Free flow drinks, an impressive buffet and a dedicated children’s play area? Say “hello” to Armani Aqua’s new infinity weekend brunch!
When we heard that one of our favourite spots for dinner, Armani Aqua was starting a new weekend brunch, we knew we had to try it. Sassy Mama contributor, Liz took her family with the littles in tow to try it out. With plenty of choices in terms of food and drink available for the parents, the highlight was definitely the dedicated play area set aside especially for the kids to have some fun. A little birdie even told us that there will also be some entertainment for the littles in that area real soon! Book yourself in for a delicious spread, free flow Veuve Clicquot and enjoy a relaxed weekend brunch with the whole family.
The dark, grand entrance to Armani Aqua feels like arriving in the VIP section of an Ibizan nightclub. Adults will like the seductive decor, kids will like the fact it’s roomy with arches to weave in and out of.
Space is a luxury in Hong Kong so it is a relief that the main restaurant is similarly roomy. Even with children, the atmosphere is relaxed, and there is plenty of space between the tables. There are booths for smaller groups, or longer tables if you’re wanting to have a larger affair. Tableware and glassware is chic, the decor is very sleek, with furnishings from Armani Casa.
It’s not necessarily hip, or buzzing, but for parents, it strikes the right balance between a nice place for adult conversations and having something to occupy restless little ones for a few hours.
Adults can choose between the limitless brunch ($598 + 10% service) where there is free-flow Veuve Clicquot, cocktails, wines and beer. The excellent Daddy Mac, made up of Tequila, agave nectar and fresh kaffir lime, is both potent and addictive, while the Hawaiian Flow, a mix of vodka, melon liqueur, lemonade, and watermelon juice, is refreshing. The Bloody Mary’s were disappointingly watery. The standard brunch ($498 + 10% service), is food and juices only.
The cold appetiser buffet section focuses on quality dishes from Italy and Japan. There is a lush mountain of oysters and shellfish, the swordfish carpaccio and the prawn salad are both moreish, while the sushi live station has all classics, plus a few more exotic options such as eel and seaweed salad. There’s plenty of pasta, cheese and cured meats to keep the less adventurous happy, though if you’re not a fan of seafood, this probably isn’t the best place for you.
Once full of the buffet, waiters bring out a selection of warm appetisers. The poached egg (served in a glass) is gorgeous, the others items – including chicken strips and fish bites – are underwhelming. But you don’t really need them, as the main courses are very good. The Pan-Roasted Pork Chop, and the Mediterranean Style Red Snapper fillet are the pick of the standard mains, though if you want to pay a little extra you can have Miso Cod or 12oz Black Angus sirloin, which are signature dishes.
Armani Aqua is usually a favourite for business lunches and lovers in the week, but staff are generally warm and accommodating, and seem to take the burst of chaos that is children in their stride. Service overall is good, though when it gets busy, it can be hard to attract attention.
There is a dedicated playroom for children tucked off to one corner, with soft mats, an assortment of toys for varying ages, plus crayons and pictures for colouring. Parents are of course responsible for their children but staff regularly check in to ensure it hasn’t descended into Lord of the Flies. There are clear windows to see in, but you can also request to have a table close to the room, so you can keep an eye on things with ease. It is one room for all children, so if you have under 3’s keep in mind there may be slightly more boisterous older kids in there too.
Under five’s eat free, while there is a junior brunch service (5 to 12 years old, $198 + 10% service) where they can choose from mains such as the Angel Hair Pasta & Meatballs, Crispy Fish Tenders, or the Micky Mouse Pizza. There is an adorable mini sushi station if your munchkins are more adventurous. Plus puddings and juices are limitless.
There are plans in the pipeline to introduce a dedicated entertainer or balloon twister… good news for the whole fam!
Read more: Kids Eat Free: Family Friendly Dining in Hong Kong
Finding a space that appeals to adults but also keeps children entertained is something of the holy grail for Hong Kong’s parents, this is particularly so if you want a nice spot with friends for special occasions, or if you have guests in town and want to showcase the city’s love of the free-flow brunch in suitably chic style (without upsetting fellow diners with your offspring’s antics). The family-friendly Infinity Brunch at Armani Aqua might just be what you are looking for!
Armani Aqua, 2/F, Chater House, 8 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong ; 3583 2828
For bookings contact JC Fulford-Smith at Lot33 Events: [email protected]