Sherly Susis
Hong Kong is widely considered as one of the world’s greatest culinary cities, offering a plethora of cuisines that range from authentic, traditional cuisine to contemporary blends of Eastern and Western dishes. Fine dining is undeniably of an elevated standard in this dynamic city.
And that’s why Neue has curated a list of some of the best fine dining establishments in Hong Kong for the first part of our mini-series: ‘Fine Dining: A Different Standard’.
1. T’ang Court
(Photo courtesy of Langham Hotels and Resorts)
With a timeless grandeur that reflects the Tang Dynasty, famously considered as China’s golden age, discover authentic Cantonese cuisine of the highest class at T’ang Court, a Three Michelin Star restaurant, and one of only five Cantonese restaurants to receive this privilege. Sample its delicate, refined classics, such as the deep-fried taro puffs with shrimps.
With numerous awards to its name, this is one fine dining experience you shouldn’t miss when you’re in Hong Kong.
This restaurant is headed by Chef Sun Wailun. From a young age, the older chefs in his native Hong Kong spotted his talent and moved him up the ranks, starting at age 14. The next year, he quit school and began working the woks full-time, eventually moving on to the famously strict kitchens of Lei Garden, and then into the five-star hotel world. In November 2017, at the age of 45, he became the Executive Chef of T’ang Court.
(Photo courtesy of Michelin Guide)
Dine on Cantonese delicacies for dinner seven days a week at T’ang Court from 6pm to 11pm. A delightful dim sum lunch is also available from noon until 3pm. Monday through Friday and from 11am to 3pm on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
What’s the price range like? About 88 Brunei Dollars (BND) for a set lunch, while a la carte dishes are between BND70-300. For dinner, a set meal can begin at BND210, while a la carte dishes are between BND70-300.
2. Arcane
(Photo courtesy of South China Morning Post)
If you’ve got European dishes on your mind, be sure to head on over to Arcane, where one of the stars of its main course is the Wagyu sirloin. However you can’t go wrong with any of the vegetarian dishes as well.
Arcane, which is considered a secluded oasis in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city, earned its One Michelin star, thanks to the culinary masterpieces created by Australian chef Shane Osborn, who was awarded one and two Michelin stars as head chef and co-owner of Pied- a-Terre in London.
(Photo courtesy of Arcane)
Did you know that the 2,000 square foot space houses artworks by Flowers Gallery, a London and New York based contemporary art gallery? Oak is used throughout the restaurant on the floors, 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 with fresh kitchen garden growing a selection of 30 different varieties of herbs, fruits and vegetables that will feature on the menu.
The price range of dishes served here are between BND70-140.
3. Felix
(Photo courtesy of The Peninsula Hotels)
Situated on the 28th floor of the Peninsula Hotel, Felix offers a breathtaking view of Victoria Harbour to go along with your exquisite meal. The menu cleverly blends both European and Asian ingredients, such as the impressive grilled red tuna with soy vinaigrette.
With its furnishings designed by world-famous avant-garde designer Philippe Starck, Felix strives to achieve that modern, elegant touch in its dishes and atmosphere.
(Photo courtesy of Forbes Travel Guide)
The chef behind this restaurant is Chef Juan Gomez, a Spanish native with over 28 years of experience in the kitchen, chef Juan Gomez boasts a career loaded with international experience and Michelin-stars. Before taking up residence as Felix’s new executive chef, Juan managed the gastronomic development for one of Bahrain’s leading restaurant groups. Juan’s path has seen him through some of the world’s food capitals – London, Sydney, Barcelona, and more – to refine his cooking ethos and flair for crafting memorable Mediterranean cuisine.
Price of dishes served here ranges from BND70-320.
4. Sushi Masataka
(Photo courtesy of Hong Kong Tatler)
Are you looking for an intimate Japanese dinner experience?
Then be sure to make it a point to sample the succulent ‘hamaguri’ – a clam served whole in its briny juice, bringing out the fresh, clean flavours from the dish – from the Sushi Masataka, which can only seat 9 people at a time.
With the consistent focus on ingredients, Sushi Masataka continues to make a name for itself with its signature ‘omakase’ menu – which in Japanese directly translates to “leave it to the chef”. It is here where guests can see firsthand how the chef works preparing dishes from the two ‘omakase’ menus offered. BND370 for 14 dishes to BND530 for 18 dishes.
(Photo courtesy of Hong Kong Tatler)
Dishes are made with premium ingredients, with the freshest catches flown straight from Japan. Lunch is only by reservation, with a minimum of 4, while dinner is held in two sessions: 6pm and 8pm.
In April 2017, Sushi Rozan was renamed Sushi Masataka after executive chef Masataka Fujisawa in the Cross Lane dining area in Wan Chai.
5. 8 1⁄2 Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA
(Photo courtesy of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants)
Good things come to those who wait.
This couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to experiencing this Fassone veal tenderloin, braised celery, topped with black winter truffle, truffle jus and accompanied with whipped potato.
You can enjoy this from 8 1⁄2 Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA, which sits in the heart of the central in Hong Kong, boasts a weeks-long waiting list for those keen to sample its award-winning menu.
Each dish is elevated with the highest-quality ingredients, and the food undoubtedly celebrates the finest of Italian cooking with its impeccable taste and flavour.
(Photo courtesy of Otto e Mezzo Bombana)
Umberto Bombana trained under Ezio Santin. He worked at Toscana at the Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong from 1993. He was a prime mover in introducing the white truffle to Hong Kong’s restaurant scene and he introduced the World White Truffle of Alba Auction to Hong Kong. In 2006, Bombana was appointed by Piedmontese Regional Enoteca Cavour as their International White Truffle Ambassador.
The Ritz-Carlton hotel was demolished in 2008 to make way for the building of China Construction Bank. Umberto Bombana then opened 8 1⁄2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana in January 2010. The restaurant’s name is a tribute to Bombana’s favourite Italian film director Federico Fellini’s 1963 autobiographical movie 8 1⁄2. Prices range from BND105-530 (depending on lunch or dinner).
Now imagine if you will, all these exquisite cuisines you can savour and more, with “A Year’s Worth of Holidays” by Standard Chartered that entails a garnish of monthly bill-wipe outs of up to BND24,000 a year. But that’s not all that’s on the menu. Enjoy a platter of double reward points whenever you swipe your meal on your Standard Chartered credit card from now until 31st December.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sherly Susis
A Bruneian writer with a penchant for never finishing
her stories, because there’s always more to be discovered.
Enjoys travelling and coffee.