Restaurant review: Kale makes comeback in Causeway Bay with similar healthy menu plus a chill vibe and sky-high views

When Kale closed in Sheung Wan last year, health food lovers were up in arms. Now the cafe, which takes its name from the frilly-leaved superfood popular with clean eaters, is back and serving up plenty more besides kale.

By night, the space turns into watering hole Circo, but by day, the cafe is a quiet retreat, offering guilt-free food and views over the Happy Valley racecourse. The menu isn’t as extensive as before, but Kale has plans to expand its offerings in the future.

We opted for a selection of salads topped with bright red seared tuna steaks encrusted with sesame seeds (HK$98). Ironically, the kale with pomegranate and avocado dressing was our least favourite, but we loved the melt-in-your-mouth fish, and the salad made with quinoa, dried cranberries, roasted pumpkin seeds and cumin vinaigrette.

The daily special (HK$88) was wild rice risotto topped with kale pesto and crabmeat, and served with a side dish of chickpea, cucumber and cabbage salad. It was delicious, and the vegetables were refreshing against the slight saltiness of the crabmeat.

And we couldn’t say no to the crab cake burger (HK$118), which we ordered with crisp potato and sweet potato fries and the creamy vegetable soup of the day (HK$15). The patty was flavourful and went well with the seaweed mayo and guacamole, and the kale and tomato added a much-needed crunch. We topped it all off with a “brings all the boys to the yard” shake (HK$60), which was surprisingly subtle despite containing all the makings of a hearty breakfast – peanut butter, avocado, rolled oats, dates and soya milk.

With its chill, hotel bar vibe, friendly staff and sky-high views, the newly reincarnated Kale is a perfect spot for a healthy – and tasty – lunch away from the Causeway Bay crowds.