With the end of our Chinese New Year celebrations, decorations in town will slowly be turning from red and gold to hues of pink and red… That’s right, the day of love and romance is upon us – Valentine’s Day! Forget the hassle of dashing around town for candles and ingredients for February 14th – simply let Hong Kong’s host of talented chefs and buzzing restos handle everything instead!
From Thai to Italian, savoury to sweet, we’ve got the lowdown on the best Valentine’s Day dinners in Hong Kong. Whether you’re looking for the perfect menu for the two of you, or just something to round up all your mama friends to enjoy, we’ve got it covered from entrée to dessert in our Sassy Mama’s Guide to Valentine’s Day Dining in Hong Kong 2014! So get your phone at the ready – all these fabulous dinners are a mere booking away, mama…
MEET ME AT THE HOTEL…
For a night of luxury and perfection, hotels in the ‘Kong are of course the first places to come to mind….
The Mira Hong Kong
118 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 2368 1111
Michelin-recommended, Whisk is definitely ready to bring it on V-day with a menu coupled with Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque 2004 champers, and a five or six-course menu featuring oysters, salmon, Wagyu beef and caramel peach. Indulge in a sea of candles as décor at Whisk, or choose Vibes for their romantic atmosphere under the stars. Meanwhile, Chinese restaurant Cuisine Cuisine has prepared a seven-course lovers’ banquet, whilst those with a sweet tooth should hit Coco for their Valentine’s Day afternoon tea set or range of special V-Day goodies.
Whisk/Vibes 6-course menu on the 14th for $2588, five-course menu on the 13th for $2300; Cuisine Cuisine $2028 per couple, 14 February only; Coco afternoon tea $338 per couple, available throughout February
W Hong Kong
1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Station, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3717 2222
This year at W Hong Kong, it’s a battle between the Western Cupid and the Chinese Yue Lao! At Kitchen, the V-day dinner buffet has been painted the colour of love with raspberry ice-cream and heart-shaped chocolate fondants, plus a free-flow of our favourite pink drink, rose champagne! Or you can opt for an 8-course menu at Sing Yin Cantonese Dining, and chow down on some crispy prawns and pan-fried foie gras instead.
Kitchen buffet $588 per person at 5.30-8pm, $758 (free-flow Rose champagne) or $658 (free-flow non-alcoholic drinks) at 8.30-11pm, includes complimentary chocolate fondant and free entry into WOOBAR’s Valentine’s party; Sing Yin 8-course dinner at $1280 per person (min. 2 people)
Island Shangri-La Hong Kong
Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Admiralty, Hong Kong, 2820 8551
For some indulgent afternoon sweetness, make sure you head down to Island Shangri-La’s Island Gourmet for their special Valentine’s Day afternoon tea set, with homemade scones and pastries! Ladies will receive a red rose, and you can choose from chocolate boxes filled with heart-shaped praline chocolates or cakes and Valentine’s pastries to enjoy during the afternoon! Meanwhile, Michelin-starred restaurant Petrus offers an eight-course dinner with a stunning harbourside view (plus champers and a complimentary gourmet gift to take home), you can get your fill of lobster and live jazz at The Lobster Bar & Grill with a scrumptious four-course dinner, or try a Japanese feast at Nadaman, which has two special set menus on offer for the night.
Island Gourmet $488 for afternoon tea set for two, from 3pm-6pm; Petrus $5888 per couple; Lobster Bar & Grill $3488 per couple; Nadaman $2888 or $3088 per menu
Hyatt Regency Hong Kong
18 Chak Cheung Street, Sha Tin, Hong Kong, 3723 1234
Head to the New Territories for a Valentine’s feast – we’re loving the sound of their special four-course Swiss-themed set dinner at Café, including both cheese fondue and chocolate fondue… yum! If Chinese food floats your boat more, then make a booking for Sha Tin 18’s eight-course dinner, which is stuffed with Dongguan specialties; we’re eyeing the dessert platter already!
Café dinner $458 per person, from 10-16 February; Sha Tin 18 dinner $698 per person, 14 February only
The Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2522 0111
If old-school grandeur is your thing, then how about celebrating V-Day at The MO – which has just celebrated an amazing 50 years in Hong Kong! Take your pick from a decadent five or eight-course menu at Michelin-starred French resto Pierre, imaginative dishes from chef Uwe Opocensky at The Mandarin Grill + Bar, a Valentine’s buffet at The Clipper Lounge or a range of Chinese delights at Man Wah. All Valentine’s dinners also include a special gift to take home, from the hotel’s signature and truly scrumptious rose petal jam to a gift certificate at The Mandarin Spa.
