Header photo credit: Daniel Öberg on Unsplash
Fabulous new restaurants and offers to try in July & August
You’ll have a packed feasting calendar this summer with these exciting newcomers and delicious offers!
The hottest new eats this summer
1st & Beaudry – new LA-inspired restaurant in Wong Chuk Han
With the opening of 1st & Beaudry, Chef Esdras Ochoa transports diners to Los Angeles with a menu of modern American cuisine reflecting his roots. The restaurant, located on the seventh floor of the Arca hotel in Wong Chuk Hang, offers iconic dishes such as M.B. Chowdah, a classic NE-style clam chowder that’s creamy, buttery and filled with chunky clams, served in a house-baked sourdough bread bowl. Tacos sets such as Roy Garcia (charred pork neck) and East of Crenshaw (ancho-chilli-spiced bluefin tuna) are served on house-made blue corn tortillas. And to show that you’re really in the know, ask for their off-menu smash burger, which pays homage to the famous In-N-Out burger chain that’s synonymous with southern Cali good eats.
RELATED: Read the first review of 1st & Beaudry
Where: 7/F, the Arca, 43 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang
Opening hours: weekdays, 12–8pm; weekends, 12–4pm
Aera – new New Nordic restaurant in Wanchai
Led by local chef Chevalier Yau, the young, talented culinary team at new restaurant Aera (which means both “honour” and “era” in Danish) present an innovative New Nordic menu emphasising sustainability and the use of local, seasonal ingredients, elevating them through traditional Nordic cooking techniques such as pickling, smoking, air-drying and fermentation in order to preserve their natural flavours. The multi-course dinner tasting menu is Aera’s pièce de résistance, with noteworthy dishes like Honey Pea/Gardenia/Pear (pictured above), a blend of honey peas and oil extracted from locally picked gardenia flowers, Rice/Sea Urchin/Garlic, where the rice is mixed with homemade Japanese red shiso vinegar and stuffed with Australian prunes, and A3 Wagyu/Truffle/Beef Jus.
RELATED: Enjoy unpretentiously tasty Nordic cuisine in Hong Kong at Aera
Where: 6 Stewart Road, Wanchai
Opening hours: Monday–Saturday + public holidays and public holiday eves, 11:30am–3pm, 6–10:30pm
For reservations: phone 2389 9901, WhatsApp 9330 0387 or book online
AFK – new grab-and-go deli in Central
AFK is short for “Away From Keyboard”, and if you work in Central and are looking for a delicous, quick and healthy option for lunch, this new grab-and-go spot at HK Station should be on your go-to list. AFK’s range of rice-paper salad rolls is made with fresh, natural ingredients and come in a variety of global flavours, from the Spanish octopus roll to the Greek-influenced chicken feta roll. They also offer a range of sous-vide boxes for those seeking a more substantial meal. To celebrate the grand opening, there’s an in-store giveaway on 15–16 August from 12–2pm.
Where: Shop HOK 66, Hong Kong Station, Central
Opening hours: weekdays, 11:30am–4pm
Aroma Wine Bistro – new wine bar in Causeway Bay
Drawing inspiration from warm and cosy Nordic aesthetics, the charming balcony area of new restaurant/ wine bar Aroma Wine Bistro by Caffeination Group (Cupping Room, Fireside, Maison Meiji and Kuromaru) is a lovely option for enjoying the bi-weekly-changing wine flight of boutique French and New World bottles that are up for sipping. And if you guess the “Sommelier’s Secret”, your glass of vino is on the house! Complementing the 200-label-strong wine list is a European menu by Chef Roger Boschman, who whips up sophisticated dishes like millefeuille potatoes with Wagyu beef tartare, bottarga and herbs and – his speciality – handmade chitarra pasta with black truffle.
Where: Shop 206–210, 2/F, Lee Garden Three, 10 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay
Opening hours: Sunday–Thursday, 12–10pm; Friday–Saturday, 12–11pm
For reservations: phone/WhatsApp 9591 6838 or book online
Azure 80 – new Shanghainese-Sichuan restaurant at Harbour City
Azure 80 combines two of our favourite Chinese regional cuisines – Shanghainese and Sichuan – in one luxuriously appointed restaurant boasting spectacular harbour views. Part of the ever-growing Taste Gourmet Group portfolio, the kitchen is overseen by master chef Chan Kai Tak alongside Andy Lau, an executive chef of the F&B group. Chef Chan has shared 20 of his most loved Sichuan recipes from his illustrious culinary career around world. Spicy smoked eel stuffed inside pork intestine, red hot beef, pork and eel soup and steamed yellow croaker with somen and huadiao are a few of the menu highlights.
