Last Updated: 2 January, 2017
January 2017
Dodam Chicken
The Korean fried chicken craze shows no signs of abating anytime soon. The latest addition to the KFC scene is premium Korean brand Dodam Chicken in Causeway Bay’s Lee Theatre. Dodam stands apart from its bird brethren because it bills itself as serving up ‘healthy’ fried chicken. Flavoured with 27 secret herbs, the chicken is first baked in a pizza oven, then roasted in a standard oven and finally fried for the ultimate triple-cooked crunchy exterior. When the chook is baked in the pizza oven, the heat gets up to more than 400°C, removing any extraneous fat. Take your pick from the likes of the Hwaduck original fried chicken (HK$178) and sweet and spicy chicken (HK$185), plus many more KFC options. Other creative Korean fusion dishes are also on the menu, including Gorgonzola pizza (HK$128), spicy seafood udon tang (HK$175) and tteokbokki carbonara (HK$148).
Dodam Chicken
Facebook Page or Tel: 2333 8365/8375
18/F, Lee Theatre Plaza, 99 Percival Street, Causeway Bay
Tokyolima
From the team behind Pirata and The Optimist comes a third restaurant focusing on Nikkei cuisine - a fusion concept combining elements of Japan and Peru. Tokyolima presents itself as a casual izakaya that boasts an inviting environment utilising eclectic vintage furniture. Headed by Peruvian Chef Arturo Melendez, the menu features seafood as well as exotic Peruvian ingredients extensively, such as Peruvian aji amarillo chili, passion fruit Tiger’s Milk, pickled kiuri and citrus shoyu. The restaurant also houses a notable sake menu crafted by Mixologist Isabella Vannoni that aims to show that the Japanese national spirit can be fun and daring too. The restaurant will open on 17th January and reservations begin from the 10th.
Tokyolima
Web or Tel: 2811 1152
18 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central
December 2016
Joō de Rolls
Having launched at TST’s The ONE, Joō de Rolls specialises in an array of sweet and savoury churros prepared in the creative Japanese-dessert style that Hong Kongers obsess over. Signatures include strawberry churros (HK$88), lemon curd churros (HK$78) and – yep, you guessed it – matcha churros (HK$98).Looking for something savoury? Joō de Rolls has you got covered with an all-day breakfast (HK$98) that includes everything you know and love in the brekkie favourite ... except that the bread and potatoes have been substituted with churros. The churros dog (HK$78) is a hot dog that has churros in place of the bun.
Joō de Rolls
Facebook Page or Tel: 3755 4848
Shop L408, 4/F, The ONE, 100 Nathan Road, TST
J.Co Donuts & Coffee
Having already made a name for itself in Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore, J.CO Donuts & Coffee's recipe for success lies in its fluffy doughnuts made using high-quality ingredients, paired with quality-brewed Italian coffee. On top of their most popular offering – the Al Capone, a white chocolate ring doughnut encrusted with toasted almonds – they also serve an array of inventive options including the White Desert with a sweet and creamy kaya filling topped with coconut flakes and the Avocado DiCaprio, an intriguing combination of avocado and chocolate crunch. As the name suggests, J.CO is as serious about coffee as it is about doughnuts. They utilise only the finest 100% Arabica coffee beans, medium-roasted to create a unique blend that is full bodied with low acidity.
J.Co Donuts & Coffee
Web or Tel: 6982 8282
Shops 1 and 2, G/F, 55 Hennessy Road, Wanchai
Alzina Spanish Asador
Yes, it’s true – Hong Kong has been inundated with Spanish restaurants of late, but Alzina stands out from the tapas pack. It’s headed by Spanish chef Juanjo Carrillo, who worked alongside Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz at two-Michelin-starred Mugaritz in northern Spain and ran two acclaimed restaurants in Barcelona. At Alzina, it’s the grilled dishes that take centre stage, especially Iberian pork in the form of ribs, cheeks and other traditional Spanish cuts. The Suckling Pig Our Way (HK$298) and the charcoal-grilled octopus with chimichurri sauce (HK$238) stands out too. They also house impressive tapas and paella collections, with the latter featuring green (green peppers and mixed herbs with cod and clams), red (Mediterranean red prawns and their juice), black (baby cuttlefish with Ibérico pork and artichoke) and even a vegan version paella that starts at HK$128.
Alzina Spanish Asador
Facebook Page or Tel: 2723 9833
29–31 Chatham Road South (or Hart Avenue), TST East
THE CHIN’S
Wok-fried Crystal Prawn with Hairy Crab Coral
A new fine dining Chinese restaurant will be landing in Central in mid-December. At the helm is Executive Chef Ringo Chow, who has over 30 years of experience in the kitchen and specializes in Cantonese cooking and preparing valuable seafood, showcased in signature dishes such as the Four Treasures (Abalone, Sea Cucumber, Shark’s Fin, Fish Maw) and the Wok-fried Crystal Prawn with Hairy Crab Coral. The design of the restaurant will be opulent, with brass and marble detailing and high-backed chairs.
