It’s been a tough time for the city’s foodie scene but with social distancing measures more relaxed, new venues are slowly popping up. One such place is Mamma Always Said, serving modern takes on comfort food. Located in Peel Street, Soho’s newest neighbourhood hang-out, is an all-day kitchen and bar concept with a menu that is perfect for sharing. With high tables mostly around the bar, it is convenient for a quick bite with friends before a night on the town. We started with the pasta of the day, a tomato-based spaghetti dish with prawns. It was hearty and moreish and had a distinct home-made feel to it – in other words, it did not have a name and was created with whatever was in the kitchen. Next was the grilled cauliflower (HK$110) served with rocket pesto, Parmesan and almonds, one of the few veggie treats on the small menu (there was also a spicy black pepper eggplant dish for vegetarian diners). The grilled octopus (HK$125) was one big tentacle in romesco sauce while the hanger steak was dripping in a fragrant green salsa verde. Both dishes came straight off a fine dining menu, which is a little odd, considering we’re seated at a bar. But we’re not complaining. If you like your drinks served quickly, listen up. While the bartenders serve a variety of signature cocktails, there is also a speedy cocktail menu, which promises to deliver your drinks in under two minutes. The wine list is cleverly categorised into three tiers – ‘I’m on a budget bottles’ (HK$280), ‘first day of the month bottles’ (HK$380), and ‘it’s on the boss bottles’ (HK$480). It’s these quirky twists that give Soho’s newbie hotspot a lot of personality and charm. Mamma Always Said, G/F, 42 Peel Street, Central