Art-Inspired Restaurants To Try This March

Art isn't just on walls this month—it's on plates, too. Get your fill at these art-inspired restaurants

1. Mandarin Grill

Above Mandarin Oriental's executive chef Robin Zavou created this xiao long bao dish in tribute to artist Konstantin Bessmertny's painting, The Last Dumpling (Photo: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental)

This award-winning restaurant is transforming into a fully-fledged gallery this month in collaboration with art consultancy CONSIGG, and will be bedecked with works by Russian-born, Macau-based artist Konstantin Bessmertny. While admiring (and perhaps even purchasing) the art, diners will be able to savour an exclusive menu, with each course inspired by a different one of Bessmertny’s paintings. Dishes include French Connections, an Alaskan crab and truffle brioche, and The Last Dumpling—a lobster and salmon roe xiao long bao. The menu is available from March 17 to 31.

Mandarin Grill, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2825 4004; mandarinoriental.com

2. Ho Lee Fook

Above Ho Lee Fook is full of quirky details, from lucky cats to the artworks of local talent Jonathan Jay Lee (Photo: Courtesy of Ho Lee Fook)

Good food and good art go hand-in-hand at this funky Chinese restaurant, where chef Jowett Yu’s classic dishes with a twist meet vibrant illustrations by local artist Jonathan Jay Lee. Regular diners will be in for a treat this month as the space has been revamped to include a collection of new works by Lee, inspired by quintessentially Hong Kong urban scenes that include “fishball girls”, dried seafood and Mongkok nights.

Ho Lee Fook, G/F No. 1-5 Elgin Street, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2810 0860; holeefookhk.tumblr.com

3. Bibo

Above Bibo's art-heavy interiors places it firmly in the creative circuit (Photo: Courtesy of Bibo)

Bibo has long been a favourite among art lovers, who are drawn to its collection of striking works by big names such as Banksy, Damien Hirst, Daniel Arsham and Aya Takano. While you’re admiring the art, tuck into meals cooked up by innovative executive chef Mutaro Balde. Classics include Le Bar De Ligne, line-caught seabass served with razor clams and spicy curry oil, and Le Pigeon de Touraine, a roasted pigeon breast accompanied by crispy chestnuts, green asparagus and foie gras.

Bibo, 163 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong; +852 2956 3188; bibo.hk

4. Chôm Chôm and Stazione Novella

Above The walls outside Stazione Novella are often emblazoned with creative murals by graffiti artists (Photo: Stazione Novella on Facebook)

Street art festival HKWalls returns to Soho this month–and restaurants Chôm Chôm and Stazione Novella are getting in on the action. Both venues will feature brand new murals by leading graffiti artists–start or end a walk around Soho at either establishment and drink in how the various artists are transforming the neighbourhood this year.

Chôm Chôm, G/F Block A, 58-60 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2810 0850; chomchom.hk

Stazione Novella, Ming Hing House, 52-56 Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2559 0559; stazionenovella.com

5. Le Marché by Philippe Orrico

Above Philippe Orrico is back again to host a pop-up restaurant at Art Central (Photo: Courtesy of On Dining)

Chef Philippe Orrico–who’s behind celebrated establishments On Dining and Upper Modern Bistro–is once again hosting a pop-up restaurant at Art Central. Serving classic European cuisine, Le Marché features everything from light bites such as charcuterie to hearty teriyaki beef short rib. There’s also a selection of fantastic wines and cheese plates curated by Hong Kong’s leading fromagier, Jeremy Evrard.

To reserve a table, email frontoffice@ontop.hk

Le Marché by Philippe Orrico, Art Central, Central Harbourfront Event Space, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2174 0322; artcentralhongkong.com

Topics

Art Month

Tatler Asia