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From multinational restaurant concepts to local cafes, we round up the 10 best new openings of the year
Hong Kong is never short of good restaurants, and with new concepts blooming seemingly every day, it can be hard to keep track. (That’s why we have our frequently updated Upcoming New Openings page, right here). 2015 has been a great year for those who love to try new places, with each opening adding to the vibrant food scene in Hong Kong. As we near 2016, we take a look back and present our top ten picks for the best new restaurant openings this year.
The Ocean
One of the latest openings in 2015 that made waves and our annual Top 20 Best Restaurant list is The Ocean, which is more than just a seafood restaurant with a good view. Opened and operated by the Le Comptoir group, which also owns Bibo, Hotshot and Tri, this Repulse Bay restaurant brings a seasonal, sustainable seafood menu to the table, crafted by executive chef Agustin Balbi, recipient of the Best New Chef Award this year in our 2016 Best Restaurants guide.
The Ocean, Shop 303-304, 3/F The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay +852 2889 5939
Ta Vie
Since the success of Tenku Ryugin, Japanese chef Hideaki Sato has been a culinary maestro. His first project after Ryugin leads you through a journey of taste, where all flavours are enhanced by exquisitely presented dishes in his signature degustation menu, one that changes seasonally. Ta Vie presenting surprises on every level, from the range of ingredients used to cold-brewed tea pairings. A meal at the restaurant is an exploration to remember, which is just one of many reasons why the restaurant is an easy choice for our Top 20 Best Restaurants list this year.
Ta Vie, 2/F, The Pottinger, 74 Queen’s Road Central, Central; +852 2668 6488
Mr. and Mrs. Fox
An original dining concept by Swire, who also owns The Continental, another local favourite, this three-storey restaurant was the recipient of our Best New Restaurant Award this year, as voted by our readers with a whopping 59% of the vote. Helmed by Café Gray Deluxe alum chef Joey Sergentakis, the establishment features a whimsical narrative that weaves itself into a wide selection of gourmet offerings, from burgers and pastas at the bar, to seafood tower and in-house aged steaks. Mr. and Mrs. Fox is a celebration of the love for sharing good food.
Mr and Mrs. Fox, 23 Tong Chong Street, Quarry Bay; +852 2697 8500
Mercedes Me
Maximal Concept’s latest opening in 2015 fuses the hottest cuisines on the planet, with Spanish, Japanese, and Peruvian all under one roof. Mercedes Me does one better, presenting all of the above in a stylish collaboration with international lifestyle brand Mercedes-Benz at this establishment in Central. Chef Edgar Sanuy leads a team that delivers some sensational gastronomic creations.
Mercedes Me, Shop C and D, Entertainment Building, 30 Queen’s Road Central, Central; +852 2895 7398
Ce La Vi
Formerly named Ku De Ta, the multinational restaurant and bar concept finally put the Hong Kong opening rumours to rest by with the debut of its three-storey venue at the top of the newly revamped California Tower. Part lounge and part restaurant, their contemporary take on Japanese cuisine is enhanced by creative cocktails and a spectacular dessert menu created by pastry chef Jason Licker. One of the biggest names in the industry, Ce La Vi continues to grow with more a la carte options and by offering lunches during the week as well.
Ce La Vi, 25/F California Tower, 32 D’Aguilar Street, Central; +852 3700 2300
Issaya Siamese Club
Another foreign import brought to Hong Kong, the original Issaya Siamese Club in Bangkok has garnered worldwide acclaim for its innovative take on Thai cuisine with traditional flavours and creative cocktails to match. The stylish lounge invites guests to enjoy a drink before progressing to dinner, where a la carte dishes are just as great as the selection from the tasting menus, all under the helm of chef Ian Kittichai.
Issaya Siamese Club, 25/F Soundwill Plaza II – Midtown, 1 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay; +852 2154 3048
Tri
Similar to The Ocean, Le Comptoir’s Tri greets guests with stunning interior design that earned them the Best Interior Design award in our 2016 Best Restaurants guide. The restaurant’s modern take on Balinese cuisine is the result of a collaboration between chefs Conor Beach and I Wayan Mustika. We particularly enjoy settling into one of the bamboo ‘pods’ for a tropical escape somewhere closer to home.
Tri, Shop 302, 3/F The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay; +852 2515 0577
Fish School
The first collaboration between celebrated local chef David Lai and Yenn Wong, recipient of the Restaurateur of the Year award in the 2016 Best Restaurants guide, who is also the brains behind 22 Ships, Chachawan and Aberdeen Street Social. The Sai Ying Pun restaurant may not be easily located, but once you find it, the trendy space is just the spot to enjoy the fruits of the sea, thanks to an impressive menu featuring fresh local catches. The new establishment presents a creative take on seafood with modern preparation, and we’re particularly taken with the satisfying dessert menu.
Fish School, 100 Third Street, Sai Ying Pun; +852 2361 2966
Teakha II
Teakha II is a success story, proving that independent cafés and restaurants can always thrive if the concept is good. Starting out as a small teahouse on Tai Ping Shan Street, the café quickly turned into local sensation with its exquisite preparations of artisan teas and celebrated baked goods. The new location in Sai Ying Pun is bigger than its original kin, with a richer array of offerings from early breakfast pancakes to the newly launched brunch menu, meaning that Teakha II is without doubt another hotspot worthy of a detour.
Teakha II, 18 Po Tuck Street, Sai Ying Pun; +852 3956 9009
The Walrus
The Walrus may take up a small space, but you cannot miss it walking down Staunton Street in Soho. The pint-sized seafood bar neighbors Little Bao, is within walking distance from Yardbird, and is owned and operated by the Chow sisters who also own the stylish cocktail bar The Woods a few blocks away. The establishment’s nautical theme is enhanced by its seafood offerings, from seasonal oyster shooters to po’boys, satisfying many a seafood craving when it arises.
The Walrus, 64 Staunton Street, Central.
Wilson Fok was formerly the Senior Dining Editor for Tatler Asia Hong Kong, overseeing Tatler Dining Hong Kong and the annual Hong Kong Tatler Best Restaurants guide. As well as penning the latest stories about the city's latest restaurant openings and food culture, he is passionate in the search for new directions and trends in food and drink. Follow his food journeys and jam-making adventures on Instagram @happyquince