Where: Shop OTE 201, 2/F, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, 3–27 Canton Road, TST
Opening hours: weekdays, 11:30am–4pm, 4:30–10pm; weekends and public holidays, 11am–4:30pm, 5:30–10:30pm
For reservations: phone 3468 5005
The Baker & The Bottleman – new restaurant & wine bar in Wanchai
Pairing European-inspired plates with natural and biodynamic wines, The Baker & The Bottleman by multi-Michelin-starred British chef Simon Rogan has refreshed its relaxed upstairs restaurant area. The new à-la-carte menu by Executive Chef Oli Marlow, Restaurant Head Chef Ollie Eisendhardt and Bakery Head Chef Benjamin Lee echoes Chef Rogan’s focus on seasonality and sustainability through ingredient-driven dishes made with local produce. There are small plates, big plates and sweets for sharing, from grilled cuttlefish, to dry-aged local duck, to a peaches and cream dessert. Guests may also opt for a wallet-friendly three-course menu that comes in at under $400 a head.
Where: Shop G14 & G15, 1/F, Lee Tung Avenue, 200 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai
Opening hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 6–11pm
For reservations: WhatsApp 2386 8933 or book online
Bistro La Baie – new French bistro in Tseung Kwan O
Tseung Kwan O seems to be morphing into a French food lover’s paradise, and now Bistro La Baie adds to the Gallic slant of the ‘hood. The inviting bistro by Shore Hospitality is nestled along the waterfront promenade, and with this seaside location in mind, Chef Devon Hou – who cut her chops at Michelin-starred establishments Amber and TATE Dining Room – has devised a menu where this lavish seafood platter takes centre stage. The rest of the menu runs the gamut, where French classics (like foie gras terrine, bouillabaisse and steak frites) compete for attention with more modern creations (like Hokkaido scallop crudo, open-faced duck-confit sandwich and citrus crème brûlée tart). Chef Hou has quite the CV, and we have high expectations for Bistro La Baie!
Where: Shop G02, G/F, Monterey, 23 Tong Chun Street, TKO
Opening hours: daily, 11:30am–11pm
For reservations: phone 2360 0801 or book online
Black Series Summer Tour – 10-day dining celebration by Black Sheep Restaurants
This amazingly delicious offer let you dine at some of the hottest (yet coolest) restaurants in town at special prices. The Black Series Summer Tour is your ultimate foodie adventure – picture feasting on six-hour, slow-roasted prime rib at beautiful Magistracy Dining Room, downing refreshing margaritas and hamachi tiradito at Taqueria Super Macho or being entertained by Crown Super Deluxe’s lavish teppanyaki experience – and so much more. Your challenge, which we know you will gladly accept, is to get to as many of these great restaurants as possible in 10 days.
UPDATE: owing to popular demand, the series has been extended until 25 July!
Where: BELON (HK$988–1,188 dinner); Burger Circus (HK$98 combos daily after 6pm); Butter (HK$50 slices 3–5pm daily); Crown Super Deluxe (HK$328–398 lunch; HK$568–628 dinner); FALCONE (HK$398 all day); Grand Majestic Sichuan (HK$388–458 lunch; HK$528–628 dinner); Le Garçon Saigon (HK$238 lunch; HK$368 dinner); Le Petit Saigon (HK$98 combos daily after 6pm); Messina (get a free scoop for every 2 scoops ordered); Magistracy Dining Room (HK$988 lunch; HK$1,288–1,388 dinner); New Punjab Club (HK$328–398 lunch; HK$588–688 dinner); Taqueria Super Macho (HK$268 dinner); Stazione Novella (HK$58 glasses of wine daily); Sushi Haru (HK$888–988 10-course lunch; HK$1,488–1,688 15-course dinner)
When: 10–25 July 2023
To contact: click here for more information on the participating restaurants, offers and booking details
Bo Innovation – 20th-anniversary tasting menu
It’s hard to believe that Chef Alvin Leung’s two-Michelin-starred Bo Innovation is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Two decades ago, it exploded onto the scene with a cutting-edge menu of bold, inventive “x-treme” Chinese cuisine that rocked the F&B world (not least of which was an edible condom and dish that the chef dubiously referred to as “Sex on the Beach”). The limited-time 10-course Arts of Asia tasting menu features Chef Leung’s latest playful creations, kicking off with a bang with Five Oxen, inspired by Han Huang’s renowned Five Oxen painting, which presents diners with five distinctive bovine elements – bone marrow, ox fat, fermented milk curd, beef liver and beef consommé. Grab a bunch of your most adventurous dining-out buds and book now – the menu price is slashed for groups.