5-course dinner at Pierre $1588, 8-course $2388; 5-course dinner at Mandarin Grill + Bar $1388, 8-course $2188; Clipper Lounge buffet $728 per person; Man Wah minimum charge of $1288 per person. Other than Man Wah, all will be doing two sittings – 6pm or 8.30pm
Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong
8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong, 3196 8888
The Four Seasons is all about creating lasting memories this V-Day – not only will you and your partner get to enjoy a delicious five-course chef’s menu at The Lounge (Nutella chocolate pudding… yes please!), but the price also includes a complimentary couple’s photo session, review and one framed image from Venture Photography (which normally costs $2500 on its own). Bargain!
Chef’s menu costs $2588 for two, including complimentary package from Venture Photography
HOW ABOUT SOME FRESH AIR?
Dining under the stars is always a good setting to a romantic evening, and we’re swooning for these restos with alfresco dining…
Namo
G/F, Empire Centre, 68 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Hong Kong, 2739 1133
How about discovering what “Avant Thai” cuisine means at TST’s newest resto, Namo? Their special “Lovers In Siam” set menu includes Iberico pork curry, foie gras crackers with oysters, black cod roasted in passion fruit and lemongrass chilli jam, and a divine strawberry and coconut cassata to end the night.
Set dinner $988 per couple
Tamarind
2/F, Sun Hung Kei Centre, 30 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2827 7777
If you’re into something exotic, look no further! We love Tamarind’s amazing Pan-Asian cuisine, and their amazing view of the Victoria Harbour will not go amiss on this special evening! Their set dinner for the night includes an appetiser trio of foie gras spring roll, saffron chicken tikka and asparagus soup with oyster; mains of tandoori salmon with almond naan and grilled prawn with crabmeat fried rice; then a very happy ending of chocolate cake with orange brandy and strawberry cheesecake!
Set dinner $698 per couple
Café Roma
L1, Shop 7&8, Beach Commercial Complex, Park Island, Hong Kong, 3446 1226
How about some alfresco dining with a view? Café Roma boasts an amazing view of the Tsing Ma Bridge in the background, and of course some amazing European cuisine. For Valentine’s Day, they’ve prepared a special three-course menu featuring aphrodisiac ingredients like oysters for their zinc content, asparagus for its libido-increasing qualities, and chocolate, the king of natural aphrodisiacs. Not to mention mains like lamp chops and perch fillets, you’re sure to enjoy it all!
Valentine’s Day dinner menu $348 per person or $688 per couple; optional drink pairing $98 for two glasses of champagne cocktails
Joia
R010, Level 3, Elements Mall, Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2382 2323
Joia has relaxing atmosphere in the bag with a rooftop garden setting and a fresh twist to authentic Northern Italian cuisine. For Valentine’s Day, they have a five-course seafood menu with home made tagliolini pasta with cream of sea urchin, spaghetti with oysters, John Dory fillet, veal tenderloin and a drop shaped chocolate with ricotta and pistachio mousse. Sounds like a feast under the stars!
“Be My Valentine” set dinner $1580 per couple with coffee & tea included
Lupa
3/F, LHT Tower, 31 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, 2796 6500
Yup… alfresco restaurants exist in Central too! Mario Batali’s Hong Kong outpost will be serving up a four-course Italian menu under the stars on Valentine’s Day, where all the dishes – including antipasta, pasta, mains (either seafood or game hen) and dessert – have been designed to share… awwww! Multi-talented jazz performer Magnus Lindgren (who plays the clarinet, saxophone and flute!) and singer Rigmor Gustafsson will be providing live music to amp up the romance even further.
Four-course dinner $1288 per couple (or $988 for dinner completed by 8pm)
The Peak Lookout
The Peak Lookout, 121 Peak Road, The Peak, Hong Kong, 2849 1000
The Peak Lookout has always been a winner for romantic alfresco dinners – even more so for Valentine’s Day itself! They’ve lined up either a four-course lunch or five-course dinner, including foie gras terrine, roasted boneless prime rib eye and an amazing “Heart To Heart” chocolate, marshmallow and ginger panna cotta dessert. What’s more, every couple will get an exquisite Fragrance Du Bois perfume gift set to take home too.
4-course lunch $468 per person, 5-course dinner $788
Divino Patio
Shop 11, 1/F, BRIM28, Causeway Bay Centre, 28 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2730 8027
Apart from the usual delicious four-course dinner menu offered specially on Valentine’s Day at Divino Patio (which includes figs wrapped in parma ham, Maine lobster and corn chowder, homemade ravioli or slow-cooked US beef cheeks or grilled deep sea jumbo prawns, and desserts to end), they’ve also lined up photographers on-site to snap your romantic moments, a tarot card reader, roses for all lady diners and beauty coupons for couples! We could barely fit all that romance in a paragraph!
