Page 97 - Hong_Kong_&_Macau's_Best_Restaurants_English_edition

HONG KONG RESTAURANTS
FR ENCH

PIERRE THE OCEAN
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25/F, Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central, Hong Kong Shop 303-304, Lobby A, The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong
TEL: +852 2825 4001 TEL: +852 2889 5939
www.mandarinoriental.com www.theocean.hk
Pierre, the restaurant by celebrated French chef Pierre Gagnaire, located on As its name suggests, The Ocean takes inspiration from its surroundings and
the top floor of the Mandarin Oriental with stunning harbour views, is ideal focuses heavily on seafood. Large glass windows allow for superior views over
for those who do not like the food on their plate to touch one another. The the water, while the interior is sleek and minimalistic with hues of turquoise,
signature style of the restaurant is for one main protein to be surrounded blue and white. Chef Oliver Bellin injects Breton-style cooking into The
by a constellation of smaller plates of accompaniments. Take one of their Ocean, creating innovative dishes that retain a classic elegance. While you
recommended dishes, the Sea Garden, with a large helping of grilled scallops may order a la carte, the degustation menu offers great value for money with
coated in kombawa, with a supporting cast of dishes fanned out around it. five- and eight-course options available. Highlights include the pan-seared
These include some very delicious braised leeks stuffed with razor clams in coral Brittany langoustine, which is a stunning display of fresh seafood and
a parsley and garlic sauce, and a tiny portion of gnocchi with gorgonzola. For is served with a beetroot and buckwheat tartare. The lightly-cooking blue
those who like their foie gras smoky, the roasted duck foie gras in a cocotte lobster with brioche and pork head veil delights the palate with
overflowing with hay smoke, are in for a treat when they order the Perfume the addition of a tart apple and grapefruit condiment. A well-
of the Earth. To end on a bang, the Pierre Gagnaire Grand Dessert is truly curated tome of wines are available with a particular focus
grand, varied, and will surely offer something to please everyone. The dining on whites, although the red wine options are also notable.
room is often full with business lunches during the day but quiet—almost Staff are knowledgeable and attentive, bringing a high level
reverential—in the evenings. of service from beginning to end.

INTERNATIONAL

AQUA ARMANI AQUA

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29/F-30/F, One Peking, Tsim Sha 2/F, Landmark Chater, 8
Tsu, Hong Kong Connaught Road, Central,
TEL: +852 3427 2288 Hong Kong
www.aqua.com.hk TEL: +852 3583 2828
www.armani-aqua.com
There is no denying the beauty of
Hong Kong’s skyline—and being With its mirror-decked neon-
located on the 29th floor, Aqua’s lighted hallways, oriental wooden
floor-to-ceiling windows really do screens and sprawling open
showcase it in all its majesty. As kitchen, Armani Aqua’s décor is
the night goes on, more design nothing less than what one would Bizou’s contemporary
niggles become apparent (it is expect from the brainchild of look is reflected in the
freezing, the window tables are designer Giorgio Armani and Aqua modern cooking
too close together, and once busy, Restaurant Group; but this eatery
it approaches club-like levels of is more than just a pretty face.
noise and darkness), but we let Serving up stylish contemporary
those slide given the spectacular Italian and Japanese dishes not BIZOU
vistas. The menu is split into two as fusion but as thoughtfully
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distinct cuisines, Aqua Roma paired cuisines, the standout of 5
for Italian, and Aqua Tokyo for the meal was surely the stone
Japanese. Whilst the ingredients grilled Japanese wagyu beef that Shop 132, L1, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong
are premium (wagyu beef, was alluringly tender, intense TEL: +852 2871 0775
black truffle), more seasoning and beautifully marbled; further www.diningconcepts.com
and culinary flair is required to seared for a second or two on
make them truly sing—and to the hot stone slab before being There is no mistaking where you are at Bizou. With a prime location on
warrant their hefty prices. Of the topped with organic onion sauce the ground floor opposite Harvey Nichol’s in Pacific Place, this American
highlights, the organic spinach rolls and toast garlic chips results brasserie is located in one of the city’s most upscale malls. Light floods
with homemade sesame sauce in a feast for the tastebuds. the space and, compounded with the passing parade of shoppers and
are an appetite-whetting start to The seafood tends to be a tad workers, lends the restaurant an alfresco atmosphere, especially the
the meal; the umami-laden sauce overcooked, from the pan-fried tables on the terrace, although it is completely indoors. Lunchtimes are
is utterly addictive. The wine list is scallops to Boston lobster in the noisy and busy, attracting tenants from the surrounding office towers
impressive in its length, with a wide pappardelle all’astice, but each and those taking a break from retail therapy. Staff can be harried during
selection of tipples from all around was countered by a delightfully peak periods, with plenty of room for improvement in service. The a la
the world. Overall, whilst it is easy rich tomato mousse with balsamic carte menu roams the USA, with the likes of crab cakes, burgers, plenty
to see Aqua’s appeal for out-of- cream and cherry tomato sauce. of steaks and good old cheesecake. Southern fried chicken served with
towners and those celebrating Staff are attentive and friendly, soft poached egg is crunchy on the outside, moist on the inside and very
special occasions, it is the view and the wine list extensive—the moreish. The compact wine list is well priced and features a mix of easy
rather than the food that you Mt. Difficulty ‘Roaring Meg’ 2015 drinking new and old world labels, and there is also a handful of American
will remember. Pinot Noir is an excellent pick. boutique beers available.

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