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental has added another feather to its cap with the debut of its third bar, the Champagne and Sake Bar. Seating four guests, the bar showcases more than 50 champagne labels and a selection of 25 sakes, including three sparkling sakes. A new Japanese sake brewery will be featured every two months. To celebrate the bar’s launch, you can book a champagne masterclass ($888/person) on Saturdays at 3pm, available from 14 August. Each masterclass includes five glasses of bubbly and a light snack, with regularly changing topics such as Blanc de Blancs and vintage vs non-vintage. Open daily, 12–11pm (until midnight on Thursday–Sunday).

25/F, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central, 2825 4001

Basehall’s 1st anniversary HEATWAVE (28 August)

HK’s premier food hall, BaseHall, is celebrating its first anniversary in style on Saturday, 28 August from 6–10pm with a sexy party known as HEATWAVE ($233/person) that’s a nod to London’s infamous Notting Hill Carnival. There will be exclusive food and drink offerings, special appearances by ADADC African drummers, DJ Obeahmix, Yeti Crew and Anisha Thai and plenty of soca, samba, calypso, baile funk and global bass beats to groove to. Book online.

Shop 9A–9C, LG/F, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place, Central, 3643 0865

B CUBE

Cool-cat, industrial-style fusion eatery B CUBE is headed by Justin Chan, who worked previously for Chef Vicky Cheng at VEA and also leads Mirror Burger in Sai Ying Pun. Instagrammable faves include Ibérico pork belly burger with kimchi, lobster bisque pasta and fresh sodas made with mango, passion fruit and yuzu. Open daily, 11am–10pm.

29 Aberdeen Street, Central, 6689 8660

Bibi & Baba’s Singapore National Day menu (6 August–5 September)

The Lion City’s iconic chilli crab and Singapore Sling cocktail are coming to Bibi & Baba, a Nyonya eatery helmed by Malaysia-born, Singapore-trained chef Ho Wai-Kong. For a limited time, diners can dig into SG-style chilli crab ($788), either on its its own (it’s big enough to serve up to six) or as a set along with a Singapore Sling pitcher ($860). Be ready to get those hands dirty!

1–7 Ship Street, Wanchai, 2555 0628, book online (for groups of 6 or more)

Black Sheep Restaurants’ Summer Festival

Black Sheep Restaurants wraps up is summer-exclusive F&B experiences with martini masterclasses ($888/person) at 7pm on 7 and 21 August at Buenos Aires Polo Club, Le Festival de Saigon ($698/person) at Le Garçon Saigon at 6pm on Thursday, 12 August, Greek Wine Orgy ($588/person) at 12pm on Saturday, 15 August at Artemis & Apollo and Club Genesis (from $2,488/person) at 12pm on Saturday, 21 August at Crown Super Deluxe.

For more information on the experiences and to book, click here

The Bombay East Indian Girl’s Indo-Chinese pop-up (12–13 August)

Samaira Kavatkar, better known lovingly as The Bombay East Indian Girl, presents this intriguing pop-up spotlighting the age-old history of Indo-Chinese cuisine. Highlights of the dinner menu ($1,380/person) on 12–13 August include Sichuan-spiced chicken lollipops, pork momos and crab fried rice, all matched with New World wines.

The Cooks’ Alcove, 4/F, 4 Sun Wui Road, Causeway Bay, WhatsApp 9755 4265 or email ada_nt_leung@yahoo.com to book

Boy n Burger

We can ever have enough burgers, and new fast-casual Boy n Burger’s patties sound mighty promising. The beef used is pretty special – 20-day salt-moss-aged, grass and wild cereal grain-fed, antibiotic-free British beef. Sustainability is also a focus here, with the brand only using local veggies and completely traceable meat, seafood and dairy items. The burger menu – priced from an incredible $28! – includes the signature Bobby Burger (two beef patties, house sauce, pickles and home-grown onion, lettuce and tomato) and slider boxes of six or 12 mini burgers. Open daily from Monday, 23 August, 8am–10pm.

208 Johnston Road, Wanchai, 3686 0928

Butahage

Popular butadon – pork rice bowl – specialist Butahage from Hokkaido has landed in Hong Kong, offering donburi made with premium Kamikomi pork loin, belly and tendon flavoured with a house sauce developed over 80 years ago. We’re also excited to try the grilled eel gozen (set meal with miso soup, pickles, chawanmushi, sashimi and dessert) and Obihiro pork bun. Queues expected! Open daily, 11:30am–10pm.

