Best for dessert: Octavium
Octavium’s art-filled, intimate dining room sets the scene for a romantic evening even before the arrival of Executive Chef Silvio Armanni’s delectable contemporary Italian fare. The sister restaurant of Otto e Mezzo, from chef Umberto Bombana, saves the best for last at this time of year, with a Valentine’s Day-inspired dessert of vanilla latte parfait, wild strawberry, granita, strawberry sorbet, meringue and lemon zest – every bit as fresh and tangy yet sweet as it sounds.
8/F, 22 Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong; 2111 9395
Best for grand gestures: Amigo
An institution in Hong Kong, the four-decade-old Amigo preserves a bygone era of going about love the old-fashioned way. Expect white-gloved waiters, a guitar band singing romantic ballads, Christofle silver dinnerware, and classic French cuisine. To wow your date, order the steak tartare or crepes suzette – both of which are prepared table-side – or a bottle of vintage Chateau Lafite Rothschild Pauillac from the renowned wine list.
Amigo Mansion, 79A Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley; 2577 2202
Best for intimacy: Cobo House
Tucked away on a quiet back street in Shek Tong Tsui, with its art-filled Scandi-chic interiors, Cobo House offers an environment conducive to intellectual conversation carried out at an unhurried pace, while the Korean-influenced menu of sharing plates – think bulgogi flatbread and saffron lobster pasta – adds that extra touch of intimacy.
8-12 South Lane, Sai Wan; 2656 3088, cobohouse.com
Best for the views: Rech by Alain Ducasse
Few places offer a better harbourfront dining experience than the InterContinental’s Rech by Alain Ducasse. Between the stunning views and the fluid interior design inspired by the French seaside, the food has a lot to live up to, which it does and then some. The menu is highly seasonal but always seafood-focused – ask the knowledgeable waitstaff for their recommendations on the freshest catch of the day to impress the palate of your date. However, make sure to order the oyster platter – their aphrodisiacal qualities are surely enhanced by the direct-from-France provenance.
Lobby, InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; 2313 2323, intercontinental.com
Best for atmosphere: The Continental
Situated on the roof of Pacific Place, The Continental is the place to be seen, not least because of its striking ceiling design, plush seating and views of the greenery surrounding. As its name suggests, continental European fare is on offer here, from Irish oysters to Hungarian pork chops, while a large selection of wines by the glass is sure to keep the conversation flowing.
Unit 406, 4/F, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty; 2704 5211, thecontinentalhongkong.com
Best for a Sunday: Bathers
This restaurant requires some dedication to get to, being on the south side of Lantau Island, although couples are encouraged to string a beach day on Cheung Sha Beach with a romantic dinner to be had here. Serving grilled and fresh seafood to nature’s soundtrack of crashing waves, Bathers is best visited during the dog days of summer for a balmy date night to remember.
32 Lower Cheung Sha Village, South Lantau; 2504 4788, bathers.com.hk
Editor
Gavin YeungCredit
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