New Eats: Where to eat & drink in Hong Kong this April

Katsumoto Sando Bar heads for Central

Bistro Concept Group’s Katsumoto heads to Central this month, bringing its winning Japanese sandos to a brand-new neighbourhood. Channelling the same vibrant setting of colourful, modern murals and eye-catching samurai armour as décor, the new opening steps things up a notch with a chic, gold-brushed sheen. Step through its traditional, Kyoto-inspired arches and settle in for a comfortable meal of fusion Japanese bites and cocktails, courtesy of chef Sean Mell, who cut his teeth at Nobu and Silencio.

Notable sandwiches on the menu include the incomparable Wagyu sando ($298) and Chilean sea bass sando ($238), and the vegetarian-friendly Impossible sando ($168) and OmniPork sando ($158). Alongside these mains, tuck into appetisers and cold dishes like the assorted Japanese pickles ($118) and cucumber sunomono ($68). Knock back one (or more!) of The Geisha ($110), a concoction of sake, fresh pineapple, yuzu, basil, plum wine, and lemon, or whet your appetite with The Last Samurai ($110), made with whisky, rum, milk, herbs, lemon yuzu, and homemade ginger syrup. Beat the crowds and come early for lunch for a taste of their sando set lunches (starting from $158).

Katsumoto Sando Bar, Basement, 67 Hollywood Road, Central | (+852) 2511 6860

Belon finds a new home on Elgin Street

Belon has returned bigger and better than ever with a new home on Elgin Street, and the acclaimed neo-Parisian restaurant has pulled out all the stops for its sophomore chapter. Designed by award-winning interior design practice Joyce Wang Studio, returning guests will recognise the sumptuous blue hues that hearken back to Belon’s inaugural location, radiating a tranquil and sophisticated atmosphere. Seating is offered in the form of intimate banquettes and an immersive chef’s counter for diners to witness the magic chef Matthew Kirkley brings to the table.

Some of Belon’s signature dishes remain to pay tribute to its past, but we can expect to see new, dramatic approaches on the revamped menu. Spotlighting the region’s best seasonal ingredients, Chef Kirkley presents new favourites like the turbot with beurre Cancalaise, inspired by the renowned chefs that shaped traditional French cooking; the salade gourmande, a layered creation of veal tongue, foie gras, black truffle, and haricot verts; and a refreshed version of Belon’s classic pigeon pithivier that should bring back fond memories for longtime fans.

Belon, 1/F, 1–5 Elgin Street, Soho, Central | (+852) 2152 2872

Salisterra brings Mediterranean flair to The Upper House

We mourned the loss of Café Gray Deluxe late last year, but knowing The Upper House, there was always going to be something exciting on the horizon. That something is now arriving mid-April in the form of Salisterra, a sky-high dining experience that draws upon Mediterranean influences. Helmed by London-based Michelin-starred chef Jun Tanaka—best known for leading The Ninth in London and for his television appearances—Salisterra will focus on fresh and rich flavours, an excellent beverage programme, a warm and familiar atmosphere, and exceptional service. 

Like much of The Upper House, Salisterra was designed by award-winning interior architect André Fu. Diners can expect splendour of another level, wherein a Mediterranean-inspired palette of coastal, salt-of-the-earth colours provides a striking contrast against the remarkable geometry of the iconic Hong Kong skyline.

Salisterra, Level 49, The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty | (+852) 3968 1106

Hungry Pal presents gastropub fare in Soho

Soho’s dining and drinking scene is experiencing an invigorating revival, and the latest opening to join the roster is Hungry Pal, a new gastropub on the lower end of Elgin Street. Open seven days a week from lunch till late, Hungry Pal promises to become the latest hidden gem for comforting pub grub and refreshing tipples in the bustling neighbourhood.

From the bar, whet your appetite with concoctions like the storied Martinez ($68), widely regarded as “the grandfather of the modern martini,” and the oolong sour ($78), made with oolong milk tea-infused gin and homemade orange cordial. Also available are popular craft brews on tap and an Old World wine menu. Highlights of the food menu include a chicken & mushroom pie ($88), Cajun fried chicken (starting from $148), heirloom tomatoes & yuzu pearls ($168), and a grilled salmon ($178) with peppered couscous, shaved radish, and beetroot vinaigrette.