Shop G54A2, G/F, Phase 1, Telford Plaza, 33 Wai Yip Street, Kowloon Bay, 2717 0988

BUZZ STAND

We’ll soon be wetting our whistle at BUZZ STAND at Tseung Kwon O’s PopCorn mall, which offers artisanal teas, coffees and mocktails made with honey from Sugi Bee Garden, one of Japan’s oldest honey brands, well known for its all-natural beekeeping practices. In addition to a lovely beverage selection, BUZZ STAND showcases soft-serve Japanese milk ice cream topped with honeycomb or fruit-infused honey and made-to-order waffles with honey – it all sounds pretty sweet to us! For the opening period, look out for the live honeycomb-carving demos, with the honeycombs shipped from Kumamoto Prefecture, and hive-to-palate tastings. Open daily, 10am–10pm.

Shop F87, 1/F, PopCorn 2, 9 Tong Yin Street, TKO, 2772 1127

Calioo Greenhouse | Oasis in the City (29 July–1 August)

Online platform Calioo, which supports small local businesses that sell handcrafted food items for pick-up and delivery, will be featuring plant-based, vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free products – from baked goods to craft beer – at its latest food market in Central, partnering with Belgian plant-based drinks company Alpro. There will also be collaborative workshops offered, including fruit jam making, Bloody Mary making and basic planting for kids. Open 29 July–1 August, 11am–9pm (till 6pm on the 1st). Free entry, but register on Eventbrite to get a gift at the door.

36 Cochrane Street, Central

Cassio’s Shake It EP pop-up series (29 July & 19 August)

We know that life is returning to a semblance of normalcy with the launch of Cassio’s Shake It EP summer pop-up series, featuring a line-up of DJs representing different global music styles alongside creative cocktails by guest mixologists. First up, on Thursday 29 July, DJ Rork and Alexandre Chatte will take guests on a journey to the Côte d’Azur with a celebration of French house music and tipples inspired by the French Riviera. Then, on Thursday, 19 August, it’s all about funky 80s Japan, with DJ JayMe supplying the Japanese city pop of Roppongi and Alberto Aldave mixing up Japanese-inspired libations.

2/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central, 3792 0129, reservations@cassio.com.hk

CHAAT’s curry exploration lunch series (6 & 13 August)

Kicking off on 6 August, Chef de Cuisine Manav Tuli will host a series of curry-centric lunches ($1,098/person) on the first and second Fridays of each month at wildly popular Indian eatery CHAAT, taking diners on an educational (and mouth-watering) tour of various regional Indian curries. On the inaugural menu this month, where lamb is the featured ingredient, are delectable lamb curries including rogan josh, Champaran mutton, kosha mangsho, laal maas, Malabar lamb korma and salli boti. This very special lunch experience will also include Indian rice, naan, raita, onion salad and handmade Indian sweets to take away.

5/F, Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, TST, 3891 8732, book online

CHOU CHOU Yakitori

CHOU CHOU’s grilled Japanese chicken skewers are made with birds imported from Kagoshima. How is CHOU CHOU, which has taken the place of former Japanese tenant Kenjo, different from the rest of the yakitori pack around town? Let us know if you get there before we do! Open daily for lunch and dinner sessions.

8 Hart Avenue, TST, 2461 0888, book online

Cinnabon (Causeway Bay)

The first HK Island-side shop of Cinnabon is set to debut at 3pm on Saturday, 31 July, where the US chain’s ooey-gooey cinnamon rolls will remain the well-deserved stars of the show. Tempting new menu items include crunchy, bite-sized Stix Nuggets, a tropical-flavoured MiniBon and new frozen bevvy offerings in the Chillatta series. These buns don’t lie! Open daily, 11am–9pm.

14 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, 2646 1168

CRUST Sciuscia

Newly opened southern Italian restaurant and pasticceria CRUST has now launched its all-day takeaway counter, Sciuscia. Head here to pick up traditional Neapolitan street food the likes of pizza frita (fried pizza), zeppole (fried dough) and olive oil cake to go. And in case you’re wondering (we were), Sciuscia is pronounced “shoo-sha”, a term for Neapolitan street food named after the shoeshine service that street kids in Naples would offer to American GIs during World War II. Open daily, 10am–8pm.

