Delish News: New Restaurant Openings, Pop-ups in Hong Kong this Jan. 2024

The holidays may be over, but Hong Kong's vibrant dining scene shows no signs of slowing down. The city welcomes a host of newly opened restaurants, each offering an irresistible dining adventure. From traditional Italian delicacies to the delightful fusion of Shanghainese noodles with broth, and traditional Japanese desserts, there's something to entice every palate. If you are looking for something new to try as you welcome 2024, check out these new restaurants in Hong Kong this January 2024!

New Restaurant Openings in Hong Kong January 2024

AOAO Artful Izakaya and Entertainment in Central

AOAO, a Japanese phrase meaning 'lush green' and symbolizing its status as a 'hidden gem' amidst Central's high rises, is a newly emerged hub of entertainment and elevated eats. A versatile space, AOAO offers contemporary Japanese cuisine with a focus on izakaya-style dishes, complemented by a bar with signature cocktails.

This immersive atmosphere is further enhanced with evening mingles and DJ sets. The culinary presentations are artful, resembling modernist paintings, and have sumptuously made for sharing innovative twists on classic flavours. Get the full picture by reading our review of AOAO here.

Where: AOAO, 14/F, Manning House, 38 Queen's Road, Central, Hong Kong

Sabatini Ristorante Italiano is the Newest Italian Restaurant in IFC

Renowned in Italy, Sabatini Ristorante Italiano celebrates its grand opening at ifc mall, introducing a brand-new outpost of the esteemed eatery at The Royal Garden in Tsim Sha Tsui. Led by Chef de Cuisine Marco Antonio Li Voti, Sabatini offers an authentic Italian dining experience full of rich history.

The original Sabatini, established in Rome in 1958, has delighted diners for 65 years. Enjoy live performances at the new location from Tuesday to Saturday, 7:30 to 10:15 PM, enhancing the culinary journey.

Where: Sabatini Ristorante Italiano, Shop 4008, Podium Level 4, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong

Delightful Fusion Shanghainese Noodles at Lookout in SoHo

Perched above Graham Street, opposite the hill’s iconic mural, is this hipster-y hole in the wall. The menu simply features a staple dish of Shanghainese noodles in a rich and umami-laden broth, with a spicy twist and a seafood-topped version. Full of flavour and warming from the inside, these noodles are a guaranteed treat that’ll cure any winter blues. If you need a little extra nibble, there are also some dainty appetizers to choose from, each seasoned with flavours that attend to palates appreciative of real ingredients.

Where: 六游 Lookout, 1/F, 45A Graham Street, SoHo, Central, Hong Kong

Kamakura Café Brings 1st Overseas Branch to Causeway Bay

Japanese brand Kamakura Café has opened in Causeway Bay, bringing its signature fern cakes to Hong Kongers with its first branch outside Japan. A traditional Japanese dessert, fern cakes are made of soybean flour, has a sticky texture, and yields a rich and sweet flavour. Other products to check out are shaved ice, matcha tea, and all-day breakfast items like bagels and sandwiches.

Where: Kamakura Café, Shop B101A, B1/F, URBANHOOD, Hysan Place, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Exclusive Thai Flavours at Tommy Yummy in TKO

Thai restaurant Tommy Yummy is extending its footprint in Hong Kong with a brand-new space in Tseung Kwan O, bringing its signature Southeast Asian flavours that its patrons from Central have come to love. But you have more reasons to make a trip to this outpost as you can devour exclusive dishes such as Spicy Seafood Butterfly Rice and Thai Milk Tea Tiramisu.

Where: Tommy Yummy, 352A, 3/F, The Lohas, 1 Lohas Park Road, Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong

Visual Vortex The Mansion Opens on Wyndham Street

The Mansion, a new hybrid entertainment venue, adds a creative touch to Central district on Wyndham Street. This immersive clubbing and entertainment spot offers a unique blend of delightful cocktails and a Pintxos-inspired menu.

Conceived by award-winning Hong Kong-based architect and interior designer Sackthi Muthu, The Mansion accommodates up to 40 seated guests. It draws inspiration from a retro cabaret bar and doubles as an art gallery, with an ambiance that transforms throughout the evening.

Where: The Mansion, G/F, 77 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong

Menu Refreshes and F&B Events in Hong Kong January 2024

Cuisine of the Soil at SKYE Rooftop Bar atop The Parklane Hong Kong

SKYE Roofbar & Dining at The Park Lane Hong Kong partners with Chef Thierry Drapeau, the former 2-star Michelin Chef currently based in Bangkok. Embracing Chef Thierry's "cuisine of the soil" philosophy, this collaboration highlights a winter menu featuring local ingredients and artful presentations.

On Jan. 19 and 20, guests can enjoy a 6-course dinner with dishes like La Mer poached langoustine with carrot mousseline, and Le Canard "Challans" duck. This event at SKYE combines French gastronomy with rooftop dining, offering just the spot to admire the city skyline.

