Lala

French restaurants in Hong Kong tend to lean either towards haute gastronomy or nostalgic brasserie theatrics. Lala sits somewhere comfortably in between. Chef Franckelie Laloum’s cooking draws directly from his French background to put dishes like parsley garlic frog legs on the menu. Duck pâté en croûte is also handled with care; its pastry crisp, the filling rich but neatly balanced. Then there are larger plates—Angus beef tenderloin flambé with kampot pepper sauce or charcoal-grilled turbot with hollandaise—that deliver the quiet satisfaction of technique well practised. The bar keeps the mood buoyant with classic cocktails and champagne, reinforcing the feeling that this is somewhere designed to be returned to rather than reserved for rare occasions. What makes the restaurant work is its balance. The cooking respects tradition, but the atmosphere avoids the stiffness that sometimes shadows French dining. In a city that often chases novelty, there is something refreshing about a kitchen simply concentrating on getting the fundamentals right.

Tatler Tip

If you’re not drinking, there are thoughtful non-alcoholic options, including 0% wine and beer, kombucha and mocktails.