Valentine’s Day, birthdays or whatever the occasion, we all love a date night. But where should you and your loved one go in the ever-changing food metropolis of Hong Kong? Whether it be an old-school favourite or somewhere new on the scene, here are a few of our team’s top picks:
CHÔM CHÔM
Experience tasty Vietnamese street food in SoHo at CHÔM CHÔM. The menu is inspired by classic Hanoi street food and designed to be paired with the bar’s unique selection of regional Vietnamese beers. Soak up some culture at this slightly more relaxed yet lively restaurant, perfect for a less intimate date night.
Must try …
Beef in Betel Leaf, Pho Roll, Bun Cha Pork Skewer. Average price (two courses each, not including drinks) $250
Lilya
This Moroccan style restaurant/bar in Wyndham Street is fairly new on the scene. With an intricately decorated interior that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a restaurant in Fes, and stunningly crafted food, Lilya is a unique and not too pricey spot for your next date night. Happy Hour from 6-8pm, Sunday to Wednesday provides the perfect excuse to go for pre-dinner drinks!
Must try …
Spinach with Confit Lemon Sauce, Black Cod, Pastilla. Average price (three courses each, not including drinks) $350
Bread Street Kitchen & Bar
Tucked away on the mezzanine level of LKF Tower lies Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, Gordon Ramsay’s first restaurant to open in Hong Kong. Offering an array of food and drinks, there’s always something a little different on the menu and very often there are specials to try. You could even go early for a unique cocktail at Happy Hour prices every day from 5-7.30pm.
Must try …
Sesame Seared Yellowfin Tuna, Braised Beef Cheek, Sticky Toffee Pudding. Average price (per person not including drinks) $450
One-thirtyone
This little gem in Sai Kung does not disappoint. Serving seasonal fare, the menu changes each month offering fresh local organic produce. With wonderful views out to sea, drinks can be enjoyed whilst relaxing in the garden followed by an ambient dinner inside. A little oasis of calm and a perfect city escape.
Price – set tasting menus – lunch from $600 and dinner from $1,200 *average price per person, drinks not included
208 Duecento Otto
Try some rustic Italian food at 208 with your other half. Whether you would like to share some antipasti or tuck into a pizza, 208 has got the goods! The staff are energetic and the vibe is warm and buzzy. Although some of the dishes are a little pricey, it’s justified with the quality. They also have a great wine list.
www.208.com.hk
Must try…
208 Fettuccine all’Aragosta, Tuscan Pizza, Brownie Caldo con Salsa al Cioccolato con Caffe al Caramello.
Average price (per person, not including drinks) $495
Aberdeen Street Social
Dine in or alfresco at Aberdeen Street Social where they offer a “tasteful yet relaxed dining experience”. If you’re after modern British food, this is the place for you as they serve anything from traditional pork pie to suckling pig belly. The cocktails are also tasty, using interesting flavours such as dill syrup.
www.aberdeenstreetsocial.hk
Must try…
London Cured Smoked Eel, Red Wine Braised Ox Cheek, Blackcurrant Eton Mess, Average price (per person, not including drinks) $600
Arcane
If you feel like splurging a little, then head to Arcane. With one Michelin star, Arcane serves modern European food presented so beautifully that it’s almost a shame to eat! Although it’s a little cold out just now, the terrace would be the perfect setting for dinner. Designed as an English tropical garden, you will find a selection of 30 different varieties of herbs, fruits and vegetables that feature on the menu.
www.arcane.hk
Must try…
Tortellini of Braised Oxtail, Sautéed Potato Gnocchi,
Average price (per person not including drinks) $850
Figo’s Seaside Café
If you are looking for a less formal yet sociable setting, then head to Figo’s at Discovery Bay Plaza. With pizza and pasta galore, there’s enough choice on the menu for everyone in this happening joint. And if you fancy a little quiet time later, take your drinks down to the beach and kick back for a spot of stargazing. Oh and they do a Monday night special 2-4-1 too.
Must try…
Tapas Plank, Tuscan Hills pizza, Tiramisu. Average price (per person, not including drinks) $425
Shoreditch
Dig into some classic British food at this vibrant and friendly restaurant in the centre of Kennedy Town. Shoreditch gives you a quick hit of London’s East End. The seafood is good, the meat is satisfying, and didwe say the half-price lobster on Wednesdays is a total steal! The ales have attitude and the gin and tonics are also excellent. shoreditch.hk
Must try…
Seared Scallops, Pale Ale Roasted Chicken Breast, Mars Bar Cheesecake. Average price (per person, not including drinks) $375
Verandah Repulse Bay
It’s an oldie but goodie! If colonial charm, complete with piano tinkling in the background is your thing, then The Verandah is not to be missed. Situated in Repulse Bay, you can sit and enjoy the tranquillity of being near the sea while indulging in some delicious food.
