New Launches
The Cipollini Pizzeria
Italian that’s simple, authentic, and delicious — that’s The Cipollini Pizzeria. Opening its doors at the AIRSIDE Mall in Kai Tak, this pizzeria is at once rustic and modern, encapsulating the essence of Italian culture through an atmosphere that exudes warmth and a menu that brims with hearty homemade favourites. Tuck into indulgent handmade truffle ricotta ravioli, a classic chicken parmigiana, and of course, a range of pizzas from the unique Romano al taglio by-the-slice pizzas to unique artisanal takes featuring wagyu strips and smoked salmon. In true Italian fashion, diners can pair the meal with a cup of specialty coffees from the esteemed Cafe Vergnano.
Shop G012, G/F, AIRSIDE Mall, 2 Concorde Road, Kai Tak; @thecipollini
Uogashi Nihonichi lands in Central Market
After its first overseas debut at AIRSIDE Mall last year, Uogashi Nihonichi has made its way to the bustling Central Market! The new location boasts a vibrancy quite unlike its sister branch, with playful tongue-in-cheek interiors characterised by shoyu-tai light fixtures and an illuminated wall reminiscent of Tokyo’s neon street signs. Also exclusive to this address is the appearance of premium Japanese whisky and gin on its drinks menu, which accompany the standing sushi bar’s existing range of beers, sochu highballs and ciders. With space to accommodate up to 20 diners, this Uogashi Nihonichi branch upholds its promise to provide a casual, comfy, and quality Edomae-sushi experience.
G12, G/F Central Market, 80 Des Voeux Central, Central; @uogashinionichi.hk
Valentine’s Day menus and more
Aqua
For a romantic dinner that blends both Japanese and Italian cuisine, look no further than Aqua’s five-course Valentine’s Day dinner. The meal begins with fresh oysters, a gorgeous platter of sashimi slices fashioned into roses, and a vibrant red tortellini paired with langoustine tartare, sea urchin and cristal caviar. Mains are a difficult choice between grilled tenderloin and foie gras or carabineros prawn with chickpea and tomato sauce, whilst dessert is a charming heart-shaped strawberry mousse with spicy dark chocolate and hazelnut streusel. A wine pairing option is also available at an additional cost for those who’d like a little extra something.
17/F H Zentre, 15 Middle Road Tsim Sha Tsui; aqua.com.hk
Ankôma
If you’re in search of an intimate dining experience with incredibly executed dishes, Ankôma’s Valentine’s Day dinner will not disappoint. For the special occasion, Chef Frankie Wong updates his Chef’s table tasting menu with new seasonal delicacies that nod to the romantic holiday. The amuse-bouche selection welcomes a vibrant touch of red with a crispy seaweed cylinder stuffed with spot prawn mousse, whilst a delicate steamed egg custard topped with a rose-shaped stack of razor clam strips is a comforting precursor to lobster and lamb. The Valentine’s Day special also includes restaurant signatures such as the roasted yellow chicken and white truffle wakame angel hair pasta, so you get the full Ankôma experience.
5/F, Kam Lung Commercial Centre, 5/F, 2 Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui; @ankoma_hk
Love Actually at Singular Concepts
Love is truly in the air at Singular Concepts, where the group presents a month-long celebration of love with themed cocktails at each of its venues. For a drink as pretty as she, Yurakucho’s ‘Would you like it giftwrapped?’ is a delightful blend of gin, white peach, strawberry, sakura and rose, while ‘The Prime Minister’s Dance’ at The Daily Tot fuses all spice plum syrup, raspberry, honey and lemon juice with Plantation 3 Stars rum and a touch of mint oil.
For certified cocktail enthusiasts, date night just got a whole lot more interesting with Singular Concepts’ cocktail masterclasses. Held on Saturdays at 5pm throughout the month, each masterclass takes place at a different Singular Concepts venue and offers a shared platter of small bites, a welcome drink, and of course the chance for you and your soulmate to whip up two of your very own cocktails.
Reserve a masterclass here
LPM
Nobody does romance quite like the French. At LPM, treat you and your better half to a lavish Valentine’s dinner complete with an exclusive cognac & champagne colada cocktail and a Brigitte Bardot-inspired dessert. A refreshing selection of starters like oysters with tabasco kick off the meal, lead the way for an ultra creamy crab risotto and a duo of meaty mains. Dessert is pastry chef Alexandre Mika’s take on the Tarte Tropézienne, a sweet symbol of the Riviera which got its name from Bardot herself. A delightful brioche is sliced in half, filled with an orange blossom and vanilla creme filling, and crowned with pearl sugar.
Shop 1, 1/F, H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road, Central; lpmrestaurants.com
Arbor
This February 14th embark on a romantic gastronomic journey at two Michelin-starred Arbor, where Chef Owner Eric Räty presents a selection of prized delicacies. African abalone, winter truffle, Japanese wagyu beef and more are artfully prepared through a combination of Nordic and Japanese culinary sensibilities. Choose between a six-course lunchtime experience or go all out with a lavish nine-course Valentine’s dinner.
