Restaurant Story

Nestled within the sophisticated confines of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, SOMM opened its doors in 2019, quickly establishing itself as a refined neo-bistro experience in Hong Kong’s bustling dining scene. 

The restaurant’s name, a nod to the revered role of the sommelier, hints at the restaurant’s deep devotion to wine culture — an ethos deeply embedded in its identity.

Generous portions, attentive French-style service, and expertly paired wines make SOMM an excellent choice for first dates, intimate dinners, or simply unwinding with friends.

Carefully curated menus featuring seasonal ingredients, classic French roots, and executed with modern flair pair seamlessly with a thoughtful selection of wines, ensuring every bite and sip is a delight.

More than just a restaurant, SOMM doubles as a wine bar showcasing an impressive collection of over 100 wines and sakes, from rare Old World vintages to vibrant New World selections.

Chef Story

At the helm is Richard Ekkebus, a culinary maestro with a decorated career that includes leadership roles at luxury resorts such as The Royal Palm in Mauritius and The Sandy Lane in Barbados.

Since 2005, he has been the Executive Chef of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, overseeing all cuisine within the hotel, including the famed three-MICHELIN-starred Amber, which is situated right next door to SOMM.

Ekkebus’s passion for superior ingredients shines through every dish, with an uncompromising stance on quality that elevates the dining experience. His global culinary journey enriches SOMM’s French foundations with subtle international influences, balancing sophistication with approachability.

What’s the Vibe and Venue Like?

SOMM bills itself as a sommelier-led casual dining restaurant, occupying the space that was formerly Amber's bar. This is the Mandarin Oriental, however, so the venue was more classy than casual. The dress code is indicated as ‘smart and elegant,' so we recommend leaving your sweatpants at home!

The decor is the work of Adam D. Tihany, a veteran designer of high-end hospitality venues. At SOMM, he has created a warm, intimate retreat. The ambiance is understated, with plush red leather seating, candlelit walnut tables, and a cozy glow that invites guests to relax and savor the moment.

SOMM is a special place for a fantastic meal or a comfortable space to hang out with friends or take a business partner. Sit back and relax at the sleek wine bar counter, or enjoy a quieter meal at a smaller table. We also spotted some happy couples lingering over a romantic dinner.

How Much Does It Cost?

SOMM offers a thoughtfully curated dining experience with two set menu options: 4-Course Menu at HK$918, including one bite, starter, main, and dessert, and a 3-Course Menu at HK$758, featuring a starter, main, and dessert.

Both options come with two glasses of sommelier-selected white or red wine. For those seeking a more indulgent experience, an upgrade to 75 minutes of free-flow sparkling, white, and red wines is available for an additional HK$250.

Although you won’t get much change from HK$1,000, we felt the pricing is pitched about right. This is fine dining in a beautiful setting, and dinner is not to be rushed, so the price tag is essentially the cost of a great evening out. Foodies and wine enthusiasts will find a lot to love here!

What is the Menu About?

The menu at SOMM is a celebration of French culinary tradition with a contemporary twist and is heavily influenced by seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

We tried the Sommallset Menu for dinner, which includes rotational dishes that spotlight seasonal ingredients, paired with exquisite wines. We found the menu to be clear and understandable, and with a range of food choices to complement the restaurant’s wine offerings.

Meat lovers will relish the oven-roasted rack of lamb, and pescatarians can choose between the Tasmanian Trout on Buckwheat Blini, Gamberi Rossi with Linguine, or even try the Toothfish with Nora & Parsley Breadcrumbs & Bell Pepper & Onion Piperade.

Wine lovers will find themselves spoiled for choice with an extensive by-the-glass list. Standouts include the elegant Paul Pernot ‘Bâtard-Montrachet’ Grand Cru and the refined Domaine Denis Mortet ‘Lavaux Saint-Jacques’ Pinot Noir, available in generous 125ml pours.

Guests can also explore an àla-carte menu or visit during brunch hours, which start at 10:30 AM and sometimes feature free-flow options. The menu changes with the seasons to ensure every dish showcases peak freshness and vibrant flavors.

What Did We Try?

The Gamberi Rossi Linguine was a triumph — we loved the tender red prawns with sweet, succulent flesh that came perfectly placed atop a bowl of al dente linguine. The pasta was draped in a delicate, umami-rich yellow wine bisque and crowned with thinly shredded white asparagus. It was a visual treat and a delight for the taste buds.

For the main, the Yellow Chicken was a comforting yet refined classic. The chickens are sourced from local farms in Hong Kong’s New Territories, and you can really taste — and almost "feel" the difference. Roasted with a crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, the chicken is served alongside green asparagus, dainty Grenaille Ratte potatoes, pickled onions, and a rich tarragon sabayon. We also appreciated the complex layering of flavors that is the mark of a great chef and flawless kitchen.

If you like dessert, you must try the Sicilian Pistachio Cheesecake. This dome-shaped creation was topped with fresh raspberries, pistachio swirls, and raisins. The creamy, nutty, and tangy elements melded wonderfully for a memorable finish. Dessert heaven!

What We Liked

We liked the welcoming layout of the restaurant area, which is set around a semi-circular bar. This is essentially a fine dining restaurant, but it doesn’t feel intimidating. We liked the choice of eating at the bar or on the more conventional seats, which were surprisingly cozy and made us feel right at home.

The menu is not huge but manages to hit all the right spots. We enjoyed the emphasis on fresh ingredients, with food sourced locally and a sufficient choice of meats or fish. We also enjoyed that the dishes were listed and described clearly in English, so we didn’t feel we had to ask the waiters to explain the French names on the menu!

If you’re a wine lover or simply in search of a well-crafted French neo-bistro experience in Hong Kong, SOMM is well worth a visit.

What We Didn’t Like

There was a surprising lack of vegetarian options. The mains comprised a fish dish, a chicken, and a lamb. The menu stated that some dishes could be adapted to suit vegans, but it wasn’t immediately obvious how that would work. Secondly, a side dish of potato gratin will set you back HK$288, which seemed a little steep.

What You Should Order

The standout signature bite is the Aka Uni “French Toast” — a luxurious seasonal treat featuring toast topped with 20 grams of luscious sea urchin. It’s decadent, without being too overwhelming, and is a perfect introduction to SOMM’s style.

For chocolate aficionados, the Abinao Chocolate Soufflé with Cacao Sorbet is an indulgent must-have, boasting a rich, gooey center that melts in your mouth.

The menu encourages diners to share the dishes. We say go in a group — and try them all. SOMM will not disappoint!

To make reservations, visit Seven Rooms here. For more information on SOMM, visit Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong on their website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Location: 7/F, Mandarin Oriental, The Landmark, Hong Kong

Opening Hours: 

SOMMAllSet Dinner is available from Monday to Sunday between 5 PM and 9:30 PM

Lunch: Mondays to Fridays from 12 NN to 2:30 PM

Brunch: Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM

Dinner: Mondays to Sundays from 5 PM to 9:30 PM 

Enjoyed this article? Check out our previous Delish Eats reviews here .