THE CHIN’S
Web or Tel: 2595 0808
G/F, 13 Stanley Street, Central
November 2016
12,000 Francs
Beetroot salad with smoked eel
The owners behind Madam Sixty Ate and Madam S’ate has embarked on another culinary venture with the opening of their third restaurant. Named 12,000 Francs, the restaurant serving European contemporary cuisine boasts a creative menu crafted by former Bibo and TRi chef Conor Beach. Examples from the initial menu, which is set to change with the seasons, include smoked coral trout and tiger prawn rillettes; gai lan with smoked almonds and anchovies and, the signature dish, suckling pig shoulder served in the pan. The restaurant also features an extensive wine list offered at reasonable prices. Their collection houses many boutique wines that are sourced by working directly with producers and boutique importers.
12,000 Francs
Facebook Page or Tel: 2529 3100
G/F, Elgin Building, 43A Elgin Street, SoHo, Central
The Drunken Pot (Causeway Bay branch)
The Drunken Pot has been a favourite among diners for hotpot since its opening in TST early last year, known for their buzzy atmosphere, dark, exotic decor and inventive hotpot ingredients. The restaurant has kicked it up a notch with their new location by introducing the five-in-one broth called The Ultimate Drunken Pot; featuring flaming drunken prawn broth, further enhanced by new hotpot dippers including squid balls made with pumpkin purée, strawberry and foie gras balls and black truffle, beef and cheese dumplings. The new outlet also serves dim sum at lunch time with cutesy creations such as The Drunken Penguin (steamed penguin-shaped buns filled with lotus-seed paste), The Drunken Mon (pink steamed dumplings shaped like butterflies with a cheese, kimchi, shrimp and pork filling), The Drunken Squid (squid dumplings in supreme soup).
The Drunken Pot (Causeway Bay branch)
Facebook Page or Tel: 2323 7098
27/F, V Point, 18 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay
A.O.C
Grilled lemon sole
From the makers of Winebeast and Le Bistro Winebeast comes A.O.C. The casual and cosy French Bistro is the relaunched version of the former Le Café Winebeast, and is helmed by the same chef Stéphane Guillas. Focus of the menu is placed on food that pairs well with their extensive wine list, like the Farmhouse Pork Tenderloin (HK$198, for two people) or the Cheese Platter (HK$88). Every item in the menu is listed with suggested wine pairings and the wines are offered at very reasonable prices too; with bottles sold at Winebeast retail store prices and a ‘by the glass’ menu that starts at HK$38.
A.O.C
Web or Tel: 2479 6833
15 McGregor Street, Wan Chai
Dining at Murasaki
Matsutake murshrrom drops
New to Causeway Bay is a high-end omakaze restaurant that boasts both superior food and interior design. Dining at Murasaki houses a sushi bar, a dessert lounge, and a teppanyaki bar against the backdrop of the Victoria Harbour, collectively accommodating up to 110 guests. The menu is a fusion of traditional omakase with French elements. Standouts items include the French Blue Lobster with Hokkaido sweet corn cream soup, Pan-fried Foie Gras with raspberry and 75 degrees’ chocolate sauce, and the Spanish Langoustine with bonito jelly and honey citrus sauce. Not to leave out those on a meat-free diet, the restaurant also has a delightful vegetarian menu with items such as Hokkaido sweet corn soup with eggplant puree and Matsutake murshrrom drops.
Dining at Murasaki
Web or Tel: 2817 8383
UG/F 08, Sino Plaza, 255 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay
Cassio
Iberico Pork Ribs
The public of Hong Kong largely knows Dragon-i only as one of the hottest clubs in town, with little knowledge that it also doubles as a modern restaurant during day time. With the opening of Cassio, they’re making themselves heard loud and clear in the dining scene. The restaurant offers food by London based restaurant Barrafina with a focus on Spanish cuisine. Signature items include a variety of traditional and contemporary tapas dishes, including some of Barrafina’s classics like the Iberico Sobrassada which consists of spiced and cured sausage served in a warm tortilla. Other highlights include the Gambas al Ajillo; Tasmanian prawns served buttery sauce and the Iberico Pork Ribs.
Cassio
Facebook Page or Tel: 3792 0129
2/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central
The Coffee Academics (LKF branch)
The Coffee Academics, the beloved coffee specialty brand from Hong Kong, has opened its 8th outlet in the city. The LKF location centers around an open coffee bar and kitchen concept, where customers are encouraged to interact with Master Roasters, Baristas and cooks about their special offerings. The new outlet is home to an array of brand new coffee brews like single origin features, cold crews, nitro coffee and more.
The Coffee Academics (LKF branch)
Web
G/F, 24 D’Aguilar Street, LKF
Dragon Noodle Academy
As the third project by Singaporean investor Dining Workshop, after the successful establishments of Urban Park and Yum Cha, Dragon Noodle Academy looks bound to make some noise. The restaurant aims to give a modern makeover to dim sum, noodles and classic dishes, served in a setting reminiscent of a 1970s Kung Fu academy with elements of lion dances, traditional Chinese herbal medicine shops and hand-carved dragons adorning different parts of the restaurant. Centre to DNA’s menu are dishes prepared at their dedicated Lobster Noodle Station, where they offer four different kinds of noodles along with lobster offered three ways: lobster claw; lobster tail meat wontons; or grilled lobster tail, submerged in a slow-cooked broth that takes five hours to prepare daily.