Hungry Pal, 11 Elgin Street, Soho, Central | (+852) 2635 4555

Wagyu Yakiniku Ichiro brings sleek, modern yakiniku to Jordan

If the gimmick of a replica Shinkansen bullet train serving up your meal has your heart pitter-pattering in excitement, then rejoice to know that this table service is not just limited to budget sushi restaurants! Wagyu Yakiniku Ichiro, a brand-new yakiniku (焼き肉; “grilled meat”) grill brand, presents a modern dining experience that marries the best of Japanese convenience with irresistible flavours, wallet-friendly prices, and free-flow set menus.

Expect nothing but the best from their hero item—the prized A4 “Odagyu” Wagyu beef from the award-winning Oda Chikusan ranch in southwestern Japan—and premium grill items like US Wagyu beef, Australian Wagyu beef, Kagoshima Black Wagyu beef, Japanese pork belly, Satsuma pork sausage, fresh seafood, and more. 

Choose from six Wagyu Unlimited set menus (starting from $348) for the deluxe Wagyu experience, or order à la carte for dishes like Hakata-style pork bone ramen, sukiyaki don, kelp soup, Hakata-style soup dumplings, chicken nanban, mentaiko seafood pancakes, and more. Oh, and did we mention the self-service salad, drink, and dessert bars?

Wagyu Yakiniku Ichiro, 3/F, Pak Shing Building, 31–37 Jordan Road, Jordan | (+852) 2736 8218

Amalfitana opens its second location on Wyndham Street

Artisan pizza restaurant Amalfitana is bringing its tried-and-true beachside dining to the heart of Central, and we could not be more excited for this familiar addition to the Wyndham Street dining scene. Authentic Italian brick ovens, long-rising dough, and classic recipes continue to make up the mainstays of this Amalfi Coast-inspired pizzeria, led by experienced chef Michel Delgi Agosti. 

Alongside a curated selection of seasonal small plates, fresh salads, and elevated bar snacks, the main attractions are paired with a menu of novel bevvies, influenced by the flavours and flair of Southern Italy.

Whet your appetite with drinks such as the Parmesan Sour, a concoction of rye whiskey, almond wine, fresh citrus, and grated Parmesan, or infuse your night with some pep with the Espresso Zabaglione, Amalfitana’s take on the espresso martini, made using vodka, hazelnut, fresh espresso, kirsch, marsala, mascarpone foam. Popular pizzas like the traditional Margherita ($140) and signature Amalfitana ($250) will be making a comeback in Central, as will the crowd-favourite bocconcini ($55)—delectable dough balls packed with creamy mozzarella, garlic, and oregano.

Amalfitana, Shops D & E, G/F, Yu Yuet Lai Building, 43–55 Wyndham Street, Central | (+852) 2688 2001

Silencio presents new spring flavours

Under the helm of Japanese-born chef Sato Kiyoshi, Silencio is experiencing a spring awakening, coming back stronger than ever with an updated à la carte menu, dinner tasting menu, and lunch sets. Diverging from tradition, Chef Kiyoshi forges ahead with his new creations, pushing the conventional boundaries of Japanese cuisine and bringing his globally influenced approach to the modern izakaya environment with delicate and refined flair.

From the ham-aji ($158), the signature appetiser of diced hamachi, salmon roe, daikon sheets, cucumber, persimmon, and ginger ponzu, to the crab ($188), an indulgent medley of Japanese king crab and snow crab meat with tomato ikura and beach succulents, the briny flavours of the ocean are well-represented. 

Silencio’s sushi dishes, in particular, show off the refined knifework of Chef Kiyoshi and his team, as well as the best seasonal selection from Japan’s best fish markets; the tuna trio ($278) blends together a fanciful combination of otoro, chutoro, and akami, creating an exceptional mouthfeel.

