Sassy’s Guide to Valentine’s Dining in Hong Kong 2015

Ahh… Valentine’s Day. It’s fast approaching and it’s one of the most romantic nights of the year! Whether you’re loved up in a relationship, just starting to see someone or a single gal, our dining guide is packed full of options on where to go and what to eat. From fine dining to something a little more casual, you’re bound to find something that tickles your fancy! Make sure you book these quickly though as many are already filling up…

FINE DINING

Le Dôme de Cristal
For a truly special evening, check out Le Dôme de Cristal on Friday, 13 February and Saturday, 14 February. Dine on oysters with galangal pearls and cauliflower puree, and venison with pear and quince, served with a glass of champagne of course. They’ve got two seatings, the first is four courses and the second is an exquisite 7-course meal. If you’re in the mood to splash out, this is definitely one for you!

How much: The first seating is 4-courses and is $1,380 from 6-8pm; the second seating is 7-courses and is $2,380 from 8.30-10.30pm.

Le Dôme de Cristal, 2 & 3/F, The Galleria, 9 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong, 2116 4688, [email protected], www.cristal-hk.com.hk

Isola Bar & Grill
This classic fine dining resto in ifc has a more reasonable and classic set dinner on offer this Valentine’s day. Choose from tuna tartar or stuffed crispy artichokes for starters, and roasted suckling pig (yum!), pan-fried John Dory or grilled Wagyu beef for mains. Finish with delicious dolce cuore for dessert! Sounds like the perfect night out for two.

How much: $988 per person.

Isola Bar & Grill, Shop 3071-3075, 3/F, ifc mall, 1 Harbour View Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2383 8765, www.gaiagroup.com.hk/isola 

Nobu InterContinental Hong Kong
If you’re in the mood for a fancy date night that includes top-notch Japanese food, check out the world renowned NOBU (see our full review here). They’ve got a special Omakase menu for Valentine’s Day, featuring foie gras monako, followed by Tairagai & Kawahagi sashimi with caramel apple sauce. Think indulgent Japanese Wagyu with a dark cacao teriyaki sauce… sounds delicious! NOBU’s special menu is 8 courses, including a decadent dessert.

How much: $4,188 for the Valentine’s Omakase meal for two people.

NOBU InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2313 2323, [email protected], www.hongkong-ic.intercontinental.com

Seasons by Olivier E.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at fine dining resto Seasons in Causeway Bay… it’ll be one you won’t forget! Candles, flowers… what more could you want from a romantic evening? The five-course meals sounds decadent too, and includes velvety lobster soup and roasted red deer seasoned with sweet liquorice and celeriac foam. Dessert is a sweet and fruity vanilla lychee mousse with a rose chocolate sphere… yum!

How much: $1,388 per person. The Valentine’s Day menu will be served at both lunch and dinner on 14 February.

Seasons by Olivier E., Shop 308, 3/F, Lee Gardens Two, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 2505 6228, www.seasonsbyolivier.com

SEPA: Bacaro Veneziano
Check out SEPA’s resto in Mid-Levels for a rich, 10-course meal. Themed around colours, you can feast on Red Passion, which is red shrimp on a bed of tomatoes and strawberries, Black Passion, which is blank-ink spaghetti and Real Passion, a sorbet of soft white chocolate and raspberries. Enjoy!

How much: $1,400 per couple

SEPA: Bacaro Veneziano, 61 Caine Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2521 9800, www.facebook.com/SEPABacaroVeneziano

The Principal
Check out the seven courses at one of our favourites, The Principal (see our full review here). You’ll start with an amouse-bouche, and dinner includes scallops, foie gras, and lamb. End on a sweet note with a rose sorbet and a classic chocolate gelato with coconut. Enjoy!

How much: The 7-course dinner at The Principal is $1,488 per person, with an optional wine pairing at $800.

