October Selection – All Restaurants to Try
October’s culinary landscape in Hong Kong brims with new flavors and creative dining experiences, and this month’s selection captures that spirit in full. From the refined artistry of Relive Patisserie, where French elegance meets Japanese purity, to the heartfelt dumplings of Hei Baat Fong, each stop offers a story worth savoring.
Sap Sann brings minimalist Japanese desserts to Mong Kok, while Alma & and Twist Pasta Bar reimagine comfort food with playful twists. Add in the cozy creativity of No Sleep Club, the earthy richness of The Mushroom, and the bold global flair of Akira Back—October promises seven unforgettable highlights.
Japanese
Akira Back
Korean, Japanese, Fine Dining, Fine Dining
Akira Back at The Henderson: A Bold New Chapter in Hong Kong Dining.
Hong Kong’s culinary scene reaches dazzling new heights with the opening of Akira Back at The Henderson, Central’s striking new landmark. Marking the celebrity chef’s long-awaited Hong Kong debut, this globally celebrated concept blends Japanese precision, Korean soul, and American flair into a dining experience both bold and refined.
Chef Akira Back, born in Seoul and raised in Aspen, brings his adventurous spirit to every plate. Once a professional snowboarder, his cuisine now reflects a lifetime of travel, tradition, and innovation. Signature dishes like the AB Tuna Pizza — sashimi layered with ponzu aioli and truffle oil — and the Toro Tartare with caviar and nine condiments inspired by Korean royal cuisine, showcase both playfulness and depth. Mains such as 48-hour Wagyu Short Ribs, a tribute to his mother’s Galbi-jim, anchor the menu with soulful richness.
The experience extends beyond the plate. Designed by AB Concept, the restaurant is a symphony of marble, sculptural ceilings, and flowing organic lines that echo The Henderson’s architecture. Gold accents and velvet textures add warmth, while Chef Back’s mother’s artwork personalizes the space. From the dramatic bar crowned with pink marble to intimate sushi counters and private rooms, every corner invites discovery.
With curated cocktails like the Yuzu White Negroni and seasonal tasting menus that evolve with the chef’s imagination, Akira Back is set to become not just a restaurant, but a lifestyle destination. For those seeking creativity, elegance, and a new rhythm in Hong Kong dining, The Henderson’s latest star promises a feast for all the senses.
Price: 500 - 800 HKD
5/F, The Henderson, 2 Murray Rd, Central, Hong Kong
Pet Friendly
Relive Patisserie
Bakery, Cafe, Outdoor, Pet friendly
Relive Patisserie: French Elegance, Japanese Purity in Every Bite
In a city where culinary artistry thrives, Relive Patisserie stands out as a sanctuary for those who appreciate the finer side of indulgence. Nestled in Hong Kong, this boutique pastry shop specializes in modern French-style creations that are as visually refined as they are delicious. From delicate cakes to exquisite desserts, every piece reflects a philosophy of timeless elegance rooted in simplicity.
Behind Relive is Hei, a young pastry chef whose passion blossomed after years of honing his craft in luxury hotels. With an eye for detail and a love for experimentation, Hei has developed a menu that balances authentic flavors with modern textures, each adorned in a minimalist style that defines the essence of Relive. Guests are even invited to enjoy their sweet moments outdoors with their dogs, adding a touch of warmth to the experience.
One of Relive’s most treasured secrets lies in its choice of cream. The patisserie proudly uses OMU Pure Cream from Kyushu, Japan, renowned for its unmatched purity. Free from emulsifiers and stabilizers, the cream preserves the natural aroma and freshness of milk. The result is a luscious, pure-white cream with a subtle sheen, melting smoothly on the tongue without heaviness.
When paired with Relive’s airy sponge cakes, each bite delivers a sensation of well-being — light, delicate, and unforgettable. Though more costly and with a shorter shelf life, OMU Pure Cream is irreplaceable in its elegance, embodying Relive’s pursuit of perfection.