Dragon Noodle Academy
Web or Tel: 2561 6688
Shop no. G04, G/F, Man Yee Arcade, Man Yee Building, No. 68 Des Voeux Road Central, Central
Hungry Lobster
Hungry Lobster is a new fast food restaurant serving fresh lobster and prime beef. The seafood is sourced straight from fishermen and delivered to the restaurant while still alive. The star of the menu is the Lobster Roll (HK$138) made with a half lobster, lemon butter sauce and brioche bun and the Diced Steak (HK$178 for 8oz) made with US Whole Black Angus Rib Eye Steak. Those looking for a surf and turf experience can opt for the Grilled Live Lobster & Steak Combo for two people which include Half Lobster, 8oz Rib Eye / Sirloin / Short Ribs, and fries and salad (HK$338). Other options include Lobster Tagliatelle, Lobster Bisque, and Lobster Salad.
Hungry Lobster
Facebook Page or Tel: 9330 5378
V Point Shop 3, 2 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay
Feather & Bones
Building on the success of its first store on Gage Street, Feather & Bone has expanded into Happy Valley. The new location is a cosy 26-seat eatery complemented by a smaller al-fresco seating area that accommodates up to 12 guests, serving an all-day menu of continental cuisine emphasizing on simple recipes made with fresh ingredients. Highlights include the Sourdough Tartine (HK$128), made with freshly baked homemade bread, roasted vegetables and choice of artisanal cheese, and the Martina Omlette (HK$88) with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions and minute steamed kale, as well as a deli-style salad bar for diners hoping to be creative. The venue also includes a grocer selling a range of fine curds, meats, wines and spirits. A particularly cool aspect is that guests can also opt to have meat bought at the butcher’s counter cooked to their liking or packed with recipe suggestions from their expert butchers.
Feather & Bones
Web or Tel: 2836 3770
Shop A & C, G/F Winner Building No.11 Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley
Bib n Hops
Taking over the premise that previously housed Bo Innovation, Bib n Hops aims to showcase Korean cuisine in a new light. The restaurant has an inventive menu crafted by 3 Michelin Star chef Alvin Leung along with head chef Yong-Soo Do hailing from Busan. Signature dishes include the Mung Bean Pancake with seafood (HK$108), Yukhoe - Korean steak tartare (HK$158), Cheese Nakji - stir-fried spicy octopus with mozzarella fondue (HK$258), and the curry-enhanced house version of Korean Fried Chicken (HK$198). The 1500 sq ft venue is cool with urban graffiti, exposed brick and suspended Edison lighting. It is even home to a chic patio!
Bib n Hops
Web or Tel: 2882 9128
Shop 13, 2/F, J Residence, Ship Street, Wanchai
Spiga
Famous for cooking up Italian fare that is authentic through and through, two Michelin star Chef Enrico Bartolini is set to open his first restaurant outside of Italy in Hong Kong in late November. The restaurant, named Spiga, will offer the same signature tasting menu that earned the chef his two stars at Devero Restaurant. The interior of the 132 seater will be something to look out for too, as it is designed by award winning designer Joyce Wang behind the beautiful Mott 32 and Rhoda. The restaurant will be divided into thematic areas showcasing Italy’s aesthetics in all its glory, including landscape of piazzas, olive gardens and urban train stations.
Spiga
Facebook Page
3/F, 31 Queen’s Road Central, Central
October 2016
The Poké Co.
For a long time, the Poké scene in Hong Kong had been more or less dominated by a single player, Pololi. But not anymore, as The Poké Co. enters the scene with a bang, boasting an extensive menu that houses anything from vegan, gluten-free and carb-free to no added sugar options. Their specially designed combinations include the Classic Tuna, showcasing leafy greens, kale, tuna sashimi and cucumber tossed in Island Sauce and served on seaweed salad and the Tofu and Zoodles, a vegan and gluten-free delight of hand-cut zucchini noodles, tofu, shredded cabbage, grated carrots and cherry tomatoes tossed in Citrus Miso and Korean Fire Sauce, topped by taro chips and sesame seeds. For those who prefer to get creative, they also offer the option of designing your own bowls which allow you to choose your carb or veggie bases, your choice of protein, sides and also sauce.
The Poké Co.
Facebook Page or Tel: 3705 1782
Shop 2, G/F, Rialto Building, 2 Landale Street, Wanchai
Big Fernand - Causeway Bay
Time and time again, we hear about how great Big Fernand’s burgers are, with some going so far as to saying they serve the best burgers in Hong Kong. A testament to their success, the burger joint renowned for giving traditional American burger a French makeover have extended their territory to Causeway Bay. The menu in the new location is the same as that of their IFC flagship store featuring six signature French burgers from new North Atlantic salmon burger “Le Salomon” to the original beef burger “Le Bartholomé” made from premium cuts of Grade A Australian Angus beef reared without hormones or antibiotics.
Big Fernand - Causeway Bay
Facebook Page or Tel: 6650 0652
G/F, 11 Pak Sha Road, Causeway Bay
Apinara Hong Kong
Any frequent visitor of Bangkok won’t be new to the name Nara Thai Cuisine. This numerous award-winning restaurant has long been a favourite of Hong Kongers and lucky for us, we no longer have to hop on a plane for the taste of these authentic Thai flavours. A joint project between co-founder of Nara Thai Cuisine Narawadee (Yuki) Srikarnchana and Pearl Shek – co-founder of Isono in PMQ, Apinara Hong Kong offers many of the favourites of Nara, like the Yellow Curry Soft Shell Crab, along with creations unique to this location, including the Phad Thai Diet which has shredded papaya noodles with prawns in phad thai sauce.