60A–66 Johnston Road, Wanchai, 2191 0278

DarkSide x Fernet Hunter pop-up (23–29 August)

This cool collab at Rosewood Hong Kong’s sexy bar DarkSide features home-grown spirits brand Fernet Hunter and local foraging expert Wanda Huang teaming up to create a special selection of four cocktails ($180 each) that incorporate native HK flora, hand-picked and collected locally. Pictured above, Bee’s Hunt has got us all hot under the collar, made with Hunter in the Dark amaro, Barr Hill gin, Barr Hill raw honey, Mancino Bianco, absinthe, Cedrata and Prosecco. On Wednesday, 25 August from 1:30–3:30pm, DarkSide will host a masterclass by Raphael Holzer, co-founder of Fernet Hunter, and Ms Huang, who will share the secrets of extracting flavours from local ingredients and the importance of supporting local agriculture.

2/F, Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, TST, 3891 8732, hongkong.restaurants@rosewoodhotels.com (bookings accepted for groups of 4 or more)

Dough Bros (Central)

Dough Bros has spread its awesome sourdough pizza and doughnuts to Queen’s Road Central. A limited-time BBQ chicken pizza and new doughnut flavours in apricot and blueberry (from 10 August) will keep us coming back for more. Open daily, 8am–11pm.

151–155 Queen’s Road Central, Central, 2301 1969

Eaton Food Hall’s newcomers + summer giveaway (16 August)

Eaton HK recently welcomed three cool new brands to its fab Food Hall – Japanese noodle specialist Katsuo Udon, female-led steak-frites concept The Meat Co. and churrería Twist & Buckle – and they’re marking the occasion by giving away 500 meals courtesy of eight of the hall’s F&B brands. This giveaway party is also set to feature DJs, dance performances, retro videos of old Kowloon and free craft beer sponsored by YAU. The free meals will be distributed on a first come, first served basis from 7pm on Monday, 16 August, and there will be a social media contest on the day too, with prizes including a stay at Eaton HK and dining vouchers.

LG/F, Eaton HK, 380 Nathan Road, Jordan, 2782 1818

Franks’ pre-reno bash (31 July)

Before returning on Friday, 3 September with an expanded offering of Italian-American dining and drinks to complement the refurbished space, Bar Director Alex Chatte and Culinary Director Vinny Lauria are hosting a pre-renovation party on Saturday, 31 July at Franks. Drinks, prizes and even the electric boogaloo are set to herald the end of Franks 1.0 in style.

G/F & 1/F, Harilela House, 79 Wyndham Street, Central, 2320 0858, book online

Giacomo

Crowne Plaza Causeway Bay hasn’t really been on our radar much, but we think that’s all about to change with the opening of Giacomo on Monday, 23 August. An elegant fine-dining restaurant specialising in the light and fresh cuisine of southern Italy, Giacomo is helmed by Chef Keith Yam. Chef Yam has a great deal of experience cooking in Michelin-starred Italian kitchens, cutting his chops at both 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana and The Ritz’s Tosca (now Tosca di Angeló). We’re especially keen to try Chef Yam’s seafood dishes, from the red prawn spaghetti chitarra featuring the square-shaped egg pasta typical of Abruzzo to the Brittany blue lobster Sardinian gnocchi, gilded with Hokkaido sea urchin. Open Wednesday–Monday for lunch and dinner sessions.

G/F, Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Causeway Bay, 8 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, 3980 3008, 6425 4918 (WhatsApp)

Grand Gelinaz! Shuffle 2021 (29 August)

This annual worldwide gastronomy event returns to the 852 following a hiatus owing to COVID, curated by Chef May Chow working alongside six other top chefs from around town, including Agustin Balbi of Andō, Ricardo Chaneton of MONO and Aurelie Altemaire of soon-to-open Odyssée at ICC. These culinary visionaries will collaborate to create an incredible surprise menu ($2,888/person) featuring eight off-menu dishes, complete with beverage pairings, performances by local artists and plenty of interaction between chefs and diners. The HK edition of the Grand Gelinaz! Shuffle is presented by Perrier-Jouët and will take place from 6pm on Thursday, 29 August. Only 50 tickets are up for grabs, so be quick!

