Modern and elegantly casual, Whisk achieves the neat trick of being both visually striking and instantly welcoming – much like the Mira hotel, in which it is located. Wandering into the restaurant, it’s impossible to miss the installation of gleaming white globes that dangle just beyond the glass barrier to the right, which doubles as the ceiling for Cuisine Cuisine, the Mira’s Chinese restaurant, below. A handful of tables for two with snazzily patterned, low-slung seats hug the edge of this mezzanine, while a few steps up to the left is the main dining area, with its muted colour palette of browns and creams. 

Modern French cuisine embellished with playful twists and Asian accents is Whisk’s specialty. A good example is steamed escargots, a half dozen of which come individually wrapped in baby spinach amid a foam of galangal and red radish. Unexpected perhaps, but the preparation keeps the snails wonderfully juicy and the spinach adds a burst of freshness. Foie gras ravioli fares a little less well. Served with fresh artichoke, spinach and Parmesan, it certainly hits the right flavour notes, but the pasta was on the chewy side. A main of French Challans duck is another surprising but successful rendition. Topped with a crunchy, peanut brittle-esque coating, it has a nutty sweetness that is wonderfully moreish. M7 wagyu beef sirloin “Rossini” is an absolute must. Four pieces of succulent beef are plated alongside a mini-skewer of foie gras, a pair of spinach parcels, and a small mound of truffled potato. The wagyu is divine in its own right, but combined with the other ingredients, becomes superlative Vanilla mille feuille is served with a trio of raspberries and is recommended, but whatever you do, don’t pass up the artisan cheese platter, whereby you can select four varieties from a choice of ten on display in the centre of the room. A selection of unusual breads – from beetroot to walnut – is a nice touch.

What it may lack in extensive breadth, the wine list more than makes up for in value and accessibility. It’s a well-chosen selection that keeps things refreshingly simple while covering all the main bases. Look out also for their bin end list, from which it’s possible to find a bottle for under HK$300.

The staff are attentive without being obtrusive, and are happy to explain dishes in greater detail or make recommendations. This friendly demeanor adds to the relaxed atmosphere.

With the quality of food and service, Whisk represents remarkably good value. A three-course meal, excluding wine, costs about HK$600 per person. A six-course tasting menu is available for HK$980 (plus HK$520 for wine pairing), while the express lunch is HK$218 for three courses.