Where to eat and drink in July

Bar Leone in Hong Kong tops Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024

The Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list was revealed during a live awards ceremony held at Rosewood Hong Kong on July 16. Homegrown Bar Leone made history by claiming the top spot as a newcomer, winning The Best Bar in Hong Kong and the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award. This achievement is unprecedented in the 50 Best Bars rankings. 

Located in Central, Hong Kong, the one-year-old bar founded by bartender Lorenzo Antinori focuses on ‘cocktail popolari’ or ‘cocktails for the people’, drawing inspiration from the traditional Roman bars of Italy. Antinori’s experience at Argo in Hong Kong, as well as top bars in Seoul and London, shines through in the bar’s classic and approachable cocktail offerings.

This year, a total of 15 bars from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan were included in the list, with Hong Kong leading the region with nine spots. Coa ranked at No.4 and Argo at No.9., The Aubrey, a 25th-floor izakaya offering stunning views of Victoria Harbour, climbed seven spots to No.10. Darkside secured the No.17 spot, and newcomer The Savory Project made its debut at No.19., Penicillin moved up two places to No.24, Quinary rose five spots to No.26, and Mostly Harmless completed Hong Kong’s representation on the list at No.45. 

The full list can be viewed here.

Indulge in Neapolitan pizzas with stunning views at Vesu Pizza Bar

Vesu Pizza Bar opened last month and is quickly gaining popularity as a go-to spot for date nights or entertaining out-of-town guests.

Opened by Aqua Restaurant Group on the 30th floor of One Peking in Tsim Sha Tsui (the space previously occupied by Aqua), the restaurant offers a tempting variety of Neapolitan pizzas, cocktails, and appetisers against sweeping views of the city. 

The pizza menu, served from an open kitchen, includes traditional classics like Margherita and parma ham alongside an innovative “Vesu World series” such as the I’ll Be Bok” pizza piled with bok choy cream, mozzarella, minced crispy pork, vinegar, and ginger and The Ducky with Peking duck and homemade roast duck sauce from sister restaurant Hutong. 

In addition to pizzas, guests can enjoy starters like tuna tartare and Polpette and desserts like tiramisu and pineapple carpaccio with coconut sorbet. The bar menu features an even split of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, with standouts like the Popcorn—a delightful blend of whiskey, salted stout, maltose, and Popcorn—and the Pomodoro spirit-free version, skillfully made with clarified basil cordial, grilled tomatoes and spices, a hint of chilli pepper bitter, and a pickled cherry tomato.

What’s pleasantly surprising here is the affordability. Pizzas start at just $108, and cocktails are a steal at $98, making them an exceptional value, particularly considering the stunning city views this venue offers.

Vesu Pizza Bar, 30/F, One Peking, Peking Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 3427 2018

Four Hong Kong bars feature in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 51-100 list

Asia’s 50 Best Bars has unveiled its 51st to 100th list, showcasing 15 new entries from 19 cities in the region. Singapore leads with eight bars, followed by Bangkok with six and Tokyo with five establishments on the extended list. Soko in Seoul claims the top spot at No.51, while Tokyo Confidential debuts at No.53. Noteworthy re-entries include Backdoor Bodega in Penang at No.52, The Bamboo Bar in Bangkok at No.91, and Sober Company in Shanghai at No.92.

Revealed one week ahead of its live awards ceremony in Hong Kong, the ranking is determined by votes from a 265-member Academy, comprising bartenders, bar owners, drinks writers, and cocktail enthusiasts.

Congratulations to the four bars representing Hong Kong in this year’s list;  Tell Camellia ( No. 97), The Old Man (No. 71), Honky Tonks Tavern (No. 67) and Mizunara: The Library (No. 66). Stay tuned for the announcement of Asia’s 50 Best Bars on July 16!

The Chinnery reopens at Mandarin Oriental following renovation

The Chinnery at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, has reopened following a subtle yet sophisticated interior update. 

Originally conceived as a private men’s club, The Chinnery embodies the timeless grace of British colonial style with opulent mahogany panelling, luxurious carpets, and sumptuous leather furnishings. The bar pays homage to the esteemed 19th-century British artist George Chinnery, known for capturing British colonial scenes from his life in India, Macau, and Hong Kong. His self-portrait, prominently displayed at the entrance, and his other works throughout the bar provide a rich historical backdrop to this iconic establishment.

Celebrating its reopening, The Chinnery offers a unique ‘Taste of The Chinnery’ menu until August 30, priced at $1,963 for two in honour of the hotel’s opening year. The menu features a blend of classic favourites and innovative dishes like Lamb Samosa, Tenderloin Tartare, Classic Shepherd’s Pie, Bengali Mixed Fish Curry, Chocolate Lava Cake, and the new Phirni, a traditional Indian dessert with badaam, pista crumble, and rose petal ice cream.

The Chinnery is renowned for its extensive collection of rare single-malt whiskies, a connoisseur’s dream. With over 120 varieties from Scotland, Japan, Taiwan, and India, the bar is a haven for whisky enthusiasts. In addition to these rare finds, the bar also offers a selection of traditional cocktails and whisky pairings and is famed for its exceptional and personalised service.

