Early September Selection – 12 Restaurants to Try
As summer winds down and the city eases into September, Hong Kong’s dining scene is buzzing with fresh energy.
This month’s selection brings together seven must-visit spots for every curious foodie. From La Volta’s refined Italian flair in Causeway Bay to the much-anticipated return of Shelley Tai reshaping the cocktail scene, there’s excitement at every corner.
Add in O’rm’s inventive Korean dining in Sheung Wan and a refreshing new ice cream experience, and September becomes the perfect time to indulge. Whether you crave comfort, creativity, or discovery, these are the places that will set the tone for the season.
Western
Salon des Refuses
Mediterranean, Sharing, Small plate, Seafood
Salon des Refusés: A Mediterranean Masterclass by Chef Luca Marinelli
Tucked away like a well-kept secret, Salon des Refusés is Chef-Patron Luca Marinelli’s intimate love letter to the Mediterranean—a seasonal tasting gallery where artful small plates meet sun-kissed coastal flavour.
Each dish is an edible canvas: uni on toast is elevated with zesty lime and seaweed butter, yellowfin tuna carpaccio melts effortlessly under Calabrian chilli oil, confit tomato, and Andalusian olive, while golden-seared scallops find contrast with crushed Sicilian pistachios. It’s food that sings of summer, salt, and sun—every bite a delicate crescendo.
The menu shifts daily depending on the sea’s offerings, capturing the fleeting beauty of the morning’s freshest catch. Nothing is predictable here, and that’s precisely the point. Chef Luca invites you to dine as if on the Mediterranean coast, where spontaneity and quality are the daily rituals.
Much like its name—a nod to the 19th-century French exhibition of rejected masterpieces—Salon des Refusés celebrates individuality and culinary freedom. Small, soulful, and artistic, it’s more than a restaurant—it’s an ongoing conversation between plate and palate.
Price: 200 - 300 HKD
9 Bridges St, Central, Hong Kong
Italian
Primo Posto
Trendy, Fresh from Italy, Traditional, Interior Design
The Flavours of Milan, Done Right. Primo Posto is a lively Milanese restaurant perched on the iconic steps of Shin Hing Street, Central. It’s more than just a dining destination – it’s a spirited gathering place where bold flavours, warm hospitality, and Italian romance meet. Rooted in the traditions of Milanese cuisine, the menu features ingredient-driven dishes prepared with heart, from Cotoletta alla Milanese and pumpkin gnocchi to crispy fried Milanese meatballs and vitello tonnato.
Chef Gabriele Fusi, formerly of WING, leads the kitchen with confidence, presenting Milan’s meaty, cheesy, and flavour-rich profile. Forget the heavy red sauces – here, you’ll find risotto, polenta, gorgonzola, pancetta, and tripe taking centre stage. Complement your meal with a carefully curated Italian wine list or sip on timeless cocktails like Negronis and Sbagliatos.
Stylish, welcoming, and distinctly Milanese, Primo Posto is a restaurant to see and be seen – a slice of Northern Italy’s elegance in the heart of Hong Kong.
Price: 150 - 200 HKD
9 Shin Hing St, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Chinese HK
Sleep Well eat more Gelato
Ice Cream, Old Hong Kong, Fusion, Creative food
Price: 80 - 150 HKD
40 Gough St, Central, Hong Kong
Asian Food
Voon
Creative food, Fusion, French, Different Experience
Voon by Edward Voon: A Culinary Journey of Cultures in Kennedy Town.
Singaporean-born chef Edward Voon, one of Hong Kong’s most admired culinary talents, has embarked on a new chapter with his namesake restaurant, VOON, in Kennedy Town. Known for his relentless drive and passion for innovation, Voon brings a relaxed yet refined concept to the city, blending his signature tri-cultural philosophy: Singaporean heritage, Cantonese finesse, and classical French technique.
At VOON, comfort meets creativity. Diners are treated to reimagined renditions of timeless Singaporean dishes — think laksa linguine, satay chicken rice elevated with glistening chicken-oil grains and fiery homemade chilli, or mud crab au gratin with macaroni. Seasonal produce guides an ever-evolving menu, ensuring every visit feels fresh, while the intimate setting reflects the chef’s vision of approachable sophistication.
Voon’s journey has been anything but ordinary. From a teenage dishwasher in Singapore to an acclaimed fine-dining chef in Hong Kong, his story is one of perseverance, risk, and passion. That very energy is infused into VOON’s dishes, where layers of flavour tell a tale of tradition meeting reinvention.
Beyond the restaurant, Voon Retail offers seasonal sweets and savouries inspired by his creations, extending the experience into everyday life. For those seeking a meal that bridges cultures with elegance and heart, VOON is a new culinary destination not to be missed.
Price: 300 - 400 HKD
Hong Kong, Kennedy Town, Forbes St, 4689
Italian
La Volta
Italian, Traditional, Pasta, Homemade
La Volta: Italian Excellence with a Modern Twist in Causeway Bay.
