What: This sizzling, top-flight Italian on Star Street hits the spot for an army of fans who come for patron chef Gianni Caprioli’s take on modern Italian cooking, all in a slick, light-filled space. Favourite dishes include their top quality burrata, calamari and seared scallops with pork cheek, clams and black truffle and a Calabrian pork chop served with spiced braised cabbage. Beautiful Italian wines list include a good selection by the glass.
Where: Shop 1, G/F, Tower 1, Starcrest, 9 Star Street, Wan Chai
What: Whether you’re in the super-cool Kaum restaurant or the deliciously relaxed Eksotika Bar, Potato Head is the complete package. Food is a modern reinvention of Chinese tribal recipes: think fried prawn and mackerel dumplings with roasted cashew nut, coriander and a coconut sauce, or roasted baby pig with Balinese-style spicing, all delivered with evangelical zeal. Head for the Music Room if you’re planning a late-night party.
Where: 100 Third St, Sai Ying Pun
What: All the razzamatazz and bustle of an Indian bazaar is captured in street food flavours that will thrill and excite you here at the Rosewood’s Chaat restaurant. There’s nothing too street-y about the setting, however, which is colourful, comfortable and cossetting. Check out the beetroot kulfi kebab with beetroot, ginger and caper chilli raita and head for the terrace if craving the great outdoors.
Where: Level Five, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road
What: Lights by Michael Anastassides, carpets by Omar Khan and chairs by Jason Miller point to a more than whimsical pursuit of excellence that is embraced in every department here at Mono. Ricardo Chaneton is an acolyte of Petrus (and Mirazur in France) and it shows in a menu that is seasonal and high craft, writ large with tempered invention. The flavour palette is modern French with South American inflections. Vibrant Latin music comes as a nice surprise.
Where: 5/F, 18 On Lan Street, Central
What: Sustainable, seasonal, farm-to-table dining is, as ever, the name of the game at Simon Rogan’s relaxed but high-end diner that continually pushes the boundaries with his contemporary and clever ingredient combinations. The experience is never short of breath-taking as in New Territories pork with tapioca and shrimp or dry aged beef tartare, followed by poached grouper with cod roes, tomato and kale. Non-alcoholic drinks taken as seriously as the sublime cocktails.
Where: Sino Plaza, UG/F 08, 255 Gloucester Rd, Causeway Bay, Wan Chai
What: Not everyone goes a bundle on the butch, somewhat masculine decor of this smart spot bang in the centre of Hong Kong’s business district, but it hits all the right notes for its food, thanks to owner chef Shane Osborn's precise menu and clear understanding of great flavour combinations. What’s not to like about veal carpaccio with smoked sardine mayonnaise, rocket, parmesan and black truffle or pan-fried sea bass with green asparagus, broad beans, girolles and a soft herb dressing. The terrace, designed as an English tropical garden is a further plus.
Where: 3/F 18 On Lan Street, Central
What: Chicken and charcoal come together at this modern Japanese izakaya that hits all the right notes in its delightful selection of drinks and yakitori. All manner of wings, meatballs and thighs seasoned and sautéed in soy, yuzu, ponzu washed down with draught pilsner or a mezcal mule. Hip and happening, and recently bestowed with a Michelin star.
Where: G/F, Shops A and B, Winsome House, 154-158 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan
What: "The best pizza in Hong Kong” cry fans of this family-friendly beach-front favourite in Repulse Bay. And it’s not just the pizzas but its laid-back vibe that has fans beating their drums. Drinks hit the mark too with classic cocktails and an Italian centric beer and wine list.
Where: The Pulse, G/F, Shop 105, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay
What: Vegan quesadillas, hot and spicy chicken wings, vegetarian falafel and pan-fried salmon or black cod – it’s all there on a winsome menu that makes this newish restaurant the talk of Sai Kung and a legend for its delightful, home-cooked Western and Middle-Eastern cuisines. Best fish and chips in HK, declare the congnoscenti.
Where: H Queen's, 23-29 Stanley Street, Central
What: Victoria Harbour views, from a top floor site made famous by Café Grey Deluxe, create favourable first impressions in a space that is otherwise marked out by earthy, bold Mediterranean hues. But it’s Jun Tanaka’s Mediterranean menu that creates the lasting memories. Nothing is forced, everything is tasty: from pasta and first-rate vegetable dishes to chargrilled meats and fish.
Where: Level 49, The Upper House, Pacific Place 88, Queensway, Admiralty, Central
What: Chinese cooking through the lens of French technique and execution and served through a series of tasting menus. It’s a concept that has been wowing foodies all over Hong Kong with some kaleidoscopic flavours. The mixology takes equally billing. Sitting at a counter seat to watch the theatre is all part of the fun.
Where: 30/F, The Wellington, 198 Wellington Street, Sheung Wan
What: Conjuring all the flavours of street food in Bangkok, this simple Thai noodle house in Wanchai is a much-loved affair. Signatures include pad Thai noodles with tiger prawns and wok-fried wagyu with basil, Thai garlic and chili served with crispy egg on jasmine rice. Winsome staff keep things light and friendly.
Where: 68 Stone Nullah Lane, Wanchai