A round-up of new openings, limited-time festive menus and exclusive collabs, just in time for the season of indulgence
Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic
The world’s most decorated female Michelin-starred chef Anne-Sophie Pic – of Maison Pic – is at it again with Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic, a joint venture with creator of enchanting universes Baccarat and Leading Nation Hospitality. Standing at the nexus of gastronomy, design and hospitality, the 40-seat restaurant at Forty-Five in Landmark invites guests to indulge in a multi-sensory experience that celebrates the French joie de vivre. The menu, led by head chef Marc Mantovani, showcases ASP’s innovative approach to traditional French cuisine with signatures like the Les Berlinggots ASP, sobacha pasta filled with 24 months-aged Comte finished with a mushroom consommé infused with coffee and sobacha. While the interiors – by the Paris-based Gilles et Boissier – fuse elegance and innovation, elevated to extraordinary heights with Baccarat’s vision and standard for excellence.
Where: Forty-Five, 44/F Gloucester Tower, Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central
Leela
Leela is renowned chef Manav Tuli’s latest venture, opened in partnership with JIA Group. Inspired by the Hindu concept of “leela”, which represents the divine play or sport of the gods, this modern Indian restaurant – designed by André Fu Studio – showcases the playfulness and whimsy of Indian cuisine with a menu that pays homage to India’s most influential empires, in particular the Maurya Empire of circa 300 BC. Made of the finest proteins, vegetables, and ingredients – all spruced from trusted suppliers – standouts include the Lucknowi Tokri Chaat, a potato basket filled with potato patties; bhallas; chickpeas; tamarind chutney, and more; Chakundar Oxtail Gosht, which showcases the culinary traditions of Punjab; and Saoji Lamb Shank, inspired by the cuisine of the Kandahar region in Afghanistan; among many others.
Pair it all with cocktails specially curated by JIA Group’s acclaimed beverage director, Mario Calderone, or take your pick from the wine list categorised based on spice levels, ranging from mild to heavy.
Where: Shop 301-310, Lee Garden Three, 1 Sunning Road, Causeway Bay
The Baker & The Bottleman
New seasonal dishes at this wine-focused restaurant by Simon Rogan are inspired by European flavours and, like all other Rogan concepts, highlight independent growers and small-scale producers. Try the Flash-Grilled Cuttlefish dressed in homemade XO sauce, accompanied by fresh fennel; or the Roasted Baby Carrots with whipped feta, honey and spiced dukkah. For those looking to share, the succulent Roasted Local Duck Breast accompanied by a refreshing plum sauce is a great pick, as it the tantalising Rhug Estate Lamb featuring various cuts and a rich sauce made from the bones. Round out your meal with either the Lemon Custard Tart or Hazelnut Paris Brest.
Where: Shop G14 & G15, G/F, Lee Tung Avenue, 200 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai
Rosewood Hong Kong
As the most wonderful time of the year approaches, Rosewood Hong Kong is the place where guests can enjoy culinary delights at award-winning restaurants and bars. From Asaya Kitchen to BluHouse, The Dining Room, Holt’s Café, HENRY, CHAAT, Bayfare Social, The Butterfly Room, Butterfly Patisserie, The Legacy House and DarkSide, each venue presents guests with an array of exquisite seasonal offerings from 24 to 31 December.
Led by the talented Chef Fabio Nompleggio, Asaya Kitchen invites guests on a delightful Mediterranean culinary journey with a special focus on seafood-centric creations. Celebrate the enchanting Christmas season with their thoughtfully curated menus starting with the Christmas Eve Dinner Menu priced at HKD$1,388. On Christmas Day, guests can indulge in the delectable Christmas Day Lunch Menu priced at HKD$988, or opt for the Christmas Day Dinner Menu priced at HKD$1,388. Each menu showcases the use of conscious ingredients, including Morel Mushroom Consommé with pumpkin ravioli, sweet corn, nasturtium, the succulent Blue lobster Tagliolini accompanied by bouillabaisse, and much more. Every meal is perfectly finished off with a heavenly chestnut dessert featuring porcini crumble, hazelnut Chantilly, and dark chocolate.
Bayfare Social presents their enticing Christmas specials for this festive season. Guests can experience the symphony of flavours with their exquisite dishes, starting with the Huevos Rellenos, a delightful combination of crab-deviled eggs, green apples, and mayonnaise. For those craving Spanish meat dishes, the Costillas de Cordero featuring roasted lamb ribs accompanied by romesco sauce and parsley is a true delight. On top of this, Bayfare Social also presents the Pulpo a La Parrilla for seafood enthusiasts, showcasing grilled Spanish octopus, Padron peppers and paprika oil.
