Header photo: SẾP’s Highlander smoked short ribs
69 on Jervois & Behind 69 – new British bistro & bar in Sheung Wan![]()
A very British affair, 69 on Jervois is a modern British bistro housed in a two-storey venue with striking eight-metre-tall ceilings and comfy banquette seating. The menu features small plates (ranging from crispy haggis balls to seared scallop with pickled daikon, yuzu and mint), burgers and grills (including veggie items like grilled cauliflower steak and charred broccoli rabe), large plates for sharing (such as chicken schnitzel and sausage and lentil casserole) and classic British after plates (think apple crumble and Eton mess). We’ll be there for the Sunday roast!
Stylish speakeasy Behind 69 is located just where you’d expect it. The cocktails here are inspired by the history and influences of the Sheung Wan neighbourhood, where the British colonials first landed many moons ago. The tipples are complemented by a selection of British-influenced bar bites, some with a local twist (cue the Welsh rarebit with house-made jam flavoured with chilli and lap cheong, or Chinese sausage).
Where: 69 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan
Opening hours: 69 on Jervois – from 6pm daily; Behind 69 – from 5pm daily
For reservations: phone/WhatsApp 9758 6715 or book online
BAPE CAFE!? – new Japanese fusion eatery at Harbour City![]()
Hong Kong’s first BAPE CAFE!? has opened at Harbour City, an innovative store-within-a-store concept and extension of trendy Japanese lifestyle brand A BATHING APE. The Japanese fusion menu at the café spans starters, mains, snacks, desserts and drinks, with plenty of BAPE’s signature camouflage utilised in the decor and tableware. The headlining dish is this ape-topped BAPE Burger, and there are several items that are exclusive to the HK branch including miso white cod with mashed potato and lobster linguine with scallop, which comes with a whole half-lobster.
Where: Shop G301, G/F, Gateway Arcade, 3–27 Canton Road, Harbour City, TST
Opening hours: 11am–9pm Monday–Thursday; 11am–10pm Friday–Sunday
To contact: phone 2705 9340
BaseHall 2 – new food hall at Jardine House![]()
Food hall extraordinaire BaseHall debuted during the start of the pandemic over two years ago, and it’s proved so popular – despite the many obstacles the F&B industry has faced here in the 852 – that its sister venue is set to open this month in the same Central location, celebrating home-grown culinary talent by 13 independent concepts in a stylish, contemporary space. Features of this cool-cat sibling include a pop-up event space created in partnership with Test Kitchen, an 18-seat chef’s counter and, scheduled to launch in early 2023, a hidden speakeasy concept. BaseHall 2 is split into two designated areas – Central Counter Kiosks serving up Japanese and Korean bites and Dice Kiosks showcasing Michelin-recommended local talent. Late-night dining, parties, live music, cooking classes, film screenings and DJ nights are also on the cards.
Where: LG/F, Jardine
House, 1 Connaught Place, Central
Opening hours: 11am–10pm Monday–Saturday
Big Buns – new sandwich shop in Wanchai![]()
Sometimes nothing satisfies like a well-made sandwich, so we can’t wait to sink our teeth into the sarnies whipped up by takeaway eatery Big Buns. For breakfast, there’s The Chick (buttery scrambled egg with American cheese and caramelised onion jam on a warm brioche bun) and The Hangover (all of the above plus bacon, Spam and hash browns). No matter when you hit up Big Buns, the grilled cheese is the top comfort-food contender, featuring Cheddar and mozzarella cheeses with coriander relish and Kewpie mayo on toasted sourdough. You can amp up the indulgence with the inclusion of slow-cooked short rib, bacon or even a sloppy Joe mix, and we love that you can order a combo to include a bowl of tomato soup for dipping.
