Newly opened restaurants: Alibi - all-day treats at Langham Place

Langham Place in Mong Kok has replaced its Portal lounge bar and restaurant with a similar concept called Alibi (tel: 3552 3028). Serving wine and cocktails, and small and large plates, the space is comfortable and the vibe relaxed with muted yellow and teal seats around wooden tables and a long bar.

The all-day menu has items ranging from a simple plate of Spanish olives (HK$48) to a decadent seafood platter for four (HK$968). You do, however, have to pay for bread (HK$38).

We enjoyed the bruschetta (HK$78) topped with arugula, thyme, a thin slice of lardo, and honey and white truffle powder on toasted bread. It was sweet, savoury, crunchy and soft, all at once.

Another favourite was the braised wagyu bone marrow (HK$118, above), which wasn't oily or heavy, and went well with the fig and whisky chutney. The gambas (HK$98) were spicy sautéed prawns reminiscent of tom yum goong. The duo of ox tongue (HK$88) had slices of the lean meat atop a thicker, deep-fried version, which we preferred.

For dessert, the pistachio milk bar (HK$78) with white chocolate was bland, but the steamed chocolate pudding (HK$88) was suitably light and fluffy, with a deep flavour.

Meanwhile, check out the pulled pork, beef brisket and baby back ribs at Smokey Joe's (tel: 2530 5885) on Elgin Street.