A festive ambience, refined afternoon teas and savoury bites await guests at The Butterfly Room. The Festive Afternoon Tea Set, which starts from HKD$568, features a selection of traditional finger sandwiches, freshly baked classic scones with clotted cream and homemade jams, pastries, and chocolates, all washed down with a variety of teas. At HKD$998, guests can also indulge in a refined five-course Festive Dinner Set Menu. Standouts include the Pate en Croute Richelieu with pickles and watercress, Chestnut Velouté with winter black truffle, and Poached Salmon accompanied by leek fondue, mashed potato, salmon roe and Champagne sauce.
Full list of dining experiences here
Where: Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Regent Hong Kong
Regent Hong Kong is introducing six enticing dining venues for this festive season, including Nobu Hong Kong and Qura, the soon-to-be-launched destination bar. From dawn till dusk, you will be able to witness the mesmerising transformation of the harbour view at each venue, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
The Lobby Lounge features floor-to-ceiling windows, proving to be one of the best places to enjoy the festive lights and decorations of the skyline. From 16 December to 6 January, guests can enjoy a Festive Afternoon Tea at HKD$1,088 for two guests. During the weekend of Christmas, head chef Rajiv Chowdhoory will present a special Christmas Afternoon Tea, priced at HKD$1,288 for two, made up of an array of exotic holiday flavours like Cod Fish Rillettes paired with Seaweed and Miso Kalamansi and Madagascar Vanilla Mousse with Kalamansi jelly and Yogurt Sponge.
Indulge in some of the world’s finest beef, starters, side dishes and desserts at The Steak House, lead by head chef Amine Errkhis. Priced at HKD$1,488 per adult and HKD$988 per child, the Christmas Brunch is ideal for families. Or, for those looking for something a little more intimate and sophisticated, The Steak House also offers a five-course Christmas dinner (HKD$2,588) and six-course New Year’s Eve dinner (HKD$2,988).
Qura sets to redefine the very essence of luxury as it makes its grand debut this month. Offering a collection of rare spirits, wines and cigars, as well as sumptuous bites, panoramic harbour views and live musical entertainment, there’s no better place to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
Full list of dining experiences here
Where: Regent Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon
Testina
The power duo of Trippa Milano, Diego Rossi and Pietro Caroli, will be taking over Testina from 4 to 6 December. During these three days, chef Rossi will be showcasing his dedication and passion through a special à la carte menu, featuring his delicious creations including the famous homemade tagliatelle with butter and parmesan.
Where: 3/F, 8 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central
Ankôma
Helmed by Hong Kong-born chef Frankie Wong, Ankôma is a refined casual dining concept serving elevated modern cuisine that merges French and Japanese culinary artistry. For Christmas, Wong will be cooking up a 9-course feast, with dishes like Zuwaigani, snow crab tartlet with sherry vinegar sheet and battera kombu floss; Abalone Pithivier, featuring South African abalone isoyaki with scallop mousse, and more, all delicately wrapped in puff pastry; and the Lobster, stone grilled with sakura ebi kabocha sauce, chili oil, oden daikon and oxalis. To end the set will be a Matcha dessert and seasonal Japanese fruits.
Where: 5/F, Kam Lung Commercial Centre, 2 Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui
Chôm Chôm
Chôm Chôm has returned after a month-long reservation. At the heart of the reinvigorated Chôm Chôm experience is an unfussy – and affordable – drinks programme, inspired by Vietnamese flavours. There are old-favourites, like the signature Pho-jito, reimagined with herbaceous flavours like lemongrass, Thai basil, mint and a dash of fresh chilli; as well as new additions such as the Chôm Chôm Espresso, a twist on the espresso martini with rice wine cold brew, coffee liqueur and aromatic coconut foam; and Bia Hoi brew on tap.
To pair are light, refreshing and sensible dishes dreamed up by head chef Logan Hester. Must-try’s include the three yellow Chicken & Cabbage Salad, beef Pho Roll, Salt & Pepper Soft Shell Crab, and the Lac Canh Tenderloin.
Where: 58 Peel Street, Central
Pâtisserie Millefeuille
Pâtisserie Millefeuille is award-winning pastry chef Lionel Bodros’ newest venture, offering a genuine taste of French culture and the joy of meticulously crafted desserts. Freshly prepared every day, the Pâtisserie’s pièce de résistance is its Signature Mini Millefeuilles, available in four varieties: Vanilla Hazelnut, Vanilla Caramel, Pistachio Raspberries and Chocolate Dream. Beyond millefeuilles are a variety of petit gateaux like Mont Blanc, Lemon Tart, canelés, madeleines, as well as a savoury selection. Highlights include the Morbier Truffle Ham Sandwich, Sriracha Chicken Sandwich and Smoked Salmon Sandwich.
Where: 16A Staunton St, Central
