November Selection – All Restaurants to Try
November New Release: Hong Kong’s Hottest Dining Openings
This November, Hong Kong’s dining scene bursts with creativity, personality, and bold culinary vision. From skyline-defining destinations to intimate neighbourhood gems, the city welcomes a new wave of restaurants that challenge traditions, elevate comfort, and reimagine global flavours for the modern palate.
Headlining this month’s openings is Akira Back at The Henderson, a daring fusion of Japanese precision, Korean soul, and American flair that marks the celebrity chef’s long-awaited Hong Kong debut. Alongside it, El Vaso de Oro brings Barcelona’s tapas culture to Sheung Wan, while Zozzona introduces an inspired new dialogue between Japanese sensibility and Italian pasta craft in Tsim Sha Tsui. For those seeking soulful dining, Always Joy offers a quiet ode to longevity in Sheung Wan, and Mi Manchi transforms Italian nostalgia with distinctly Hong Kong heart.
Japanese
ALWAYS JOY
Creative food, Casual diner, Bistro, Japanese
Always Joy — A Quiet Testament to Enduring Dining in Sheung Wan
In a city that thrives on constant change, a restaurant built to last is almost revolutionary. Always Joy, the newest creation from hospitality duo Lindsay Jang and Matt Abergel, stands as a subtle statement of permanence. Nestled beside their iconic izakaya Yardbird in Sheung Wan, the space exudes a sense of calm strength — stainless steel fixtures, fixed tables, and a comforting sense of continuity.
Designed by LA-based creative Willo Perron, Always Joy channels the classic American diner through a cinematic lens — all chrome, mustard-yellow seating, and burgundy textured walls. It’s moody yet grounded, with nostalgic touches that nod to the pair’s past ventures like Ronin and Yardbird.
The menu, much like the atmosphere, celebrates simplicity and freshness. Seasonal produce and local market finds inspire the daily offerings — dishes like tomatoes tossed with passion fruit and shio kombu, or pumpkin mochi in soy brown butter, showcase a quiet confidence in flavour. The drinks follow the same spirit: crisp highballs, unshaken cocktails, and sake served with ease.
In a culinary scene defined by flux, Always Joy offers something rare — a place built not just for now, but for the long run. It’s an ode to loyalty, craft, and the beauty of staying still in a city that never stops moving.
Price: 200 - 300 HKD
Shop No. 1, G/F, Nam Wo Hong Building, 148 Wing Lok St, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Pet Friendly
Twist On Coffee Club
Pet friendly, Coffee, Small plate, Dessert lover
Twist On Coffee Club: A New Neighbourhood Gem in To Kwa Wan
Hong Kong never runs out of cafés, but every season brings new openings that quietly settle into their neighbourhoods, ready to charm residents with fresh brews, warm pastries, and inviting corners to unwind. With spring in full bloom, Twist On Coffee Club has emerged as To Kwa Wan’s latest addition—a space that feels both unpolished and effortlessly cool.
Still in its soft-opening phase, the café embraces an unfinished aesthetic that plays into its industrial, slightly grunge personality. Grey concrete walls, raw textures, and simple furnishings give it a relaxed edge that stands out from the polished cafés scattered across the city. It’s the kind of place where you can linger without feeling rushed—perfect for tackling assignments, flipping through a book, or catching up with friends over a caffeine fix.
Coffee remains the star here, with a solid selection of brews for every preference. For something more indulgent, their French toast is already becoming a quiet favourite, while the seasonal parfaits offer a refreshing treat as the weather warms. The café also welcomes pets, making it a cosy hangout for dog owners looking for a relaxed weekend spot.
Whether you’re a café explorer chasing the next hidden gem or simply in need of a new neighborhood go-to, Twist On Coffee Club earns its place on your must-visit list—before the crowds catch on.
Price: 80 - 150 HKD
Shop 1-3, G/F, Maisy Building, 8 Maidstone Ln, To Kwa Wan, Hong Kong
Western
MOA Dining
Scenic viewpoints, Interior Design, Mediterranean, Western food
Moa Dining — A Modern Mediterranean Escape by the Harbour
Set within the iconic Hong Kong Museum of Art, Moa Dining elevates the notion of modern Mediterranean cuisine with sweeping harbour views and a culinary philosophy rooted in freshness, creativity, and global inspiration. Spanning 5,000 square feet of bright, welcoming space, the restaurant blends influences from Spain, Italy, Australia, and Asia into a contemporary tapestry of flavours that feel both comforting and boldly reimagined.
From its thoughtfully curated ingredients to its emphasis on seasonal produce, every dish tells a story of craftsmanship. Signature highlights such as the seafood paella, bouillabaisse, and perfectly crisp suckling pig reflect the richness of coastal Mediterranean traditions while embracing subtle Asian elements that make each plate uniquely Moa. Whether you're here for an elegant afternoon tea, a relaxing brunch, or a refined dinner paired with an impressive wine list, the experience feels beautifully balanced—sophisticated yet accessible.
