New On The Menu: 4 Restaurants You Must Try

January is traditionally known as the month of dieting and detoxing, but with Hong Kong churning out even more exciting new restaurants and devilishly delicious menus, we've been busy tucking in to some sinfully good dishes to find you the best ones to try yourself. We have two new restaurants and two new brunches on the menu this month, so go ahead and delve right in - it's practically February now anyway!

SPIGA | TokyoLima | Rummin' Tings | Kitchen at W

[pro_ad_display_adzone id="73367"]

---

1. New Italian Restaurant: SPIGA

Italians never do things by halves, and that's certainly true if the signature dishes at this newly opened vintage Italian dining hot spot are anything to go by. With a menu as rich as its interior, designed by the daringly creative Joyce Wang Studio, SPIGA is definitely one restaurant that leaves a lasting impression - and flavour. Sat within 7,000 square feet of open space, under leather straps draped across the ceiling, we began our softly-lit descent into the decadent dishes of two Michelin Star Chef Enrico Bartolini. Beginning light (and certainly not as we meant to go on), we delved into a bowl of Soft Potato, Capers, Salmon Roe, and Lemon - a deliciously light, foamy, and creamy dish with just the right blend of sweet and sour flavours to tease our taste buds and keep us wanting more. [caption id="attachment_81764" align="aligncenter" width="660"] Soft Potato, Capers, Salmon Roe, and Lemon[/caption] The definite winner (and sure to be a hit with avid cheese lovers) was the Risotto with Beetroot and Gorgonzola Cheese Sauce, cooked to perfection and generously topped with soft, oozing, cheesy sauce. This dish is so rich in flavour that it's probably best to share it - that way you can ensure there's plenty of room left for the Crunchy Veal Cheek with Crispy Potatoes and Dijon Mustard Millefuille - a cut so soft and tender it literally falls apart at the touch of your fork. [caption id="attachment_81765" align="aligncenter" width="660"] Crunchy Veal Cheek with Crispy Potatoes and Dijon Mustard Millefuille[/caption] Seafood lovers will get a kick from sinking their teeth into the Sicilian Red Prawn with Tamarind Sauce, and Chick Pea Soup ($258) and Boston Lobster with Chocolate Tomato, Red Onion, and Sardinian Fregula ($328), which, although less filling than the veal dish, comes with full-bodied and intensely flavoursome sauces to create an equally satisfactory result. [caption id="attachment_81766" align="aligncenter" width="660"] Boston Lobster with Chocolate Tomato, Red Onion, and Sardinian Fregula ($328)[/caption] Make sure you leave room for dessert, because while the Soft Creme Brulee with cherries, meringues, and iced blueberries ($98) is a little runny for my liking, the Chocolate Foam with Hazelnut Ice Cream ($98) is an absolute delight to the senses. Coupled with a glass of dessert wine, and you'll be in paradiso. [caption id="attachment_81767" align="aligncenter" width="660"] Chocolate Foam with Hazelnut Ice Cream ($98)[/caption] While you're there, have a nose at the six different dining areas which ooze sophistication and fun. If the tubular furniture, terrazzo flooring, and metro map lighting sculpture fail to impress you in the Italian metro station section, then the juggling pins, flame throwers, silk wallpaper, and stunning pendulum chandelier (pictured at top) in the vintage Italian circus area surely won't. With all its rich, historical touches, dining at SPIGA is like taking a trip to a history museum - only far more delicious! SPIGA, 3/F, LHT Tower, 31 Queens Road, Central, (+852) 2871 0055

---

2. New Nikkei Restaurant: TokyoLima

If you're a sucker for sake, and mad about meat, then I guarantee you will fall in love with TokyoLima, the brand new Peruvian-Japanese fusion hot spot tucked away on Lyndhurst Terrace. Finding the entrance is half the fun, but once you're inside, you're in for a real treat. Doing exactly what the name suggests, this late-night eatery brings the vibrant spirit of the two capitals together in one buzzing location where excellent food, friendly service, and cocktails to-die-for take centre stage. It's worth mentioning that this venue used to be Club 18 and therefore has oodles of open space (and an open kitchen) for you and your friends to lounge around and relax in. This is helped by the inviting atmosphere created by the warm lighting and comfy seating. This latest concept is the brainchild of Manuel Palacio and Christian Talpo of Pirata Group, who brought us Pirata and The Optimist. Like those two popular spots, TokyoLima doesn't fail to impress, and the idea is lovely. Guests can stop by throughout the night for a quick drink and bite to eat, an exploration of the extensive sake menu, or a Nikkei feast of raw, marinated, and seared plates. The drinks alone are enough to draw in the crowds, and you'll be blown away by the sweet taste and presentation of the Pisco Flower cocktail ($95) and Sake Martini ($95), as well as the trays of carefully selected, full-bodied sake to share with your table (beware, this stuff is strong!) [caption id="attachment_83080" align="aligncenter" width="660"] Pisco Flower cocktail ($95) and Sake Martini ($95)[/caption] The menu is just as delicious as the tipples. The "Ki-mo-chi" Fried Chicken ($110) is absolutely incredible and a definite must order, while the T-3 Vegetarian Salad ($120) with mixed leaves and quail egg is gorgeously tangy in flavour and great for sharing with friends. [caption id="attachment_83083" align="aligncenter" width="660"] T-3 Vegetarian Salad ($120)[/caption] You might, however, want to order a few bowls of the juicy, tender, and devilishly good Picanha Grilled Rump Steak sticks ($140) to avoid having a fight at your table. [caption id="attachment_83081" align="aligncenter" width="660"] Picanha Grilled Rump Steak sticks ($140)[/caption] There's a great mixture of seafood and meats on offer, with the sticks ranking high on our list of favourites from the night. Larger dishes like the hot, seared Lobster Acevichada with chili butter ($360) are great for sharing too, and go really well with a refreshing shot of sake (or three).