Where: 1/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central
When: Monday–Tuesday, 6pm–midnight; Wednesday–Saturday, 12–3pm, 6pm–midnight
How much: HK$1,680/person; HK$1,280/person for groups of 4+
For reservations: phone 2850 8371 or email dine@boinnovation.com
Cardinal Point – new restaurant, lounge & sky terrace at FORTY-FIVE
We can never get enough of Hong Kong’s skyline and Victoria Harbour backdrop. This new restaurant/bar/lounge/sky terrace has just about everything needed to create a memorable and Instagrammable visit. Cardinal Point is the latest addition to FORTY-FIVE, a collection of F&B venues that sits atop Gloucester Tower in Central. What awaits is a specially curated beverage programme and an extensive menu offering lamb kofta, chicken parm, lobster rolls, pizza, pan-fried dumplings and more.
Where: 45/F (reception at 43/F), Gloucester Tower, LANDMARK, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central
Opening hours: Monday–Saturday + public holiday eves, 12pm–1am; Sunday, 12–10pm
For reservations: phone 3501 8560 or book online
chapter – new bakery & all-day-dining restaurant at ifc mall
In addition to these decadent-looking croissant logs, chapter, which has taken over the former Duck & Waffle space at ifc mall, offers an all-day menu of classic European baked goods and elevated dishes. Breakfast starts from 7:30am for all those early risers, followed by a bi-weekly rotating lunch menu, afternoon tea items, three-course dinner sets and even weekend brunch. Complementing the varied food offerings are the bakery and bar corners. Sounds like the perfect foodie pit stop at any time of the day.
Where: Shop 1081, 1/F, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central
Opening hours: weekdays, 7:30am–10pm; weekends and public holidays, 8am–10pm
For reservations: phone 2982 1883 or book online
Chee Kei Lucky Star – new bamboo noodle concept and cha chaan teng branch in Causeway Bay
You can definitely have your noodles and eat pineapple buns too. Thirty-year-old home-grown bamboo noodle specialist Chee Kei has opened a concept dubbed “Lucky Star” in Causeway Bay, joining its long-time sibling in Tsim Sha Tsui. Chee Kei is widely known for its handcrafted bamboo wonton noodles, a dying art in the 852. The Lucky Star branch adds local cha chaan teng faves by the shop’s master chefs to ensure you will never walk out hungry. We recommend Chee Kei’s signature, not-to-be-missed crab congee, made using fresh whole crab that’s enriched with egg yolk.
Where: 1–3 Pak Sha Road, Causeway Bay
Opening hours: Monday–Saturday, 7:15am–9:45pm; Sunday, 7:45am–9:45am
To contact: phone 2886 1683
Clarence – new keto menu
French fine dining that’s healthy too? We’re in! Chef Olivier Elzer’s newly launched keto menu at Clarence – clocking in at just 1,088 calories in total – is perfect for those of us who are watching our waistlines this summer. Chef Elzer has always taken a lighter approach in crafting high-end French cuisine, but this new menu goes even further, developed in collaboration with the co-founder of Ketogenic Asia, Oliver Smith. The health-conscious dishes are prepared using premium ingredients that align with the principles of a keto diet, with the entire menu containing no more than 10g of net carbs whilst providing an optimal quantity of healthy fats as sauces on the side. This translates to tasty yet low-carb dishes such as Alaskan king crab leg with tomato pulp and aubergine caviar, tuna with five spices and avocado purée, teppan skate wing and butterflied three-yellow chicken.
Where: 25/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central
When: Monday–Saturday, 12–4pm, 6–10pm
How much: HK$988/person
For reservations: phone 3568 1397 or book online
CulinArt 1862 x Dialogue in the Dark (HK) Foundation – Bake in the Dark Challenge
A unique experience that tests your baking skills is what the Bake in the Dark Challenge, organised by CulinArt 1862 in collaboration with the Dialogue in the Dark (HK) Foundation, is all about. The event is led by Leo Sum, CulinArt 1862’s pastry chef, and students of the Disciples Escoffier Diploma in French Pastry. Participants will each wear an eye mask and learn how to make focaccia using only their senses of touch, smell and sound. The event also includes a sumptuous four-course lunch, followed by a sharing session with an instructor from Dialogue in the Dark.
Where: Towngas Cooking Centre, 1/F, Chinachem Leighton Plaza, 29 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay
When: 20 August 2023, from 10am
How much: HK$1,388/person (limited to 16 participants)
For reservations: phone 2884 2603 or book online
DarkSide at Rosewood Hong Kong – Paradiso (Barcelona) pop-up
Cocktail connoisseurs, take note – this pop-up is not to be missed! Just prior to the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 awards announcement in Hong Kong on 18 July, modern speakeasy Paradiso from Barcelona – crowned a sparkling number 1 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2022 – is set to take up residence at DarkSide (number 13 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022) for just two nights. Paradiso owner and bar manager Giacomo Giannotti will team up with Rosewood Hong Kong Director of Bars Simone Rossi, Bar Manager KT Lam and the DarkSide team to recreate five of the Barcelona watering hole’s most popular avant-garde signature drinks.
