Neighborhood Guide: Central
Iberico & Co
Permanently Closed
"Gastro-Tavern Dining The best way to get to this restaurant is by taking the mid-levels escalators. The atmosphere is lovely. We loved the mosaic floors and grand arched ceiling. This gastropub's menu has influences from the Iberian Peninsula. Dishes are best shared here, and we ordered a tableful, agreeing (albeit not easily) to save the paella for next time when we came back with a bigger crowd. Among the dishes we ordered, the goats cheese stuffed piquillo peppers was pleasantly surprising, the Chargrilled asparagus with sherry vinegar dressing and Iberico cheese had us wishing the portion was bigger. The Crispy Cider Roasted Pork Belly was the star of the evening, tender and delicious paired with apple chutney. The crackling gave each bite additional texture and flavour. The fresh churros dipped in dark chocolate were a fine finale to our relaxed meal—in addition to another sangria from the many selections on the drink list."
G.O.D. - Goods Of Desire
Gift shop · Soho
"Contemporary Traditions No, they are not trying to claim divinity; "G.O.D." just sounds like "live better" in Cantonese. This is the kind of humor you should expect when walking into the shop, which has products designed with nostalgic Hong Kong patterns and local logos. G.O.D. sells "oldschool" products like red-white-blue carrier bags, rooster-clad bowls and the like, but their design range also takes a cheeky spin on other vintage products like the Double Happiness matchbooks. Goldfish, old Hong Kong mailboxes, newspaper classifieds pages and Hong Kong street signs are also featured in updated designs of products like bedsheets, carrier bags, stationery and bathroom accessories. This is the place to pick up that uniquely Hong Kong souvenir to bring home to friends, or really, to keep for yourself."
8 1/2 Otto E Mezzo Bombana
Italian restaurant · Soho
"8 ½ Otto e Mezzo For Hong Kong 's bestcontemporary Italian, there’s only one choice: 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo, the only three-star Michelin-rated Italian restaurant outside of Italy (the name comes from film director Federico Fellini’s 1963 movie, 8½ ). Chef Umberto Bombana, formerly of the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, is a native of Bergamo, in northern Italy, andamong his many talents is creating culinary masterpieces with white truffles—he’s been called the King of White Truffles. Bombana creates Italian dishes like veal tenderloin with black winter truffle and whipped potatoes, but he doesn’t limit himself to Italian ingredients. Asian ingredients are showcased in dishes likecavatelli with shellfish ragout, andabalone carpaccio, Hokkaido sea urchin, and tagliolini with lobster."
Quinary
Cocktail bar · Soho
"The Best Cocktail Bars in Hong Kong: Quinary The high-minded bartenders at Quinary capitalize on their proximity on Hollywood Road to Hong Kong’s best markets by browsing for unusual (and proprietary) regional spices that wake up all of your senses. Order the Quinary Sour, the house spin on a whiskey sour that looks like liquid gold. The knockout ingredient is the homemade licorice and Chinese black sugar syrup. —Sarah Baird By Afar Magazine"
Jimmy's Kitchen Central
Continental restaurant · Soho
"A Classic Affair When you dine at Jimmy's Kitchen, bear in mind that you're enjoying something that has been a part of Hong Kong 's history for over 80 years. The restaurant claims that more business deals have been signed here than in any boardroom in the city. Famous classic movie stars like Cary Grant and William Holden have also graced this Central dining institution with their presence. The dim lighting and classic interiors will whisk you away to another time as you enjoy traditional British dishes like bangers and mash and chicken kiev. The Lobster bisque is also a customer favorite. When you're here, don't just eat - learn the Jimmy's Kitchen story and see for yourself how history has influenced the restaurant in the decades past."
Lin Heung Tea House
Cantonese restaurant · Soho
"Dim Sum Delight The Lin Heung Tea House on Wellington Street has remained authentic in terms of both décor and recipes since opening in 1920. As the name “dim sum” implies, a table full of food shared in good company will “touch the heart.” This Cantonese specialty is served in bite-sized pieces so you can try many dishes in one sitting, including piping-hot bamboo steamers full of “har gow” shrimp dumplings, "siu mai" pork dumplings, and even chicken’s feet. The speedy patron turnover here means you’ll need to rinse your own utensils at table table with the hot water that's provided, but that's just part of the whole memorable experience of dining at this Hong Kong institution."
Soho 38
Building · Soho
"Great Wine and Tapas in Central Hong Kong After several weeks in Asia, we were hungry for some European flavours and a great glass of wine to wash it all down with. We stumbled upon the lively Bacar Tapas and Wine Bar, just off the Central Mid-Levels Escalators. The service was friendly and helpful and the crowd was convivial without being too loud and boisterous. We sampled a variety of tapas, including beef and sun-dried tomato roulades, a spicy curried chicken and a tasty cheese plate (something not easy to come by in HK). We sipped a bold, Spanish red wine and thoroughly enjoyed our little taste of home. Overall is was a nice place to relax with a glass of wine and have a light meal. For more on food in Hong Kong visit: http://cheeseweb.eu/2013/07/foodie-guide-hong-kong-restaurants/"
S E V V A
Permanently Closed
"Cocktails Among Skyscrapers Atop the Prince's Building sits Sevva, one of the swankiest bars in town. Architectural buffs will also love its location for the wraparound terrace gives a great view of some of Hong Kong 's most famous skyscrapers. There's no better way to get up close to I.M. Pei's Bank of China building, or Sir Norman Foster's HSBC. And of course, down below are the neon lights of Hong Kong at night partnered with the glistening Victoria Harbour. Sevva's drink list also had cocktails inspired by the city you have quickly fallen in love with; try the Champagne-based Harbourside, or how about a Hong Kong Fog? Come for the cocktails, the sophisticated ambience and the views and leave with memories of a gorgeous Hong Kong."
Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
Hotel · Soho
"Despite being just a 40-minute drive away from the airport, the Mandarin Oriental is located in the heart of Hong Kong ’s Central district, surrounded by major business hubs, the thriving art scene, and cultural sites. Inside the 432 rooms and 67 suites, the decor nods at the hotel's Chinese heritage, and there's high-speed Internet and an interactive entertainment system. A SMART lighting system and pillow menu make sure you have a restful night’s sleep, and butler services are on hand as well. For an ultimate indulgence, the stunning 3,843-square-meter presidential Mandarin Suite provides a stay that you will never forget. You'll have to spend quite of time in Hong Kong to work your way through the hotel’s many gastronomic offerings: 10 on-site restaurants, including three with Michelin star accolades, will satisfy every craving. Meanwhile, the award-wining spa specializes in traditional Chinese medicine therapy to ease post-travel muscles. A 24-hour indoor pool and fitness center allows you to keep to your exercise routine while away from home. The Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, is truly representative of contemporary luxury, and has remained one of the most iconic hotels in Hong Kong for over 55 years."
Wellington St
Soho
"Night Life in Central The great thing about a city like Hong Kong is that it's always buzzing at all hours! On this particular evening, I'd gone to have a suit made at shop called Lapel in Central (very close to the mile-long set of escalators) and after having some Vietnamese cuisine, went to meet my friends who had opened a Dessert Bar called Riquiqi (meaning Tiny in French)."