As the festive atmosphere takes over Hong Kong with Christmas and New Year’s Eve on the horizon, the city’s dining scene welcomes a bevy of new restaurants, perfect for holiday celebrations. This year, a shopping center in Kai Tak and several spots throughout the city are rolling out the red carpet for food enthusiasts.
Kai Tak’s Airside shopping center is now home to two impressive new eateries that have caught the attention of local foodies. In the realm of Mediterranean fare, two new spots are joining the ranks, one nestled in Sheung Wan and another adding flavor to Central’s already diverse culinary landscape.
Chef Manav Tuli, known for his earlier stint at the Michelin-starred Chaat, is hardly slowing down, launching a new co-venture in the bustling area of Causeway Bay. Adding to the celebratory vibe, two other new establishments in the city are making waves, complete with music lounges that are sure to become landmarks for their year-end opening festivities.
Leela, the latest endeavor by star chef Manav Tuli, in collaboration with the JIA Group, is set to bring a fresh take on Indian cuisine to Causeway Bay. Expect an elegant setting from Andre Fu Studio, and a menu that honors India’s rich culinary traditions, hopefully including Manav’s beloved tandoori lamb chops and butter chicken. The opening is scheduled for mid-November at Lee Garden Three.
Replacing the old Potato Head, Melody in Sai Ying Pun is set to become a fusion of food and music, with Chef Jamie Draper at the helm, offering European dishes with innovative twists. Accompanying the gastronomic experience, the bar presents seasonal cocktails, while the music room promises an eclectic mix, from vintage Cantopop to ’70s Cambodian jazz.
Meanwhile, Donovan Cooke, a celebrated name from MasterChef Australia, introduces Donovan, a new European fine-dining experience in Causeway Bay. The restaurant will showcase an eight-course tasting menu that is sure to demonstrate Cooke’s refined culinary prowess.
Plaisance by Mauro Colagreco, a collaboration with Chef Mauro Colagreco of Mirazur fame, opens at 1 Duddell Street. Spanning three floors, this establishment offers a variety of dining experiences, from seasonal seafood to casual dining and private spaces.
Rue Du Liban brings a fresh perspective on Lebanese cuisine to Tsim Sha Tsui, featuring shared plates and healthy options in an ambiance inspired by Lebanese architecture. The menu tempts with a selection of meze and starters that are deeply rooted in traditional Lebanese culinary art.
The Trilogy, set in Central, aims to become the latest hotspot with three themed areas, including a club, rooftop bar, and speakeasy, each offering a unique musical journey through different genres and styles.
For those craving Thai flavors, Fall in Thai brings its popular hotpot from Shanghai to New Town Plaza in Sha Tin. Diners can savor authentic broths and ingredients that have won the brand acclaim on the mainland.
Juno, an Italian-Mediterranean restaurant, is preparing to delight Sheung Wan with chef Jordi Vallés Claverol at the reins. Anticipate a melding of classics like lobster risotto and lamb ballotine with an array of wines and cocktails.
Chom Chom reemerges from refurbishment to Soho, reintroducing the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese street food. New menu items and Vietnam-style freshly brewed beer will surely add a new dimension to the local dining scene.
Chef’s Cuts in Kai Tak’s Airside center is set to satisfy Western cuisine lovers with a twist, boasting dishes like lobster mac and cheese, alongside an in-house bakery featuring artisanal sourdough bread.
Chatterbox Café also joins the Airside mall, bringing its iconic Hainan chicken rice and introducing new dishes exclusive to this location, including stir-fried lobster with curry and durian-infused specialties for dessert aficionados.
This array of new dining establishments offers a spectrum of experiences for festive revelers, each promising to elevate Hong Kong’s culinary narrative just in time for the season’s celebrations.
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