Where: 2/F, Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, TST
When: 16–17 July 2023, 9pm–midnight
How much: HK$180/cocktail
For reservations: phone 3891 8732 or book online
Duddell’s x A. Wong – 4-hands menu by Chan Yau Leung + Andrew Wong
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Master Chef Chan Yau Leung of Michelin-starred Duddell’s is welcoming young British-Chinese chef Andrew Wong from two-starred A. Wong in London to present a special collaborative menu of reimagined traditional dishes that create a Cantonese journey through time. The menu is separated into four sequences, with each sequence featuring brand-new dishes that are designed for sharing. We’re especially intrigued by the spherified olives with pork jerky, char siu mille-feuille with freeze-dried raspberry and crispy pigeon with frozen foie gras shavings!
Where: 3/F, Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell Street, Central
When: 15–16 August 2023, from 6pm
How much: HK$2,580/person (HK$2,180/person if booked before 7 August)
For reservations: phone 2525 9191 or book online
The Green Door – new NYC-inspired cocktail bar in Central
We do love ourselves a good speakeasy, and The Green Door is quite the speakeasy gem, nestled in the midst of Central’s wet market. The intimate, chic bar provides an exclusive experience for discerning drinkers, where classic cocktails inspired by both the Big Apple and powerful women take centre stage. Alongside expertly crafted tipples like Marie (a twist on the Bloody Mary) and highball Pam, there’s a tempting selection of American-style bar snacks and heartier plates like sirloin steak. We can’t wait to try the America pie, a hefty slice of apple pie crowned with vanilla ice cream, then drizzled tableside with warm caramel sauce.
Where: LG/F, Welley Building, 97 Wellington Street, Central
Opening hours: Monday–Wednesday, 6pm–midnight; Thursday–Saturday, 6pm–1am
For reservations: DM on Instagram (bookings for dinner only)
Hap Coffee – new pet-friendly branch in North Point
Those with (and without) pups will be please to learn of the newest branch of Hap Coffee with its pet-friendly, al-fresco seating facing the harbour views of North Point. The café’s menu is simple and fresh, featuring East-meets-West dishes like all-day breakfast, salads and pastas (with pizza served up at the weekend) alongside plenty of creative coffee offerings, seasonal drinks and even cocktails and local craft beer.
Where: Shop G2B, G/F, Phase 3, Harbour North, 133 Java Road, North Point
Opening hours: weekdays, 8am–9pm; weekends, 9am–9pm
To contact: phone/WhatsApp 9555 9301
Little Bao x No Sleep Club (Singapore) – 1-night-only collaboration
Quick, we have some foodie math! What’s Asia’s 50 Best Female Chef May Chow of Little Bao x Juan Yi Jun of Asia’s 50 Best Bars (number 15) No Sleep Club? The answer is an unforgettable evening of expertly crafted cocktails by the Singapore sensation + creative LB bites like smashed zucchini salad with avocado, salmon roe and Sichuan chilli dressing, coffee-flavoured lamb ribs and a Captain Crunch bao featuring a shrimp patty, Cheddar, salted egg and Thousand Island dressing with cereal-crunch coleslaw.
Where: 1–3 Shin Hing Street, SoHo, Central
When: 15 July 2023, from 6pm
How much: HK$100/cocktail
For reservations: book online
Longtail – new Thai restaurant in Causeway Bay
This vibrant, fun-loving Thai restaurant with its leafy (and pet-friendly) al-fresco area is a great addition to the Fashion Walk area of Causeway Bay. Longtail’s team in the buzzy open kitchen serve up wallet-friendly set lunch and happy hour deals, authentic à-la-carte Thai dishes – from spicy minced pork salad to red curry with local flounder – weekend brunch, boozy Thai-style cocktails and more.
Where: Shop C, G/F, Towning Mansion, Fashion Walk, 50 Paterson Street, Causeway Bay
Opening hours: daily, 11:30am–late
For reservations: phone 2838 0819 or book online
Maggie Choo’s – immersive new nightlife destination in Central
The fairy dust of Ashley Sutton has been sprinkled yet again. Maggie Choo’s is a part cocktail bar, part cabaret, part nightclub located on Hollywood Road in Central. The Chinoiserie-inspired, speakeasy-style venue is a spectacle to behold with its lush interior that’s full of details. Expect creatively curated cocktails such as Driven by her Dreams, made with jalapeño-infused tequila, Aperol, coriander, grapefruit juice, honey and a touch of citrus, and comfort-food bar snacks like sweetcorn “ribs” and charcuterie and cheeseboards.