Apinara Hong Kong
Facebook Page or Tel: 3107 1888 / 3107 0688
Shop no. 205, Level 2, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway
Soul Food Hong Kong
There seems to be no end to Black Sheep Restaurant’s rapid expansion, with their latest venture being a collaboration with a celebrated Thai restaurant in Bangkok. Soul Food was started by Jarrett Wrisley, a seasoned American food writer who spent 8 years traveling around Thailand and collecting recipes from every nook and cranny of the country. The restaurant thus serves regional dishes that are rare to find elsewhere in Hong Kong, including items like Smoked duck and shiitake mushroom larb, a traditional Isaan salad, and Kanom Jeen, a fresh noodle dish served with curry from Central Thailand.
Soul Food Hong Kong
Web or Tel: 2177 3544
26-30 Elgin Street, SoHo
September 2016
Bistro Seoul
New to the Korean food scene in Hong Kong is Bistro Seoul, spanning over two floors in Wan Chai’s Lee Tung Avenue. Bistro Seoul’s ethos centre the concept of delivering true Korean flavours, from hiring Korean chefs to air flying fresh ingredients from Korea. Signature dishes include Pan-fried homemade Korean veggie dumplings served with Gochujang vinaigrette salad, Pork Rib Stew with Long Cabbage Kimchi and Eonyang-style Bulgogi featuring sliced beef marinated in sweet soy sauce with assorted mushrooms. The restaurant also stocks over 20 selections of Korean wine ranging from Makgeolli, Takju, Yakju to Soju. Greedy drinkies like us will probably opt for their sampler platter of 3 varieties at $90.
Bistro Seoul
Facebook Page or Tel: 3752 2882
Shop G22-23, Avenue Walk, Lee Tung Avenue, 200 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai
Beef & Liberty - California Tower
Riding on the back of the popularity of its first two branches, Beef & Liberty has introduced its third and biggest store in the heart of the city, California Tower in LKF. Saying the burger joint has stepped up its game would be an understatement, as not only has it moved into a massive 4,700 sq. ft.high-ceilinged space housing a cocktail bar and live DJs, it is also now home to a star-studded team comprising of Bar Manager Pawel Mikusek previously from Lily & Bloom and Duck & Waffle in London, and Uwe Opocensky taking the group executive chef role, previously helming the kitchens at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong.
Beef & Liberty - California Tower
Web or Tel: 2450 5778
No. 30-32 D’Aguilar Street, 3/F, California Tower, Lan Kwai Fong
Praya Waterside Eatery
Newcomer to the forefront of the culinary battleground that is Kennedy Town is Praya Waterside Eatery, taking over the former space of Kinsale. The new restaurant is led by Chef Mike fron Melbourne, who has worked with numerous outstanding chefs including Dietmar Sawyere and Greg Malouf. The menu isn’t cuisine-specific, but central to all dishes is a fixation to use rustic family-recipes without any pretentiousness. Signature dishes include Slow-Roasted Lamb Rump, Whole Roasted Red Snapper and Fishghetti, a convergence of fresh crab meat, scallops, shrimp and seared sea bass with roasted tomato, fennel, chilli, lemon olive oil and garden-fresh herbs.
Praya Waterside Eatery
Facebook Page or Tel: 2796 6004
Address: Shop 3, G/F, New Fortune House, 3-5 New Praya Kennedy Town
1563 at the East
A much-welcomed introduction, 1563 at The East has opened as a live music venue and restaurant that aims to nurture the local music industry. The vast 6000 sq ft space can accommodate 200 to 300 people and is equipped with an actual stage and a private room for musicians to rest and change. Music is the primary focus here, but foodies are not disparaged too as the venue is also a restaurant offering food from lunch till late, with unique items designed to pair with music themes on special nights, like Western classics for “Wild Wild West” on Wednesdays, and reinvented local delicacies such as 1563 Skewer Kobe Beef with Fried Hor Fun for Cantopop nights.
1563 at the East
Web or Tel: 2323 2538
6/F, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai
Pacific Place Openings
Pacific Place has gone through a total revamp in its dining sector which includes four new eateries that has now opened. Operetta offers classic Italian such as pizza, pasta and grilled meats with a Japanese touch. Two Michelin-starred Chef Mitsuru Konishi is at the helm of Operetta as the restaurant’s Culinary Director. Those looking for healthy and wholesome foods can look towards the new branch of Le Pain Quotidien for their sustainable range of soups, salads and sandwiches. L’Éclair de Genie is finally getting their well-deserved permanent store, and continues to serve their extremely photogenic éclairs. To balance out the sweetness, Nakamura Tokichi next door is bringing back their premium quality Japanese green tea after a successful pop-up.
Pacfic Place
Pacific Place, Admiralty
Deng G Bistro and Baijiu Bar
Elite Concept’s latest venture has opened in collaboration with one of the most talented Sichuan chefs in China, Deng Huadong. Deng G will serve up some of the most authentic and popular Sichuan dishes that spice lovers know and love including signatures of sliced pork with garlic and chilli, braised crab with preserved vegetables, crispy fish in spicy sauce and diced chicken with chilli and cashews. Chef Deng is known for using less oil than traditional Chinese chefs, so expect cleaner, more intense flavours. Interestingly, the menu is divided not by dish type or ingredients but by flavour profile, from mala (numbing and spicy) to sweet and sour – for the lightweights out there.
