Breeze Bistro: Easygoing Mediterranean-Inspired Fare for Relaxing Vibes

Though Hong Kong had to wave goodbye to Instagram Pier, the previously beloved but now cordoned-off space for close encounters with Western district’s waters, Kennedy Town has regained another hangout spot along its famous promenade to serve up seaside bliss.

Situated for the best panoramic sweep that includes both skies and seas, Breeze Bistro is an elegantly casual eatery that has cropped up as a contender for the area’s best golden hour spot. Operating daily beginning from lunch all the way into late evening, the Mediterranean restaurant is a sea-salted oasis nestled in one of the Island’s hippest enclaves.

Venue and Atmosphere

Stationed at the ground-level corner of May Sun Building along the New Praya road of Kennedy Town, Breeze Bistro is the neighbourhood’s latest curb-side eatery where you can catch the area’s chilliest waterfront vibes. First opened at the tail end of summer, the eatery keeps the sizzling seasonal energy rolling on, transplanting the pleasures of a coastal hangout to an ever-convenient space that’s easily reachable in the city with an ample car park a stone’s throw away and the MTR nearby.

An ideal setting for sundowners, the venue also lets diners tow along their fur-babies to the pet-friendly seating right beside the broad French doors. Maintaining a subdued yet casually elegant colourway of blues, golds, and pale beech accents from the furniture, it offers a bright and airy ambiance to soak up no matter the time of day.

Food and Drink

Taking an interlude from the woes and worries of the work week to enjoy lunch amongst the glistening sunrays and sea breeze, our tasting brought us more than just a hearty meal but also a quick slice of calm that diffused into the rest of the day.

Headed by chef Chris Gill, the eats are focused on celebrating seasonal ingredients in simple and comforting ways. With upwards of 15 years in the industry, with his most recent experience being at a French fine dining concept, chef Gill pulls from a variety of cues in creating his sleek yet substantial menu.

Culling from the a la carte menu, we whetted our appetites with an appetiser of Sicilian Caponata (HK$90) of zesty veggies scooped up onto crunchy and fluffy baguette slices which were the perfect vessel for the marinade’s refreshing vinegary palate. A light Beef Tartare (HK$160) followed, served on a mini platter with rotund pieces of toast to complement. Cubed up into tender tidbits and emulsified with quail egg instead of chicken egg yolk, a sense of delicate freshness remains, with capers cutting through for sharpness.

Though we were intimidated upon first glancing at the main dishes, we later rounded off the meal at just the right level of satisfaction that made heading back to the office bearable. Opting for the Porchetta (HK$300) and the New Zealand Lamb Shank (HK$280), the roasted meats we tucked into were robust and well-prepped. Served against the side-dishes of mashed potato, roasted carrots and zucchini, and drenched in a rich porchetta jus gravy, the mains tipped the scale to contrast the course prior with some delectable heartiness.

In the realm of drinks Breeze Bistro happens to boast a rotation honouring the gastronomic practice of a meal that’s bookended by well-made aperitifs and digestifs. Taking a pick from their dedicated drinks menu, we trialled the Breeze Bistro’s delivery on a classic Negroni (HK$90) as well as one of their signatures; the Sundowner No.1 (HK$100). The latter is a delightfully rejuvenating cocktail spun from a white rum base, with sweetness from raspberries, pomegranate, and a zinging kick from jalapeño. The wall of selected spirits and mixing gear behind the bar clearly isn’t just for show, as evidenced in each sip.

Verdict

A meal at Breeze Bistro is a simple reminder that the greatest enjoyment in life can sometimes mean wanting simply nothing more than a chilled glass of wine or freshly shaken cocktail in clutch, and a spread of pass-around bites laid out on the table. Even if you are breezing in-and-out for a quick yet hearty lunch like we were, the atmosphere surrounding the meal hits pause and makes you forget about responsibilities outside of the front doors for just a moment.

The eats present strong flavours with a rounded finish, culminating in a hearty square meal that keeps diners satiated with a frequent switch of daily mains. The Breeze Bistro lunch set is offered at HK$170 for two courses, or with three courses at HK$190.