Where: G/F, Chinachem Hollywood Centre, 1–13 Hollywood Road, Central
Opening hours: daily, 6pm–late
For reservations: WhatsApp 6250 6000
MâmAmis – new Vietnamese restaurant in Sheung Wan
MâmAmis stands in good company with its siblings – Chilli Fagara and Hot ‘N’ Meen – but it moves away from Chinese culinary traditions towards authentic Vietnamese sharing plates injected with French culinary techniques. We’re salivating over the sounds of the bright and airy eatery’s signature dishes of wok-fried curried crab, 48-hour slow-cooked beef short ribs and beef carpaccio with a Vietnamese twist (pictured above). In terms of the Vietnamese staple of pho, the bowls at MâmAmis are customisable, and there’s even a vegetarian version. Complementing the food menu is a selection of bevvies showcasing Vietnamese spirits and beers infused with herbs and aromatics as well as cocktails that pay homage to Vietnamese jazz legend Hong Thanh.
Where: 27 Hillier Street, Sheung Wan
Opening hours: Monday–Thursday, 11:30am–10pm; Friday–Saturday, 11:30am–midnight
To contact: phone 2893 3309 (no bookings)
Mandarin Grill + Bar – new summer tasting menu
It is no small accomplishment to be a Michelin-starred restaurant, let alone be awarded a star for 15 consecutive years, so kudos to Mandarin Grill + Bar. Their new summer tasting menu is specially curated by Chef de Cuisine Matthew Reuther and consists of five or eight courses, beginning with ricotta and blue lobster tartlet with uni, truffled Hokkaido scallop tato taco with avocado and mango and purple sweet potato financier with smoked pike roe, plus signature dishes such as carabineros with white asparagus espuma and diced white asparagus. These and more mouth-watering delights await!
Where: 1/F, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central
How much: HK$2,288/person for 5 courses; HK$2,588/person for 8 courses
When: until 31 October 2023
For reservations: phone 2825 4004, email mohkg-grill@mohg.com or book online
MONO x Oteque (Rio de Janeiro) – 4-hands menus by Ricardo Chaneton + Alberto Landgraf
Chef Alberto Landgraf of two-Michelin-starred Oteque in Rio, which stands proud at number 47 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, is the latest four-hands partner for Chef Ricardo Chaneton of MONO, as part of the Michelin-starred Latin American fine-dining restaurant’s MONO Unplugged series. This dynamic duo will work together to create lunch and dinner tasting menus that showcase the chefs’ creative culinary skills, along with a pairing of Argentinian wines from Terrazas de los Andes. This will be Chef Landgraf’s first visit to Hong Kong, and we’re excited to get a first taste of his award-winning Brazilian cuisine.
Where: 5/F, 18 On Lan Street, Central
When: 7–8 July 2023, 12–3pm, 6:30–11pm
How much: HK$2,680/person for lunch; HK$2,988/person for dinner
For reservations: book online
Nove at Galleria – new dim sum lounge in Central
Three-Michelin-starred chef Umberto Bombana has expanded this refined Chinese concept, debuting a much larger and grander space at The Galleria in Central in comparison to its sibling at the Fringe Club nearby. Octavo Management Group’s Nove at Galleria is an elegant eatery that plays tribute to the Cantonese art of dim sum. At this location, there’s an emphasis on the innovative mixology programme, and the upstairs bar area would make a swanky spot for post-prandial cocktails, some of which incorporate Nove’s prized Chinese teas.
Where: Shop G06, G/F, The Galleria, 9 Queen’s Road Central, Central
Opening hours: daily, 10am–midnight (bar opens from 5pm–midnight on weekdays and until 1am on weekends and public holidays)
For reservations: phone 2180 6799, WhatsApp 6770 2899 or email bookings.nove@gmail.com
Penna – new Italian restaurant at Cityplaza
Local celeb chef Ken Lau is on a roll with LUBUDS group with their latest homestyle Italian restaurant at Cityplaza in Taikoo Shing. Completing the “P” in the quartet (the chef’s other LUBUDS Italian eateries are Palco, Pano and Pleka), Penna goes back to basics with a classic, affordable Italian menu, ranging from soups and handmade pastas to seafood and meat dishes, with Chef Lau giving a modern spin to many of the recipes. There are dishes like confit duck risotto with beetroot and gorgonzola, deep-fried beef tripe, roasted bone marrow with baked oysters and chestnut napoleon with raspberry sorbet. We recommend the good-value lunch sets.
Where: Shop 314, 3/F, Cityplaza, 18 Taikoo Shing Road, Taikoo Shing
Opening hours: daily, 11:30am–10pm
For reservations: phone 2886 3378 or book online
Perla – new fine-dining Italian restaurant at ICC Sky Dining 101
Replacing Italian fine diner Radical Chic, new restaurant Perla sits atop the International Commerce Centre, boasting breathtaking views. The contemporary, seafood-focused Italian restaurant celebrates the cuisine of the Amalfi coast, even showcasing a 2.5-metre-wide aquarium housing the freshest of catches. Perla’s tasting menu features innovative dishes such as yellowfin tuna tartare with Japanese white uni, Brittany blue lobster with caramelised onion, caviar and tomato sauce, homemade cappelletti with anchovy sauce and bottarga and guazzetto, a seafood stew made with kinki fish, sea bream and crustacean.
