The latest addition to Rosewood, Hong Kong’s ever-growing roster of restaurants, Henry may have only opened in November, but it has already made its mark on the Hong Kong dining scene. The place to go if you’re looking for a carnivorous and celebratory feast, this new grill and smokehouse is inspired by the good ole American South, so expect plenty of grits and creole-spiced seafood, along with the obligatory cuts of prime USDA beef. Helmed by chef Nate Green, Henry differs to many steakhouses in the city because of its soul and charm, with the sophisticated interiors and top-notch cooking lending itself perfectly to special occasion meals.

Henry, 5/F, Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.rosewoodhotels.com, www.henrygrill.hk

Read more: Henry: Rosewood’s New Must-Try Grill And Smokehouse

Although meat-centric restaurants like Henry still very much have their place in our city, 2019 also saw a shift towards more plant-based and green offerings. Opening its doors at the start of the year, VEDA claimed the title of Hong Kong’s first all-vegetarian hotel restaurant. With a menu full of internationally-inspired dishes such as Kathmandu momos, pani puri, four cheese naan pizza, Israeli shakshuka and much more, meat may be absent, but the dishes don’t scrimp on flavour. A favourite of ours is the whole-roasted aloo gobi, but there is plenty on the menu to delight both veggies and meat eaters. Plus, as it’s found inside Ovolo Central hotel, the restaurant begins serving as early as 6:30am with an abundant breakfast menu featuring eight varieties of avocado toast!

VEDA, Ovolo Central, 2 Arbuthnot Road, Central, Hong Kong, www.veda.com.hk

Read more: VEDA: The Vegetarian Restaurant That’s Sure to Satisfy Meat Eaters

Louise opened in PMQ this summer and brought traditional yet refined French cuisine to the centre of Hong Kong. Recently awarded its first Michelin star, the restaurant is a collaboration between acclaimed chef Julien Royer and Hong Kong’s JIA Group. Taking over the space which previously homed Aberdeen Street Social, before opening, the location underwent a total makeover and we love the restaurant’s luxe interiors. From the emerald green, plant-lined bar and outdoor terrace, to the bright and airy main dining room, whether you’re enjoying brunch, lunch, dinner or just a drink, a trip to Louise is a guaranteed treat. A favourite of ours is the signature Roasted Hong Kong Yellow Chicken, but the array of French desserts is not to be missed.

Louise, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.louise.hk 

Read more: Louise: Unpretentious French Fine Dining By Acclaimed Chef Julien Royer

A second opening in 2019 that was brought to the city by an acclaimed international chef, Roganic is the brainchild of Brit chef Simon Rogan. Alongside the chef’s table experience, Aulis, Roganic brings the very best of seasonal British and farm-to-table cooking to Causeway Bay. Despite the chef’s credentials and his ability to “fancify” simple ingredients, the restaurant remains unpretentious, yet still undoubtedly impressive – also claiming a Michelin star in the recently announced list for 2020. Menus change regularly with only the best and freshest produce used – including ingredients from Simon’s “Our Farm” in The Lake District. One to add to the list for those looking for a special occasion dining experience, without any of the pomp that fine dining can entail. We recommend going for the full long-tasting menu ($980), though well-priced set lunch menus and a short-tasting menu are also available.

Roganic, Sino Plaza, UG/F 08, 255 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, www.roganic.com.hk

Read more: Roganic: Elevated Farm-To-Table Dining In Causeway Bay

From fine dining to tacos, Taqueria Super Macho has well and truly earned a spot as one of our favourite restaurants for bringing a taste of no-fuss Baja cuisine to Hong Kong. Serving a menu of good value and great-tasting tacos, cocktails and more, this laid-back restaurant is perfect for a casual bite, but is also a great one for birthdays and celebrations. Must tries on the food menu include the grilled chicken tostada and crispy shrimp taco, but diners can also expect to be satisfied with the likes of fresh tortillas chips and guac, charcoal-grilled street corn, ceviche and more. When it comes to cocktails, we love Taqueria Super Macho’s take on classic drinks such as margaritas, daiquiris and pina coladas. Celebrating a birthday? The restaurant may not serve dessert, but it can offer a super-sized frozen margarita that’s sure to impress.

Taqueria Super Macho, 33-35 Bridges Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.taqueriasupermacho.com

Read more: Taqueria Super Macho: Baja-Inspired Tacos And Drinks In SoHo

Another casual dining option that’s come out of 2019 is The Chicken Bar. Found in the new H Code building in Central, the short and sweet menu guarantees one thing: some of the best fried chicken you’ll find in the city. Opened by Max Levy (of Okra) and Honbo’s Michael Chan, diners can take their pick of three options on the menu: New Orleans hot chicken sandwich, Okonomyaki bun, and salted chicken egg salad sandwich. Especially with the recent closure of Sheung Wan favourite, Little Birdy, this is a must try for chicken fiends. Open until 2am Thursday to Saturday, it’s the perfect option for after a few drinks.

The Chicken Bar, Unit 3, G/F H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.thechickenbar.com

Opening its doors in March this year, DarkSide was one of the first F&B concepts to open within Rosewood, Hong Kong and we are huge fans. It feels like a real treat as you walk through the thick velvet curtain into the bar’s plush surroundings. The dimmed lighting also helps to add a sense of occasion – and that’s before we even mention the cocktails! One of our favourites is “No Rules”, which is made with Widges gin, cypress, mango and lanolin. Nice and refreshing, it goes down a treat with the bar’s complimentary nuts and olives. Ask the bartenders nicely and they may even let you have a peek inside the whiskey room! The bar’s live jazz begins every night at 8pm, so time your visit accordingly.

DarkSide, Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.rosewoodhotels.com

A second new addition this year to the Black Sheep family of restaurants, Rajasthan Rifles opened in May this year and serves up Anglo-Indian cuisine. Perched atop The Peak, this all-day dining restaurant won our hearts with its flavoursome plates of keema anda pau, Rajasthan Rifles club sandwich and much more. A new addition to the menu is the breakfast offerings, perfect for early-risers after a morning walk up The Peak. A must try is the bacon and egg Rifles rolls, teamed with a steaming cup of masala chai. As an added bonus for dog owners in the city, the restaurant’s spacious terrace is pooch-friendly, with homemade dog treats offered to your four-legged friends!

Rajasthan Rifles, The Peak Galleria, Shop G01 G/F, 118 Peak Road, Central, Hong Kong, www.rajasthanrifles.com

Read more: Rajasthan Rifles: Anglo-Indian Cuisine At The Peak