Moa Dining also introduces its newest gem, MoA Café, open daily from 10AM. With artisanal pastries, seasonal cakes, quiches, and speciality beverages, it offers a delightful all-day sanctuary for museum-goers and harbourfront wanderers alike.
Thoughtfully executed and visually stunning, Moa Dining stands as a testament to modern dining done right—where breathtaking views meet inventive cuisine, creating a dining journey that lingers long after the meal ends.
Price: 300 - 400 HKD
1/F, Hong Kong Museum Of Art, 10 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Japanese
Kyanbasu by Mt. Yotei
Japan, Lovers, Bistro, Lamb chop, Interior Design
Kyanbasu — A New Lamb-Focused Izakaya Reimagining Gough Street’s Dining Spirit
Gough Street has long been a haven for independent concepts, a defining borderland between Sheung Wan and Central where character, resilience, and creativity meet. When BEDU closed its doors, the space felt destined to host another thoughtful, personality-driven venture. That moment has arrived with Kyanbasu, the newest concept from the team behind Mt. Yotei.
Unlike its Causeway Bay sibling—renowned for its Hokkaido-style lamb grills—Kyanbasu narrows its focus with striking confidence. Here, lamb takes centre stage in a rare, perhaps first-of-its-kind yakitori format in Hong Kong. The restaurant embraces a bold single-protein philosophy, transforming lamb into a series of expertly grilled skewers, inventive small plates, and refined izakaya bites made for leisurely sharing.
The hand-chopped lamb tartare, brightened with ume and tingling sansho pepper, sets the tone: meticulous, flavour-forward, and quietly daring. Each dish leans into lamb’s depth without overwhelming the palate, offering a fresh perspective on a meat often underrepresented in local Japanese dining.
Kyanbasu’s design completes the experience—clean lines, warm tones, and a contemporary ease that invites guests to linger. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick skewer and drink or settling in for a smoky, savoury omakase-style progression, the space is as welcoming as it is stylish.
With its confident identity and lamb-driven menu, Kyanbasu marks an exciting new chapter for Gough Street, honouring the neighbourhood’s spirit while carving out a distinctive culinary niche of its own.
Price: 200 - 300 HKD
Ground Floor, 40 Gough St, Central, Hong Kong
Italian
Mi Manchi
Italian pasta, Fresh from Italy, Fusion, Asian
Mi Manchi – When Italian Nostalgia Meets Hong Kong Soul
Tucked inside the East Kowloon Cultural Centre, Mi Manchi brings a heartwarming slice of Italy to the city’s east side — with a local twist that speaks directly to Hong Kong palates. The restaurant’s name, meaning “I miss you” in Italian, captures its essence: a place born out of longing, memory, and the belief that food connects hearts across cultures.
Founded by Gary and Horry, Mi Manchi is the first and only dining destination within the new cultural venue, serving fresh handmade pasta and Italian comfort dishes infused with Hong Kong’s culinary soul. Local ingredients like Tai O salted fish, Hua Diao wine, and XO sauce are woven seamlessly into Italian recipes, creating inventive dishes such as Salted Fish Croquettes, Mezze Maniche al Polpo e Nduja, and the aromatic Spaghetti Alla Red Shrimp, finished tableside with a delicate mist of Hua Diao wine.
Inside, the trattoria-style décor — all warm wood, golden light, and rustic charm — evokes the comfort of home. Every dish feels like a reunion, a gentle reminder of shared meals and simple joys. More than just a restaurant, Mi Manchi is a celebration of connection, where flavours tell stories of belonging and care. Whether you come for a quiet meal or a gathering with friends, Mi Manchi invites you to taste not only Italy — but the warmth of home.
Price: 150 - 200 HKD
Hong Kong, Kowloon BayEast Kowloon Cultural Centre1/F
Pet Friendly
Cuma Cafe & Bar
Cafe, Artist, Saturday Chill, Pet friendly
CUMA – Coffee, Cocktails, and Creative Chaos in Soho
Hidden away above Pak Tsz Lane Park off Hollywood Road, CUMA feels like one of Soho’s best-kept secrets — a cozy hideaway where coffee, creativity, and community collide. By day, this pocket-sized café serves meticulously brewed coffee crafted from expertly roasted beans. Guests perch on benches overlooking the quiet park, savoring every sip while autumn’s cool breeze drifts by. Come nightfall, the space transforms into an intimate cocktail bar, buzzing with energy, music, and good vibes.
CUMA is more than a coffee shop — it’s a social hub with an experimental spirit. The team has hosted everything from coffee-fueled daytime raves to themed gatherings like the “Weird Mask” event, celebrating self-expression in a safe and inclusive space. Each gathering captures CUMA’s essence: vibrant, spontaneous, and joyfully unpretentious.
The recent grand opening brought back guest bartender Momo from Decent Drinks, whose inventive cocktails perfectly blend sophistication and sustainability. Highlights included the fragrant “Gentle Ginger” (ginger, perilla, red bean) and “T. Kemonade” (apple brandy, homemade spices, lemon & orange) — drinks designed to elevate the autumn mood under moonlit skies.