Book online from 12pm on 29 July

G Room Bar & Lounge

Combining food, art, music and technology, G Room is Gaia Group’s new East-meets-West baby. On the food and drink front, we can look forward to refined Mediterranean tapas-style dishes with a Southeast Asian twist and curated cocktails, complemented by 360-degree ultra-high-definition screens displaying custom-created vistas, from peaceful forest scenes to the HK skyline at night, and live music – truly immersive dining. Seafood is a focus, and key menu players include whole lobster paella made with Asian-style fried rice, abalone shiso sea urchin pasta and the G Room seafood platter, a decadent spread including the likes of deep-fried prawns, calamari and jack mackerel, plus Thai fish cakes, Spanish ham and potato croquettes for good measure. The main dining room is supported by Maison Gaia, a private dining space equipped with its own bar and music set-up (get ready, party people!). Open daily, 11am–midnight.

Shop 504, 5/F, K11 MUSEA, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, TST, 2332 6662, book online

Hansik Goo moves to The Wellington

The first restaurant by acclaimed chef Mingoo Kang outside his native Korea, Hansik Goo opened on Lyndhurst Terrace last year, showcasing elegant Korean flavours. This month, on Monday the 9th, the modern Korean eatery is moving to a larger, updated space at The Wellington with an expanded menu, joining the ranks of heavy-hitting Asian newcomers Whey and WING. The updated menu focuses on fine-casual Korean dining, with the Korean rice-based alcohol sool playing an active role in the dining experience. Open Monday–Saturday for dinner from 6pm.

1/F, The Wellington, 198 Wellington Street, Central, 2798 8768, info@hansikgoo.hk

Hue’s Spanish pop-ups (7 August–11 September)

Modern Australian restaurant Hue takes us on a trip to Spain this summer with two pop-up Spanish menus, marking the start of Chef Alberto Sancassani’s culinary career in Hong Kong. There’s a five-course Spanish dinner menu ($800/person) on from Friday, 11 August – reservations are a must, with only 20 seats open each night – featuring carabineros prawn tartare, a deconstructed version of traditional Valencian dish all y pebre (eel and potatoes), morcilla de burgos (black pudding), picaña (Australian Wagyu sirloin cap) and torrijas (Catalan-style French toast) – and a weekend Spanish brunch menu ($400/person; from +$190 for free-flow) on Saturdays and Sundays from 7 August that includes a selection of sharing starters, one main and one dessert.

1/F, Hong Kong Museum of Art, 10 Salisbury Road, TST, 3500 5888, book online

Ibérico Ham Cellar at Pata Negra House

Pata Negra House has opened Asia’s first Ibérico ham cellar as part of a tasting tour that includes an eight-course Spanish dinner ($680/person) designed by ÉCRITURE’s head chef, Heloise Fischbach. Don’t miss this opportunity to taste freshly sliced, double-acorn-fed, 40-month-aged ham alongside your favourite vintages. You can also book the entire session for a group of up to 10 people. This special dinner experience is available from Tuesday–Friday. Read all about it here.

Unit 601, 6/F, Lee Sum Factory Building, 28 Ng Fong Street, San Po Kong, 2517 1808, book online

INK’s Italian pop-up dinner (27 August)

INK’s Italian-inspired pop-up on Friday the 27th is a nod to the best of seaside dining in Italy. The great-value set dinner for two ($380/person) includes a spread of seafood-heavy sharing starters, a main to share (seared barramundi with tomato, olives, capers and pine nuts) and everyone’s fave tiramisu for dessert – plus a glass each of Sorelle Bronca Prosecco to enjoy al fresco.

G/F, Hong Kong Museum of Art, 10 Salisbury Road, TST, 3500 5581, book online (advance reservations required)

Lab Eat Bistro

The newest concept for the cool-cat Lab Eat group, Lab Eat Bistro is a three-storey eatery in Mongkok catering to over 150 people, with each floor acting in a different capacity. The ground-floor café serves up coffee and tea, pastries, cakes and light bites, while the first and second floors feature the industrial-style dining spaces, where fun, fusion-style dishes take centre stage, from deep-fried Spam with scrambled egg and truffle to braised beef cheek in Chinese sweet vinegar sauce with mashed potato. The desserts are particularly drool-worthy, including black-and-white French toast with gelato (a combination of both dark and white chocolate, dipped in egg custard) and hot chocolate brownie with chocolate-caramel sauce and gelato. Tip: head to Lab Eat Bistro at breakfast or teatime, when all dishes are priced at just $38! Open daily, 7:30am–5:30pm (café) and 11am–midnight (restaurant).