Where: Shop G16, G/F, Emperor Group Centre, 288 Hennessy Road, Wanchai
Opening hours: 8am–5pm Monday–Friday; 12–5:30pm Saturday
Bushra – new Middle Eastern bar & restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui![]()
We’re excited about Bushra, an Arabian Nights-esque two-level spot in Tsim Sha Tsui focusing on the flavours of the Middle East and North Africa and offering a lively Beirut lounge-club vibe with DJs and belly dancers. The kitchen is led by three culinary talents hailing from the region – Morocco-born El Mehdi Zenasni, Egyptian Sakr Tamer and Najib Farkhoury from Lebanon (Chef Farkhoury spent 22 years at Hong Kong’s very own Beirut restaurant) – and the creative Middle Eastern-inspired cocktails have been designed by Sandeep Kumar from The Wise King, one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars. Bushra’s downstairs space features a large dining area and statement curved bar leading to a “secret garden” and shisha terrace, while upstairs is where the VIP terrace is located (and where the minimum spend is HK$1,000 a head).
Where: Shop G6 & UG16, G/F & UG/F, Tsim Sha Tsui Centre, 66 Mody Road, TST East
Opening hours: 12pm–2am daily
For reservations: phone/WhatsApp 6172 3591
CNY Bar by Stinky Gents – new cocktail bar in Central![]()
Nope, CNY doesn’t stand for “Chinese New Year”. It’s the acronym for chau naam yan – literally “stinky gentlemen” in Cantonese, this is old-school Canto slang to refer to “bad guys”. We’re intrigued! CNY Bar bills itself as Hong Kong’s first audophile speakeasy, where music is at the heart of the experience. The world-class hi-fi system and sound-engineered interiors feature a combination of McIntosh and bespoke KRS 4351 speakers, which are only available in three locations around the world. This month, guests can expect an all-Christmas playlist, with a diverse line-up hitting everything from jazz and R&B to rock and Cantopop. On the menu you’ll find a selection of premium whisky, craft cocktails and cigars, and every guest over the holiday period will be gifted with a complimentary mulled wine welcome drink.
Where: 12/F, FOCO, 46–48 Cochrane Street, Central
Opening hours: 6pm–1am Sunday–Thursday; 6pm–2am Friday–Saturday
To contact: phone/WhatsApp 9881 7380
daap – new local fusion restaurant in Sheung Wan![]()
This modern, laid-back diner sees local Cantonese flavours mixed with French and Italian cooking techniques. The seasonal five-course dinner tasting menu (HK$680/person) at daap incorporates traditional Chinese ingredients such as lap cheong (sausage) in a carbonara pasta that also includes Chinese rose wine and onsen egg and a dish of Italian-style oversized ravioli filled with cured duck, nestled within a duck consommé and topped with pickled radish (pictured above).
Where: 20 Wing Kut Street, Sheung Wan
Opening hours: lunch – 12–3pm daily; brunch (Saturday, Sunday and public holidays) – 10:30am–4pm; dinner – 6–10pm Tuesday–Sunday
For reservations: phone/WhatsApp 9680 7456 or book online (1-day advance booking required for dinner)
Dough Bros – new branch in Tseung Kwan O![]()
This new shop in Tseung Kwan O marks the 10th branch for sourdough pizza and doughnut specialist Dough Bros. They’ve launched a new pizza to celebrate – The Italian (pictured) – which packs a spicy kick from its Calabrian sausage topping. The Festive Feast pie is here for the holidays, topped with tomato, mozzarella, Brie, turkey ham, bacon-wrapped sausage, cranberry sauce and rosemary, plus there’s a limited-time doughnut filled with milk chocolate and Baileys.
Where: Shop G18A, G/F, MONTEREY, 23 Tong Chun Street, TKO
Opening hours: 11:30am–11pm daily (takeaway only)
Gingerbread for Good – charity pop-up at LANDMARK![]()
We were impressed by last year’s inaugural edition of Gingerbread for a Good, and it’s back again this festive season. The charity campaign see social enterprise Cookie Smiles joining forces with a star-studded line-up of 23 celebrity chefs – led by Michelin-starred chef Richard Ekkebus of Amber – to create their own unique takes on Mrs Claus gingerbread cookies for sale. The pop-up aims to raise at least HK$600,000 for Cookie Smiles’ two beneficiaries, Box of Hope and Vocational Training Council’s Shine Skills Centre, which provides real-life working exposure for students with disabilities.