At Relive Patisserie, every creation is not just a dessert but a reminder to pause, savor, and relive life’s sweetest moments.
Price: 80 - 150 HKD
Hong Kong, Sheung Wan, Upper Lascar Row, 34-36
Chinese HK
Hei Baat Fong
Hong Kong Food, Traditional, Dim Sum, Casual diner
Hei Baat Fong – Dumplings with Heart in Sheung Wan
There are some cravings that never fade, and for many Hong Kongers, dumplings are at the top of that list. Tucked along Upper Station Street in Sheung Wan, Hei Baat Fong has become a neighborhood favorite, known for its soulful dumplings and comforting Cantonese fare. A regular stop for locals and office workers, the shop draws a loyal crowd who come back for its fresh flavors and home-style warmth.
What sets Hei Baat Fong apart is its balance between tradition and heartiness. Steamed dumplings, fried dumplings, and warming dumpling soups take center stage, often paired with spicy cucumber or a drizzle of their signature homemade chili sauce. For those in a rush, the takeaway options are quick and satisfying, yet still retain that authentic home-cooked taste. Its customizable noodle soups are a crowd-pleaser—choose your broth, noodles, and toppings, and enjoy a bowl that feels both personal and indulgent.
Beyond the food, Hei Baat Fong’s charm lies in its simplicity. The service is warm, the prices are fair, and the setting, though casual, exudes a homely comfort. In a district dotted with trendy cafés and international spots, this humble dumpling shop thrives on its sense of community, serving up meals that feel like home. Whether you’re popping in for a quick bite or lingering with friends, Hei Baat Fong proves that sometimes, the simplest pleasures—like a plate of dumplings—are the most satisfying.
Price: 80 - 150 HKD
Hong Kong, Sheung Wan, Upper Station St, 3&3A
Italian
ALMA &
Italian, Italian pasta, Saturday Lunch, Trendy
Alma & – Soho’s New Tapas and Pasta Gem
Joining the lively Peel Street dining scene, Alma & marks the return of chef Ives Abel and his partner Yoyo Cheung, who previously ran the much-loved bistro Sooner in Sai Ying Pun. Their new venture is relaxed yet refined, built around creative tapas, handmade pastas, and a philosophy of good food at fair prices. The three-course set lunch is already a hit with nearby office-goers, but the à la carte menu is where Alma & truly shines.
Fans of Sooner will be delighted to see favourites like the crispy gnocchi back on the menu, this time served tapas-style with alioli and brava sauce. Alongside it, you’ll find playful creations such as Spiced Berries Burrata, Spanish tortillas, and seafood rice, all designed for sharing. Pasta remains the star, with highlights like ricotta-stuffed girella, crab caramelle with prawn bisque, and tagliolini with tuna tartare in mushroom butter sauce. For those seeking comfort, the beef brisket cacio e pepe is a heartier indulgence.
Desserts at Alma & lean into whimsy and flavour, with the standout Broken Flan offering a playful twist on tradition. With its casual setting, welcoming service, and prices that invite repeat visits, Alma & feels like a natural evolution of Abel and Cheung’s culinary vision: warm, unpretentious, and filled with dishes that bring people together.
Price: 200 - 300 HKD
51 Peel St, Central, Hong Kong
Western
Twist Pasta Bar
Italian pasta, Saturday Chill, Trendy, Italian
Twist Pasta Bar – A Love Letter to Pasta with a Hong Kong Twist.
Bringing fresh energy to Central’s Bridges Street, Twist Pasta Bar is the latest concept from the team behind Honky Tonks, Bourke’s, Mendel’s, and Terracotta Lamma. Led by chef Ben Sears, who has honed his craft in Melbourne, Sydney, and London’s Michelin-starred kitchens, Twist takes pasta—the ultimate comfort food—and transforms it into a creative canvas where Italian tradition meets Hong Kong nostalgia.
