Petrus
This place can best be equated with a fine wine: expensive but so pleasing to the palate that it’s worth the money. The decor is opulent—think chateau chic, with crystal chandeliers and swags of curtains, but with stunning views of the harbor—and the ambiance luxurious, hushed and formal. The food is French haute cuisine, with no fusion flourishes or contemporary re-imaginings, and the ingredients are flown in from France. There are more than 1,000 choices on the wine list, said to be the longest and perhaps the best in Asia, with some rare vintages at stratospheric prices. Jacket required.
56/F, Island Shangri-La, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, 2820-8590
Spoon by Alain Ducasse
When Michelin-starred celebrity chef Alain Ducasse opens a restaurant, expectations are high. The space is gorgeous, with a fabulous view almost at water level, and a ceiling installation of 550 Murano glass spoons. The wine cellar near the entrance boasts more than 3,000 bottles of Old and New World wines. The menu is pick-and-mix, allowing you to create a unique meal from the range of entrees (the steak is superb), sauces and accompanying vegetables. The food ranges from transcendent to surprisingly rustic, and the service is always outstanding. Can’t decide what to order? Go for the Sexy Spoon taster menu, available in six or eight courses.
InterContinental HongKong, 18 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2313-2256
Caprice
Splurge on world-class cuisine at this French restaurant headed by executive chef Vincent Thierry, formerly of Parisian three-Michelin-star restaurant, Le Cinq. It’s not just the refined French food that will win you over. The gorgeous interior design includes crystal chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows with glorious harbor views and a glowing walkway past the huge open kitchen. There are private rooms and a chef’s table for those who are willing to really push the boat out. Service is near flawless and a sommelier steers you through the 250 wines on the list. Relaxed atmosphere, amazing food and a heart-stopping bill: in short, the sort of place you should try at least once before you die.
Four Seasons Hotel, 8 Finance St., Central, 3196-8888