La Volta has quickly become a must-visit destination in Causeway Bay, bringing authentic Italian flavors to Hong Kong with a touch of modern flair. Helmed by Roland Schuller, the celebrated chef behind Octavium’s Michelin-star success, and seasoned restaurateur Jeffrey Miu, La Volta strikes the perfect balance between fine dining quality and wallet-friendly accessibility.
The menu showcases Chef Schuller’s mastery of Italian cuisine, blending tradition with creativity. Handmade pastas are the star of the show, from the delicate egg raviolo filled with golden yolk and borragine-ricotta, to the light yet flavorful spaghetti alla carbonara. For those seeking something vibrant, the vegetarian-friendly mafaldine with broccolini pesto is a refreshing standout, while the crispy gnocchi alla Iberico, paired with a rich braised pork ragù, offers indulgence at its best.
Beyond pasta, La Volta’s small plates, such as burrata with truffle honey bruschetta, highlight seasonal ingredients and elevate simple flavors into refined bites. Paired with curated Italian wines or signature cocktails, every meal feels like a complete experience.
Casual yet elegant, La Volta is proof that Italian dining in Hong Kong can be both approachable and extraordinary. Whether you’re a pasta purist or an adventurous foodie, La Volta is a culinary journey worth savoring.
Price: 200 - 300 HKD
9 Lan Fong Road, Lan Fong Rd, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Asian Food
Mius Bar & Restaurant
Asian, Cocktail, Chef, Bar
Shelley Tai Returns Home: A New Chapter for Hong Kong’s Cocktail Scene.
After years of making her mark abroad, award-winning bartender Shelley Tai has returned to her hometown to open a bar that reflects her signature creativity and deep understanding of flavour. Crowned Diageo World Class HK & Macau Bartender of the Year in 2019, Tai went on to lead celebrated venues in Singapore, including the acclaimed Nutmeg & Clove and its sister bar Last Word, before bringing her craft back to Hong Kong.
Known for infusing local ingredients into refined, thought-provoking cocktails, Tai’s menu is both bold and comforting. Highlights include the Fig Ol’ Days, a Scotch whisky cocktail layered with fino sherry, fig leaf, and palo santo, as well as the Gin & Apple, which combines coconut, makrut lime, lemongrass, and house-made green apple soda for a bright, refreshing sip.
More than just drinks, her new project embodies a philosophy shaped by discipline, passion, and a desire to tell stories through cocktails. From competition stages to world-renowned bars, Tai has built a reputation for pushing boundaries while staying rooted in authenticity. With her return, Hong Kong’s cocktail culture gains a new homegrown force—one that invites guests to discover unexpected flavours while celebrating the art of hospitality.
Price: 150 - 200 HKD
G/F, 7-8 New Praya, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong
Korean
ORM Korean Restaurant
Korean, Grilled Beef, Chef, Traditional
O’rm: A Contemporary Korean Gem in Sheung Wan.
In the former home of Ronin, O’rm brings a refined yet approachable take on Korean cuisine to Sheung Wan. With only 20 seats and no reservations, the intimate space strikes a balance between modern sophistication and authentic Korean warmth, welcoming each guest with a complimentary rice wine taster at the chef’s counter.
The menu, inspired by the heritage of Jeju Island, reimagines Korean classics with contemporary flair. Highlights include yukhoe with Wagyu and caviar, mini crab kimbap, and the refreshing kumquat salad. For heartier bites, dishes such as bibim buckwheat noodles and spicy pork jowl showcase Chef Junwoo Choi’s culinary craftsmanship.
A collaboration between Choi, formerly of Hong Kong hotspot obp., and Ted Ko and Stella Yim of KAVE Group, O’rm is more than just a dining destination—it’s a neighbourhood gathering place. Paired with boutique Korean wines and spirits, the experience is as much about conviviality as it is about flavour, making O’rm a standout in Hong Kong’s evolving Korean dining scene.
Price: 200 - 300 HKD
Ground Floor, 8 On Wo Ln, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
French
SIU SIU
Japanese, Set menu, Fusion, Traditional
Siü Siü – A Bold New Izakaya by Censu Crew.
Hong Kong’s dining scene welcomes Siü Siü, the latest concept from visionary chef Shun Sato and his trailblazing Censu Crew. Known for redefining Japanese dining through creativity and innovation, Sato brings his modern sensibilities to this izakaya-meets-teppanyaki restaurant, where lively energy and refined flavours come together.
Diners can settle into cosy tables with friends or take a front-row seat at the teppan counter, watching the chefs at work. The menu is designed to surprise and delight, featuring dishes like drunken red prawns marinated in Shaoxing wine, Hakozushi diced sashimi donburi, and the playful Censu “cheeseburger”—a crispy spring roll stuffed with all the nostalgic flavours of a burger. Each plate showcases Sato’s unique flair, blending Japanese tradition with international technique.
Siü Siü embodies the philosophy of the Censu brand, where food is more than sustenance—it is a sensory journey. Rooted in Sato’s French fine-dining background yet inspired by Japanese aesthetics, his work reflects wabi-sabi, the art of embracing imperfection. With an ethos that touches not only food but also art, design, and lifestyle, Siü Siü represents the next chapter in Sato’s mission to expand Japanese dining into a multi-sensory cultural experience.