www.therepulsebay.com/en/dining/verandah
Must try…
Boston Lobster Medallion, Slow-Cooked Challan Duck Breast, Baked Alaska. Average price (per person, not including drinks) $950
TATE
Spend your next special occasion at TATE where every plate of food is beautifully crafted into a work of art. Be taken on a wonderful journey through an eight-course tasting menu that tells the story of its nature and creation, pulling all the senses together with culinary technics and conceptual plating. An evening here will be an experience you will never forget.
www.tate.com.hk
Price for eight-course Tasting Menu $1,680
Tipsy
If the sound of old-school fine dining with a quirky contemporary edge tickles your fancy, then head to Tipsy in Tai Hang for a real treat. It may be a newbie on the Hong Kong dining scene, but it has already built a reputation for fantastic cocktails and food and attentive service. Their strawberry crumble (on the lunch menu) is worth the visit alone – sharing is optional! www.facebook.com/tipsy.restaurant.bar
Must try…
Octopus and Beetroot Hummus, Wild Italian Seabass, Strawberry Crumble. Average price (per person, not including drinks) $400
Shanghai LaoLao
If you’re after a casual, local vibe and love Xiaolongbao, this modern Shanghainese restaurant might just hit the spot. Shanghai LaoLao’s location right across from the Kennedy Town MTR makes it easy to get to. Their Chinese dishes never fail and the wine is decent. A reliably good and quick-ish nosh, so you can continue the conversation in some fun bars near Kennedy Town’s Forbes Street.
Must try…
Xiaolongbao, Green Beans with Shrimp, Dan-Dan Peanut Noodles. Average price (sharing plates and no drinks) $120
Bindaas Bar + Kitchen
If you’re looking for an informal restaurant with some atmosphere, how about heading to Bindaas on Aberdeen Street, Central, for some Indian Street food? While it’s not necessarily a traditional date night venue, the food is fantastic. They have a decent cocktail list and bar and often have live music in the evenings. It’s all high tables and seating, but don’t let that put you off.
www.iambindaas.com
Must try…
Boti Kebab, Duck Korma, Gulab Jamun & Vanilla Ice Cream.
Average price (per person not including drinks) $375
Le Blanc
What could be more romantic than listening to vintage French music in your own partitioned dining area, surrounded by antiques and twinkling fairy lights? This hidden gem, tucked away on the sixth floor of a building in Wanchai, has a minimum spend of $290 per person and complimentary BYO on wine, making it great value. The romatic European atmosphere is sure to charm on your next date night.
Must Try…
Pumpkin-Gorgonzola Flan, Confit de Canard, Baked Dark Cherry Clafoutis. Average spend per person $300
Valentine Specials
Gaucho introduces an exquisite three-course Valentines menu priced at $1,288 per couple. Items includes steak tartare, seared mackerel, Gaucho’s renowned ancho, tiger prawns, and a sharing platter of their signature desserts. www.gauchorestaurants.com
Learn how to create a love potion with your partner in this exclusive Valentine’s masterclass which includes four gins, their tonic pairings and Dr. Fern’s infamous garnish garden. $500 per person
www.ticketflap.com/valentinesginmasterclass
Share roasted Hokkaido hairy crab, Okinawa-style aburi oshizushi, and a carving of kumamoto pork shoulder roast, plus a range of pink desserts while a live band conjures a romantic mood. www.themirahotel.comMrs. Pound 14 February
Perfect for competitive couples, this Battle of the Couples Quiz Night will feature a five-course sharing dinner. $380 + 10% per guest.
www.ticketflap.com/valentinesmrspoundquiznight
This Valentine’s Day, Grassroots presents The Superfood Aphrodisiacs Menu Each dish incorporates superfood ingredients medicinally known to excite the senses, ranging from the fertility improving maca in the Spiced Martini to the libido boosting Greek Coconut Yogurt in the Cherries and Cream Dessert. A welcome change to the celebration of love, the Valentine’s set menu is available by pre-booking only. $680 per person.
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Enjoy an authentic 4-course Italian menu, masterfully prepared by Italian Chef de Cuisine Andrea Delzanno, at Cicina at the Marco Polo Hong Kong. Complementing the Valentine’s Day menu is award-winning Bellavizio wine, a boutique label created by celebrated actress Bernice Liu. The meal is priced at HK$1,988 per couple including two glasses of Bellavizio Bordeaux Rosé 2015, or HK$2,500 per couple including a bottle of wine.
Experience the “Mr & Mrs Fox Love Card”; a charming dinner experience for two. Highlights of the special four-course menu include fine dishes such as delicately Poached Oyster with Garlic Cream and succulent Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Manchego Cheese.$1,100
Does staying in on Valentine’s Day sound more appealing to you? For $388, Motorino is offering a neapolitan pizza, a tiramisu and a choice of two antipasti or a bottle of gragnano. Available for pick up or delivery.
www.motorinohongkong.com