When: Jan. 19 – 20

Where: SKYE Rooftop Bar and Dining, 27/F, 310 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

The Art of Whisky: Johnnie Walker Spirit Dinner Experience at The Aubrey in Central

Experience a unique Spirit Dinner in collaboration with Johnnie Walker, blending The Aubrey’s signature Japanese-inspired culinary art with rare whiskies. This exclusive event offers a memorable gastronomic journey, pairing four Johnnie Walker Whisky variations with specially crafted dishes. Highlights include Smoked Wagyu Tataki with Truffle Ponzu and Crispy Garlic Lobster Fried Rice Infused with Johnnie Walker Blue Label, with more surprises to come. The finale features a distinctive Johnnie Walker Double Black Label Ice Cream, culminating this extraordinary evening of flavours.

When: Jan. 18

Where: The Aubrey, 5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong

Chef Michihiro Haruta Takes a Taste of Tokyo to WHISK at The Mira

WHISK at The Mira Hong Kong welcomes Chef Michihiro Haruta from Tokyo's CRONY for a collaborative four-hands dinner with Chef William Lau. On Feb. 3 to 4, they'll curate a 10-course dinner blending French and Japanese cuisines. Chef Haruta, with experience in three-Michelin-starred Ledoyen and Maaemo, brings sublime dining skills.

The menu offers a fusion of Japanese and French, with dishes ranging from minimalistic appetizers to balanced mains. Highlights include King Crab with Kuruma Prawn Tartlet, Scallop with Caviar, and a Pigeon dish with Black Truffle. The finale features a Fukuoka Amaou Strawberry dessert, completing this culinary journey.

When: Feb. 3 to 4

Where: WHISK, 5/F, The Mira, 118 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

Pescatarian All-You-Can-Eat Japanese Extravaganza at Kyoto Joe

Lan Kwai Fong’s classily casual Japanese concept Kyoto Joe now introduces a pescatarian all-you-can-eat option alongside traditional vegetable and plant-based dishes. The "Vegetarian Medley: A Pescatarian All-You-Can-Eat" includes unlimited appetizers, robatayaki, agemono, sushi rolls, and hot dishes.

Diners choose one main course, either plant-based or featuring seafood. Choose from the Vegetarian Box, Vegetable Shabu Shabu, Skewer Combo, Watermelon Steak, Smoked Sashimi Box for an extra HK$160, the Grilled Miso Silver Cod for an added HK$68, or the Sea Eel Tempura.

Where: Kyoto Joe, 23/F, California Tower, 30-36 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong

Delish Happenings You May Have Missed in December 2023

Eggslut and Moët & Chandon have collaborated to launch a Hong Kong-exclusive menu, including a Demi-glace Mushroom Burger (HK$95) with mushroom-infused sauce over beef, Caviar Eggy Bites (HK$98) featuring Siberian Baerii caviar on scrambled whites and hash brown, and the Mimosa Sunrise cocktail (HK$96) with a grenadine twist. They also offer the Moët & Chandon Tasting Set (HK$205), pairing a mini bottle of champagne with two Caviar Eggy Bites for a luxurious dining experience.

Also in Causeway Bay is Carver, a steakhouse that opened in Crowne Plaza only a month ago. Elevating the art of steak preparation, the restaurant offers the world's finest cattle cuts. Check out our full review of their menu’s best cuts to try by clicking here.

Mixue Ice Cream & Tea, a popular dessert and beverage chain, made an exciting debut in the bustling Mong Kok neighbourhood, peddling ice cream and tea blends. Notable among their offerings are the iced lemon water, priced at HK$9, and the fruit sundae for HK$13.

The Pizza Bar on 38th at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, returns to Hong Kong's The Landmark Mandarin Oriental. Offering the "pizza alla pala" with a light crust made from premium Japanese and Italian ingredients, the menu features seasonal flavours and high-quality ingredients like Japanese Yellow and Purple Cauliflower, San Marzano Solania Tomato, and Bafun Sea Urchin from Hokkaido. The pop-up serves a "degustazione" menu with a starter, seven gourmet pizza slices, and dessert for both lunch and dinner, alongside optional wine pairing.

Baker by LUBUDS in Hong Kong combines Western and Japanese baking, offering European staples like focaccia, brioche, and a variety of croissants, including their signature 12-layer Croissant. Specialties include the Egg Tart, a croissant dough-based twist on the Pastel de Nata, and the Brioche Tropezeinne, with a Matcha variant. The Pardo Mochi, blending Italian Pandoro with mochi, showcases their innovative fusion approach.

A favourite in Central, Big JJ Seafood Hotpot is expanding to BaseHall 02 to bring authentic Hong Kong cha chaan teng flavors. JJ's will serve affordable rice dishes with hearty toppings like pork chop, lamb rib curry, and its iconic luncheon meat with eggs, and macaroni soup sets. The menu also includes grilled items complemented by homemade gravy, soup, fries, and drinks.

Over in In Tai Hang, Nocino offers a rare Swiss-Italian culinary experience. With a menu that includes fresh pasta and traditional Swiss dishes like Beef Shin Ragu Casarecce and Gruyere-filled Malakoff fritters, alongside an array of Swiss cheeses and cured meats. Drinks include unique Swiss-Italian cocktails and rare Swiss wines.

The Old Man bar collaborates with Two Moons Distillery and MADE woodworking studio to present the innovative “Trees, Tales, & Tipples” cocktail menu. Priced at HK$120 per drink, it offers a "grove-to-glass" experience, combining local herbs and an award-winning spirit with earthy flavours and woodworking art.

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