Deng G Bistro and Baijiu Bar
Web or Tel: 2609 2328
2/F, 147 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai
Seoul Bros - Wan Chai
We fall absolutely in love with Seoul Bros when they opened their first branch in Central last year. They presented themselves as one of the few solid options around the area when things are a little tight in the wallet. We were ecstatic when we heard the news of their new outlet in Wan Chai, where we now stroll over from our office practically every week to get a taste of their amazing fried chicken, bahn mi and bibimbap.
Seoul Bros - Wan Chai
Facebook Page or Tel: 2591 9978
Shop A, LG/F, 218 Wan Chai Road, Wan Chai
August 2016
Samsen
Located a stone's throw away from Hong Kong’s iconic Blue House, Samsen is the city’s first Thai restaurant dedicated to authentic Thai street food, in particular, traditional Thai noodle dishes. Chef and owner Adam Cliff opened this modest 35 seater as an ode to the simple and robust flavours of Thai soup noodles that he finds very representative of the signature flavours that earned Thai food its reputation. Signature dishes in the simple menu include the Wagyu Beef Boat Noodle in a dark rich broth simmered for hours served with fresh rice noodles, pork rinds and Thai watercress and the Chiang Mai Curried Chicken noodle soup made with fresh egg noodles, pickled mustard greens, lime and fried chili.
Samsen
Facebook Page or Tel: 2234 0001
Address: 68 Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai
ROJO Tapas Bar & Restaurant
Invigorating the Tin Hau/Fortress Hill neighbourhood, Jupiter Street has welcomed a new Spanish restaurant specializing in classics such as Octopus Tartare and Lobster Paella. The owner of the restaurant co-owns the fusion tapas restaurant Chico Chica in Sai Ying Pun.
ROJO Tapas Bar & Restaurant
Facebook Page or Tel: 2715 7777
Shop B, G/F, No.3, Jupiter Street, Tin Hau
Shanghai Min 1987
In celebration of the parent company’s thirtieth anniversary, Shanghai Min has introduced a brand new concept named Shanghai Min 1987 in Central and Tsim Sha Tsui. The new venues continue to uphold the restaurant chain’s ethos of serving authentic Shanghainese flavours, with items in the menu exclusive to these locations that utilize ingredients sent directly from Shanghai. Amongst these are the Signature Steamed Original Recipe Chicken Sprinkled with Minced Ginger Fries & Garlic and the Braised Pork Belly with Preserved Vegetable with Chinese Steamed Bun, with the former prepared using a three-generation recipe that was acquired by the chain at a staggering price of RMB1.8 million (yes - insane), and the latter an extremely technical dish that involves the chef crafting the intact pork belly into the shape of a pagoda.
Shanghai Min 1987
Tel: 2259 9393 (Central), 2369 8899 (TST)
3/F, Man Yee Arcade, 68 Des Voeux Road, Central
UG 2-13 & 45-51, Tsim Sha Tsui Centre, 66 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
The Elephas
Located within fitness facility The Warrior Academy, this new health-food eatery and coffee bar is all about using wholesome and high-end ingredients that don’t compromise on taste. The menu is Thai inspired, with signature dishes including crispy vermicelli with chicken and omelette in sweet chilli sauce, slow-cooked pork cheek with radish, bean sprouts, onion and black sesame dressing and grain-fed beef with roasted beetroot, baby spinach and honey lime dressing, on top of a sizeable selection of salads and smoothies designed to complement any workout. Their offerings range from fully raw to gluten free, so there's something for everyone. They’re also very particular about their coffees and teas and collaborates with Blooms Roastery & Craft Tea by Hong Kong celebrity Moses Chan to design a beverage menu filled with special blends of coffee and teas sourced from everywhere around the world.
The Elephas
Web or Tel: 2838 3979
Shop 118, 1/F, Hong Kong Plaza, 188 Connaught Road West, Sai Ying Pun
July 2016
Second Draft
Following the success of TAP - The Ale Project in Mongkok, the same team behind the project has launched a second bar and restaurant, this time in the quiet neighborhood of Tai Hang. The new venture is home to locally-brewed beers and rare imports, complemented by creative dishes crafted by chef May Chow behind Little Bao. The menu houses a range of Hong Kong and regional-Chinese dishes with a twist, with signature items including Edamole (Edamame dip, wonton skin chips, furikake), Flower Crab Pasta (house dressed flower crab with a rich butter sauce on thick Shanghainese noodles) and Lamb Shoulder Chiella (a portmanteau of “Chinese” and “Paella”; featuring a lamb shoulder, slow-braised Adobo style, on a bed of rice & Shanghai bakchoi).
Second Draft
Facebook Page or Tel: 2656 0232
Address: G/F, 98 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tai Hang
Little Creatures
Craft beer is a seemingly never-dying trend in Hong Kong, as evidenced by the opening of Little Creature’s micro-brewery and restaurant in Kennedy Town. The brewery was founded in Western Australia and currently runs six outlets throughout Australia, with Hong Kong as its first international outpost. The massive space they own is home to dinner-style booths on the front half and brewing vats behind a bar on the other, serving modern fusion cuisine ranging from smash avocado bowl and crispy chicken to pork belly sandwich to mushroom risotto, and of course fresh beers ordered separately or in a platter that comes with a generous pour of six of their beers.