Whether you’re here for a caffeine fix, a creative cocktail, or simply to connect with kindred spirits, CUMA promises a sensory experience like no other. It’s not just coffee or cocktails — it’s refined revelry, uniquely Soho.
Price: 0 - 80 HKD
Hong Kong, 67Basement
Japanese
Yume
Japanese, Cocktail, Music DJ, Lifestyle
Yume: Where Hong Kong Learns to Dream Again Yume, the newest addition to Hong Kong’s nightlife, has breathed new life into the basement that once housed Drop and Quality Goods Club. Meaning “dream” in Japanese, Yume transforms the space into a candy-hued sanctuary of pink, purple, and golden tones, where sleek lines and cosy booth seating set the stage for nights driven by mood rather than mayhem. Opening from 6PM, it reflects a cultural shift: gone are the days of starting the party at midnight—here, evenings begin slowly, with a crafted cocktail, great music, and conversation that doesn’t require shouting.
At the bar, Peru-born bartender Raiza Carrera leads a Japanese-inspired cocktail programme that is both inventive and welcoming. Signatures like the creamy Above the Clouds or the herb-flecked F.YU showcase balanced, surprising flavours, while Kiss of a Geisha contrasts bourbon fat-washed with shiitake mushrooms against coffee liqueur for a bold finish. Yume’s menu is built for sharing, with elevated late-night bites such as tuna tartare crowned with Oscietra caviar, Iberico pork katsu sandos, and Japanese beef curry empanadas—perfect accompaniments between rounds of cocktails.
More than a lounge, Yume is shaping a cultural hub, hosting music events, creative collaborations, and intimate celebrations. It’s nightlife reimagined—balanced, stylish, and quietly futuristic—a reminder that Hong Kong still knows how to dream after dark.
Price: 150 - 200 HKD
Basement, On Lok House, 39-43 Hollywood Rd, Central, Hong Kong
Western
Carmela
Fusion, Trendy, Mediterranean, Interior Design
Carmela: Mediterranean Warmth in the Heart of Central
Carmela brings a spirited slice of Southern Mediterranean living to Central, offering a dining experience where conviviality, generosity, and flavour take centre stage. Created by the accomplished team behind FRANCIS and FRANCIS West, this newest venture channels the sun-soaked charm of Greece and Italy into a relaxed yet polished setting that feels worlds away from Hong Kong’s urban rush.
With terracotta hues, natural textures, and soft lighting that evokes an alfresco evening by the coast, Carmela is as inviting as it is stylish. The menu is built on simplicity done exceptionally well: homemade breads, rustic pastas, and grilled seafood and meats that showcase bold, clean flavours. Signature dishes such as creamy mackerel tarama, smoky house-cured sardines with fennel, and linguine tossed with seared tuna and capers reset expectations for casual Mediterranean dining. Grilled octopus glazed with herbs and tender lamb chops on grains further underline the kitchen’s confident touch.
Sommelier Simone Sammuri curates a wine selection of over 150 labels, spanning crisp Greek whites to structured Italian reds that pair effortlessly with the menu’s hearty personality. Whether for a relaxed weekday meal or a convivial weekend gathering, Carmela delivers an experience anchored in warmth, flavour, and the simple joy of eating well.
Price: 200 - 300 HKD
Shop G06, Nan Fung Tower, 173 Des Voeux Rd Central, Central, Hong Kong
Western
Peridot
Interior Design, Cocktail, Music DJ, Romantic
Peridot: A Luminous Cocktail Sanctuary Above Hong Kong
High above Hong Kong’s skyline, on the 38th floor of The Henderson, Peridot emerges as one of the city’s most visually arresting new bars. Named after the green gemstone, the space blends terroir-driven cocktails, avant-garde vegetarian cuisine, and live musical performances into a sensory experience that feels cinematic yet intimately personal. Designed by Toronto- and Milan-based Studio Paolo Ferrari, Peridot stands confidently alongside the late Zaha Hadid’s futuristic architecture, echoing its fluid forms without imitation.
A soft green palette envelops the room, where mohair seating disappears into sculpted alcoves and 20,000 frosted acrylic lights shimmer like refracted gemstones. The swirling green marble bar acts as the venue’s gravitational centre, grounding the ethereal architecture with a touch of material drama.
Peridot’s culinary vision is equally daring. Chef Lisandro Illa pushes plant-based dining into haute cuisine with nut-based cheeses, fruit ‘charcuterie’, and fermented delicacies shaped by koji and natto. Drinks, curated by beverage director François Cavelier, celebrate terroir, with the current menu exploring Kagoshima through cocktails that reinterpret the region’s coastal traditions and craftsmanship.
Peridot is more than a bar—it is an atmospheric journey where light, flavour, and sound converge, setting a new benchmark for Hong Kong’s nightlife.
Price: 150 - 200 HKD
38/F, The Henderson, Summit 38, 2 Murray Rd, Central, Hong Kong
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