Where to eat and drink in December 

With a new Head Chef and unbeatable dinner menu, Clarence is this month’s hottest table in town

Clarence’s new dinner menu, crafted by Michelin-starred Chef Christophe Schmitt, is already creating a buzz in the culinary scene. We had the pleasure of trying it on a Monday night, and to our surprise, the restaurant was full—a clear sign that this is the place to be this month. Schmitt, known for his stellar career across Europe, has infused his menu with a perfect balance of French culinary tradition and Asian flavors, offering an unforgettable dining experience. The set menu, priced at a remarkable $698 per person, is a fantastic value for the quality and creativity on offer. From the Beef Tartare served in Bone Marrow with Baguette Toast to the indulgent Hokkaido Sea Urchin with Scrambled Egg & Fennel, every dish feels like a celebration of both technique and terroir. The main courses, such as the Beef Fillet & Foie Gras Pithivier and the seared Scallops with Gremolata Sauce, were met with unanimous praise at our table, while the desserts—especially the Croffle with Salted Caramel & Normandy Milk Ice Cream—provided the perfect, indulgent finish. Given the packed dining room, it’s clear that Clarence is the place to be this month—an essential destination for anyone looking to enjoy exceptional value, world-class cuisine, and a taste of Schmitt’s Michelin-starred magic. Our advice, book ahead. 

Clarence, 25F, H Code, 45 Pottinger St, Central

Té Bo opens at 1880 SOCIAL

For a refined yet relaxed dining experience this December, head to Té Bo, a hidden gem located within 1880 SOCIAL in Taikoo Place. Helmed by one of Hong Kong’s most promising young chefs, Sebastian Lorenzi, Té Bo offers a unique fusion of modern European cuisine with Asian influences, drawing inspiration from Chef Lorenzi’s Swiss-Filipino heritage and years of training in Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe and Asia. The name “Té Bo” is a playful nod to the French phrase “t’es beau” (“you’re beautiful”), reflecting both the restaurant’s French culinary roots and its warm, approachable atmosphere. The intimate space, designed by Bangkok-based Avroko, invites guests to enjoy a dynamic omakase-style experience, where the chef’s passion for exceptional, flavour-forward dishes shines. Signature offerings like the Three Yellow Chicken Cromesquis and Lobster, Avocado, Yuzu, Oscietra Caviar showcase Chef Lorenzi’s masterful use of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, while an extensive wine list cura

ted by sommelier Joffrey Poussade ensures the perfect pairing for every dish. Whether dining around the elegant 14-seat counter or at a cozy table for two, Té Bo delivers a dining experience that’s both refined and unpretentious—a perfect spot to indulge in something special this holiday season.

Té Bo is open for lunch and dinner now. The tasting menu starts at $498 per person for lunch and $1,488 per person for dinner.

2/F, 1880 SOCIAL, TWO TAIKOO PLACE, 979 King’s Rd, Quarry Bay

Savoury & sweet delights await at LMO Freshly Baked by Richard Ekkebus

A new culinary experience awaits at BASEHALL in Central with the debut of the “Savoury and Sweet Edition” at Freshly Baked by Richard Ekkebus. In addition to cakes and pasteries, this vibrant spot now offers a variety of grab-and-go delights, perfect for a quick meal during a busy workday or a sweet treat to recharge. The menu, designed for office crowds, showcases an incredible selection of hot gourmet pies and fresh salads, crafted by Chef Richard Ekkebus of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental. Notable savoury highlights include the Thai Chicken Green Curry Pie ($68), Pork Char-Siu & Shiitake Pie ($68), and Grain Fed O’Connor Beef Bourguignon Pie ($78), as well as refreshing salads like the Crunchy Vegetable Salad with Roasted Pumpkin Seed Dressing ($88) and the Spicy Tomato & Compressed Watermelon Salad ($88). For those seeking a hearty meal, combo sets ranging from $80 to $138 allow guests to mix and match pies, salads, and beverages. Open Monday to Saturday from 11am to 8pm,

