Restaurant reservations can be a tricky business in Hong Kong, and that’s even if a restaurant takes reservations. Don’t despair (or go hungry), because there is another way. Snag a seat at one of the best restaurants in town by heading for the bar, some of which are just as impressive as the restaurants to which they’re attached.
Ahead are are our favourite spots:
8 1/2 Otto e mezzo Bombana
Make no mistake about it – 8 1/2 Otto e mezzo isn’t just one of the finest restaurants in the region, but is also one of the best bars in town, too – testament to this is that head mixologist, Devender Kumar, was recently crowned the winner of the Bacardi Legacy Hong Kong and Macau 2015. You can easily have a night out at the bar alone, with one of Kumar’s ridiculously good cocktails and a plate of cold cuts and cheeses from one of the most impressive ageing cellars in town. They’ve got a really impressive wine list, too, so if you’re feeling that extra bit indulgent open up a bottle and order one of Bombana’s decadent desserts alongside it.
As well as his own wine, Bombana has also recently launched his own blend of bourbon with iconic American brand Michter’s. Kumar has created three twists on classic cocktails using the oaky, eight-and-a-half year old blend, which is infused with notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, toffee and candied fruit.
Add: 2/F, Landmark Alexandra, 18 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong
Phone: 00852 2537 8859
Back Bar
Ever wondered what goes on behind that mysterious tinted window in Ham & Sherry? It’s probably one of the best-kept secrets in town in the form of Back Bar, a cozy yet super stylish cocktail (and sherry) bar for those in the know (though that’s probably set to change given the very recent addition of a sign at street level). With cocktails mixed by the award winning Ryan Nightingale, Back Bar is one of our go-tos for impressing a date – the famous Ham & Sherry croquettas taste that much better when paired with a cocktail (as does their outrageously good new cheesecake, just for the record).
Wash down your glass of sherry with a Pine-ing for the Fjords (HK$110), an impressive mix of Absolut, lime aquavit, pine liqueur, smashed cucumber, salted dill syrup, apple and lemon.
Add: Ham & Sherry, G/F, 1-7 Ship Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Phone: 00852 2555 0628
The Continental
One of the best-looking restaurants in town also has one of the best-looking bars, too. It’s not exactly inconspicuous, with its lush art-deco stylings right at the restaurant’s entrance, but it’s by no means just a waiting area. If the weather is being as hospitable as the staff always are, take your drink onto their breezy, leafy terrace. Wash it down with a plate of their yummy buckwheat blinis (HK$250), served with smoked salmon and picked herrings.
Barkeep Timothee Becqueriaux has recently launched a new absinthe-based menu. Becqueriaux will be all too happy to discuss the history of the drink (he even keeps an enthralling absinthe encyclopaedia bar-side) while you sip on a Strangled Parrot (HK$90), a delicious mix of La Maison Fontaine Chocolat, Tanqueray, lime, basil and crushed pepper.
Add: 4/F, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong
Phone: 00852 2704 5211
Carbone
When Black Sheep Restaurants gets it right, boy do they get it right. New York import Carbone has been one of the hottest tables in town since opening (one bite of their ridiculously good veal parm or cheesecake will let you know why), but it also has a very cool bar.
Keep in theme and sip on a Manhattan (HK$138), a classic mix of rye, cherry and cinnamon.
Add: 9/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong
Phone: 00852 2593 2593
ON Dining Kitchen & Lounge
In ON, Philippe Orrico wanted to create a “modern inn” – and he’s succeeded to luxurious perfection. Never mind if you can’t secure a table for a full meal, because the bar is an experience in itself, with a great food menu (just try and resist the foie gras crème brûlée) and a selection of cigars to enjoy on one of the swankiest rooftops in town.
Kick back with the Mizuwari Yuzu Pitty High Ball (HK$12o), a stylish mix of English whisky, Ginio yuzu-shu and East Imperial soda water.
Add: 28-29/F, 18 On Lan Street, Central, Hong Kong
Phone: 00852 2174 8100