The Principal, 9 Star Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2563 3444, www.theprincipal.com.hk

Vasco
For a spot of privacy, Vasco at PMQ is a great place to head for a date. The 9-course menu includes black truffle egg and beetroot with a herb salad and cheese bonbon as well as sliced Iberican pork presa with mustard ice cream and tarragon pesto. Sounds delicious! We would never forget about dessert either… think white chocolates, roses, strawberries and cava…

How much: $1,680 per person.

Vasco, 6 & 7/F, Block B, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2156 0888, www.isono-vasco.com.hk

BEST OF HOTELS

Auberge Discovery Bay
If you’re in the mood to get out of Hong Kong, why not pop over to Discovery Bay? The Café bord de Mer & Lounge at Auberge has a special Valentine’s Day dinner buffet on offer. This is one to indulge in with someone truly special! Fancy making a weekend of it? Room rates there start at $2,699 for the night, which includes the Valentine’s Day dinner buffet and breakfast.

How much: The Valentine’s dinner buffet is $598 per person including a complimentary serving of fresh oysters.

AubergeDiscovery Bay, 88 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, 2295 8288, www.aubergediscoverybay.com

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
Try Tiffin for a dinner buffet to rival many others! Go on a round-the-world tour and sample a whole host of cuisines at each of the buffet stations. If you’re in the mood for seafood and fresh oysters, this is definitely one to check out!

How much: The dinner buffet on Valentine’s Day at Tiffin Lounge is $1,088 per person including a glass of Champagne or a Valentine’s Mocktail.

Tiffin Lounge at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2588 1234, www.hongkong.grand.hyattrestaurants.com

Langham Place Hotel
For a new dining experience, why not check out Alibi – Wine Dine Be Social at the Langham Place Hotel in Mong Kok? It’s the hotel’s brand new restaurant and bar, perfect if you’ve exhausted old favourites. Indulge in a 6-course meal, including an amouse-bouche paired with a tomato wine shooter, freshly shucked oysters, tiger prawns and French foie gras toasties.

How much: $888 per person including a complimentary pack of petits fours for the ladies!

Alibi – Wine Dine Be Social, Langham Place Hotel, 555 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3552 3388, www.hongkong.langhamplacehotels.com

The Langham Hong Kong
Main St. Deli in The Langham, Hong Kong boasts an American feel with it’s New York deli style… perfect if you’re in the mood for buffalo wings, mini crab cakes and ribs. Sounds like a suitably indulgent evening! Dine with a group of gals or switch it up with a double date; they’re offering tables for four.

How much: The Valentine’s Day menu at Main St. Deli is $1,200 for four people.

Main St. Deli at The Langham Hong Kong, 8 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2375 1133, www.hongkong.langhamhotels.com

The Mira
Michelin-starred Cuisine Cuisine at The Mira have an exciting 7-course set menu with Cantonese flavours – see the menu here. Think Wagyu beef stuffed with asparagus and topped with crab coral and crispy minced shrimps balls with mango sauce and crushed nuts… sounds delish! The Mira’s other candle-lit restaurant, WHISK is also worth checking out for a special Valentine’s day meal with a European twist – see the full menu here.

How much: $2,088 per couple including 2 glasses of champagne at Cuisine Cuisine; $2,288 per couple for seven courses at WHISK including a glass of Ruinart Rose Champagne.

Cuisine Cuisine at The Mira, 118 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2315 5222, www.themirahotel.com

W Hong Kong
Indulge in the dinner buffet at KITCHEN in the W Hong Kong. There’s lots on offer including a salad bar and parma ham station, as well as sizzling grills and decadent desserts. The Valentine’s special includes Surf ‘n’ Turf, Boston lobster and king oysters. Happy eating!

How much: The first seating (5.30-8pm) is $628 per person, the second seating is $798 and includes free-flow Champagne and a chocolate fondant for two, as well as entry to WOOBAR’s Valentine’s Day party.

Kitchen at W Hong Kong, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3717 2222, www.w-hongkong.com

DINNER WITH A VIEW

Café Deco
For stunning views of the city, why not dine at Café Deco on The Peak? Feast on Canadian lobster with pancetta and blue mussel rigatoni to start with. Mains include grilled US prime striploin with an oxtail praline, pan-fried foie gras with pink pepper in a cream sauce, and carrot and savoy cabbage. For dessert, well… who can resist the temptation platter?!