Where: Shop 305, 3/F, LANDMARK, 15 Queen’s Road Central
When: 24 November 2022–1 January 2023 (10am–8pm daily)
JJJ – new Korean steakhouse in Central![]()
With a prime spot on Wyndham Street, JJJ is the new Korean steakhouse in town. Featuring a bespoke dry-ageing cabinet, the beef showcased here is amongst best in the world – from USDA prime, to Korean 1++ Hanwoo, to Japanese A4 Miyazaki Wagyu. The “More Delight” section of the menu adds to the indulgence with the beef paired with black truffle and Kaviari caviar. The moody, stylish space is open for late dinner as well (from 10:30pm onwards), offering Korean snacks like fried chicken, kimchi stir-fry and potato pancake alongside creative cocktails incorporating Korean ingredients.
Where: Shop 3, G/F, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central
Opening hours: 12pm–late daily
For reservations: phone 2637 8978 or book online
KAPPOU MU & room 3 – new dual-concept Japanese F&B experience in Tsim Sha Tsui![]()
These two sophisticated Japanese venues by Dining Art Group share a stunning space at H Zentre in Tsim Sha Tsui, offering both traditional kappo cuisine and a contemporary gastrobar under one stylish roof. As its names suggests, KAPPOU MU showcases exquisite omakase menus originating from Japan’s ancient culinary capital of Kyoto in a minimalist, counter-designed space. Current early-winter specialities here include sought-after fish, crab, shrimp and other shellfish such as kinmedai (splendid alfonsino), Himi kanburi (winter yellowtail), buri (Japanese amberjack), shirako (milt), Ise ebi (spiny lobster), kobako (snow) crab and Akasaki oyster, while Omi beef from Shiga Prefecture is the meaty highlight.
Inventive cocktails are the name of the game at room 3, where three whimsical interconnected rooms, inspired by bamboo forests, await (we’re most intrigued by the “secret” Roppongi Room). Complementing the edgy drinks is a refined menu of Japanese tapas-style bites.
Where: Shop UG01–03, UG/F, H Zentre, 15 Middle Road, TST
Opening hours: KAPPOU MU – 12–3pm, 6–10pm daily; room 3 – 4pm–midnight Thursday–Sunday (from mid-December)
For reservations: phone/WhatsApp 6617 6602 or email info@kappoumu.hk; phone/WhatsApp 6361 8505 or email info@room3.hk
La Viña – new branch in Causeway Bay![]()
Spanish bakery La Viña has expanded to a standalone branch in Causeway Bay, bringing with it its beloved Basque burnt cheesecake offerings. A new range of desserts and cakes can be found here – from tiramisu cups to Uji matcha red bean cream cake – as well as sweet and savoury pastries the likes of cinnamon buns, coconut buttercream croissants, cheese sticks and more. Sounds like a great spot for a post-shopping pick-me-up! There’s plenty of seating at this branch too.
Where: Shop G09, G/F, World Trade Centre, 280 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay
Opening hours: 10am–7pm daily
To contact: phone/WhatsApp 9661 5106
The Little Big Lane – pop-up market at K11 ATELIER King’s Road![]()
K11 ATELIER King’s Road’s first-ever pop-up market takes us from the Christmas season till right after Chinese New Year, with a shake-up of vendors every two weeks to keep things fresh. Nine stalls plus a signature food truck are scheduled to make appearances each week, from coffee, tea and organic F&B items to local fragrances, handmade accessories and more. Taiwanese bubble tea brand Share Tea will kick-start the opening of the truck. Additional foodie-related market stalls include Greece-based Coffee Island and home-grown WA!COOKIES, Monsoon Bagel and Alive Food (naturally fermented items).
