Not everyone goes a bundle on the butch, somewhat masculine decor or this smart spot bang in the centre of Hong Kong’s business district. But it hits all the right notes for private lunches and dinners away from the bustle of the city on account of owner chef Shane Osborn's food. Aussie-born Osborn originally made his mark at two-Michelin-starred Pied à Terre in London and his seasonal menu at Arcane is full of classic Modern European dishes beautifully executed.
Start with veal carpaccio with smoked sardine mayonnaise, rocket, parmesan and black truffle or thinly sliced kampachi with soy and ginger dressing, fennel, jicama and toasted sesame. For mains there's pan-fried sea bass with green asparagus, broad beans, girolles and a soft herb dressing or roasted loin of lamb with polenta, savoy cabbage and morteau sausage. Well-selected wines deliver the final touch, while a noteworthy BYOB policy (with corkage fee) is a further plus.
Artworks by Flowers Gallery, a London and New York based contemporary art gallery soften the setting's harsher elements, while tabletops are covered with crisp linen, silverware and stemware supplied by Bernadaud, Zalto and David Mellor. The terrace is designed as an English tropical garden; lush greenery acts as hedges surrounding the dining area and there's a kitchen garden growing a selection of 30 different varieties of herbs, fruits and vegetables.