Little Creatures
Web or Tel: 2833 5611
Shop 1, G/F New Fortune House, 5A New Praya, Kennedy Town
Okra Bar
Okra Kitchen opened in February this year and has gained massive popularity in the short few months of its existence. Keeping its momentum high, Okra Bar is opening as a more intimate sushi bar offering only tasting menus, one floor above Okra Kitchen. The six-seater bar offers premium sushi focusing on aged and obscure fish with a thoughtful beverage pairing program.
Okra Bar
Web or Tel: 2806 1038
110 Queen’s Road West 1/F (MTR : Sai Ying Pun)
Kasa Central
We loved the inventive and flavourful Cantonese dishes when Kasa opened its doors in August last year. Following the success of its first establishment, Kasa has opened a second branch in Central, this time focusing on delivering a plant-based, MSG-free menu in light of the new health trend in Hong Kong. The new venue is also perfect for office-dwellers looking for healthy take-away meals, allowing customers to pick three dishes of their choice from the different categories: fibres, carbs and protein. A total of 12 options are available across the three categories and include quinoa with minced chicken, dried cranberries and anchovy purée, cold tofu with homemade celery chili sauce and chili oil and homemade beetroot noodles with sour spicy sauce and homemade sesame oil.
Kasa Central
Tel: 2868 6864
G/F, 61 Wellington Street, Central
June 2016
Eiffel Bistro
Located a stone’s throw away from Taikoo Shing Citiplaza, Eiffel Bistro is all about delivering an authentic Parisian-style bistro experience. The new restaurant serves authentic French cuisine featuring French staples like onion soup, beef tartare and homemade duck foie gras, and is meticulous about creating a Parisian vibe too with an open kitchen,floor-to-ceiling windows and artworks inspired by the iconic Eiffel tower.
Eiffel Bistro
Web or Tel: 2446 1598
Hing On Mansion, 5 Tai Yue Ave, Tai Koo
Amalfitana
Finally fulfilling our wishes of having pizza by the ocean, Amalfitana is a new Italian haven from the boys behind Central hotspot Rummin' Tings, the Roopchand and Chellaram brothers. Using a 36 hour slow-rise dough that is reputedly easier to digest, the pizza there also has the benefit of being lighter and crunchier than what's on offer from the usual pizza places in the 852.
Amalfitana
Web or Tel: 2388 7787
The Pulse, G/F, Shop 105, 28 Beach Road
UFUFU Cafe
Hailing from Kyushu, UFUFU Cafe boasts a staggering 115 different flavours of parfait prepared with homemade ice-cream and seasonal fruits from Japan. They've also specially designed four different concoctions catered to the taste buds of Hong Kongers that are limited to only 20 servings a day, including the Japanese white peach parfait which makes use of an entire Japanese peach, as well as the mango pomelo parfait which consists of coconut milk sago, mango pieces, a scoop of mango sorbet and a generous swirl of whipped cream. Apart from their impressive list of desserts they also offer a range of savoury Japanese dishes.
UFUFU Cafe
Facebook Page or Tel: 2711 6117
5/F, Tern Plaza, 5 Cameron Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
The Drawing Room
The Drawing Room has made a return to the space previously occupied by Vasco in PMQ. Originally a Michelin-starred restaurant located in Causeway Bay until it closed in 2014, Chef Gabriele Milani has brought back classic favourites such as Italian red prawn linguine, and grilled quail with foie gras as well as new innovations ranging from burrata with marinated red prawns, to spaghetti with sea urchin and bottarga.
The Drawing Room
Web or Tel: 2156 0888
7/F, Block B of PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central
Potato Head Hong Kong
Originating from Bali as a beach club, Potato Head has expanded to Hong Kong as it's second international outpost based on its forte of creating unique concepts that meld upscale lifestyle with sophisticated dining. The 8,000-square-foot multi-purpose space sitting in Sai Ying Pun is home to an Indonesian Restaurant, a music venue, an all-day cafe and bar, a coffee shop as well as a retail section.
Potato Head Hong Kong
Web or Tel: 2858 3036
100 Third Street, Sai Ying Pun
BOND Restaurant & Bar
Opened by Hong Kong restaurateur John Liang who also brought us Three Monkeys, Momotaro, Sushi Gin and Chibee Chicken and Beer, BOND is an upper scale eatery that has been introduced to the otherwise slower-moving neighbourhood in the Hong Kong food scene, Tai Hang. The restaurant offers a diverse range of cuisine where you'll find anything from Classic French Onion Soup to slow-cooked USDA Baby Back Ribs to Burrata Ravioli. The premise is designed with the concept "luxury meets industrial" in mind and is evident both in its interior and in its spacious terrace overlooking the neighbourhood.
BOND Restaurant & Bar
Facebook Page or Tel: 2151 1777
2/F, 98 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tai Hang, Causeway Bay
Buenos Aires Polo Club
The newcomer in Black Sheep Restaurant's ever expanding portfolio is an Argentinian Steakhouse that aims to mimic an exclusive gentlemen's polo club back in the 1900s. The interior is everything you would imagine in a posh gentlemen club that breathes history and elegance: rich wooden decors, plush banquettes and walls adorned with oil paintings and antiques. They specialise in free-roam Argentinian beef and also houses an impressive list of Argentinian wines.