Where: Shop B1, 101/F, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, TST
Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 12–3pm, 6pm–midnight
For reservations: phone 3618 7880 or book online
Racines – new tasting menu
A partnership between Chef Adrien Castillo and Chef Romain Dupeyre, Racines showcases southern French cuisine with a modern twist. The intimate setting of the restaurant seats only 16, built around an open kitchen for more engagement with the chefs. The eatery’s new tasting menu, Genese 6, is a poetic connection of six integral ingredients – mackerel, artichoke, red mullet, pigeon, clacbitou (cheese) and fennel – in one cohesive dining experience.
Where: 22 Upper Station Street, Sheung Wan
When: Thursday–Monday, 6–10:45pm (2 seatings)
Price: HK$1,588/person; +HK$598 for 3-glass wine pairing or +HK$898 for 5-glass wine pairing
For reservations: phone/WhatsApp 5742 6539 or book online
Rozan – new kappo-style Japanese restaurant in Wanchai
With just eight counter seats, Rozan, under Lai Sun Dining, used to be open only to VIP members, but now the public can also partake in the kappo-style magic worked by Chef Takashi Hasegawa, who uses seasonal Japanese ingredients and diverse cooking techniques to weave together a symphony of flavourss, textures and aromas. The chef’s choice omakase menu is a work of art, from umami sashimi that captures the essence of kappo cuisine to hearty grilled dishes.
Where: 18 Wood Road, Wanchai
Opening hours: Monday–Saturday, 6–11pm
For reservations: phone/WhatsApp 5599 8132
Shake Shack – new pet-friendly location at Metroplaza
Shake Shack has launched a location with your four-legged friends in mind. The new shop, located inside Metroplaza shopping mall, is conveniently situated opposite the Kwai Fong MTR station. The expansive dining space offers both indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for bringing your beloved pup along for a free Pocch-ini dessert with your purchase. We love that this location will donate 5% of all sales of its Shack Attack to the LAP (Lifelong Animal Protection) charity, whose mission is to help animals in distress in Hong Kong.
To make this opening even more enticing, Shake Shack is bringing back its limited-time BBQ menu – BBQ ShackMeister Burger (HK$64), BBQ Chicken Shack (HK$58) and BBQ Bacon Cheese Fries (HK$45) – from 19 July until 10 October 2023 at all Shack locations.
Where: Shop 488–490, 4/F, Metroplaza, 223 Hing Fong Road, Kwai Fong
Opening hours: daily, 10am–10pm (following the grand opening on 22 July)
To contact: phone 2605 0388
The Square – new East-meets-West café & bistro in Sai Kung
Heading to Sai Kung and looking for a place to grab a bite to eat? Laid-back new eatery The Square seems to have something for everyone on its enticing all-day menu, where the focus is on fresh, local and sustainable produce (there’s a fancier à-la-carte menu too). In the two-storey space, the upstairs is self-service, while downstairs there’s a full-service dining room and atmospheric garden courtyard. Many of the dishes have an East-meets-West touch – like the slow-cooked crispy pork that’s inspired by the traditional Cantonese roast meat staple and the chicken and waffle dish, which is reimagined with a chicken marinade that includes local bean curd. And… doesn’t the whole lobster burger look absolutely delish?
Where: G/F & 1/F, 22 Wan King Path, Sai Kung
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday–Thursday, 10am–10pm; Friday–Sunday and public holidays, 7:30am–10pm
For reservations: phone/WhatsApp 9193 6036 or book online
Stumpy Bakery – new Western bakery in Cyberport
In terms of dog bums, a corgi bum is just about the cutest there is, so we’re tickled pink by Stumpy Bakery’s adorable Corgi Butt Bread and other corgi-inspired baked goods. The bakery is the brainchild of Louis Lam, whose corgi, Rambo, has a stumpy figure that resembles a loaf of bread. The pet-friendly spot also offers made-to-order salads, sandwiches, breakfast and lunch sets and tea and coffee drinks (including a Stumpyccino for pups).
Where: Shop 105, 1/F, Arcade@Cyberport, 100 Cyberport Road, Cyberport
Opening hours: weekdays, 8:30am–7pm; weekends, 10am–6pm
To contact: phone/WhatsApp 5646 3727
Terrible Baby at Eaton HK – Allegory (Washington DC) pop-up
Another member of the Eaton fam, the watering hole known as Allegory, which blends drinks, art and advocacy at Eaton DC, will be popping up at Eaton HK’s very own cocktail bar, Terrible Baby. Allegory Creative Director Deke Dunn is set to take over the vibey terrace bar with his imaginative spins on seven classic cocktails (and mocktails) made using advanced culinary and molecular techniques like spherification, clarification and forced carbonation. This year, Allegory is a new entry on North America’s 50 Best Bars list, coming in at 45 and also bagging the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award.
