Date Night: The Grill at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

Tucked away in the Grand Hyatt next to the Hong Kong Convention Centre, The Grill poolside restaurant provides a welcome escape from Hong Kong’s hustle and bustle. If you haven’t been yet, I recommend you check it out with the hubby if only for the relaxing and tranquil setting that is a very welcome relief after navigating the city crowds all day!

Walking towards the restaurant, we passed through a beautiful, tree-lit path which opened up to the hotel pool; the restaurant and buffet were situated on one side while the other offered a spectacular view overlooking Victoria Harbour. Being outdoors, the only downside was having to endure the summer heat, but thankfully we were able to snag a seat next to one of the big outdoor fans, which made a big difference.

With candlelit temples, plenty of privacy and a romantic backdrop, the ambience definitely checked the box for a date night, but did the food match up? We were ready to find out! I always do a little tour around a buffet to ‘scope out’ the offerings before actually filling up my plate, and this one definitely whet the appetite. There was a mouthwatering spread of surf and turf, from fresh seafood on ice to chargrilled specialties such as seafood, lamb and ribs to an antipasti spread, a Caesar salad station and more.

I headed straight to the seafood stand and piled my plate high with lobster, shrimp, mussels, crabs – all complemented with a variety of dipping sauces including aioli sauce, tomato and basil sauce, saffron mayonnaise and salsa verde. Clearing off the first plate, I went straight back for another helping of lobster (don’t judge!) as well as some delicious cold salads to pair, including green bean, pomelo and a pepper and tomato pasta salad. I loved the sheer amount of healthy options available at the buffet – for carb-conscious mamas, this is definitely a place to eat your fill while keeping your calorie count to a minimum.

Moving on to the grill section, we enjoyed a scrumptious helping of grilled lamb, beef and salmon. The salmon was spot-on tender but could have done with a bit more flavour (maybe we just missed the accompanying sauce?). The grilled lamb was cooked with a bit of char on the outside but perfectly pink inside (definitely try the mint jelly that comes with it!). They also have ribs, chicken, sausages, artichokes, shrimp, peppers and squid on the grill, so you can truly eat to your heart’s content…

I was stuffed to the brink at this point, while still greedily eyeing the artisanal bread stand and cheese tray – will have to save room for this next time!

For dessert, we couldn’t resist sampling a bit of everything – the blueberry tart and chocolate mousse were the standouts for me, but there are plenty of fruity options available too if you prefer to go the ‘healthier’ route, including of course, a full fruit spread.

Our server was also kind enough to bring us these delicious mango and mint mojitos to sample – not too sweet, they hit the spot and were the perfect fruity cocktail to wash down the surf and turf feast.

For the atmosphere and the quality of food and healthy options available, I would put The Grill a notch above other hotel buffets in the same price range, and would definitely come back for an evening of feasting unhindered by city noise and crowds.

Mamas, the weekend brunch is worth checking out if you’ve got the kids in tow – there’s a mini pizza and mini hotdog station for the kids as well as plenty of breakfast items and mango smoothies upon (unlimited!) request. Weekend brunches also include specials such as Spanish paella and whole roast suckling pigs – definitely one to try with the whole family!

The Grill Barbecue Buffet is available every night from 6:30-10pm, weather permitting. Prices are $558 for adults and $299 for kids Mon-Thurs; $598 for adults and $299 for kids Fri-Sun and public holidays. Beverage packages are available at $108 (inclusive of soft drinks and orange juice) or $218 (inclusive of red and white wine, draught beer, soft drinks and orange juice).

The Grill Weekend Brunch is available every Saturday and Sunday from 11:30am-3pm, priced at $538 for adults and $269 for children. A beverage package is available for $736 per person with unlimited Chandon Brut sparkling wine, mimosas, Kir Royal, bellinis, selected rose wine, white wine, red wine and beer. All prices are subject to 10% service charge.

The Grill, 11/F, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Hong Kong, 2584 7722; www.hongkong.grand.hyattrestaurants.com