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Tracey Furniss

LUXURIOUS MENU
FARE French modern fine dining. AMBIENCE A private lift opens up to the dramatic contemporary black and red décor with Tokyo-inspired high-bar seats surrounding the open kitchen, allowing diners to view the preparation. Past the bar and open kitchen is a small dining area with alfresco dining and private room options. COST HK$3,500 for two, with a glass of wine each. WHO TO BRING Business associates or a love interest. TURN-ONS The recommended scampi ravioli with black truffle and foie gras sauce features a deliciously generous portion of three large ravioli containing fresh, plump prawns with a smooth foie gras sauce. The Sologne imperial caviar over a crispy poached egg and smoked salmon was also noteworthy. For the entrée, we went for the free-range quail caramelised with foie gras, served with truffle mashed potatoes, and the succulent lamb rack, served with a mixed herb salad and mashed potatoes. The roasted Maine lobster with crunchy vegetables and Château Chalon sauce is a definite must-try. For dessert, the caramelised green apple compote on vanilla cream and green apple sorbet was a refreshing end to a perfect meal. The new sphere, with fruits and coconut milk mousse in a sugar pearl, pineapple compote and sorbet, looked dramatic on the plate. TURN-OFFS The entrance through the lift area is a bit too dark. DRINKS Full bar and a comprehensive wine list. Tracey Furniss
 
L’ATELIER DE JOËL ROBUCHON
	SHOP 401 4/F
	THE LANDMARK
	CENTRAL
	2166 9000
 

 
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
FARE Contemporary French cuisine "inspired" by Alain Ducasse. AMBIENCE Refined neutral tones and intimate seating put the focus on the dazzling harbour view. COST HK$3,000 for two. WHO TO BRING VIP clients, romantic interests and well-heeled out-of-towners. TURN-ONS Details such as the selection of breads, stylish wine decanters and interesting amuse bouche - fried frog legs and a spicy frog-leg consommé - set the tone nicely. We opted for the signature cook pot of seasonal vegetables and fruits, and were surprised by the earthy flavours and generous portion size. The assortment of four French cheeses with condiments was a perfect finish, although we made room for the petit fours and marshmallow slices. TURN-OFFS Prices can be a bit shocking. DRINKS Wines, cocktails and after-dinner drinks. Tracey Furniss
 
SPOON
	LOBBY LEVEL
	INTERCONTINENTAL HONG KONG
	18 SALISBURY ROAD
	KOWLOON
	2313 2323
	HONGKONG-IC.INTERCONTINENTAL.COM
 

 
FRENCH FLAIR
FARE Modern French cuisine designed by Pierre Gagnaire. AMBIENCE Simple yet elegant with panoramic views of Kowloon. COST HK$3,000 for two. WHO TO BRING Clients, visitors and romantic dates. TURN-ONS At the two Michelin-star establishment, we started with a glass of bubbly while deciding on our three-course dinner. It doesn't take long to understand why Gagnaire is a superstar in the culinary world. The bevy of bite-sized appetisers under the Sea Garden or Perfume of the Earth selection encompassed an unconventional variety of ingredients. We particularly enjoyed the Gillardeau oysters and smoked snails. Our main course of grilled beef tenderloin and roasted duck came expertly cooked. For the finale, we opted for the Grand Dessert which could only be described as decadent. TURN-OFFS The many courses can overwhelm those with a small appetite. Bill time is not for the faint-hearted.  DRINKS Comprehensive beverage list. Wine connoisseurs will not be disappointed. Pin Lee
 
PIERRE
	25TH FLOOR, MANDARIN ORIENTAL HOTEL
	5 CONNAUGHT ROAD
	CENTRAL
	2522 0111
	MANDARINORIENTAL.COM/HONGKONG
 

 
DELECTABLE MIX
FARE Blends traditional Japanese dishes with Peruvian ingredients. It has a special selection of dishes for the local palate. AMBIENCE Sophisticated yet relaxed, with a bar lounge and sushi bar accented with Japanese black river stones and bamboo, plus a stunning harbour view. COST HK$3,000 for two. WHO TO BRING Clients, love interests and family for special occasions. TURN-ONS Choosing from a wide range of appetisers was made easy by the server's suggestions. The yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño - which gave the fish a kick without being overpowering - octopus carpaccio with dried miso, and wagyu beef with foie gras are must-tries. The black cod saikyo yaki was cooked to perfection and had a deliciously sweet, lingering aftertaste. And the wood-oven Portobello mushrooms with wasabi salsa and ponzu wowed us. For dessert, the cheesecake with raspberry soda sells out fast for good reason - the combination of creamy and fizzy is heavenly. TURN-OFFS The tofu tempura lacked taste and was pale and uninviting. DRINKS A good selection of sake, wines and after-dinner drinks. Tracey Furniss
 