How much: $868 per person.

Café Deco, The Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, The Peak, Hong Kong, 2849 5111, www.cafedecogroup.com

Café Grey Deluxe
The very swanky Café Grey Deluxe at The Upper House has a 4-course set dinner for Valentine’s night. It’s the perfect place to take that special someone for a decadent dinner! Feast on lobster bisque and seared filet mignon over a glass of bubbly. If your date happens to be vegetarian, there’s a veggie option too; simply let them know when you book.

How much: The first seating from 6-8pm is $975 and the second seating from 8pm-closing is $1,188.

Café Grey Deluxe at The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong, 2918 1838, www.upperhouse.com/en/default.aspx

FoFo by el Willy
FoFo by el Willy, perched on a rooftop in Mid-Levels (you’ll get an awesome view of Central!), is a cute place to celebrate a romantic evening with your other half. Feast on tapas including Iberico ham & Catalan-style crystal bread as well as a smoked salmon air bag with sour cream and a red prawn carpaccio. Delicious!

How much: $1,398 per couple

FoFo by el Willy, 20/F, M88, 2-8 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2900 2009, www.fofo.hk

Spasso
If you’re after a view of the Hong Kong harbour, Spasso is definitely a classic Italian resto you need to check out. The views are stunning (especially at this time of year), and you’ll get to dine as the sea breeze dances through the open doors of the restaurant. The chef has created a 4-course menu that’s sure to be delish!

Spasso, Empire Centre, 68 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2730 8027, www.divinogroup.com/restaurants/spasso/about-us

ToTT’s and Roof Terrace
You’ll love the view from ToTT’s at The Excelsior! The stunning restaurant and bar also have a great Valentine’s Day menu that includes six courses and an indulgent glass of pink champagne. Feast on steamed sea bass with prawn risotto and a lobster reduction while the band serenades everyone in the room. Sounds romantic!

How much: The six-course set dinner at ToTT’s and Roof Terrace is $1,388 per person.

ToTT’s and Roof Terrace, The Excelsior Hong Kong, 281 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 2894 8888, www.mandarinoriental.com/excelsior

ROMANTIC FAIL-SAFES

208 Duecento Otto
If you’re looking for a classic Valentine’s Day meal that’s guaranteed to please then you can’t go wrong with tried and trusted 208. Expect the charm and romance of a sophisticated New-York Italian restaurant that’s sure to woo your beau. Feast on a 4-course lovers meal, which includes tons of different options… we fancy the warm goats cheese with grilled veggies and sesame grissini for starters, with braised ox tail for main and a tiramisu for dessert (see the full menu here)! Ooh and don’t forget to enjoy your welcome glass of prosecco when you arrive – it will definitely set the mood…

How much: $598 per person 4-course dinner at the upstairs Restaurant. Welcome glass of prosecco included.

208 Duecento Otto, 208 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2549 0208, [email protected], www.208.com.hk

CHACHAWAN
One of our favourite Thai restaurants is waving its no reservations policy for one night only and allowing bookings for Valentine’s Day! Spice it up with their delicious Issan Thai flavours as you take in the cool décor and don’t forget to try their special ‘Don’t Kiss and Tell’ ($100) cocktail with fresh raspberries, lemon, jasmine tea, elderflower and vodka! This is the ideal place for a trendy but low-key date with your new squeeze…

How much: Seatings at 6.30pm-8.30pm or 9.00pm till late.

CHACHAWAN, 206 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2549 0020, www.facebook.com/chachawan.hongkong

Fish & Meat
For something quite tantalising, check out the Valentine’s Day menu at Fish & Meat. Enjoy beef tartare as well as oysters or a mackerel with roasted jalapeno and avocado. If you’re in the mood for Fish & Meat’s signature dishes, the kitchen has modified some of their classics, such as the soft duck egg ravioli with black truffle ricotta cream. End your evening with an indulgent dark chocolate tarte. 