Where: G/F (Lobby) & 2/F (K11 HACC), K11 ATELIER King’s Road, 728 King’s Road, Quarry Bay
When: 24 November 2022–5 February 2023 (Thursday–Sunday only)
Louise – Julien Royer x Franckelie Laloum 4-hands dinner tasting menu![]()
For the first time since the pandemic started three years ago, Chef Julien Royer of three-Michelin-starred Odette in Singapore will return to his Hong Kong baby, one-starred Louise, joining hands with the French fine-dining restaurant’s head chef, Franckelie Laloum, for three nights. The two chef have crafted a sensational seven-course dinner menu featuring decadent dishes such langoustine ravioli with leek fondue and Alba white truffle, line-caught rockfish with saffron potato gnocchi and a very special tourte (pie) filled with Bresse chicken, pigeon and foie gras.
Where: G/F, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central
When: 14–16 December 2022 (6:30–11pm)
How much: HK$2,488/person; +HK$1,588/person for wine pairings
For reservations: book online
Ming Court – Mortlach whisky-pairing tasting menu![]()
If you’re a whisky connoisseur, we recommend booking in for Ming Court’s eight-course tasting menu in collaboration with Scotch whisky brand Mortlach. This exclusive whisky-pairing menu has been designed by Chef Tsang Chiu King and showcases Ming Court’s signature appetiser trio (BBQ pork loin in honey sauce, roasted suckling pig, deep-fried Hiroshima oyster) paired with Mortlach 12 Year Old and fried Ibérico pork loin with caramelised black vinegar sauce complementing Mortlach 16 Year Old. Baked lobster with Mortlach lobster cream sauce and braised spinach in Mortlach lobster broth are two more dishes where the premium whisky is innovatively incorporated. Limited-time Mortlach whisky-pairing menus are also available at French restaurant Ami and new Indochine Vietnamese restaurant SÊP, both located in Central (see below for further information on SÊP).
Where: 2/F, Great Eagle Centre, 23 Harbour Road, Wanchai
When: 28 November–31 December 2022 (lunch and dinner)
How much: HK$1,288/person
For reservations: phone 2878 1212 or book online
Nakame No Teppen – new izakaya in Tsim Sha Tsui![]()
The first overseas branch of this renowned Tokyo izakaya opens this month in Tsim Sha Tsui. Nakame No Teppen is the sibling of seafood-focused izakaya Uoharu, with this newcomer instead focusing on authentic robatayaki cuisine. The hidden, intimate space features wooden floors, tables made of reclaimed wood and custom-designed tatami-inspired booths, and the menu showcases fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced from Yamagi, the largest wholesaler at Tokyo’s famous Toyosu Fish Market. To celebrate the opening of the HK outpost, Nakame No Teppen founding executive chef Masahiro Uchiyama has debuted 15 exclusive dishes that will only be available in Hong Kong for three months. Highlights include the grilled unagi ochazuke set, monkfish liver with ponzu sauce and and spicy gyoza.
Where: Shop B3–01, B3/F, The Kowloon Hotel, 19–21 Nathan Road, TST
Opening hours: 12–3pm, 5:30–10:30pm daily
For reservations: phone 2367 9368 or book online
NOC – new branch at The Henley (Kai Tak)![]()
Kai Tak is the latest ‘hood to see the opening of home-grown coffee chain NOC, with the innovative, space-inspired café space landing at new luxury residential and retail development The Henley. The cavernous, two-storey coffee shop consists of three distinct galactic-themed areas: The Coffee Bar, The Center and The Gallery Room. This branch of NOC is debuting new menu creations (crabmeat quinoa bowl, seared salmon couscous and Angus beefburger) as well as two limited-time items (loaded potato waffle with crabmeat salad and sencha citrus soda).
Where: Shop F&B 1 & Shop F&B 5, G/F & 1/F, Retail Block 2, The Henley, 7 Muk Tai Street, Kai Tak
Opening hours: 9am–5pm daily (G/F); 9am–6pm daily (1/F)
To contact: phone 2310 1090
Preface Coffee & Wine – Cooking by the Book dinner series![]()
Each month, Preface Coffee & Wine selects a few recipes from a cookbook written by an iconic chef or
restaurant, and the Preface team of chefs adapt these recipes in their minimalist HK kitchen space. The five-course tasting menu (soup, vegetable, fish, meat and dessert courses) debuting this month is inspired by the book Septime, La Cave, Clamato, D’une Île by Benoît Cohen and Bertrand Grébaut, which draws from the recipes of Chef Grébaut’s acclaimed restaurants in Paris and beyond over the past decade. Optionally, the menu can be matched with a selection of minimal-intervention and sustainably farmed wines curated by Head of Food and Beverage Ambrose Chiang, formerly the wine director of Momofuku Ko in New York.
