The Salted Pig

Owned by the folks behind steakhouse Shore (located on the floors above), The Salted Pig is all about European-style comfort food—and pork, of course. The pork knuckle sandwich is a signature, but you’ll also find beef and chicken dishes.
2/F, The L Place, 139 Queen’s Rd. Central, 852-2870-2323.

Red Almond

Red Almond, Aqua group’s latest venture, serves up fiery Sichuan dishes that use the signature ma la peppercorn flavors as a foundation. Chili beef, pork dumplings and ma la tofu are examples of what’s on offer.
Shop 1402, 14/F, Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Rd., Causeway Bay, 852-2155-2872.

Carnevino

Celebrity chef Mario Batali and Dining Concepts’ latest project, Carnevino, focuses on steak and fine wines. Located right on top of Lupa (Batali and Dining Concepts’ first collaboration), the space gives off an old boys’ club vibe, with masculine touches and lots of wood and leather. In short, it’s a proper steakhouse. Expect USDA prime cuts accompanied with artisanal salt, and lots of starchy sides like Tuscan fries, mashed potatoes and creamed corn.
5/F, LHT Tower, 31 Queen’s Rd. Central, 852-2532-7700.

Socialito

Latin American cuisine is on fire in Hong Kong these days, and Socialito is hopping on the bandwagon with Mexican specialist Socialito, serving up tacos and margaritas all night long in the midst of Hong Kong’s bustling nightlife district.
Shop 2, G/F, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham St., Central, 852-3167-7380.

L’Altro

French-Italian chef Philippe Leveille of Michelin-star fame has set up shop at The L Place, offering authentic Italian fare with just a bit of French influence. Carefully crafted scampi tartare, seafood pastas and quail are just some of the dishes Leveille will be cooking up.
10/F, The L Place, 137-141 Queen’s Rd. Central, 852-2555-9100.

The Dining Room

The well-liked Shanghai Min group has just opened a new contemporary-style Shanghainese restaurant in Causeway Bay, serving braised crispy pork buns, pumpkin cakes and other specialties in a modern, open setting.
Shop 1201, 12/F, Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Rd., Causeway Bay, 852-2648-2299.

Panevino

This quaint Italian restaurant’s first location in the Mid-Levels is doing so well that it will be expanding with a second branch in Tai Hang. If this new venue is anything like the original, expect hearty appetizers and tasty pastas in warm, romantic surrounds.
36-40 Tung Lo Wan Rd., Tai Hang.

Le Salon

Well-known restaurateur/chef Tony Cheng’s latest project is a French-themed eatery that comes with its own croissanterie and café on the side. Serving classic French dishes, Le Salon is the type of restaurant you’d want to dress up for. Don’t leave without trying the croissants, stuffed with things like caramel, chocolate and chestnut.
Shop 1302, 13/F, Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Rd., Causeway Bay, 852-2115-3328.

Ask the Experts

We asked Hong Kong’s top chefs to dish out on their favorite spots (when they’re not in the kitchen, of course).

Jason Green, Three on Canton

I love Kenjo on Minden Avenue. The freshness, quality and interaction with guests make it one of the best dining experiences I’ve had. I really like Life Café in SoHo, too. Great coffee and smoothies.

Jacky Yeung, Nam Fong

Local food stalls sate my appetite, and fish balls are my favorite. I enjoy the food stalls in Sham Shui Po—they [represent] the collective memory of the Hong Kong people.

Masakazu Ushio, Inakaya

I like cha chaan tengs [local diners]—
like Tsui Wah, for example. I like milk tea and the fried noodles with beef; they represent something unique about Hong Kong food culture.

Mark Bannon, The Langham

Enoteca on Elgin Street: always consistent; good service and great value for money. For great coffee, Cafe Loisl in Sheung Wan. Din Tai Fung. Megan’s Kitchen for hotpot.