G/F–2/F, Wingco Mansion, 36–42 Soy Street, Mongkok, 2333 7177

Maek Jeok

Offering a modern Korean BBQ experience with a difference, self-described Korean steakhouse Maek Jeok’s USP is dry-aged beef, with the 28-day dry-aged striploin and rib-eye the signatures. It’s by the team behind Seolhamyeok at Harbour City, where we’ve always had good dining experiences, so we can expect delicious things. Open daily, 11:30am–10pm.

Shop 104, 104A, 105A & 106–108, 1/F, Sun Hung Kai Centre, 30 Harbour Road, Wanchai, 2609 0599

Major and Minor Cafe & Bar

Major and Minor presents a symphony of fusion flavours in its relaxing new space, featuring an electric piano for tickling the ivories. East-meets-West dishes include mac ‘n’ cheese mapo tofu and sweet-and-sour pork with scrambled egg and sourdough, plus plenty of coffee and sweets options. Open daily, 11am–9:30pm.

G/F, Kew Green Hotel Wanchai Hong Kong, 41–49 Hennessy Road, Wanchai

Mandarin Grill + Bar’s Artistry Moments (2–29 August)

A multisensory experience at Michelin-starred Mandarin Grill + Bar combining art, music and fine dining, Artistry Moments is a partnership with local gallery Tang Contemporary Art this month to showcase notable works by key local and mainland contemporary artists, along with a creative four-course menu ($1,688/person) designed by Chef de Cuisine Simon Guthridge inspired by works of art and paired with a selection of Ruinart champagne (+$988). To make the experience even more immersive, Musicstyling audio consultancy has curated a playlist to accompany each work and dish.

1/F, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central, 2825 4004, mohkg-grill@mohg.com

Mesa x Club Rangoon pop-up (25–26 August)

Portuguese meets Burmese at this pop-up collab on 25–26 August by private kitchen Mesa’s Portuguese chef, Fred Sistelo, and Karisa Cheque of Club Rangoon. The five-course tasting menu ($600/person) provides a tasty foray into these two cuisines, from peixinho da horta (lightly battered, fried green beans served with a traditional Burmese tamarind sauce), to classic Portuguese soup caldo verde made with Burmese morning glory instead of the traditional kale, to bacalhau (salt cod) curry accented with kaffir lime leaf.

33 Aberdeen Street, Central, 2503 3077, book online (reservations required)

Mikazuki

Teppanyaki and sake play co-starring roles at Mikazuki. Another Japanese spot to add to our growing list, and we hear tell this one is more reasonably priced than most in this dining category. Open daily for lunch and dinner sessions.

Shop B, 2/F, Cameron Plaza, 23 Cameron Road, TST, 9851 7951

Ministry of Mussels

As you can reckon by the name, the showstopper of Ministry of Mussels is its “Around the World Mussels” menu section, presenting a range of different broths for the eatery’s signature blue mussels, served with either fries, baguette or deep-fried mantou (Chinese steamed bun) to mop up all the deliciousness (we’re particularly keen to try the Singapore chilli crab and laksa versions). American-style bistro classics, from lobster roll to baby-back ribs, bar snacks (jalapeño poppers all the way!) and a kids’ menu complete the food offerings at this hybrid sports bar, where major sporting events are live-streamed on the venue’s 11 HD 4K TV screens. The 4,000-square-foot, family-friendly space also boasts a semi-covered al-fresco balcony and a padded play area for the little ones. Open daily, 11am–midnight. Read our review.

3/F, California Tower, 30–32 D’Aguilar Street, LKF, Central, 2838 4588, book online

Moxie

Part of The Arcane Collective, Michelin-starred Australian chef Shane Osborn’s socially and environmentally aware mini restaurant empire that includes Arcane and Cornerstone, Moxie at Alexandra House is described as presenting “a fresh approach to conscious dining”. Led by Arcane veteran Michael Smith, the mindful, ingredient-driven menu is vegetable-centric, with sustainable seafood also featured and local farms and regional suppliers playing big roles. If this gorgeous three-grain mapo tofu is anything to go by, we’re in for a delicious ride. Open daily from Monday the 23rd, with coffee and pastries served from 8am and all-day dining from 11:30am–10pm.