Valentine’s day menu with different price options from $450-$590 per person, first 40 ladies receive a rose and first 20 couples receive a couple’s treatment from Maggie Beauty worth $2060.
THE PERFECT VIEW
When it comes to a romantic dinner, everybody will agree that an amazing view is almost as good as amazing food. This is why these places will guarantee a 10/10 for atmosphere with their view of the Hong Kong skyline…
Mango Tree at Elements
Shop 2032, 2/F, Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2668 4884
Mango Tree has got it all for a special night out, with a smashing view of the harbour for you and your significant other! Dig into their range of Thai dishes at their Valentine’s Dinner buffet, like curry crab, tom yum goong, “Prawn in Love” (char-grilled and half-fried prawns!), mango sticky rice and much much more, plus complimentary glasses of strawberry sparkling wine too.
Dinner buffet $598 per person at 5.45-8pm or $638 per person at 8.40-10:45pm
Wooloomooloo Prime
21/F, The ONE, 100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 2870 0087
Of course, we are all familiar with Wooloomooloo’s amazing view by now – and if you haven’t had a chance to visit, V-day definitely calls for the occasion! Indulge in their special Valentine’s four-course dinner, with seafood on ice to share, seared foie gras with soup, and a main course of surf & turf or pan roasted black cod to choose from. End on a sweet note and share the dessert platter before enjoying their complimentary hand-picked flavoured tea! (Psst. Check out Wooloomooloo’s other steakhouses at Wan Chai and TST East for other more wallet-friendly options – the views are killer there too!)
Set dinner $1850 per couple at Wooloomooloo Prime (includes set of flavoured tea), $1750 at Wan Chai (includes 2 glasses of Prosecco and flavoured tea) or $1450 at TST East (includes 2 glasses of Sparkling cocktail and flavoured tea).
The French Window Brasserie & Bar
3101, Podium Level 3, IFC Mall, Central, Hong Kong, 2393 3812
For French cuisine with a view, The French Window is the place to go! For Valentine’s Day, they have collaborated with designer label ELIE SAAB to come up with an innovative Le Parfum menu; beginning with a spray of the fragrance at the first course, the ingredients of the perfume have inspired the night’s dishes – we’re talking crab cake with honey mayonnaise, scallop salad with rose and raspberry dressing, and an oozingly rich chocolate fondant! You’ll also receive a bottle of ELIE SAAB limited edition Evian and a trio fragrance gift set to take home too.
Mini four-course menu $488 per person at 6-8pm, full five-course menu $888 per person at 8.30-11pm
Watermark
Shop L, Level P, Central Pier 7, Star Ferry, Central, Hong Kong, 2167 7251
Slap bang on the pier at Central, Watermark’s fab ocean view is a no-brainer. To accompany the panorama, Watermark has prepared a night of international cuisine to be enjoyed by lovebirds – their special five-course menu features poached scallops with caviar, whole Boston lobster for two and beef tenderloin in red wine sauce.
Set menu $2388 per couple
Hutong
28/F, One Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 3428 8342
Since Chinese New Year and Chinese Valentine’s Day lie so close together this year to our traditional V-day, why not take the chance to try out some Northern Chinese cuisine at Hutong? Their menu for two features aphrodisiac green asparagus, roasted suckling pig and Hutong’s signature crispy half-lobster with pork, mushrooms and bean sprouts in a chilli sauce, just to name a few! Hutong also boasts an amazing harbourside vista; you’ll even get a commemorative photo from the night as take-home gift too.
Valentine’s day menu $2500 per couple, optional $488 for a bottle of Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial champagne
Café Deco
Level 1 & 2, The Peak Galleria, The Peak, Hong Kong, 2849 5111
Enjoy the view from the top at Café Deco on The Peak! With the perfect location also comes a special five-course menu of gourmet starters, grilled prime beef fillet and New Zealand double lamb chops. Share with your Valentine a “Temptation Dessert Platter” to end things on a sweet note, before snapping some photos in front of the gorgeous harbour view.
Set menu $868 per person
SEVVA
25/F Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2537 1388
Live music and magic? Sounds like all the ingredients for a special night to us! Enjoy a glamorous rendezvous at Bonnie Gokson’s SEVVA with a decadent six-course dinner – dishes include baby pork belly confit with fresh figs and apple purée, spinach and beetroot risotto with white truffle, Wagyu striploin and foie gras and the crowning delight, a dessert called ‘Butterflies & All Things Sweet”!
