Deep in Sai Wan Ho is a funky dining destination dubbed “SoHo East.” Situated right on the edge of the harbor, Tai Hong Street is a pedestrian path boasting 17 alfresco restaurants where local chefs try their hand at international cuisines, including Portuguese, Italian and Asian fusion.
There’s a laidback vibe, with most restaurants just seven or eight meters from the water’s edge. It’s particularly picturesque at night, with strings of paper lanterns giving it the chilled-out ambiance you might expect on an outlying island, rather than a few minutes from the MTR. Even better, it’s cheap – at least compared with Central prices. Expect to pay about $35 for a house wine and about $25 for a beer. And after dinner, take a postprandial stroll through the nearby Sai Wan Ho and Quarry Bay parks. Which leaves us wondering: why don’t we go more often?
Biera Dos Namorados
This lively Portuguese restaurant is popular for its flaming barbecue platters – a combination of meat and seafood dishes such as honey pork ribs, whole lobster and roast beef tenderloin. Going with a group? Order in advance, and you can choose from such specials as a whole roast pork leg ($1,200), which feeds up to 15 people. Groups of eight can opt for the beef Wellington – a whole tenderloin with goose liver. Go at lunchtime and you can take advantage of the very reasonable lunch set for $35 that includes a salad bar. Too meaty? Next door is the more upmarket sister venue, Beira Rio Wine Bar and Grill, which has a wider choice of vegetarian dishes.
Veranda
With its lanterns, fish tanks and shallow pond, there’s no mistaking this Chinese restaurant. Although, frankly, we were a little thrown by the modern art and dodgy-looking Christmas trees. Still, with its large glass doors and airy ambiance, this is a pleasant place to dine on such dishes as glutinous rice with cured meat in bamboo tube ($68) and steamed white eel with black sauce ($88).
Villa Bianca
“Pasta? It’s different! Choose your favorite,” advises the menu of this Italian joint. So what’s on offer? You might try ravioli with organic vegetables and lobster ($88), or sautéed squid-ink spaghetti with chili, dried mushroom and shredded cuttlefish ($78). Or you may settle for the less adventurous pizzas, soups and salads. The dessert menu takes the cake, with unusual choices such as baked cheese flaming mountain ($58) and Villa Bianca’s special pizza dessert. House wine is $38.
Eastern Coast
For more casual dining, this small beach-style café is popular with both businessmen and the flip-flop brigade. The menu features simple staples, such as satay beef and rice ($30) and sliced pork Sichuan style ($30). The wooden chairs and sea view gives it a Lamma vibe (or perhaps it’s all those flip flops). Beers are $25.
Café Dido
This quirky hideaway offers an eclectic mix of retro posters, kooky hanging trinkets and a disco ball. The feel is cozy and inviting, with soft couches at either end of the room. Chill over a cocktail or opt for the comfort food, such as Japanese-style dumplings stuffed with chicken wings ($35) and jumbo sausage and baked beans ($30). The daily desserts – including emerald-green tea cake and blueberry cheesecake - are baked fresh ($25 a slice). Got the midnight munchies? Go for the all-day breakfast special ($55), available after 11pm.
Directions
Biera Rio Wine Bar – Grill , Shop GB08-10, G/F, 45 Tai Hong St., Lei King Wan, 2568-3993.
Beira Dos Namarados G/F., GB02-07, Site B, 45 Tai Hong St., 2567-8889.
Café Dido GB12, 45 Tai Hong St., 2535-9979.
Eastern Coast Shop GA, G/F., 55 Tai Hong Street, 2977-5422.
Veranda G/F, GB14B-16, 45 Tai Hong St., 3101-1091.
Villa Bianca GA 1-3 Shop Kwun Fun Mansion, Lei King Wan, 2885-3287.