The latest bar to create a buzz is Employees Only, a New York native which recently opened in the heart of Lan Kwai Fong and is already making the rounds on social media with photos of its masterfully-created cocktails.

The bar is dim and unpretentious while the menu by James Black – formerly of Bo Innovation – is sumptuous. A late menu is available until 3am for night owls. Try its signature EO Gimlet, a gin-based cocktail shaken with house-made lime cordial, agave and kaffir lime leaves. Don’t forget to sample the bone marrow poppers.

Location: 19 Lan Kwai Fong

Le 39V

There are two things we appreciate at this spot: fine dining and an excellent view. When chef Frédéric Vardon brought his beloved Michelin-starred Le 39V restaurant to the 101th floor of the ICC, it wasn’t something we could ignore. The Hong Kong edition of his acclaimed Parisian restaurant opened quietly in late June.

Vardon’s belief is that “good products are the fruit of a perfect harmony between man and nature”. He brings to life traditional dishes that incorporate fresh seasonal ingredients for a quintessential French dining experience. Recommended dishes include “niçoise-style” red mullet, thick monkfish from France with shellfish, and chocolate “religieuse”.

Location: 101/F, International Commerce Centre

Fang Fang

Named after the acclaimed Chinese opera singer, this new restaurant boasts a dining area, bar, lounge and two private rooms. At the helm is chef Kent Lee, former executive chef of Hakkasan Mumbai, who has created a variety of modern Asian-inspired dishes.

The bar menu also looks to the East for inspiration, with cocktails based on the five Chinese elements of water, wood, earth, fire and metal. Curiously crafted cocktails like the Paochi (kimchi vodka, yuzu, sesame, cinnamon and sea salt) aim to tingle and thrill.

Location: 7/F, Lan Kwai Fong Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central

Flamingo Bloom

The Flamingo Bloom tea salon is the brainchild of Benjamin Ang, who also helped launch Dragon Noodles Academy and Social Place. The menu is filled with customisable options, allowing tea lovers to craft their own perfect cup.

Tea drinkers start by choosing one of four teas (jasmine green tips from Fujian, Highland Oolong from Taiwan, chrysanthemum pu’er from Yunnan and honey orchid black tea from Sichuan) before adding fruit, boba, matcha or French rose. You can also top it with a layer of foam made of salted milk for a creamy twist. For those who aren’t sure of what to order, the salon offers a few signature combinations, including Boba Beetroot Milk.

Location: G/F, Shop B, 50 Stanley Street, Central

Terroir Parisien

Celebrated Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alleno’s Terroir Parisienis coming to Hong Kong.This is Alleno’s first Terroir Parisien to open in Asia. The restaurant, which will open in mid-July, boasts a casual-dining bistro concept that prioritises quality produce.

On the menu are quintessential French dishes, all of which are inspired by seasonal ingredients. Highlights include Parisian mushroom and snail patties, lamb stew and spring vegetables in a casserole, and “nanterre” brioche French toast with vanilla ice-cream.

Location: M/F, Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central

Haku

Contemporary Japanese cuisine with a European twist might be a cliché – but not at newly opened Haku. The menu items boast a mix of East and West, as is apparent in the restaurant’s signature chu toro made with Kristal caviar and rice tuile.

Diners can watch the chefs cook in Haku’s kappo kitchen, which is open-theatre style and reveals all the culinary action. The relaxed seating arrangement encourages diners to chat with chefs as they work.

Location: Shop OT G04B, G/F, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui

NEW MENUS

12,000 Francs

To celebrate July 4, 12,000 Francs is presenting a pop-up menu that features all-American favourites with a unique twist provided by chef Conor Beach. The menu will be hosted at the wine bar table on each Tuesday night in July.

Highlights include spice-rubbed and apple wood-smoked Memphis pork ribs (either as a half- or whole-slab) accompanied by sweet potato fries and kimchi-slaw, the coconut milk fried chicken sandwich and the Nashville pulled pork sandwich.

Location: 43A Elgin Street, Elgin Building Ground Floor, SoHo, Central

Above & Beyond

Does anyone else think a continuous flow of light sake to complement dinner sounds like a midsummer night’s dream?

On July 26, for one night only, guests can feast on pan-Asian flavours paired with sake sourced from top Japanese breweries Sawahime and Maboroshi no Taki.

On the drinks menu is a full-bodied Wakoudojyoushu Tokubetsu Junmai sake from Sawahime, as well as a delicate Tsurara Ginjo Namachozo sake from Maboroshi no Taki. An expert from each brewery will also be on hand to explain the brewing techniques used for each sake.

Menu highlights include Kung Pao lobster, smoked giant garoupa fillet, and tea-inspired pudding for dessert.

Price: HK$1,088 per person

Location: Above & Beyond, Level 28, Hotel ICON, Tsim Sha Tsui

Tosca x Alessi

The Alessi Circus collection, designed by famed Dutch designer Marcel Wanders, comes to life at the Michelin-starred Tosca this summer.

Featured on the menu is a mix of sweet and savoury items, including crunchy spaghetti roll with arrabbiata sauce, popcorn and chocolate cake, cappuccino gelato and more. And to keep the circus theme going, a magician is on hand to keep diners entertained.

Afternoon tea is served every Saturday from July 1 to August 31, from 3.30-5.30pm.

Price: HK$390 per person

Location: Tosca, Level 102, The Ritz-Carlton

InterContinental Lobby Lounge x Shanghai Tang

Shanghai Tang is serving a sumptuous afternoon tea inspired by Asian flavours. From July 3 to September 17, afternoon tea aficionados will be presented with a beautiful lacquered box filled with a delectable treats.

Highlights include sliced lobster with gingko green pea puree on rye bread, taro and mango opera cake, pandan puff pastry, and black rice glutinous pudding. Fresh-baked scones served with clotted cream, Earl Grey tea jam and peach and rose jam also make an appearance.

Price: HK$608 or HK$628 for two people, depending on the day

Location: Lobby Lounge, InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

ÉPURE

Starting from July 1, a six-course seasonal dinner menu will be served over at Michelin-starred ÉPURE. Highlights include heirloom mango and pineapple tomato and blue lobster.

Price: HK$1,388 per person

Location: Shop 403, 4/F, Ocean Centre, 17 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Zuma

Colourful summer-inspired dishes are being served at Zuma this month. Menu highlights include gorgeous desserts: Japanese jasmine white poached peach with ice white chocolate; buckwheat biscuit and wild strawberries; and a warm-centred coconut cake with Okinawa purple potato matcha served with ice cream, rice cracker and lychee sorbet.

Location: Shop 501-503, 5/F, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central

VEA x Jungsik Seoul

From July 28 to 29, diners at VEA restaurant & Lounge will be able to savour an exclusive eight-course menu prepared by chef Vicky Cheng and visiting chef Jungsik Yim from Jungsik Seoul.

Price: HK$2,380 per guest with a wine and cocktail pairing for an additional HK$680

Location: 198 Wellington Street, Central