Best Hong Kong restaurants for the whole ‘experience’ – recommendations from a jewellery designer who looks for the complete package

David Peereboom’s favourite restaurants combine great ambience, fare and service, such as P&P Pinco Pallino, Hutong and one new addition to the city

When he travels again he can’t wait to get back to Burnt Ends and National Kitchen by Violet Oon in Singapore, and Madam Khanh in Vietnam

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Garganelli pasta with duck ragu at Pici in Central, Hong Kong, a restaurant that jewellery designer David Peereboom considers one of the best in the city. Photo: SCMP

Published: 3:25pm, 1 Jun 2022

Self-taught jewellery designer David Peereboom has lived in Hong Kong since 2020 but has been visiting for over 20 years. His bespoke label NFA embraces rock culture and philosophy, and he describes himself as a storyteller using precious stones and beautiful metals. He spoke to Andrew Sun.

I would say I’m an “experience passionista”. I really enjoy the whole theatre of ambience, fare and service, and so a restaurant should hustle all my senses.

Hong Kong is such an incredible global city with even more international offerings when it comes to restaurants. Because I strongly believe in the experience, P&P Pinco Pallino (6 Po Yan Street, Sheung Wan. Tel: 9153 7186) is a must on my list. Chef Marco Di Giacomo’s passion glows in every plate. Close your eyes and you might be in an Italian nonna’s kitchen. Try the pork cutlet – the version soaked in vinegar – and his off-menu spaghetti bolognese. Crave-worthy!

Pici (16 St. Francis Yard, Wan Chai. Tel: 2755 5523) is a true tucked-in-a-corner hidden gem and a favourite for value, personality and food. The tasting menu is the city’s best deal and usually means I’m packing a pasta to go due to the generous portions. They’re fantastic people, always with an inviting smile.

Jewellery designer David Peereboom. Photo: Courtesy of David Peereboom

A visit to this city is not complete without a meal at Hutong (18/F, H Zentre, 15 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 3428 8342). It’s an imperial, grandiose outing in the truest sense, with fabulous dishes challenging each and every taste bud. I’ve been coming – to both the old and new locations – for over 20 years and it has always been consistent in cuisine, detail and the mind-blowing harbour view. My wife and I have enjoyed anniversaries and birthdays here for years.

A complete splurge is The Chinese Library (1/F, Block 1, Tai Kwun, 19 Hollywood Road, Central. Tel: 2848 3088) with its mind-blowing assortment of dim sum offered for brunch – always served fast, hot and b****y delicious. An epic ambience and impeccable service make this destination a weekend enhancer.