Where: 4/F, Eaton HK, 380 Nathan Road, Jordan
When: 16–18 July 2023, 6pm–late
How much: varies
To contact: phone 2710 1866
Testina – Friends from Milan series (Benjamin Cavagna of 1930 + Federico Sisti of Frangente Milano)
Testina welcomes two special guests from Milan to its modern trattoria space. The first amico to make an appearance is mixologist Benjamin Cavagna of speakeasy 1930, which is ranked at number 35 on The World’s Best Bars 2022. Cavagna will join forces with Testina’s head chef, Marco Xodo, to recreate a traditional Milanese aperitivo experience complete with Italian cocktails like the negroni paired with authentic small bites from Milan.
Next up, Chef Federico Sisti of Frangente Milano will introduce a selection of dishes that are signatures at his famed restaurant; highlights include roasted guinea-fowl tortelli with mascarpone, butter sage and beef jus, the classic that is veal Milanese and, for dessert, white chocolate mousse with raspberry and salted almond biscuit.
Where: 3/F, 8 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central
When: Aperitivo Milanese – 16 July, 6–10pm; Chef Federico Sisti – 23–25 July 2023, 12–3pm, 6–11pm
How much: varies
For reservations: book online for Chef Federico Sisti (no bookings for the Aperitivo Milanese experience)
TREEHOUSE – new branch in Causeway Bay
This fast-casual, plant-based, sustainable dining concept has taken Hong Kong by storm, expanding recently to Causeway Bay in a spot adjacent to Times Square. TREEHOUSE’s menu showcases ethically sourced, unprocessed whole foods, catering to various dietary preferences without the use of preservatives and artificial sweeteners. The stars of the show are the brand’s salad bowls and sourdough flatbreads, but over at this new shop, there’s a recently launched Spruce Pho Soup – anise-clove broth with avocado, kelp noodles, bean sprouts, seasonal greens, red onion, coriander, Thai basil, lime and chilli – that’s got us salivating. Founder Christian Mongendre has partnered with the Eden Reforestation Project and FoodPanda to plant a tree for every meal combo purchased, offsetting the brand’s carbon footprint.
Where: 7 Sharp Street East, Causeway Bay
Opening hours: weekdays, 11am–10pm; weekends and public holidays, 11am–9:30pm
To contact: phone/WhatsApp 5580 0072
Tsujihan – Tokyo zeitaku-don specialist opens at Citygate
Based in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, Tsujihan has one just type of item on the menu – zeitaku-don – and it’s a doozy. Translating to ”luxurious rice bowl”, the sashimi-topped donburi comes in four sizes, with the pricier versions piled high with salmon roe, crab and sea urchin. Once you’re almost finished, a server will top up your bowl with a the brand’s signature rich sea-bream broth, so you can savour your rice just a little bit longer. The queues are legendary at Tsujihan in Japan, and we expect the same in the Kong.
Where: Shop B13, B1/F, Citygate Outlets, 20 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung, Lantau Island
Opening hours: daily, 11:30am–10:30pm
To contact: phone 2177 0711 (no bookings)
Vie-Won-Won – fusion restaurant relocated to Shek Tong Tsui
Vie-Won-Won’s relocation from Causeway Bay to the up-and-coming ‘hood of Shek Tong Tsui marks a new chapter for this funky fusion restaurant helmed by Chef Alfred Leung, who previously spent 11 years at Palco Ristorante alongside ex-Peninsula chef Ken Lau. The brand-new menu showcases seasonal dishes inspired by local and global comfort foods, plus dinner set menus for two and four guests. Other draws include the eatery’s pet-friendly outdoor terrace and the ongoing (blindfolded) “Darkness Dining” dinners, which aim to raise awareness for visual impairment, and drag-queen shows.