Buenos Aires Polo Club
Web or Tel: 2321 8681
7/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central
AnOther Sweet Place
Hong Kong welcomes another sweet place, AnOther Sweet Place. Yes you read that right and we wrote that right. AnOther Sweet Place serves a range of handmade, inventive confectionaries accompanied by freshly baked bread, specialty soft serves, cold-pressed juices by Water Juicery and more.
AnOther Sweet Place
Web or Tel: 2523 4388
Shop G, G/F, Lyndhurst Building, 23 - 29 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central
Qi-Nine Dragons
Ready your jugs of water because Michelin-starred Sichuan restaurant Qi-House has opened a sister restaurant on the Kowloon side. The new venue, named Qi-Nine Dragons, boasts a 2,000 sq. ft. dining room capturing the old charm of Sichuan and complete with a spacious terrace atop Prince Tower for alfresco dining with breathtaking harbour views.
Qi-Nine Dragons
Web or Tel: 2799 8899
20/F, Prince Tower, 12A Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Cochin
Recently opened on Peel Street, Cochin is a French Restaurant and Bar that has a knack for incredible cheeses and other top-quality produce ranging from wines, charcuterie, caviars and more from every corner of the world at deli-friendly prices..
Cochin
Web or Tel: 2561 3336
26 Peel Street, Central
Passion
The French-style patisserie by swiss-born baker Gerard Dubois seems to be on fire, and has opened his sixth branch in Hong Kong and Macau over the past six months. The latest venue is its flagship store and is a two-story full-blown restaurant with food offerings expanded to include freshly made gelato, casseroles, pizzas and much more.
Passion
Web or Tel: 2833 6778
G11, G12 and F12A, Lee Tung Avenue, No. 200, Queen’s Road East, Wanchai
The Parish
Getting ever more diverse, the Hong Kong F&B scene is about to welcome The Parish, which specialises in old school Cajun and Creole cooking. The restaurant's menu, in line with its interior, is simple and unpretentious, packed with New Orleans-style classics that aims to conjure up a feeling of family and comfort food like Homemade Corn Bread, Crawfish Pie, Southern Fried Chicken and the staple Jumbo Prawn and Chicken Jambalaya.
The Parish
Web or Tel: 2803 0050
44 Staunton Street, Central
Ophelia
Adding to the family of new restaurants and bars at Lee Tung Avenue is Ophelia, a bar that could easily be one of the most beautiful in town. The man behind the concept is Ashley Sutton, responsible for many of the most buzz-worthy nightlife destinations around Asia such as Iron Fairies, Maggie Choo’s and Sing Sing Theatre. The Hong Kong venue has a theme surrounding peacocks while also being reminiscent of the city’s 19th century upscale opium dens. The bar houses a unique list of cocktails like The Jade Cat (Iwai Japanese Whiskey, Baika Ranman Ume Shu and House-made Bitter Green Tea Liqueur) and Le Plumage (Sagatiba Cachaça, Blood Orange, Gold Slab Syrup, Shisandra Dram, Lime, Chilli Infused Charred Pineapple and Green Tea Chocolate Rim).
Ophelia
Facebook Page or Tel: 2520 1117
Shop 39A–41A, 1/F, The Avenue, Lee Tung Avenue, Wan Chai
HOME - Eat to Live
Great news for you central folks looking for healthy and energising meals. Healthy, organic and sustainable plant-based cooking is the core ethos of this new restaurant. Ingredients are sourced locally and the entire menu is free of meat/fish, preservatives, refined sugars, artificial sweeteners, food dyes, trans-fats, soy isolates and bleached flour. Signature dishes include the Polar Bear burger, (a beetroot, mushroom and oat patty topped with roasted bell peppers, smoked eggplant caviar and classic aioli ) the Silky Sifaka earth bowl (anise and clove broth, noodles, seasoned garden greens, lime, avocado, bean sprouts, onion, cilantro, Thai basil) and jalapeño (a fragrant alternative to Vietnamese pho).
HOME - Eat to Live
Web or Tel: 2777 4777
Shop G01 & 101, Nexxus Building 77 Des Voeux Road Central, Central
DACHA
Run by two Ukrainian sisters, DACHA is all about bringing traditional and high quality Eastern European Food to Central. All food served in the premise is made by the sisters themselves, including pelmeni, borsch and also some traditional Eastern European desserts.
DACHA
Web or Tel: 2420 3555
38-40 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
PLAYT
Café One, located at the Park Lane Hong Kong, is getting a full make-over and reopens in June as PLAYT. The new decor is more colourful and modern chic, but continues to serve a fine selection of buffet and a la carte offerings.
PLAYT
Web or Tel: 2839 3311
1/F, The Park Lane Hong Kong, 310 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay
Mad for Garlic
Sometimes it's nice to see a restaurant name that's not all fancy-schmancy isn't it? Mad for Garlic, one of the most successful restaurant chains from Korea, is finally opening a branch in Hong Kong. Truly mad for garlic, every dish on their menu showcases garlic as a central ingredient. Their food is Italian-based but comes with a Korean twist, with signature plates such as Garlic Snowing Pizza topped with buttery shrimp, pineapple and fried garlic, the Garlicpeno Pasta, and the Garlic Sirloin Steak heaped high with sautéed garlic and crispy garlic chips.
