More a restaurant than bar, you are welcome to order just wine or beer and sit on the quiet terrace outside, undisturbed by exhaust-belching cars or aggressive minibuses that can plague other outside drinking and dining establishments in Hong Kong. Similar in atmosphere to La Piazzetta, it is best to book ahead if a candle-lit dinner outside on the terrace is required. It may not be Tuscany, but given that we are in Hong Kong, the ambience is sufficiently romantic.
This historic Hong Kong landmark is famous around the world and has served many a VIP and dignitaries over the years. Slip into one of the secluded booths and order some of their distinctive dim sum. The cultural and historic significance of Luk Yu Teahouse adds depth to the already impressive atmosphere; be sure to make reservations well in advance.
This is not exactly the Russian Tea Rooms, New York, and few A List celebrities visit to dine, drink and discuss Dostoevsky. Instead this place is popular with local Chinese people and the Sino-Soviet influence is evident in the large tables and cramped seating plan. Borsht, of course, is on offer, a soup as synonymous with Russia as kimchi is with Korea, though far less pungent. Zakuska, a Russian salad, is also popular, and the shashlik, marinated lamb pronged Kebab-style with eggplant and onions, is worth a shot. A three-course lunch set costs around HKD60 and the cakes look tasty.
Situated within Excelsior Hotel, Cafe on the 1st is a perfect place to have relaxed meals. This place is famous for its lunch and dinner buffets and very deservingly so. International menu served is ideal for tourists who do not have experimenting palate. Besides, there is also an extensive Asian menu to choose from. Judicious usage of lights and furniture make for a comfortable ambiance. Opens daily at 6.30 am.
Kitchen 65 occupies a reverse L-shaped space at the Miramar Shopping Center and represents restaurateur Keiyu Kamatani's effort to satisfy Hong Kong's seemingly insatiable demand for the erstwhile Singaporean national dish, Hainanese Chicken Rice. The dish features a piece of steamed chicken (with or without the skin) that is served with a fragrant, oily rice and a bowl of chicken broth along with other accompaniments like fresh chili paste, dark soy sauce and pounded ginger. This highly coveted dish is the restaurant's signature dish, though the menu at the simple and elegant Kitchen 65 also offers various other well-prepared Singaporean and Malaysian delights like satays, beef rendang and laksa -Anjeeta Nayar
The French restaurant La Fleur occupies a secluded corner of St. Francis Yard, a street that is considered to be part of the Star Street dining district in Hong Kong. La Fleur offers classic French cooking in a dimly lit, rather romantic setting that is characterized by rustic furniture and paintings that offer charming views of French countryside. The menu offerings at La Fleur include a variety of salads, terrines, meats and pasta dishes and include several favorites like escargot, prawn linguine, duck confit and steaks which can be cooked according to your preferences. In the fashion of most Parisian bistros, La Fleur also offers alfresco dining in the front portion of the restaurant, which faces the quiet street. -Anjeeta Nayar