25/F, H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road Central, Central; arbor-hk.com
Perla
Perched on the 101st floor of the ICC and equipped with unparalleled views of the harbour, Perla is whipping up a celebratory six-course menu and additional wine pairing that’s perfect for this festive February season. Whether it’s to celebrate the Year of the Dragon or a love-filled Valentine’s day, from February 10 through 14 diners can delight in Southern Italian proposals boasting a myriad of bold flavours. Standouts include an Alaskan king crab pappardella with creamy bisque sauce and yellow cherry tomatoes; wagyu tendons topped with red bell pepper, taggiasca olives and capers; and a gorgeous dessert of cherry, dark chocolate, mascarpone and amaretto biscuit.
Shop B1, Level 101, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui; perlarestauranthk.com
Mott 32
Kick off the Year of the Dragon with a lavish spread of auspicious delicacies at Mott 32. The multi-award winning establishment’s celebratory Chinese New Year menu honours tradition with the likes of a bountiful whole lobster and abalone lo hei, spicy wok-fried mud crab with turnip cake, and a hearty bamboo basket of steamed lotus leaf rice with prawn, duck, conpoy, chicken, mushroom and egg. Other highlights include steamed fourfinger threadfin cooked in chicken oil and hwa tiao wine, and a crispy assortment of sliced duck with taro.
Standard Chartered Bank Building, 4-4A Des Voeux Road Central; @mott32hk
Chinese New Year puddings at Yat Tung Heen
The one Michelin-starred Yat Tung Heen rings in the Year of the Dragon with its celebratory signature turnip pudding, and Chinese New Year pudding. The former is crafted with premium dried shrimp, conpoy, Chinese preserved sausage and air-dried preserved meat, while the latter is a coconut glutinous cake made with cane sugar. Both nostalgic classics arrive in elegant boxes adorned with traditional Chinese motifs, and can be purchased as a gift set containing the restaurant’s housemade premium XO sauce, candied walnuts, and a hand-selected variety of ginseng oolong tea leaves.
Available for pre-order here
Lai Ching Heen
Lai Ching Heen begins their Chinese New Year celebrations early with their indulgent Chinese New Year Fat Choy menu, available 16 January to 25 February. The two Michelin-starred restaurant begins the six course meal with an array of moreish bites like barbecued suckling pig and golden lobster with spicy salt before introducing the delicate ‘Buddha Jumping Over The Wall’ — a soup filled with auspicious delicacies such as sea cucumber, abalone, and bird’s nest. Come the day of Hong Kong’s first Lunar New Year fireworks in four years, Lai Ching Heen offers an exclusive six-course dinner to complement its stunning views of the occasion. For those looking for a more customised experience, a range of exclusive a la carte dishes like braised rock rice with pork belly make for a great celebratory addition to any meal.
Ground Floor, Regent Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon; hongkong.regenthotels.com
Jiangsu Club
Start the new year off with an auspicious array of Su cuisine specialties at Jiangsu Club. For a group of eight, the restaurant has curated a celebratory set menu overflowing with luxurious eats such as the Jiangsu Deluxe seafood lo hei (a Chinese New Year must-have) and grilled oysters with ginger and leek. Meanwhile, the restaurant’s Lunar New Year Festive menu is an eight-course extravagance fit for any number of guests. Cold appetisers such as lotus root with honey sauce and caviar with sea salt smoked egg open up to a variety of hot dishes like braised pork belly with chestnut sauce and a moreish lobster with salted fish sauce. Both menus will be available from February 5 through 19.
2/F, Alliance Building, 130-136 Connaught Road, Sheung Wan; @jiangsu.club
Paul Lafayet x Emilie Sarnel for Year of The Dragon
Paul Lafayet brings a touch of fantasy this Chinese New Year with the help of French illustrator Emilie Sarnel. To celebrate the Year of the Dragon, the French patisserie has curated a selection of themed gift sets brought to life with Sarnel’s playful illustrations. The Scarlet Dragon Gift Box 2024 brims with luxurious delicacies, housing artisanal handmade cookies, chocolate-covered strawberries, caramel almonds, premium teas, and a fine bone China dish to last far beyond the holidays; while the red velvet treat-filled Lucky Bag is the perfect little something for friends and family.
Shop the full Paul Lafayet Chinese New Year collection here
Starbucks Year of The Dragon exclusives
This Lunar New Year, Starbucks is helping us usher in the Year of the Dragon with their stunning new 21-piece “Guardian Dragon and Its Keeper” merchandise collection. Inspired by myths and legends, vibrant red and turquoise designs depict flying dragons soaring through vivid illustrations. From tumblers to coffee mugs, each product celebrates the strength, vitality and good fortune dragons symbolise. But Starbucks gifts don’t stop there — delight your loved ones with an exquisite Assorted Pastries Gift Set. Housed in a striking bright red box adorned with dragon motifs, it includes four thoughtfully selected pastry flavours to please every palate, from Earl Grey palmiers to matcha egg rolls. For the ultimate Lunar New Year bundle, purchase two sets to receive red packets!
Available at all Starbucks stores except the Hong Kong Disneyland Store
Editor
Alyanna Raissa J. Payos and Kaitlyn LaiCredit
Lead image: Courtesy of Aqua
