Despite the grizzly headlines, life for many Hongkongers continues as usual, with a frenetic combo of hard work and play still high on the agenda. If you are jetting into Hong Kong any time soon, here’s where you can go.
While we strongly advise keeping abreast of the news and avoiding protest hot spots (see here for updates), there’s a slew of recent openings worth checking out and supporting. Here’s our round-up of buzzing restaurants, bars and shops to add to your Hong Kong hot-list.
Wondering if it’s safe to travel to Hong Kong? Read on for more info.
Soho House Hong Kong
Flex that global Soho House membership at the Hong Kong outpost of the ever-expanding private member’s club. The group’s 25th and largest house channels HK design references and art into its trademark eclectic decor, and is home to several eateries: The Drawing Room, Pool Room (replete with a swim-up bar), House Brasserie, plus bars on every floor. There’s also a gym, while 9 floors of co-working space and retail hub The Store are opening next year. Time will tell whether Soho House is able to sustain the strict no-banker policy, but for now, it’s the grown-up lair Hong Kong has been waiting for.
33 Des Voeux Rd, Sheung Wan, sohohousehongkong.com
Sushi Zo & Gishiki Lounge
Keizo Seki’s Sushi Zo brings its starry pedigree to Tai Kwun, where just 14 diners gain a lesson in omakase in two nightly sittings (6.30pm and 8.30pm). Flip-fresh ingredients are flown in daily from Japan, then sliced and diced into submission by Fumio Azumi’s expert team of sushi chefs.
Smouldering neighbour Gishiki Lounge brings the omakase experience to cocktails, concocting 18 theatrically, ritualistically and historically-inspired libations designed to bewitch minds and senses –getting you nicely sauced in the process.
Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Rd, Central, sushizohk.com and gishikihk.com
Honjo
Also channelling a Nippon vibe is a duo of eateries located but a sushi roll from Soho House in Sheung Wan. Raucous, graffiti-strewn izakaya TMK reads fun, but can be hit or miss; opt instead for glammy sibling Honjo upstairs. The elegant, 50s-riffing salon is large yet intimate, with low-lighting and velvety booths backdropping modern Japanese-Asian fare. It’s seductive, clubby atmos makes for a perfect date à deux.
Hollywood Centre, 77-79 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan, TMK.hk and honjo.hk
Nectar
One of HK’s original plant-based pioneers, Chef Peggy Chan launched a new fine-dine meat-free concept in the former digs of the beloved (now shuttered) Grassroots Pantry over the summer. Rock up for sustainable and sophisticated vegan tasting menus for the enviro-crusader in us all of us.
108 Hollywood Rd, Sheung Wan, +852 2873 3353, nectarexperience.co
K11 Musea
We’re not normally one to advocate a shopping mall, but newly-minted Victoria Dockside’s K11 Musea raises the bar with its high-octane fashion, beauty and design offering (Kapok, Charlotte Tilbury, Tom Ford and Gentle Monster); global sup-er-stars (Takano Ramen, AvoBar, Fortnum & Mason & HeyTea Lab) and rotating art stash. Add in a teched-out gym, K11 Art House Cinema, a whopping three-storey kid’s playground and rooftop urban farm, and, well, what are you waiting for?
Victoria Dockside, Tsim Sha Tsui. k11musea.com
Hero image: Honjo
The new LUXE Hong Kong print guide distils the very best bits of the city, so you can get straight to the good stuff while sidestepping the drab. For a limited time only, you can also nab a 25% discount (print guides only; RRP US$19.99).
