We’ve already mentioned Clarence’s accessibility in our guide to the top affordable tasting menus in town, but now we’re turning our attention to the smart French restaurant’s lunchtime offerings.

Chef Olivier Elzer – who boasts 27 Michelin stars to his name – gives diners several options with Clarence’s new set lunch menu, which is priced at just HKD288 for two courses, HKD388 for three courses, and HKD488 for four courses. As always, the emphasis is on seasonality and the use of light, fresh produce, steering clear of the rich sauces that are often associated with French cuisine.

The tuna with two spices, avocado purée, and shallot dressing is a starter signature inspired by chef Olivier’s penchant for Asian ingredients, whilst the melon with Parma ham, burrata, and arugula is a seasonal starter starring luscious French honeydew melon.

Main course set lunch options range from the classic skate wing cooked on the bone with spiced brown butter to the more innovative roasted pigeon breast and leg with kale compote and blackcurrant juice.

The chef’s lightness of touch culminates with Clarence’s desserts, particularly the pistachio cream, which offers a hint of sweetness balanced by tart raspberry coulis. However, if a French meal for you equals pure indulgence, you can instead opt for the croffle with salted caramel and Normandy milk ice cream, a sublime contrast of crisp, buttery croffle with cold, velvety ice cream.

Clarence, 25/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central, 3568 1397, book here

Stephanie Pliakas is the Digital Editor of Foodie. From Michelin-starred fine-dining to the local comfort-food eats dished out at cha chaan tengs, she has immersed herself in the city’s ever-changing food scene since making Hong Kong her home more than a decade ago. When Stephanie is not devouring something delicious, she’s cooking and baking up a storm at home (whilst listening to true crime podcasts).

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