Shop 203, 2/F, Alexandra House, 18 Chater Road, Central

The Nom Seyo pop-up at MOTD Concepts (5–7, 12–13 & 19–21 August)

Private dining venue MOTD Concepts will be hosting The Nom Seyo pop-up this month, a fusion of contemporary Korean and French cuisines by husband-and-wife chef duo Ching and Hanbit. Notably, Chef Ching has worked for Michelin-starred chefs around the world, including Gordon Ramsay in London and Shane Osborn here in Hong Kong. The emphasis of this dinner menu ($1,580/person) is on healthy eating, with soju and makgeolli pairings (+$580) also available. Open for booking on 5–7, 12–13 and 19–21 August.

1/F, Union Park Tower, 168 Electric Road, North Point, 2335 5333, book online

Omotesando Koffee pop-up at HAUS (until 30 September)

Japanese coffee culture comes to HAUS with this two-month-long Omotesando Koffee pop-up at HAUS. We can expect all the Omotesando coffee drinks we know and love alongside their popular kashi (cube-shaped canelé) and sandos in flavours ranging from Wagyu beef curry to shrimp katsu. Open Monday–Saturday, 10am–7pm.

Shop 38 & 40, G/F, 38–40 Queen’s Road Central, Central

Oolaa (TKO)

Tseung Kwan O seems to be the place to be these days, especially when it comes to family-friendly dining and activities. Cue this laid-back Oolaa in TKO’s vibrant CAPRI Place residential district, located right on the waterfront promenade. From breakfast and brunch, to set lunches and weeknight specials, Oolaa’s got you covered. To celebrate the opening, a special happy-hour deal will be available at Oolaa TKO all day, every day, with selected drinks priced at just $50 a pop. Open daily from Saturday, 7 August, 7am–11pm.

Shop G16, G/F, CAPRI Place, 33 Tong Yin Street, TKO, 2369 2866, book online

The Pearl

The Pearl has a lot going on – offering both Japanese-Italian cuisine and shisha at attitude hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui. The quirky indoor-outdoor space (dining room, bar, outdoor lounge) has been designed as a modern interpretation of the classic ornate baroque style, using a unique resin painting technique with AR projection. The fusion menu includes botan ebi layered with mango and avocado, linguine with Hokkaido uni and roast whole chicken stuffed with black truffle and served with nanohana and matsutake Japanese wild mushrooms. Open daily, 4pm–2am (dinner service ends at 10:30pm).

4/F, attitude on granville, 20 Granville Road, TST, 6274 1916, book online

Quiero Más

From newly formed Silver OAK Group comes modern Mediterranean bar and restaurant Quiero Más, placing a stylish spotlight on the cuisines and eateries of southern Europe, from Spain’s tapas bars, to Italy’s trattorias, to Greece’e tavernas. The food menu has been designed by Spanish chef Alex Fargas of La Paloma (and formerly FoFo by el Willy) to offer a beautiful blend of Mod-Med flavours and textures in dishes the likes of lobster à la Louie (Boston lobster in vichyssoise), king scallop escabeche, slow-roasted suckling pig and the very unique Mod-Mad-Mary (aged lamb shoulder glazed in chocolate). The liquor line-up seems just as impressive, headlined by handcrafted gins and gin cocktails. Open daily for lunch and dinner sessions. More details here.

20/F, M88, Wellington Place, 2–8 Wellington Street, Central, 2383 0268, book online

Radical Chic

From the team behind Foodie fave Castellana, winner of the Foodie Forks 2020 Editors’ Choice Best New Restaurant, comes another Italian fine-dining stunner, this time located way up on the 101st floor of the International Commerce Centre, where creative Italian cuisine by Executive Chef Andrea Tarini meets strikingly minimalistic art-gallery-inspired interior design. Prior to joining Radical Chic (which we think could do with a new name that reflects the cuisine), Chef Tarini led the kitchens at Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, working alongside three-starred chefs Mauro Uliassi at Uliassi in Italy and Heinz Beck at Taste of Italy by Heinz Beck in Dubai. Open Tuesday–Sunday for lunch and dinner sessions. Read our review.

Shop B1, 101/F, ICC, 1 Austin Road West, TST, 3618 7880, book online

Saburo Japanese Yakiniku

By the team behind nearby all-you-can-eat Wagyu Yakiniku Ichiro in Jordan comes Saburo Japanese Yakiniku, which fuses the concepts of yakiniku and omakase to feature omakase sets with grilled Wagyu beef and seasonal sashimi. We expect the 3,000-square-foot, contemporary eatery to be just as popular as its trendy sibling. Open daily for lunch and dinner sessions.