Where: 8 South Lane, Shek Tong Tsui
Opening hours: Monday–Thursday, 12–10pm; Friday, 12–10:30pm; Saturday, 11:30am–10:30pm; Sunday, 11:30am–10pm
For reservations: phone/WhatsApp 5920 2838 or book online
The Wai – new shopping mall in Tai Wai
We do love a good shopping mall in Hong Kong, and The Wai in Tai Wai, New Territories, is the newest mall wonder to land in the 852. Spanning 650,000 square feet with over 50,000 square feet of outdoor green space, The Wai offers over 100 shops and around 35 F&B options. To help you out with your dining decisions, here are a few Foodie recommendations at this mega-mall:
- BRICK LANE – the is the latest location of this modern British-style gastropub inspired by the eclectic vibe of East London’s Brick Lane. New menu items include all-day regional British breakfasts, variations on eggs Benedict with soft-shell crab, short rib and lobster, Roman-style pizza and croffles. (Shop 332, 3/F, 2366 1338, open daily, 10am–8pm)
- Chatterbox Café – Singapore’s iconic restaurant specialising in chicken rice has opened a branch at The Wai serving up classic hawker-style dishes from the Lion City. There’s also a limited-time summer seafood menu on at the moment, with must-try dishes like stir-fried prawns with crispy oatmeal and assam sea bass. (Shop 304, 3/F, 2813 6832, open daily, 11am–3:30pm, 5:30–10pm)
- Khao San – a member of Taste Gourmet Group, Khao San has been beautifully designed to mimic the feel of a Thai-style villa, decorated in wooden tones and green shades with lush greenery and rattan furniture. The restaurant offers a wide selection of authentic Thai dishes, from street food like satay and grilled squid, to curries aplenty, to mango sticky rice and Thai milk tea caramelised pudding for dessert. (Shop 431, 4/F, 2331 2022, open daily, 11:30am–10pm)
- Modern Shanghai Imperial – Chef Ben Luen has introduced 10 exclusive dishes to The Wai at this newest branch of the esteemed Shanghainese eatery. Highlights include steamed mud crab with “eight preciousness” minced pork, deep-fried shrimp balls with lychee and winter-melon pastry. (Shop 334, 3/F, 2567 1957/6808 1957, open daily, 11:30am–5pm, 5:30–10pm)
- Nabe Urawa – this branch of the popular Japanese shabu-shabu chain – another member of Taste Gourmet Group – continues to offer all-you-can-eat set meals and lunch sets featuring more than 50 types of fresh meat and ingredients, drinks and desserts, but The Wai outlet’s self-service buffet bar is even bigger and better than ever. Steamed clams with sake, asparagus-beef roll with yakiniku sauce, stir-fried udon, braised sea snail in chilli-wine sauce and a creme brûlée dessert are amongst the branch-exclusive offerings. (Shop 432, 4/F, 2336 7233, open daily, 11:30am–11pm)
- NOC Coffee Co. – the sleek design of this branch of the renowned home-grown coffee shop features an open-view design with 22-metre-wide floor-to-ceiling windows and a nearly six-metre-wide vortex-shaped centrepiece representing a coffee dripper. Exclusive menu items at The Wai shop are iced pandan coffee and homemade pastry sets. (Shop 430, 4/F, 2686 1380, open daily, 9am–9pm)
Where: 18 Che Kung Miu Road, Tai Wai (exit B, Tai Wai MTR)
WHISK x Vivant – pop-up brunches
Two young, talented chefs – William Lau of Foodie fave French-Japanese restaurant WHISK and Jeston Chua of modern European bistro Vivant – team up for four extraordinary seven-course brunch editions this summer at WHISK that are sure to wow the senses. From Chef Lau, highlights include dishes like Japanese sweetcorn with smoked pike roe, foie gras with quail egg and dried caviar on garlic bread and Japanese Muscat grape sherbet with sake gel, while Chef Chua brings signatures including millefeuille potato, short rib with pepper sauce and cornbread with butter cream to the table. Bottomless oysters, vino and bubbly can be added on to really gild the lily.
Where: 5/F, The Mira Hong Kong, Mira Place, 118–130 Nathan Road, TST
When: 23 & 30 July, 20 & 27 August 2023, 12–3pm
How much: HK$568/person; +HK$168 for all-you-can-eat freshly shucked oysters; +HK$218 for all-you-can-eat freshly shucked oysters + free-flow soft drinks and wine; +HK$288 for free-flow soft drinks, wine and G.H. Mumm champagne
For reservations: phone 2315 5999 or book online
Zuma – immersive catamaran dining experience
If you (literally) want to push the boat out this summer, it doesn’t get much better than this one-off luxe experience aboard Zuma’s catamaran Vibe. While sailing from Central to Clear Water Bay, you’ll be lavishly fed and watered with the Japanese restaurant’s deluxe tasting menu (think Gillardeau oyster with yuzu ponzu, Wagyu tataki with truffle ponzu, California temaki with premium crab, Chilean sea bass with green-chilli-ginger dressing and more), along with free-flow signature cocktails, Veuve Clicquot champagne, beer and soft drinks. Entertainment comes in the form of a live set by Zuma’s music director, DJ Hallex M.
Where: Central to Clear Water Bay
When: 2 July 2023, 11am–5pm
How much: HK$10,000/table, with a max capacity of 5 guests
For reservations: phone 3657 6388, WhatsApp 6757 8188 or email info@zumarestaurant.com.hk
RELATED: New Restaurants, Pop-Ups, Menus & More: June 2023
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