NOBU INTERCONTINENTAL HONG KONG
	18 SALISBURY ROAD
	KOWLOON
	2721 1211
	WWW.HONGKONG-IC.INTERCONTINENTAL.COM
 

 
HIGH STEAKS
FARE Steak. AMBIENCE The dark marble, leather and wood décor exudes a Las Vegas-style atmosphere. COST About HK$2,500 for dinner for two, with drinks. WHO TO BRING Someone to impress, a business associate, friends, or your better half. TURN-ONS If you love steak and red meat, this is the restaurant for you. Started by Mario Batali of Masterchef fame and his partner Joe Bastianich, the restaurant has gained an enthusiastic following and won numerous awards. The butter lettuce with crab and avocado, and the octopus with Limoncello and chilli were perfect starters - both dishes offered healthy portions. The Australian rib-eye and the lamb shanks were perfectly done in the right temperature and humidity. The outer crust was dark and crusty, and the inner meat was soft and juicy. The side dishes of shiitake mushrooms with balsamic and creamed corn with lime salt were the perfect foils for the heavy meats. TURN-OFFS The restaurant was too dark, so we couldn't easily appreciate the décor or the food. DRINKS Excellent selection of Italian reds and whites, and a good selection of beers. Mukul Munish
 
CARNEVINO
	5/F, LHT TOWER
	31 QUEEN’S ROAD
	CENTRAL
	2352 7700
 

 
GENUINELY ITALIAN
FARE Italian. AMBIENCE Outside seating offers a great view of the harbour. COST About HK$1,500 for dinner for two with drinks WHO TO BRING Business associates, family, friends. TURN-ONS Chef Michael White has created a menu catering to all taste buds. There are 12 types of pastas, and pizza buffs can enjoy an array of toppings from mozzarella di bufala to pork sausage to artichokes. For starters, White's signature dish - poached Boston lobster, burrata cheese, pickled eggplant and basil - was a bit cheesy, but the salad was crunchy and fresh. For entrées, braised lamb shank was succulent. The highlight was roasted black cod and fried polenta. For dessert, the torta al rum - a rum cake with caramelised banana and coconut gelato - was the perfect finale. TURN-OFFS There's a tug-of-war for the outside seating, so make sure to mention your choice when booking a table. DRINKS Spoil yourself with some of the best red and white Italian wines. Mukul Munish
 
AL MOLO RISTORANTE ITALIANO
	SHOP G63 G/F
	OCEAN TERMINAL
	TSIM SHA TSUI
	KOWLOON
	2730 7900
	DININGCONCEPTS.COM
 

 
MEDITERRANEAN CHIC
FARE Tapas and Mediterranean food. AMBIENCE Spacious surroundings and contemporary décor put you at ease. COST HK$1,100 for two, including drinks. WHO TO BRING Friends and foodies, or to celebrate a special occasion. TURN-ONS The classic Andalucian gazpacho oozed freshness, while the warm kidney-bean salad with mint, balsamic vinegar and Catalan pork sausage was delightfully light and tasty. The orange zest on the Mediterranean coca pizza provided a surprising lift. The classic carne d'Olla cannelloni was equally impressive. For dessert, the traditional Catalan cream was divine, and we'd suggest sharing the chocolate fondue with fresh strawberries, due to its richness. TURN-OFFS Although the fire-smoked eggplant with toasted pine nuts and balsamic vinegar was tasty, crostini would have added much-needed texture. Similarly, a cranberry sauce would have enhanced the cheese croquettes. Locating the restaurant can be difficult. DRINKS Selection of Spanish wines, cocktails, beers and a fragrant sangria. Rachael Williamson
 
VI COOL
	SHOP 2101, LEVEL 2, GATEWAY ARCADE, HARBOUR CITY
	CANTON ROAD
	TSIM SHA TSUI
	2735 7787
	DININGCONCEPTS.COM
 

 
PLAYING WITH FOOD
FARE Contemporary Australian. AMBIENCE Casual, with recycled paper table coverings and crayons, wooden floors and ceilings, and an open kitchen. COST HK$1,000 for two, including drinks. WHO TO BRING Friends and family. TURN-ONS This latest concept by chef David Laris has fun elements not just in the décor, but also the food. Dad’s pickled octopus in merlot vinegar, tomato jam and herbs is a hot take on a usually cold-style starter. The twisties are home-made potato chips presented on a skewer and come with a choice of dips. The Scotch eggs with a zingy horseradish sauce are presented on a nest of Australian hay – 90 per cent of ingredients are imported from Australia. The maincourse mussels in a spicy yet fragrant sauce are served in a wok and come with chips, good for dipping in the sauce. One of the must-tries is the barramundi cooked in Aborigine paper bark, served with finger lime sauce and carrots. Large portions extend to the desserts, and for those with an especially sweet tooth, the caramel custard flan and the sticky date pudding in brandy caramel are the way to go. TURN-OFFS The runny whites of the Scotch eggs. DRINKS Cocktails, punch and a limited wine selection. Tracey Furniss
 