Shop 3, G/F, H Zentre, 15 Middle Road, TST East, 2398 1813, 6612 6688 (WhatsApp)

Sunday’s Sessions: Little Bao at Cô Thành (7–8 August)

Chef May Chow of Little Bao will be taking over the Cô Thành kitchen on the weekend of 7–8 August from 3pm till late, swapping Vietnamese for creative Cantonese eats (think Scotch egg made with prawn mince and crab bao) complemented by a selection of summery Sunday’s drinks and boozy ice-cream floats.

2–4 Kau U Fong, Central

Sushi Awaji

Another high-end sushi newcomer, Sushi Awaji is by the team behind SumiYa and Zagin Soba, this time presenting both traditional nigiri and kappo-style dishes. Similar to omakase, kappo is a multi-course, chef-led dining experience. Open Tuesday–Sunday for lunch and dinner sessions.

39 Gough Street, Central, 6060 5447, book online

Sushi Mamoru

We have another high-end omakase restaurant in our midst with the opening of Sushi Mamoru by Leading Nation F&B group. Chef Hirofumi Chiba, formerly of Sushi Iwa Tsukiji and Zorokuzushi in Toyko and Sushi Kohaku here in Hong Kong, is the third-generation sushi master behind the minimalistic counter, presenting a traditional, Edomae-style, seasonal and sustainability-focused omakase menu of over 20 courses in the evening (there’s also a shorter menu available in the daytime). Open for lunch Tuesday–Saturday and dinner Monday–Saturday.

32 Oi Kwan Road, Wanchai, 2133 5700, info@sushimamoru.com

Tong Chong Street Market’s Hot & Cold Summer (until 27 August)

A range of both spicy eats and cold flavours is in store at Tong Chong Street Market this month. Open on weekdays (except public holidays) from 8am–3pm, we can sample Sichuan-style cold noodles from Crazy Noodles, a spicy plant-based Miami Heat burger by Big Dill, HYPEBEANS’ cold-brew lemonade and charcoal sesame latte and lots more.

One Taikoo Place, 979 King’s Road, Quarry Bay

Venchi (Harbour City)

Venchi’s Harbour City shop first opened a decade ago, and this new-and-improved version is much more spacious, boasting a café area where guests can indulge in gelato desserts and an exclusive Chocoviar wall installation featuring a pick-and-mix selection of the upscale Italian brand’s special range of Chocoviar, or “cocoa pearls”. Open daily, 11am–9pm.

Shop OT G16A, G/F, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, 3–27 Canton Road, TST, 3101 9981

Yakiniku Like (Gala Place)

The third branch to hit our city in less than a year’s time, Yakiniku Like has now landed at Gala Place in Mongkok, perfect for those dining solo and craving affordable Japanese grilled meat. Yakiniku Like is famous for its individual grills and contactless ordering and payment system (grills for groups are also available). Open daily, 11:30am–9pm.

Shop B02, B/F, Gala Place, 56 Dundas Street, Mongkok, 2717 3881

Yokai

We don’t know quite what to make of Yokai, the first restaurant in the word themed after iconic Japanese manga artist Shigeru Mizuki’s The Book of Yokai, which depicts 764 spirits and 112 deities across the centuries. Creepy or cool? The highlight of the food menu is the yakitori by renowned chef Okuma Hirofumi from Kyushu, using both choshu chicken from Yamaguchi Prefecture and local three-yellow birds, as well as sashimi rice bowls made with prime fatty tuna belly sourced from Japan’s top tuna merchant, Yamayuki. Diners can also expect a range of premium and rare Daiginjo sake. Open Monday–Saturday for lunch and dinner sessions. Read our review.

23/F, H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road Central, Central, 2368 8331

ZZURA

ZZURA might be the first Middle Eastern speakeasy we’ve heard of, inspired by Zerzura, a legendary oasis in the Sahara Desert. It’s been opened by some of the founders of nearby bar The Daily Tot, along with cocktail expert Gagan Gurung, with the drinks designed by both Gurung and Princebir Singh, the former head bartender at Zuma. The sexy decor, awash with Middle-Eastern-inspired arches, water fountains and silhouettes, is complemented by a menu of heady spice- and ingredient-focused cocktails, highlighting Middle Eastern staples such as saffron, sumac, date and honey. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 4pm–midnight.

2/F, Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Road, Central, 2639 9155

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