Maggie Tulliver
As a cosmopolitan and culinary powerhouse Hong Kong is home to some of Asia's finest restaurants and drinking holes. From casual staples to popular haunts the city's best bars and eateries are below.
As one of the city's chicest drinking holes the Butler Bar is a Japanese inspired bar that is as exclusive as its setting. Offering patrons the full five star experience, a butler will take one's coat at the entrance before escorting visitors to their seats. The brainchild of bartender and manager Masayuki Uchida, the venue serves scintillating Japanese cocktails and classic drinks with a unique twist. Must sample items include the "Tanqueray gin" and the "High West double rye whiskey". Located in Tsim Sha Tsui the venue is open on all weekdays from 6.30pm onwards.
Deemed the best bar in Hong Kong to try out Asian cocktails, the Little Lab is a nondescript bar down Staunton Street that defies its casual appearance in every other regard. Run under the expert guidance of Alex Ng, the resident bar consultant, the venue serves up seasonal cocktails to suit the mood and vibe of the prevailing conditions. Don't forget to order the oriented mulled wine and the coffee lover's favourite Yuan Yang. The Oriented Ramos is equally tantalizing while all of the Lab's experiments are deemed a success by its patrons.
Also well known as a trendy hub for the young and fabulous the Aberdeen Street Social is the venue most Hong Kong partygoers head to be seen. With Neil Rivington serving as the chief bartender Aberdeen Street Social's eclectic array of cocktails includes drinks plenty of character. Hot picks revered by seasoned visitors include the Bloody English which is the Aberdeen Street Social's take on a Bloody Mary. Other highlights include Down Mexico Way while What The Doctor Ordered will also scintillate the senses like never before. Located in Central Hong Kong along its namesake street the bar is open from 11.30am to 11pm.
Occupying pride of place on Hollywood Road, The Woods is a one of a kind restaurant in Hong Kong. Serving up delectable offerings its four course pairing menu which also features fine wines to complement the culinary creations on the table is the preferred order of seasoned diners. Must-try items on the menu include its mains which come drizzled in decadent garnishes of enoki and Spanish olive oil caviar. Bartender Freddrick Ma is responsible for the fantastic pairings of spirits in this'forest' themed restaurant where culinary surprises await adventurous diners. Open from 6pm to 2am The Woods is one of Central's most coveted dining hubs. Visitors based at the Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong or any other Wan Chai hotel Hong Kong counts among its best rests can make a reservation at The Woods.
Located in one of the city's busiest corners, The Chairman has become one of the city's top new restaurants in spite of its relatively recent opening in 2009. Advanced reservations are a must at this popular eatery located in Central thanks to its extensive menu and no nonsense approach to fine dining. MSG-free and made using the finest and purest ingredients everything about The Chairman exudes charm and sophistication from its interiors to its tablecloths. Must-try dishes include the steamed flower crab in Shaoxing wine while the desserts are no less impressive.
As one of Hong Kong's more affordable and accessible restaurants, On Lot 10 is a casual French diner with simple white interiors. Sprawled across two floors the kitchen is run under the expert hands of Chef David Lai who specializes in creating family style meals of sheer perfection. Do not forget to order the seafood soup and the sweetbreads while classic French items are also on the menu.