Set menu $2800 per couple
TABLE FOR TWO
You can never go wrong with a traditional sit-down dinner filled with delicious dishes, so take your pick from these many seductive menus in town…
FINDS
1/F, The Luxe Manor, 39 Kimberly Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 2522 9318
Seafood definitely sounds seductive to us, so why not indulge in FINDS’s six-course seafood dinner? Starting with aphrodisiac oysters and smoked oyster soup, moving onto scallops and lobster tail and ending on a sweet note with banana and chocolate cake, our taste buds are definitely in for a treat! Don’t forget to raise your glass of complimentary champers too (and check out our full review of FINDS here).
Six-course dinner $898 per person or $1088 for an additional glass of your choice
Doppio Zero
G/F, The Pemberton, 22 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2851 0682
If you’re into Italian cuisine, Doppio Zero may just be what you’re looking for this Valentine’s Day. Promising an evening of authentic Italian cuisine, they have designed a special tasting menu for the night (their homemade fresh pasta comes recommended by the Michelin Guide!). Dig into some appetiser bruschetta, tasting portions of seven different fresh pastas and a signature dessert platter, not to mention two glasses of Fantinel Prosecco to share. You can also enter Doppio’s “Sweetest Couple” Instagram contest to win a $1000 dining voucher – simply take a photo of you and your lovely, hashtag it with #TDZSweetestCouple and the photo with the most likes wins! #yay
Set menu $988 per couple
The Salted Pig
2/F, The L Place, 139 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong, 2870 2323
G/F, 1 Knutsford Terrace, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 2367 0990
For an evening of home-style sharing, The Salted Pig is a great place to go. Their special V-day dinner features a three-course menu, with swimming crab or grilled asparagus, roasted Dingley Dell pork rack or pan-roasted sea bream to share and a dessert of chocolate and raspberry cheesecake. Simple but delicious!
Valentine’s day dinner menu $398 per person, with a complimentary glass of Strawberry Prosecco to start
Dragon-i
3001, 30/D, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2899 0059
Exclusive club Dragon-i has come up with a four-course V-day dinner with Veuve Cliqout Rose Champagne! Indulge in eggplant salsa topped with caviar and gold leaf, Boston lobster bisque, teppanyaki beef tenderloin with black truffle teriyaki sauce, molten white chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce, and much more. Talk about luxurious!
Set dinner $1988 per couple
208 Duecento Otto
G/F, 208 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2549 0208
One of our fave Italians restos in town has lined up a delicious three-course dinner for the big day! Get ready for an Italian affair to remember, with dishes on offer including scallop, prawn and halibut raviolo, beef tartare and homemade tiramisu – plus a complimentary cocktail and rose for all lady diners. Bellissima!
Set dinner $558 per person
Ayuthaiya
35 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 3105 5055
Check out Ayuthaiya for an alternative Valentine’s Day dinner that won’t break the bank! With a four-course dinner menu including Thai dishes like steamed dumplings, king crab, braised lamb shank and a mango and coconut custard with sago pudding, you’re going to have an evening of sugar and spice with everything nice.
Valentine’s Day set menu $344 per person, includes a strawberry Bellini cocktail to start
Bloom
5 & 6/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2810 6166
For a more urban vibe, Bloom has come up with a five-course tasting menu paired with special cocktails designed by awarding winning mixologist Eric Stephenson to perfect the night. The dinner menu features fresh-off-the-boat seafood, Iberico ham with melon panna cotta, house smoked salmon, lobster risotto, seared lamb chops, carb-free cauliflower risotto and a cinnamon bun for a nostalgic twist at the end… we’re full just thinking about it! All this pairs perfectly with the Celtic Flip or Kiss In Paris cocktails to sip and swirl your night away.
Set dinner menu $495 per person, additional $200 for cocktail pairings and additional $75 for Steak Frites sides
Basement
20 Gough Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2854 0010
Check out Basement for their special Valentine’s Day menu – one of the only two special occasions in the year where they bust out a dedicated menu! From specially designed unique table covers and beautiful menu cards, to the five-course dinner (featuring onion lobster tomato soup, frozen strawberry skewers, grilled Alaskan king crab leg and a “Valentine’s Grenade” as dessert), we’re assured that this will be a very special evening indeed!
Valentine’s day set menu $1098 per couple, runs from 13-15 February
Duddell’s
Level 3, Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2525 9191
Come check out the hottest Chinese restaurant in town for a Valentine’s feast; Michelin-starred Chef Siu has created a seven-course tasting menu especially for the occasion, including complimentary glasses of champers, roasted honey glaze Yunnan ham, lobster stuffed chicken wing, beef cubes with scallion, and a best-of-all-worlds dessert platter. Make a night of it and enjoy some cocktails in Duddell’s beautiful garden terrace and get a breath of alfresco dining too!