How much: $688 per person. There’s also a wine-pairing option created by the sommelier, priced at $978.

Fish & Meat, 32 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2565 6788, www.fishandmeat.hk

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Alchemy in the Dark
For a truly unusual experience, why not head over to Alchemy in the Dark? You and your date will experience your dinner in complete darkness… but don’t worry, it’s not as ominous as it sounds (see our review here). Who knows what a lingering hand on the knee could lead to for dessert! If dining in the dark isn’t quite your thing, Alchemy have got a 4-course dinner in their lounge upstairs, which you might be more suited to.

How much: $1,998 for two, which includes a 3-course menu with 1 glass of champagne and 1 glass of wine for Alchemy in the Dark. The Alchemy Lounge has a 4-course set menu for $1,988, which includes one glass of wine.

Alchemy in the Dark, G/F, 16 Arbuthnot Road, Central, Hong Kong, 6821 2801, www.alchemy-concept.com

Classified
If you want to avoid the fancy restaurants (and fancy prices!) and you’re hellbent on staying in for a quiet date night with your other half, then why not pick up a special hamper from Classified? There’s a bottle of bubbly in it, as well as chocolate truffles and cheese… you don’t have to go out to celebrate and have a romantic time!

How much: $498 – order online here or ask the staff at your nearest Classified branch.

Classified, all over town, locations here, www.classifiedfood.com

Fatty Crab
Now this really is ‘something different’! Fatty Crab are celebrating (Anti) Valentine’s Day on 13 February with free welcome shots, free tattoos (temporary and real!) and a seriously sultry vibe… a great way to party if you’re looking for a V-Day hangover! Or if you’re looking for a more hipster dinner setting for you and your love, then on 14 February you can indulge in a 5-course crab menu with a complimentary glass of prosecco.

How much: $800 per person for the 5-course dinner on 14 February.

Fatty Crab, 11-13 Old Bailey Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.fattycrab.com.hk

Hong Kong Yachting & The Butchers Club
If you’re in the mood for a romantic cruise around Hong Kong’s harbour, Hong Kong Yachting have partnered with The Butchers Club for a Valentine’s night you’ll never forget. There will also be wine pairings from Adelaide Cellar Door. A group of 15 couples will enjoy a five-course meal from the meat experts in a unique setting. If this is sounding like you’re cup of tea, book soon as there aren’t many spots available!

How much: $4,800 per couple from 6-10pm. Pick up is from Central piers.

Hong Kong Yachting, 2526 0151, [email protected]

The Woods
If you fancy a Valentine’s evening that’s completely unique, then why not check out one of our favourite new bars in Central, The Woods? Victoria Chow (one of our recent That Girls) is the brains behind this stunning bar, and with her team has created a stunning canopy of hanging flowers for you to dine and drink under. The Prix Fixe menu will be a delight for all your senses and will definitely impress your date! Or just stop by for some pre-dinner drinks and enjoy the woodsy décor and beautiful cocktails…

How much: $788 per person for four courses of food and cocktail pairings. Available from 9-14 February. Reservations can be made by calling 2522 0281. Book now as space is very limited!

The Woods, L/G, 17 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2522 0281, www.thewoods.hk 

Secret Ingredient & The Coterie
Want to avoid the crowds and cheesy Valentine’s décor? Then bring the dinner to your own home with Secret Ingredient! Their latest collaboration with fine-dining private kitchen, The Coterie, is inspired by a main dish from The Chefs’ Table menu – a new collaboration from The Coterie x Secret Ingredient. But don’t worry; they’ve simplified the recipe so that the easy step-by-step instructions are fool proof! We’ve tried and tested the pan seared truffle chicken breast with pan roasted potatoes and salad lyonnaise, and it was absolutely delicious and very easy to prepare. Think fresh ingredients and locally sourced produce! Make your V-day an intimate one and cook for your love at home using this little secret…

How much: $285 for two. The ready-to-cook dish will be available for delivery via Secret Ingredient from 2-15 February 2015. Early bird pre-orders will open from 26 January 2015. Click here if you are interested in ordering.