The menu is playful, daring, and deeply rooted in memory. Highlights include Bone Marrow Macaroni, a bold reimagining of Kau Kee’s curry brisket noodles; Squid Ink Spaghetti with dried shrimp roe from Yau Kee; and a delicate Endive Salad featuring salted egg yolks from Shun Hing Hoo. Desserts, too, are inventive: the Crispy Egg Roll Cannoli riffs on Cantonese egg rolls with ricotta and pistachio, while the Soy Milk Panna Cotta nods to local tofu pudding. Handmade daily, the pastas span from Northern Italian egg doughs to squid ink and whole wheat bigoli, ensuring every dish feels both comforting and exciting.
Drinks at Twist follow the same philosophy, crafted by Edgar Santillan and Adam Schmidt with ingredients straight from the kitchen—think truffle, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. Signature cocktails like the Caprese Martini and the Truffle Sour are flavour-forward companions to the food, while an eclectic wine list balances approachability with discovery.
Designed by Brash Atelier, the interiors reflect a mid-century optimism reimagined for today: playful curves, retro accents, and warm wood finishes create a space that feels at once modern, nostalgic, and welcoming. Whether for a date night, a catch-up with friends, or a solo dinner at the bar, Twist Pasta Bar feels like home—only with better pasta.
Price: 150 - 200 HKD
17 Bridges St, Central, Hong Kong
Lifestyle
No Sleep Club
Coffee, Saturday Chill, Arty, Historic landmarks
No Sleep Club – Where Coffee Meets Canvas in Central
Hidden inside the historic Fringe Club in Central, No Sleep Club is more than just a café—it’s an artistic retreat where coffee and creativity flow hand in hand. Once a boutique shop, the space has been transformed into a hybrid café and gallery, offering guests the chance to sip specialty coffee while surrounded by ever-changing art.
The atmosphere is laid-back and inviting, with leather couches, beanbags, and walls adorned with works that rotate every two weeks, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. Beyond simply admiring the art, visitors are encouraged to create their own pieces, making this spot feel like a community hub as much as a café. The monthly events, focusing on wellness and education, add another dimension to the experience, weaving social connection into the ritual of coffee.
As for the menu, the drinks are as creative as the surroundings. The signature espresso tonic is bright and refreshing, while the mocha delivers rich comfort in every sip. For something indulgent, the pistachio and yuzu tarts from Tarte by Rania Hatoum are irresistible companions. Between the art, the cozy seating, and the expertly crafted drinks, No Sleep Club feels like a hidden sanctuary in the heart of the city—a place to unwind, recharge, and maybe even stay awake a little longer.
Price: 0 - 80 HKD
G/F, Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd, Central, Hong Kong
Chinese HK
Mushroom restaurant
Chinese, Traditional, Interior Design, Vegetarian
The Mushroom – Yunnan Flavours Bloom in Lan Kwai Fong
Lan Kwai Fong welcomes an exciting new addition with the arrival of The Mushroom, a sister restaurant to Shanghai’s popular Mo Huan Bistro. As its name suggests, the spotlight here is on mushrooms – prepared in all their variety, texture, and flavour – but the culinary journey goes deeper, celebrating the diverse traditions of Yunnan cuisine. Drawing inspiration from the Dai and Wa ethnic communities, The Mushroom blends foraged ingredients with time-honoured cooking techniques, offering Hong Kong diners a rare taste of southwestern China.
The menu brims with creative yet authentic delights: fiery stir-fried porcini with Qiubei dried chillies, fragrant assorted mushrooms wrapped in banana leaves in the Xishuangbanna style, and indulgent deep-fried rushan cheese with rose sauce for a playful twist. Beyond fungi, dishes such as Yunnan oil-braised chicken, fish sour soup with spicy fruit, and mapo tofu with boletus showcase the province’s breadth of flavours. Each plate is an exploration of balance – earthy, aromatic, and deeply comforting.