Tasting menu $880 per person
Il Milione
G16-21, G/F, Hutchison House, 10 Harcourt Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2481 1120
Here’s another exclusive tasting menu from a Michelin-starred restaurant, Il Milione! From lobster carpaccio, ravioli filled with king crab, seared John Dory fillet or grilled beef tenderloin with black truffle, down to the Millefoglie and small pastries, they’ve got your evening’s fine dining covered.
Tasting menu $1288 per person
Fatty Crab
G/F, 8 Hillier Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2774 6692
Fatty Crab’s slogan for V-Day is: “We can’t promise to give you love, but what we can promise is to give you crabs.” Errr… not exactly the most romantic of declarations, but if it involves loads of delicious seafood, we’ll take it! This buzzing Central hotspot has cooked up a five-course crab menu to share, including crab laksa, crab cakes, their signature Dungeness chilli crab and crab claws, plus a complimentary glass of red or white wine. Thankfully, they’ve decided to withhold the crab for dessert… it’s a warm chocolate cake instead. Phew!
5-course menu $800 per person
The Pasta Place
G/F, 8 Hillier Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2774 6692
This cosy family-run neighbourhood joint is doing a special three-course Valentine’s menu for only $250… just the thing for an intimate meal with your special someone. All courses are made in-house (we spy homemade ravioli… and scrummy chocolate fondant!), plus add only $40 per person to enjoy a Berry Spritzer cocktail or glass of Italian red or white wine with your meal. For a Valentine’s Day with oodles of charm that doesn’t break the bank, this looks like it ticks all the boxes.
$250 per person, 6-8pm or 8.30-10.30pm sittings
SOMETHING SPECIAL
Read on if you’re in need for something special for the girlies or just a little bit more than wine and dine!
Happier Hour at Boqueria
7/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2321 8681
For all you singles who are feeling thirsty, drink out at Boqueria this Valentine’s Day with their special happier hour offer! There’s all-you-can-drink sangria for single ladies all week long in the name of anti-Valentine’s Day, and it’s the best occasion to call for a mama’s night out! If you’re feeling peckish, indulge in the Fiesta de la Paella set dinner for six people or more, including five courses of Boqueria’s most popular dishes – featuring charcoal grilled squid, kale salad and of course a hearty pan of saffron paella and chocolate churros to boot!
Fiesta de la Paella menu for six people or more $388 per person (recommended for groups of 10)
Rooftop cinema and dinner at Artichoke Canteen
3/F, 311 Canteen, Harbour Industrial Centre, 10 Lee Hing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong, 2580 0293
A special Valentine’s Day event hosted by HushUp Hong Kong, their usual cinema nights get an upgrade with a full five-course dinner menu at Artichoke. Enjoy a slice of black-and-white art-house cinema (the film In Search of a Midnight Kiss, to be exact!) with the full soup, salad, mains and dessert deal with your loved one. How will you ever be able to go back to your average popcorn date night at the multiplex after this?!
$140 for cinema ticket, $455 five-course dinner, optional bottle of Prosecco at $180 or Pink Cava at $350; book cinema tickets online here but remember to call the restaurant if you want a table for dinner too
Divino Single’s Night
73 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2167 8883
For the single ladies and bachelors in town, all the hassle with fixed menus for couples is definitely a nightmare – so why not hit Divino for a night of relaxing tunes from live DJs over a couple of drinks? Rosé champagne and cool cocktails will be served all V-day evening, and roses given to the first 50 ladies that arrive! Count us in!
Stone Nullah Tavern’s V-day With A twist
G/F, 69 Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 3182 0128
Here’s one with a twist! New American resto Stone Nullah Tavern is turning back the clock for a night only and encouraging all kinds of old-school romance! Bring your single friends and enjoy a night of hand-written letters, envelopes and post boxes, all placed at each table for you to write anonymous messages to other tables. All messages will be hand-delivered of course, and each message will be accompanied by a special “through the heart” shot. Ladies drink for free all night when dining in the restaurant while a DJ spins the tunes… All the single ladies, put your hands up!
P.S. Note most places also have an additional 10% service charge!
Phew! Now that we’ve got almost all of our fave restos down on the list, it’s time for you to make some calls and book a place for the night! Whether you’re down for a romantic evening without the kids or a mama’s night out, we’re sure there’s a place that’s perfect for you. Here’s a virtual rosé from us at Sassy Mama, and a very happy Valentine’s Day to you!