Where: G/F & 1/F, The Sharp, 11 Sharp Street East, Causeway Bay
When: December 2022–January 2023 (6:30–9:30pm Thursday–Sunday only)
How much: HK$500/person (food only)
For reservations: book online
Racines – new French restaurant in Sheung Wan![]()
Racines takes the place of Alastian bistro Bretzel in Sheung Wan and is the newest labour of love for the team behind another nearby French bistro that we adore, Bouillon. Cooking up a contemporary French storm at Racines are Adrien Castillo (formerly the sous-chef at three-Michelin-starred Caprice) and Romain Dupeyre (head chef at one-starred Petrus). The elegant, intimate space with a mere 14 seats is where the chefs pay tribute to the diversity of the cuisine of the South of France. Tastings menus with optional wine pairings are available for both lunch and dinner.
Where: 22 Upper Station Street, Sheung Wan
Opening hours: 12–3pm, 7–10pm Thursday–Monday
For reservations: phone 2886 8076 or book online
Roganic Hong Kong – Simon Rogan showcases his 20th-anniversary tasting menus![]()
This month, Chef Simon Rogan’s UMBEL Restaurant Group will celebrate its amazing 20th anniversary, marking two decades since the opening of L’Enclume, Chef Rogan’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the Lake District, UK. As part of the many and varied anniversary events scheduled, Roganic Hong Kong will launch exclusive 20 Years Short and Full tasting menus highlighting
Chef Rogan’s most iconic dishes across the past 20 years. For the first
time, HK diners will be able to enjoy the authentic flavours of the chef’s award-winning
UK restaurants such as L’Enclume, Fera, Roganic London and Rogan & Co. Notably, Chef Rogan and his team from the UK will be here in the flesh to explain the story behind each dish. Click here to see the complete menus.
Where: UG/F, Sino Plaza, 255 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay
When: 13–18 December 2022 (lunch and dinner)
How much: HK$1,480/person for the 20 Years Short Tasting Menu; HK$2,880/person for the 20 Years Full Tasting Menu; wine pairings available upon request
For reservations: book online
Rosita – new Latin American restaurant in Wanchai![]()
The culinary masterminds behind Michelin-starred Andō and MONO – Agustin Ferrando Balbi and Ricardo Chaneton, respectively – have partnered with Chef Marco A Livoti (previously the chef at Sake Central and founder of cult brand Holy Cannoli) to bring us a taste of upscale New Latin American cuisine. Rosita’s six-course dinner tasting menu (HK$988/person) is elevated with Japanese sensibilities from Chef Balbi complemented by classic French flair by Chef Chaneton. We envision a third Michelin star for the duo!
Where: 1–7 Ship Street, Wanchai
Opening hours: 6:30–11pm daily; 12–3pm on Saturday and Sunday (from mid-December)
For reservations: WhatsApp 9726 4188 or book online
SẾP – new Indochine Vietnamese restaurant in Central![]()
SẾP by Lai Sun Dining is now open for dinner service, serving up an eight-course tasting menu (HK$2,400 for 2) of contemporary Indochine Vietnamese dishes by Executive Chef DoBee Lam, who has spent the past seven years in Vietnam immersing himself in the local food culture. In the open kitchen, Chef Lam creates innovative wood-fired wonders such as dry-aged local three-yellow chicken with galangal and Kampot pepper and Highlander dry-aged short ribs smoked with walnut and lychee wood. Other classic Vietnamese dishes have been reinvented by the chef – for instance, the French Quarter Chilean sea bass pictured above is a riff on the celebrated Hanoi fish dish chả cá lã vọng, this time with the fish wrapped in banana leaf and slow-cooked over binchotan, served with a lemon-dill-champagne beurre blanc.