LMO Freshly Baked, Shop 10-11, LG/F, Jardine House, LANDMARK, 1 Connaught Place, Central

Qura Bar launches new Sublime Cocktails and Riviera-Inspired menu 

Qura Bar at Regent Hong Kong, a standout on our list of favorite bars, has launched an exquisite new collection of Sublime cocktails and a Riviera-inspired dining menu. The Sublime Cocktail Collection features eight expertly crafted artisan creations, each blending unique flavors to ignite the senses and foster emotional connections. Signature cocktails like Kismet, which pairs the unlikely duo of edamame and pineapple, offer a surprising yet delightful flavor experience, while Chromatic Cascade utilizes a technique called fat washing—freezing mezcal with peanut butter overnight to create a rich, complex profile. Framed Emotions, another standout, is garnished with a rectangular frame of isomalt, dusted with lime, lemon, and raspberry powder, mirroring the stunning harbor views. Each cocktail is a testament to the creativity and innovation behind Qura Bar’s exceptional drinks. In addition, the Taste of The Riviera menu by the hotel’s Culinary Director Ciro Petrone, who hails from Naples emphasizes homemade craftsmanship with dishes like Roasted Potato Gnocchi, Veal Loin Milanese, Pan-Seared Line-Caught Seabass, and Fritto Misto.

Qura Bar, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Samsen opens third location in Central

Samsen has opened its third location, Samsen Central, in the heart of Hong Kong, following the success of its Wan Chai and Sheung Wan outlets. Co-founders Bella Kong and Adam Cliff aim to bring a taste of Bangkok’s vibrant street food scene to the city with dishes like the Samsen Wagyu beef boat noodle soup and Khao soi curried chicken noodles. Situated just off Queen’s Road Central on On Lan Street, the restaurant features a rustic-chic design, with high ceilings and walls decorated with retro Thai graphics by artist Chris Kong. The menu includes familiar favourites along with new offerings like a crispy oyster omelette and various stir-fries, catering to a diverse range of diners. Samsen Central serves lunch and dinner and operates on a walk-in basis.

Samsen, G/F, 18 On Lan Street, Central

Flat Iron Steak Opens in Wan Chai

Flat Iron Steak has expanded with a new location in Wan Chai, opened on November 27. To celebrate, the restaurant is hosting a Block Party on December 6, featuring complimentary beer, sliders, and live music. The event will also introduce an exclusive dish, the Fillet & Foie ($588 for two), a luxurious Wagyu M5 Chateaubriand with Goose Liver Foie Gras, served with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

The new branch will also offer signature menu items, including the 7oz Black Angus Flat Iron Steak ($168) and 7oz Gaucho Steak ($158) at lunch, and larger portions like the 11oz Flat Iron ($228) or Gaucho Steak ($208) for dinner. Sharing options include the 1.2kg Tomahawk and 1kg Porterhouse steaks ($988). Popular sides like Beef Tallow Hand-Cut Fries ($28) and Lobster Mac n Cheese ($98) round out the menu. Reservations open on November 30.

Flat Iron Steak Wan Chai, G/F, Johnston Court, 14-16 Johnston Road, Wan Chai

Okinawa’s Yonna Yonna Gelato now open in Kai Tak

Yonna Yonna Gelato, a fresh new concept from Okinawa’s award-winning Yanbaru Gelato, has just opened its doors at The Twins in Kai Tak. This charming gelateria offers a unique taste of Okinawa with gelato made from locally sourced, seasonal fruits flown in directly from the island. Each flavour, from the creamy Orange Vanilla Mascarpone to the refreshing Nakijin Watermelon, reflects the natural bounty of Okinawa’s orchards. With a focus on quality and sustainability, Yonna Yonna Gelato brings a burst of tropical freshness to Hong Kong’s dessert scene, 

Yonna Yonna Gelato, Shop G16, Tower II, The Twins, 12 Muk Chui Street, Kai Tak, Kowloon