THE BELLBROOK, BISTRO OZ BY LARIS
	2/F, 77 WYNDHAM STREET
	CENTRAL
	2530 1600
	WWW.DININGCONCEPTS.COM/BELLBROOK
 

 
INVITING VISION
FARE Spanish, Western. AMBIENCE View 62 is one of those rare places which can be perfect for a business dinner or a romantic evening. Warm and dim lighting offers the best soothing atmosphere in which to stare out at the spectacular 360-degree view of Hong Kong at night. COST HK$1,500 for two, including drinks. WHO TO BRING People you want to impress. TURN-ONS Hong Kong's skyline is one of those that you never get tired of looking at no matter how long you have lived here. Our tapas, the octopus Galician-style and the coca bread with escalivada (grilled vegetables) and foie gras were stunning. The coca bread was surprisingly not as heavy as it looked and the escalivada was a great foil for the goose liver. The starter of black rice with baby squid wasn't much to look at, but the crunchy squid and the cooked rice complemented each other well. However, the night's pièce de résistance was the lobster with lentil, mustard, pork belly and egg foam. TURN-OFFS In general, the service was very good, but staff really need to refrain from chatting loudly among themselves even when there's only one table of guests. DRINKS A large selection of wines and cocktails. The frozen margarita was excellent. Winnie Chung
 
VIEW 62 BY PACO RONCERO
	62/F HOPEWELL CENTRE
	183 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST
	25746262
	WWW.VIEW62.COM
 

 
ROMANTIC NOTIONS
FARE Italian. AMBIENCE While not achieving its aim of offering a unique ambience, L'Altro is cosy and comfortable. Dimmed lighting gives Hong Kong's night lights a chance to play off the glass and mirrors in the interior. COST HK$2,000 for two, including drinks. WHO TO BRING A romantic date. TURN-ONS The Sicilian red prawns with rosemary chickpeas and chilli and tomato foam was a good start to the evening, but it was the yellowtail carpaccio that delivered in terms of presentation and taste. With truffles in season, we couldn't resist the home-made tagliolini with alba white truffle. We could smell the truffle even before we saw the dish. The L'Altro tiramisu looked more like chocolate cubes, but one bite floods the mouth with intoxicating liquor. Gelato Miramonti, the other house speciality, was not exactly a feast for the eyes but certainly one for the taste buds. The generous serving of gelato was rich and smooth, offset by the slight tang of strawberries. TURN-OFFS The biggest disappointment of the evening was the M8 wagyu strip loin. We went with medium rare as recommended by our waiter. The three modest strips were too chewy and sinewy, making us abandon them halfway through. DRINKS A good selection of wines. Winnie Chung
 
L’ALTRO
	10/F THE L PLACE
	139 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL
	2555 9100
	LALTRO.HK
 

 
CONSTANT BUZZ
FARE Jason Atherton’s creations of contemporary tapas. AMBIENCE Small and always buzzing with high bar stools around the large bar centrepiece, with alfresco seating by the window for those who can’t squeeze into a tapas bar that doesn’t accept reservations. COST HK$1,000 for two, including drinks. WHO TO BRING Business colleagues and friends. TURN-ONS The constant buzz around the bar and the modern take on tapas, especially the crispy fish skin cod brandade with smoked paprika with its crispy and foamy textures reminiscent of the famous Barcelona-based Roca brothers’ fine dining. The mackerel turnips, burned cucumber look pretty on the plate and is another interesting crunchy textured mix as is the braised pork belly with pineapple and bak choy. A light and refreshing dish with a mix of tart and crunch was the scallop ceviche with yuzu dressing, soy, cucumber and apple. We loved the richness of the Iberico pork and foie gras mini-burgers and the zesty citrus flavours of the basil ice cream with strawberry and citrus. TURNOFFS The small establishment makes it suitable for no more than four diners to eat together. The constant queue makes it more an eat-and-go tapas bar. DRINKS Wide range of sherries that pair well with the dishes. Tracey Furniss
 
22 SHIPS
	22 SHIP STREET
	WAN CHAI
	2555 0722
	22SHIPS.HK
 


Star qualities

L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Central seats diners around the open kitchen. Photo: Dickson Lee

Cook pot of seasonal vegetables and fruits at Spoon

Peirre at Mandarin Oriental

Signature black cod saikyo yaki at Nobu

Australian rib-eye steak at Carnevino

Al Molo offers a breathtaking view of the harbour.

Vi Cool has a spacious and contemporary setting.

Barramundi is among the Australian specialities at the Bellbrook. Photo: Tracey Furniss

Scallops with raspberry pistachio beetroot and yoghurt foam from Paco Roncero's View 62

L'Altro offers a cosy and comfortable experience.

Crispy fish skin cod brandade with smoked paprika from 22 Ships 

Magazines

Good Eating

Array of restaurants offer superior dining experiences that live up to the reputations of their big-name chefs




Array of restaurants offer superior dining experiences that live up to the reputations of their big-name chefs.


Star qualities

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Array of restaurants offer superior dining experiences that live up to the reputations of their big-name chefs

Array of restaurants offer superior dining experiences that live up to the reputations of their big-name chefs