To celebrate the opening, SẾP has collaborated with Montlach single-malt Scotch whisky to present a special six-course whisky-pairing menu (HK$2,400 for 2), available from 28 November–31 December 2022.
Where: 19/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central
Opening hours: 5:30–11pm Monday–Saturday
For reservations: phone 2116 5433, WhatsApp 9209 2400 or book online
The Shady Chalet – Shady Acres x Monkey 47 pop-up![]()
Expect more monkey business than usual at fave SoHo watering hole Shady Acres this month, which is transforming into The Shady Chalet – cosy to the max – in partnership with German gin brand Monkey 47. There are three festive Monkey 47 cocktails on the menu – Monkey 47 Sloe Mulled Wine, Ginger for Life and Schwarz Collins – as well carolers, Christmas-themed trivia nights and lots more merry madness in store. From 5 December, bring a Secret Santa pressie and you’ll be gifted one in return (provided that you have a taste of Monkey 47 first, of course).
Where: 46 Peel Street, SoHo, Central
When: 1–24 December 2022 (5pm–1am on weekdays; 3pm–1am on weekends); carol performances – 4 and 11 December; trivia nights – 7 and 14 December; The Shady Chalet Christmas party – 8 December
How much: HK$110/Monkey 47 cocktail; HK$100 entry/team for the trivia nights (advance sign-up required)
To contact: phone/WhatsApp 9220 4344
Vista – new Italian restaurant & bar in Tsim Sha Tsui![]()
Taking up the legendary two-storey penthouse space that used to house restaurant Aqua before its move to nearby H Zentre in Tsim Sha Tsui, Vista has all the makings of another hotspot. Chef Andrea Mura helms the modern Italian kitchen, with signatures including thin-crust pizza and Venetian-style cicchetti, handmade pasta dishes, grilled seafood and tiramisu – traditional mascarpone, pistachio and hazelnut versions – prepared tableside.
In January 2023, Vista will unveil a 3,000-square-foot bar on the 30th floor with equally unbeatable views. The inventive cocktail list here is the brainchild of Lorenzo Coppola, Bars Creative Director for Aqua Group.
Where: 29/F & 30/F, One Peking, 1 Peking Road, TST
Opening hours: 6–10:30pm daily
For reservations: phone 2778 3255 or book online
YATCHABAR – new sake bar in Wanchai![]()
A sake bar like no other, YATCHABAR was conceived during the pandemic in Japan when WAGYUMAFIA co-founder Hisato Hamada found himself cooking at home, creating izakaya-style menus that he would share on live stream. The cosy sake bar focuses on small-production, high-quality sake bottles that are rare in Hong Kong. To ensure the quality of each sake, Hamada has visited each brewery in person. YATCHABAR also features a 10-seat chef’s counter offering an izakaya-style menu that includes WAGYUMAFIA’s signature Wagyu dishes.
Where: 32 Oi Kwan Road, Wanchai
Opening hours: 6pm–late Tuesday–Saturday
For reservations: phone 2133 4999 or book online
YumMee – new pan-Asian concept at K11 MUSEA![]()
Gaia Group has introduced this funky travel-themed concept to K11 MUSEA’s Food Playground, giving us a range of authentic noodles, rice dishes, snacks and desserts from around Asia. Noodles are a particular highlight, and at YumMee, diners can indulge in the likes of wonton noodle soup and satay beef instant noodles from Hong Kong, Bangkok boat noodles and KL-style laksa. For a deliciously affordable quick fix, check out the eatery’s This-This-Rice series; this meal features two dishes plus rice, with a daily rotating menu of seasonal dishes such as braised mapo tofu, Shanghainese-style sweet-and-sour fish and steamed chicken with wood ear. Note that there’s another YumMee branch located at D•Park in Tsuen Wan.
Where: Shop 203B, B2/F, Food Playground, K11 MUSEA, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, TST
Opening hours: 11am–10pm daily (takeaway only)
To contact: phone 3689 4189
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