Mad for Garlic
Facebook Page or Tel: 3752 2880
Shop 1104, Times Square, Causeway Bay
May 2016
Prost by King Ludwig
Prost is a younger, hipper offshoot of the popular King Ludwig. The establishment occupies a whopping 3,000 square foot space including a rooftop beer garden equipped with a German Beer Bike serving fresh beer and a food truck offering snacks and special items. Prost offers a wider menu than King Ludwig with additions such as the German flat bread pizza Denette and Pulled Pork on Toasted Brioche, while maintaining staple dishes like Pork Knuckle and German Sausages.
Prost by King Ludwig
Web or Tel: 2473 0168
Shop 3013 A&B, 3/F., Miramar Shopping Centre, 132 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
I Know John
PRIVÉ group has yet again expanded its wide portfolio to include a new lounge. Inspired by the speakeasy tradition of using passwords to gain entry during the Prohibition Era, I Know John is a lounge serving unique cocktails and a carefully curated menu offering niche wines and whiskeys, as well as gourmet hotdogs within their selection of finger foods.
I Know John
Web or Tel: 28016555
9/F The Loop, 33 Wellington Street, Central
Opening Hours:
Mon to Thurs from 6:00pm to 12:00am; Fri to Sat from 6:00pm to 2:00am
Sweetish by Honeymoon Dessert
Sweetish is the sister restaurant of Honeymoon Dessert but focuses on portraying a younger and cooler brand image. One of the highlights of their menu is their "Angel" and "Devil series. The "Angel" is catered to the health-conscious and features a selection of low-calorie nutritional yoghurt jars utilising superfoods like Greek yoghurt and chia seeds; while the "Devil" aims to satisfy all your guilty pleasures by offering different flavours of dessert pizza including Durian & Cheese and Banana & Nutella.
Sweetish by HONEYMOON DESSERT
Tel: 2325 4049
Shop A315B, 3/F, YOHO MALL II, Yuen Long
April 2016
Seafood Room
Located on the top floor of the newly constructed Tower 535 in bustling Causeway Bay, the Seafood Room is an artistic and culinary showpiece that spans two floors with a massive 8000 square feet dining room and a 2000 square feet rooftop lounge with panoramic views overlooking iconic Victoria Harbour. The restaurant is the first Hong Kong venture by Russian hospitality group The Bulldozer Group, which already owns over 80 restaurants and bars across the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. The menu is of course a parade of seafood but the range of desserts are equally enticing too.
Seafood Room
Web or Tel: 3708 9668
26/F, 535 Jaffee Road, Causeway Bay
Erawan Thai Premium
Opened by the same guys behind the much loved Michelin-recommended Moon Thai, Erawan Thai Premium follows the same philosophy of delivering authentic and traditional Thai food using ingredients imported directly from Thailand.
Erawan Thai Premium
Web or Tel: 3708 8368
4/F., Astoria Building, 34 Ashley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
QMO
Quemo has always been a reliable favourite when it comes to good and affordable Spanish food. The restaurant that originally resided in QRE has now relocated to Ship Street and renamed themselves QMO. The new location continues to house chef Martin Carrasco and his team and delivers roughly similar food, but with a more casual ambiance.
QMO
Web or Tel: 2836 0699
Shop 4, G/F, J Senses, Ship Street, Wanchai
Omotesando Koffee
Famous for their espresso, unique cube-shaped baked custards, and Japanese tea ceremony-like experience, Omotesando Koffee was one of the most beloved coffee shops in Tokyo before the shop closed in December 2015. Hong Kong is the cafe's first international outpost and retains much of the original store's minimalist design along with its signature products.
Omotesando Koffee
Web or Tel: 260 1 3323
Shop No. 24-25, G/F., Lee Tung Avenue, No.200 Queen's Road East, Wanchai
March 2016
Cobo House by 2am:dessert Bar
Trained by world famous chefs including Thomas Kellar and Pierre Herme, Janice Wong made her name with 2am:dessertbar in Singapore. She is now at the helm of this new restaurant that similarly houses a list of creative desserts that are presented extremely artfully, and has also ventured into the realm of savoury dishes, which feature fresh-grown herbs and ingredients sourced from abroad.
COBO HOUSE by 2am: dessertbar
Website or Tel: 2656 3088
G/F-1/F, 8-12 South Ln, Sai Wan
Le Pain Quotidien
With more than 235 restaurants in over 18 countries around the world, Le Pain Quotidien, which means “the daily bread” in French, has made its mark through a simple philosophy of good food that is shared with good company around a communal table. The ethos is made reality through the dining setting which features many large tables that heave under the hearty but wholesome fare offered by Le Pain, including a range of vegan and vegetarian options. The focus though, is of course on their extensive range of traditional, homemade bread.
La Pain Quotidien
Web or Tel: 2520 1801
Shop G41, The Avenue, Lee Tung Avenue, Wan Chai
Deligator
Run by the same guys behind Ted’s Lookout and Djiboutii, Deligator is a bar and deli serving exotic cocktails and food like its predecessors, this time focusing on delivering a slice of Havana. On the food menu is a variety of Cubano sandwiches, as well as other less common nibbles like lobster rolls and cheesesteaks. The drinks stay true to Cuban roots and include classics like daiquiris, mojitos and a great selection of rum.
Deligator
Facebook Page or Tel: 3708