Price: 200 - 300 HKD
G/F, The Strand, 49 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Chinese HK
Check In Taipei
Interior Design, Perfect Lunch, Traditional, Chinese
Check In Taipei Lands in Harbour City with Creative Taiwanese Flair
The craving for authentic Taiwanese cuisine just got easier to satisfy. Beloved Central hotspot Check In Taipei has opened its first Kowloon-side branch in Harbour City, bringing a playful yet refined take on Taiwan’s culinary culture. Since 2014, the restaurant has built a reputation for modern Taiwanese dishes, inventive tea-inspired cocktails, and desserts as beautiful as they are delicious.
The new 2,300 sq-ft space, designed by Peter Lampard of Design Eight Five Two, blends Nordic minimalism with touches of Taiwanese tradition. Pastel hues, terrazzo details, and 36 glowing lanterns recall the magic of Shifen’s Lantern Festival, while every corner feels photo-ready. With over 80 seats, it’s designed to be a modern escape—an urban weekend trip to Taipei, no plane ticket required.
The menu features exclusive dishes and seasonal creations: highlights include Foie Gras & Beef Tongue Noodles, Three Cups Duck Breast Buns, Soft Shell Crab Mapo Tofu Noodles, and Cheese Curry Shrimp Crepes. Desserts steal the spotlight too, from Taro Purée Tiramisu to the viral Pineapple Cake Mochi Egg Tart, crafted by their in-house pastry team.
Committed to sustainability, Check In Taipei is also the first Harbour City restaurant to use Nordaq’s eco water filtration, offering unlimited sparkling or still refills for just HK$10. With fresh ingredients flown in from Taiwan and a mission to reinvent Taiwanese food for a new generation, this isn’t your typical night-market eatery. Instead, it’s a creative reimagining—where tradition meets style, and Taiwan meets Hong Kong.
Price: 200 - 300 HKD
Shop 2204-6, Level, Harbour City, 2 Gateway Blvd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Asian Food
An Che - Viet Desserts
Vietnamese, Different Experience, Dessert Lover, Asian
An Chè – Saigon’s Sweet Soul Arrives in Sheung Wan.
From the team behind An Choi, one of Hong Kong’s most beloved Vietnamese eateries and a two-time Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee, comes An Chè – a brand-new dessert shop dedicated to the sweet traditions of Saigon. Located right next door to its sister restaurant in Sheung Wan, An Chè is co-founded by Mai Ho “Kay” Kim Khanh and her partner Lewis Dai, with a vision to share the desserts Kay grew up enjoying in Vietnam.
The menu is a celebration of chè, the Vietnamese category of sweet soups, puddings, and drinks. Highlights include tofu pudding elevated with pandan syrup, coconut cream, white boba, and sesame seeds; the indulgent chè chuối khoai môn with banana, taro, and sago in coconut cream; and the refreshing chè khúc bạch, where lychee meets strawberry and matcha panna cotta. For the adventurous, the “Vinahouse” chè thập cẩm is a playful mix of red beans, pandan noodles, grass jelly, mung bean paste, palm seeds, and jackfruit – with the option to add durian for an extra punch.
Of course, no Vietnamese dessert menu would be complete without coffee flan and the addictive coconut slushy coffee, perfect as a post-meal treat after dining at An Choi. With its soft opening promotion offering 20% off until August 21, now is the time to explore the lesser-known sweet side of Vietnamese cuisine. Whether you’re a longtime fan of chè or new to its delights, An Chè delivers a taste of Saigon’s soul – one spoonful at a time.
Price: 0 - 80 HKD
G/F, 25 Mercer St, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Western
Kactus Koffee (Sheung Wan)
Cafe, Coffee, Music DJ, Lifestyle
Kactus Koffee – A Taste of Korea in Sheung Wan.
From the team behind Busan Night, Jeonpo Meat Shop, and Pecorino, Hong Kong’s coffee scene now welcomes the expansion of Kactus Koffee. After the success of its original Yau Ma Tei shop, the brand has opened a two-storey space on Queen’s Road West in Sheung Wan, bringing its retro-industrial design and unique Korean coffee creations to a wider audience. With its mix of concrete walls, sky-blue tiles, mismatched vintage furniture, and playful silverware, the new space manages to be both stylish and cozy – a rare combination in the city.
The highlight here is the Kactus Coffee, served iced and topped with a hand-whipped cream that’s rich, slightly salty, and perfectly balanced against the bold, nutty brew. Another favorite is the Cloud Coffee, refreshing with its coconut water base. Pair your cup with trendy sweets like croffles (croissant-waffle hybrids) or ang butter croissants, and you’ve got yourself the full Korean café experience right in Sheung Wan.
More than just a coffee shop, Kactus Koffee’s spacious interiors set it apart from Hong Kong’s usual compact cafés. Whether you’re looking for a place to work, a weekend catch-up spot, or simply a moment of escape, this Korean coffee brand brings a new kind of café culture to the island – one that’s leisurely, stylish, and deliciously memorable.
Price: 0 - 80 HKD
G/F, Sun Shing Mansion, 27 Queen's Rd W, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