Other notable highlights include the Wagyu from the Mizuho tasting menu ($978), a Wagyu steak grilled over binchō-tan and topped with shaved truffle, and the mouth-watering chicken nanban ($118), a classic dish with origins in the Miyazaki Prefecture that Chef Kiyoshi has re-invented with tartar sauce and house-smoked ikura, fresh chives, and pickled ginger.

Desserts come in the form of sweet treats like the unforgettable Hokkaido ($88), a masterful creation that spotlights the legendary dairy product of the popular Japanese island. Making full use of the creaminess of Hokkaido milk, this finisher is a lush pannacotta that’s combined with roasted white chocolate, brown butter ice cream, and crunchy milk textures.

Silencio, 6/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central | (+852) 2480 6569

Mr & Mrs Fox present brand-new looks & flavours

After five years in Quarry Bay, Mr & Mrs Fox has undergone a colourful facelift, revamping its interiors and menu with aplomb. Its walls are now beautified with an impressive line-up of contemporary artists, counting amongst them international names like Javier León Pérez, Pasha Wais, and Peter Yuill. All throughout its three floors, Mr & Mrs Fox has thoughtfully curated an Instagram-worthy space, perfect for snapping memorable pictures of your visit. 

Those who loved Mr & Mrs Fox need not worry—some familiar elements still remain, such as the private dining room on the top floor (accessible via a secret door) and the copper-accented bar area. A sustainable element has been introduced to the restaurant as well, with potted plants dotted around the dining space, and not just for show, either—usable herbs are harvested and used in the preparation of dishes. Did we mention that the downstairs patio is pet-friendly?

Expect a wholesome menu of European delicacies that moves the focus away from just dry-aged steak and meat. Mr & Mrs Fox introduces a seasonal perspective with dishes like the grilled barramundi ($248), lobster rice ($528), and organic mushroom risotto ($218), while the steak tartare with bone marrow ($178), Hokkaido scallops carpaccio ($168), and sautéed Australian blue mussels ($168) are to become firm favourites. Wrap up on a sweet note with the peanut-banana-ice-cream-filled baked Alaska ($138) and the Negroni-inspired Black Walnut ($98).

Mr & Mrs Fox, 23 Tong Chong Street, Quarry Bay | (+852) 2697 8500

Cobo House presents an exclusive chocolate menu

One can never have too much chocolate, and Cobo House is elevating this beloved confectionery with its latest collection of seasonal menus, the Knife and Spoon Series Chapter 4—Bitter Sweet. Available from now until the end of May, the dishes highlight the versatility of this tantalising sweet treat, making the most of dark, white, milk, and ruby chocolates to craft three distinct tasting menus, ranging from four to eight courses.

Inspired by classic flavour combinations, the Korean beef tartare was born out of the harmonious marriage between chocolate and spices, wherein premium-grade Korean beef is paired with 100 percent raw cocoa from Madagascar and fiery kimchi. Other noteworthy additions include the seared eel with toasted sesame sauce, a balanced reduction made of citrusy Japanese sanshō pepper, hand-ground black and white pepper, salted plum, and a slightly sweet 33 percent white chocolate, and the frizzled ox tongue & prime short ribs, marinated in chocolate powder and a mixture of spices before grilling and served with chimichurri sauce and Japanese shishitō peppers.

Cobo House, Shop 602, 6/F, K11 Musea, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | (+852) 2656 3088

Grégoire Michaud launches supermarket-ready baked goods

Stop us if this sounds familiar: You develop a sudden craving for the excellent baguettes or sourdoughs sold at Bakehouse, yet the dreaded queue snaking out of the Bakehouse doorway immediately has you running in the opposite direction. Well, wait no more—Grégoire Michaud, the veteran baker behind Bakehouse and Bread Elements, is finally bringing his acclaimed creations to a supermarket or food hall near you! 

Bread Pantry made its debut at 20 retail locations across Hong Kong this month, presenting home- and toaster-friendly baked items that are crafted with the same love, care, and premium ingredients as its bakery and café counterparts. Expect a selection of rustic sourdoughs, brioches, baguettes, ciabattas, artisanal rolls, pastries, and more. Click here to see the full list of stockists that carry Bread Pantry items.