We’re huge fans of the homely vibe and delicious food found at Blacksalt, so when we heard that Executive Chef, Taran Chadha was getting set to open up a new spot in Shek Tong Tsui, we sat up and took notice. Slated to open this month, Salt & Barrel describes itself as a Taproom and Kebaberie (is there a better combo out there?), with Chef Taran collaborating with local breweries, Black Kite and Kowloon Bay, as well as The Tramline Liquor Co. Aiming to re-introduce kebabs to the 852 with a unique blend of spice marinades and modern adaptation of age-old cooking techniques, along with offering 15 taps of rotating local and imported craft beers and other craft beverages, we cannot wait to try out what we’re hoping is going to be our favourite new local.

Salt & Barrel, One South Lane, Shek Tong Tsui, Hong Kong, www.saltandbarrel.hk

Foodies of Hong Kong get ready, as 3-star Michelin restaurateur Björn Frantzén is getting ready to open the up a brand new dining experience in the city this month. Famed for Frantzén restaurant in Sweden, along with The Flying Elk in Stockholm, the new HK eatery aims to encapsulate the same spirit of the original concept in Stockholm, with a menu unique to its location. Opening on Saturday, 16 June, (though taking reservations already!) the restaurant best describes itself as a modern Nordic Cabin, serving genuine food with influences from all over Europe. The sharing style dishes will be served straight from the fire pit, and include items such as Halibut paired with a sherry and beurre noisette hollandaise, pork belly, broccoli and hazelnut; and Roasted Elk Sirloin, served with Frantzén “hot sauce”, bitter salad and jus roti.

The Flying Elk, 32 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.theflyingelk.com

Italian food is always welcome, so news of the opening of Trattoria del Pescatore has us more than excited. Open now for lunch and dinner, the new HK location is the first outpost of the renowned Milan spot outside of Italy, and with more than 40-years of expertise, we’re can’t wait to try out what is on offer. Opened in Milan in 1976, the Trattoria is bringing its authentic Italian flare and famed seafood dishes to the 852, all in a relaxed and down-to-earth setting; with the likes of Lobster Catalana, Spaghetti with Clams & Mullet Roe and more already drawing in the crowds.

Trattoria del Pescatore, 11 Po Yan Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, www.trattoriadelpescatore.hk

Newly opened on Jervois Street in Sheung Wan comes the newest addition to the Hong Kong plant-based scene. With everything on the menu 100% vegan, dairy free, egg free and cruelty free, vegans, veggies and foodies of all kinds can dine happy here. Open for breakfast and throughout the day, diners can choose from the likes of the Loaded Breakfast Scrambled Tofu, Tofu Fries, Grilled Beyond Burgers and a selection of plant-based wraps (perfect for lunch time!), not to mention the Vegan Cheesecake topped with vegan Coconut Salty Caramel Chocolate Sauce. What’s more, if you’re grabbing a quick lunch on the go, all packaging used at Confusion is compostable and biodegradable!

Confusion Plant Based Kitchen, 103 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, www.confusion.hk

Situated in Exchange Square, Shanghai Garden is the latest venture from Maxim’s Group and is bringing East-meets-West Shanghainese cuisine to the 852. Marrying together dishes such its Signature Barbecued Duck,  Stir-Fried Duck Cone and Crispy Xiao Long Bao with its French-inspired interiors, the restaurant is sure to be the perfect spot for locals and visitors a like, looking for a modern take on the traditional tastes. 

Shanghai Garden, Shop 402, 4/F, Exchange Square, Central, Hong Kong, www.maximschinese.com.hk

We mentioned this new comer to the HK foodie scene back in April, but now with its doors officially open, we’re sure it will be a hit with Repulse Bay weekend revelers and residents alike. A great spot for families, or larger groups looking to grab a bite with a view of the beach, the menu includes crowd-pleasing dishes such as bruschetta, meatballs and lasagna, along with a range of hearty pasta dishes and lighter salads. Too cool down after a day in the sun, we recommend heading here and chilling out with one of its signature cocktails, an Aperol Spritz, or a refreshing G&T.

Fratelli, The Pulse, G/F, Shop 112B, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/fratellihk

Get a taste of Paris this month with the latest (and tenth!) opening from French Creations, Café Claudel. Offering up a cosy ambience and retro-chic interior, along with a range of Quintessential French dishes, the new restaurant aims to capture the essence of Parisian café culture, and transport its guests to the streets of the capital. Along with tempting us in with dishes that include Foie gras terrine, Chocolat fondant with vanilla ice cream and Whole chicken roast with fries and salad, we’re also looking forward to enjoying the spacious outdoor terrace.

Café Claudel, Shop 1, G08, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, www.cafeclaudel.com

Looking to explore plant-based eating? Green Common is bringing us Kind Kitchen this month. A full-service cafe in Nan Fung Place, Kind Kitchen is serving 100% vegan food and drinks. The new menu features a selection of exciting Asian dishes like vegan dan dan meen, vegan Gyoza, vegan banh mi, and HK Milk Tea made with oat milk. We had a chance to try the “Amazing Omnipork Ball”, a deep fried plant-based pork ball, seasoned with the chef’s secret recipe, and served with homemade tomato sauce. Bursting with rich, savoury flavours of tomato and rosemary, these “meatballs” could even keep meat lovers satisfied! Kind Kitchen also offers a dedicated vegan children’s menu, a grocery store, event space and experimental centre. Expect health talks hosted by Green Monday’s in-house dietitians, new product launches and cooking demonstrations. As one of Hong Kong’s most popular plant-based health stores, it’s great to see the chain expanding into new (and necessary!) plant-based concepts. The Kind Kitchen by Green Common is due to open in early June.

Kind Kitchen by Green Common, Shop 1, 1/F, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong, www.greencommon.com/kind-kitchen