The Chinnery is open weekdays for lunch and from Monday to Saturday for dinner and drinks. 

The Chinnery, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Rd Central, Central, 2825 4009

Cool down at Snack Baby 

Recently opened along historic Hollywood Road, Snack Baby has quickly become a hotspot for indulgent gelato. It offers an extensive range of lactose-free and dairy-free options, classic cocktails, and sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages. 

Nestled beneath the canopy of banyan trees, this gelateria and bar is located between the stone steps of Shin Hing and Mee Lun Streets. It offers a selection of 14 house-churned gelatos curated by expert Bas van Haaren, with flavours that change regularly. Notable options include Mint Stracciatella, a refreshing twist on the classic style, and Peanut Butter Crunch, a dairy-free delight made with house-churned cashew and peanut milk studded with generous chunks of homemade brittle.

Snack Baby also offers a range of beverages, from comforting milkshakes to low- and no-alcohol cocktails. Signature cocktails include the Alpine Spritz, featuring Pine, Bitter Apéritif, and Sparkling Wine; the coffee-based Affogato Baby, made with Espresso, Coffee Liqueur, and Fior di Latte Gelato; and the Port of Martinique, using Port, rhum agricole, Blackberry, and Cinnamon. 

Snack Baby, 93-95 Hollywood Road, G/F, Central

Singapore’s The Laksa Club opens in Wan Chai

The Laksa Club, a hidden gem in Hong Kong for Singaporean cuisine enthusiasts since 2023, has now officially opened its doors in Wan Chai under the leadership of renowned Singaporean chef Edward Voon, known for his expertise in French cuisine.

Drawing inspiration from his childhood memories in Singapore, Voon presents popular Southeast Asian dishes like curry laksa and Hainanese chicken rice at The Laksa Club, which is exclusively open for lunch, offering a serene dining experience in Wan Chai.

Voon’s rendition of Singapore Laksa showcases a blend of tradition and innovation, featuring a rich broth simmered for over six hours with Hokkien noodles, bee hoon, and an array of toppings like beancurd puffs, fishballs, and fresh shrimp. The menu also boasts the Hainanese Three-Yellow Chicken Rice, prepared with locally-sourced three-yellow chickens for a tender and juicy meat, served with fragrant rice cooked with fried spring onions, shallots, and garlic.

Diners can enjoy side dishes like Har Cheong Gai, crispy shrimp paste-coated chicken wings, and Ngoh Hiang, made with locally-sourced ingredients, adding more depth to the culinary experience at The Laksa Club.

The Laksa Club, 4/F, 88 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, 6629 3889 (WhatsApp)

Asia’s 50 Best Female Chef unveils new menu at Little Bao

Renowned Asian chef and restaurateur May Chow introduced an innovative seasonal menu at Little Bao during her 2024 Asia tour, showcasing her dedication to blending traditional Chinese cuisine with a modern twist. As the recipient of the prestigious title’ Asia’s 50 Best Female Chef,’ May has solidified her position as a dynamic culinary figure in the region, attracting a loyal global following of diners.

The new menu draws inspiration from May’s recent travels to cities like Bangkok, Singapore, and Tokyo. New dishes to note include a unique twist on the classic Pork Char Siu Bao, with Kagoshima Char Siu marinated in a secret sauce and flame-torched for a smoky flavour, “Stir Fried Beef Noodles” Fries which combine the flavours of Cantonese cuisine with crispy French fries seasoned with Kowloon Soy Sauce and Soy Salt and Poached Beef Tongue Pickled Ginger Salad, featuring beef tongue poached in White Lo Shui and served with Sichuan dressing sauce and pickled ginger salad. 

An exclusive Set Menu for Two is priced at $536. Diners can select two baos, four shares, two dessert baos, and two drinks from a mix of the new dishes and Little Bao’s all-time classics. This menu is now available at both Little Bao Central and Causeway Bay locations. 

Little Bao, 1-3 Shin Hing Street, Central and Shop H1, G/F, 9 Kingston Street, Causeway Bay

Alice Pizza opens its flagship in Central

Alice Pizza, the innovative Roman pan pizza brand, is expanding its presence in Hong Kong by opening a new flagship store in Central. Following its debut in September last year, the brand opened its doors in Central on June 12. With over 6.5 million kg of pizza sold worldwide, pizza enthusiasts and locals can now enjoy the delicious rectangular pan-baked slices at this iconic Cochrane Street location. This two-storey branch marks a significant milestone in Alice Pizza’s mission to redefine the traditional pizza experience in the city and across Asia.

Alice Pizza believes in enjoying pizza at any time, whether with friends, during a lunch break, happy hour, or before or after a night out. The flagship shop offers a lively atmosphere where customers can indulge in delicious rectangular slices. Each piece is customised to your liking, and the central branch has introduced five new slices, including Chef’s Choice with speck, porcini, ricotta, mozzarella, and parsley and Potato Salsiccia with salsiccia, mozzarella, and potato. 

Alice Pizza Hong Kong is open daily from 11 am to 10 pm. 

Alice Pizza, 18 Cochrane Street, Central