Atmospheric and vibrant, The Mushroom is more than a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Yunnan’s culinary heritage brought to life in the heart of Hong Kong’s nightlife district. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer of regional Chinese cuisine or simply looking for a new dining adventure, this fungi-forward hotspot offers a fresh perspective on one of China’s most fascinating food cultures.
Price: 150 - 200 HKD
Hong Kong, Central, D'Aguilar St, 30-327
Japanese
ZOZZONA
Fresh from Italy, Italian pasta, Japanese, Fusion
Zozzona – Where Japanese Precision Meets Italian Soul
In the bustling heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, Zozzona is redefining what it means to enjoy pasta. A collaboration between culinary heavyweights Chef Takayuki Kumai, formerly Carbone’s pasta master for six years, Christopher Mark of Black Sheep Restaurants fame, and Vidur Yadav of Bengal Brothers, this new pasta bar celebrates the crossroads of Japanese intuition and Italian tradition. Here, pasta is handmade fresh every day, paired with inventive small plates designed for sharing, and accompanied by Italian wines, sake, highballs, and zero-proof cocktails.
The menu is ingredient-driven and boldly playful. Signature dishes include the Rigatoni alla Zozzona, a Roman classic that fuses amatriciana with carbonara; the refreshing Tagliolini Freddi, served chilled with a shiso and walnut pesto and marinated squid; and the delicate Akami Tuna Tataki. End the evening with their Hokkaido Milk Gelato, a creamy nod to Japan’s finest dairy traditions. Diners seeking the full journey can also opt for the seven-course omakase-style menu priced at HKD 458 per person, designed to highlight the season’s best.
Chef Kumai’s culinary journey spans Tokyo, Rome, Florence, Palermo, Singapore, and Hong Kong, reflecting two decades of expertise across global kitchens. From co-leading a Michelin-starred restaurant in Sicily to running Silver Room in Hong Kong, his cooking philosophy has always honoured quality and simplicity. At Zozzona, he merges these Italian foundations with Japanese sensibilities, reimagining beloved classics with a fresh, fearless edge.
The result is a dining experience that’s less about rigid traditions and more about breaking rules with elegance. Zozzona is a place to gather, share, and discover a new dialogue between Japan and Italy—served one plate of pasta at a time.
Price: 200 - 300 HKD
Flat A, G/F, Quality Tower, 29-31 Hillwood Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Pet Friendly
sap.sann
Bakery, Saturday Chill, Coffee, Pet friendly
Sap Sann – A Japanese Dessert Hideaway in Mong Kok
What began as a small Japanese-style café in Sham Shui Po has now found its new home in the heart of Mong Kok, yet Sap Sann has lost none of its charm. This cozy dessert spot, once an Instagram sensation, continues to attract dessert lovers with its minimalist wooden interiors, tatami seating, and a menu that balances elegance with comfort. The café is tiny—barely 300 square feet, with only a few tables and benches—but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in flavor.
Sap Sann’s menu is concise but thoughtfully curated, offering coffee, soy-based drinks, and a selection of exquisite desserts. Favorites include the silky crème caramel, chestnut mont blanc, canelé, tiramisu, and the ever-popular sponge cake roll—airy, moist, and surprisingly memorable. Drinks such as the genmaicha latte or cucumber-mint soda make for refreshing companions to the sweets. But the true showstopper here is the Sapsan toast: thick slices of bread soaked in egg overnight, pan-fried until golden, and served with seasonal fruits, maple syrup, and whipped cream. Moist, eggy, and delightfully rich, it’s a dish that rivals even Hotel Okura’s famed French toast.
The café operates on a simple system: leave your name in the notebook by the entrance and wait to be called. Queues are common, but regulars will tell you that the wait is well worth it. In a city filled with flashy dessert parlors, Sap Sann stands out for its authenticity, intimacy, and the kind of craftsmanship that makes every bite unforgettable.
Price: 80 - 150 HKD
2e Wong Chuk St, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong
