After opening in the latter half of December, SHÈ is the newest contemporary Chinese restaurant to hit Hong Kong, and can be found within Lane Crawford in ifc. Diners and lovers of modern Chinese fare can look forward to trying out a menu that boasts only premium ingredients prepared in a healthy, home-cooked style, along with stunning views of Victoria Harbour. The menu covers everything from vegetarian bites and contemporary Chinese seafood dishes, to rice, noodles, Dim Sum, and a SHÈ Signature Afternoon Tea Set and Modern Chinese Lunch Boxes. Guests looking to wash down their meal with a cocktail or two should try the unique collection of “Teatails”, created from a marriage between premium teas and traditional spirits – best enjoyed in the alfresco lounge to make the most of those views.

SHÈ, Portion A of Shop 3025-3026 & 3031-3066, Level 3, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/SHEhongkongifc

As the latest opening in Central’s H Queens building, Estiatorio KEIA opened its doors at the end of December, and is set to be a must-try dining destination this month. Coming to us from the brains behind those that bought us fellow H Queens resident, ICHU Peru, this time the group is showcasing Greek cuisine and Mediterranean flavours. Along with a ‘Raw Bar’, that serves a variety of fresh seafood, from tuna and salmon to sea bream sashimi and Greek ceviche, the menu also features classic appetisers such as Tzatziki, Spicy Feta, Hummus and Saganaki Cheese, while main dishes are sure to delight, with offerings that include sharing seafood pastas, a range of seafood dishes, and traditional meats. The food may be traditional, but the restaurant promises a sophisticated setting, along with full-length windows that offer views over bustling Queen’s Road Central. 

Estiatorio KEIA, 2/F H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/EstiatorioKeia.HK

Another new restaurant that popped up in mid-December 2018 is Roots Eatery. Founded in the summer of 2017, and after a string of pop-ups around the city (we first tried the food at its pop-up in PMQ’s Taste Kitchen), the resto has now found a permanent home in Wan Chai. Led by Chef Stephanie Wong, Roots serves up a menu of unique French-Cantonese dishes, all inspired by Wong’s background, and using local ingredients. Diners can look forward to trying dishes such as Roasted Spring Chicken stuffed with glutinous rice and shiitake mushrooms; Beef Tartare a la Yu Kwan Yick (Hong Kong’s OG hot sauce brand); and Baked Scallop with XO sauce, cauliflower and broccoli purée. 

Roots Eatery, 7 Sun Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, www.rootseatery.com

Set to open this month, Aulis is the first overseas restaurant from renowned British chef, Simon Rogan. Following in the style of his hugely popular London based resto of the same name, Aulis Hong Kong will seat just 12 guests per sitting, serving an experimental (and ever-changing) eight to 10 course tasting menu. The tasting menu will be priced at $1,480 per guest, with an additional $680 to include a wine or cocktail pairing experience. The price tag (and limited seating!) may mean that this one is best kept for special occasions, but we’re sure the restaurant will be a must try for foodies looking to immerse themselves in Rogan’s unique culinary vision first-hand.

Watch this space, as we’ve heard that Rogan will also be opening a second Hong Kong restaurant, Roganic, in February.

Aulis, UG/F 08, Sino Plaza, 255 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/AulisHongKong

Opening on Tuesday, 8 January, RAMEN CUBISM is the latest ramen destination to hit Hong Kong, coming to us from Japan’s renowned ramen noodle champion, Hayashi Takao and leading specialist in Japan’s national culinary artform, Matsumura Takahiro. The new spot is the duos first overseas flagship to open, and the menu promises to include some of their signature ramen creations, such as The Sky Bird – White Soup ($88) simmered with chicken, The Earth Bird – Clear Spicy Broth ($88), and Matsu Hayashi Dumpling ($35) with a signature chili sauce dip.

RAMEN CUBISM, Basement, Yuen Yick Building, No. 27-29 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/ramencubismhk

Newly opened in Sheung Wan, Pica Pica is a contemporary Spanish tapas bar led by Chef Edgar Sanuy. the name Pica Pica comes from the Spanish expression “a little bit of this, a little bit of that”, so diners can expect to try a range of flavourful sharing plates. Along side dishes such as Ibérico ham croquettes, pork sliders, black paella and Catalan cream foam with vanilla ice cream, Pica Pica also serves an authentic house-made Sangria, as well as a curated selection of Spanish wine and beer

Pica Pica, G/F, 323 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, www.picapica.hk

Set to open on Hollywood road this month, The ThirtySix is a cocktail bar promising elegant Art Deco interiors, with touches of nostalgic Japanese pop culture. Home to a boutique selection of premium spirits, that includes a curated selection of whiskies, signature cocktails, and a great list of creative Highball renditions. Choose to enjoy your tipple in the main bar area, inspired by the carriages of a luxury train carriage, or in the intimate private room. True connoisseurs will also have the opportunity to store their bottles in The ThirtySix’s rare and fine whiskies vault.

The ThirtySix, 2/F Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, www.thethirtysix.hk