Delish News: Restaurant Openings and New Menus in HK this September 2023

Still deep into the summer heat, The Beat Asia is rounding up the latest news coming out of the restaurant and bar scene this September to keep you up to date, with new Mexican El Taquero and Italian restaurant Florence Trippa opening, Thai dessert spot After You reopening, new menu at The Terrace, and more.

Check out our list of restaurant openings, pop-ups, and new menus in Hong Kong this September 2023!

New Restaurant Openings in Hong Kong September 2023

Florence Trippa Opens for Authentic Florence-style Sandwiches

A newcomer to the Italian foodie market in Hong Kong, Florence Trippa offers a taste of Florence with its unique offering of lampredotto panino, a classic Florence-style offal and tripe meat served with aromatic herbs and spices inside a panini bread. Alongside this notable sandwich, served nowhere else in Hong Kong, is paired with pasta trippa and carbonara dishes, and spicy salami and parma ham and rocket pizzas.

Where: Florence Trippa, 39 Caine Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong

El Taquero is Welcomed in Wan Chai with Strong Taco Selection

Mexican-lovers are in store for new swanky restaurant El Taquero cooking up authentic trompo-grilled tacos and agave-powered bebidas cocktail jugs by Executive Chef Alejandro Ramirez Perez. Preparing Mexican delights, enjoy lunch and dinner during their soft opening in the modern and bright dining room. Be sure to sample their extremely good taco selection.

Where: El Taquero, Shop B-F, G/F, Yan King Court, 119-121 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

MANO Causeway Bay Shines for Handmade Italian Flavours

Branching out from their first location in Kwun Tong’s The Quayside, pizzeria-pasteria MANO has opened a venue across the pond to delight diners with their dishes over in Causeway Bay. Its moniker referencing the traditional way of cooking Italian with your hands, the latest Mano branch is focused on spotlighting the restaurant’s handmade pasta menu. The roster is filled with fantastic items like Black Truffle Mushroom Tagliatelle (HK$178), its tantalising meat counters the Smoked Short Ribs Tagliatelle (HK$258), along with a familiar favourite, Chicken Parmigiana (HK$288).

Where: Mano Hong Kong, 5/F, The L Square, 459-461 Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Hap Coffee Opens Deli Place in North Point

Located in a bustling shopping arcade opposite the North Point Ferry Pier, Hap Coffee’s new branch offers the perfect outdoor spot to recharge under the sun and enjoy a quick and delicious meal. With a deli concept, this new outpost boasts an Instagram-worthy and pet-friendly al fresco dining area that connects to a serene open front yard, providing breathtaking views of the iconic Victoria Harbour skyline. From authentic American-style burgers and refreshing Asian-inspired salads to croissant breakfast sets and classic all-day breakfasts, Hap Coffee is the perfect spot for you.

Where: Hap Coffee, Shop G2B, G/F., Harbour North, Phase 3, 133 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong

Thai Dessert Brand After You Unveils Wan Chai Branch

Thai dessert brand After You is bringing their irresistible treats to more local foodies with the anticipated opening of their branch in Wan Chai this month. Known for their mouthwatering Kakigori series (shaved ice), After You offers a delightful range of desserts to satisfy any sweet tooth. A must-order at this flagship branch is Hojicha Kakigori, a new flavour featuring a bed of creamy hojicha milk ice adorned with fresh cream, crunchy arare, and a sprinkle of fragrant kinako.

Where: After You, Lee Tung Avenue, Wan Chai, Hong Kong 

Oolaa to Take Over Jaspas’ Space at 83 Catchick Street

Known for its easy-going ambiance and stylish cuisine, Oolaa is set to open a branch in Kennedy Town this October. Taking over Jaspas' space at 83 Catchick Street, this new outpost promises to make the most of the double-fronted street side location, coupled with Oolaa's modern and clean-design style. From its big breakfast platters and healthy brunch bowls to happy hour deals and special lunch sets, Oolaa will surely spice up the dining scene in K Town!

Where: Oolaa, 83 Catchick Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong

Menu Refreshes and F&B Events in Hong Kong September 2023

‘This is How We Roll’ Wednesdays Introduced at The Hari Hotel

Every Wednesday, guests can delight in The Hari’s new “This Is How We Roll” menu, offering an unlimited supply of bites and sips for up to two hours, ensuring festivities continue into the night. The revamped cocktail list stars the refreshing Hana-Hana Shochu Highball, the bubbly Spritz Rosé, and the luxurious Hari 75. The maki offerings are endless, starring a rota of crunchy Shrimp Tempura with a zingy chili mayonnaise, the fusion Zoku Roll drenched in chimichurri, and many more.

When: Wednesdays, Sept. 1 onwards

Where: The Terrace, 2/F, The Hari, 330 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

How much: HK$368 per person (2 hours)

HK Egyptian Food Festival Opens with Celebrity Chef Bobby Chinn

Renowned Chinese-Egyptian chef, Bobby Chinn, is gracing Hong Kong with his culinary prowess for the inaugural Egyptian Food Festival this September. Sponsored by The Consulate General of Egypt and the Silver Oak Group, this gastronomic event is set for evenings from Sept. 12 to 16, hosted at The Bayside, Hung Hom, and F.I.G.S Bistro Mediterranean, Tai Koo Shing. Chef Bobby has crafted a sumptuous five-course tasting menu, taking diners on an epicurean voyage along the geographical cradle of his roots. 

Shop B Brings a Modern Spin to Dai Pai Dong Dining

Shop B, a new eatery next to Pondi in Sai Ying Pun, offers elevated Cantonese classics with a focus on wok plates, bringing Dai Pai Dong-style dining to new heights. The menu is designed for sharing, allowing guests to create their set menu of 4, 6, or 8 courses. Highlights include Fried Dry Aged Pigeon, Potato Salad with Chinese Sausage, Mala Chicken Skin, and Shop B Signature Fried Rice. The beverage menu features Blue Girl Beer and nostalgic cocktails like Vitasoy and Ribena.

Where: Shop B, Shop B, 14 Fuk Sau Lane, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong

The Grill Room Welcomes New Chapter with Luxurious Rebrand

After eight successful years since its establishment in 2015, The Grill Room brand is ready to embark on a new chapter of growth and transformation. With their new location, The Grill Room aims to catalyse a brand-wide evolution, pushing the boundaries and elevating each dining experience. The new location boasts an exquisite dining area, complete with a captivating feature bar.

Where: The Grill Room, Shop 3B, 3/F, Causeway Bay Plaza II, 463-483 Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Delish Happenings in Sept. 2023 You May Have Missed

Pizza lovers are spoilt for choice with Alice Pizza bringing their Roman-style pies to Wan Chai, while the end of the month rounds off with a special pop-up in Cyberport by Singapore’s 4AM Pizza hosted at Interval by Twins Kitchen.

For a healthier option, celebrity Chef Vicky Lau has expanded her soy kitchen to Basehall 02, where she unveiled the opening of An Soy.

Over at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental, you’ll find a special dinner at Amber that shines bright with talents backed by a whole galaxy of Michelin Stars. Featuring 12 of the fine dining establishment’s esteemed alumni.

Nothing satisfies the way a sultry and slightly bitter Negroni does. Reinterpreting the classic combination of gin, Campari, and vermouth, bars around Hong Kong are all tapping into charitable Negroni Week festivities with brilliant twists on the classic cocktail – all in the name of a good cause.

And if it’s comfort food and sharing options you’re feening after, no thanks to the either-torrid-or-wet weather, reinvigorate your appetite with the vibrant menu at Bengal Brothers’ new dine-in location on Wan Chai’s Johnston Road.