The 8 best new restaurants to try in Hong Kong this May

Black Sheep Restaurants has been revitalising The Magistracy within Tai Kwun since 2022, creating a dynamic dining destination through a three-stage project. The first stage of this transformation is the British-inspired restaurant Magistracy Dining Room and Botanical Garden. Now entering its second phase, the century-old proclaimed monument is set to debut the opulent Indian restaurant Prince and the Peacock. Helmed by chef Palash Mitra from New Punjab Club, the new restaurant will present diners with modern interpretations of regional Indian dishes dating from various historic eras. Dishes will include biryanis influenced by Nawabs of Awadh, spice-rich curries from Rajasthan, saffron-infused dishes of Kashmir, and plenty more.

Singapore-based pizza restaurant Sonny’s Pizza has opened its first overseas location along Elgin Street. Unlike their Singaporean counterpart, the Hong Kong branch operates as a takeaway shop where customers can dig into pizzas by the slice (from $45 and up) as well as purchase whole 12-inch ($158) or 16-inch pizzas (from $280 and up). Aside from offering classic pizza toppings like cheese or pepperoni, Sonny’s also has signature special flavours such as Steak n’ Cheese topped with bechamel sauce and sliced steak, or Kowloon Kid topped with lap cheong cured sausage and bacon. Additionally, customers can also sample the stall’s beef hotdogs, which come generously garnished with ingredients like homemade chilli, pickled peppers, or even okonomiyaki sauce. If you’ve still got room left for more, don’t forget to grab a cone ($25) or cup ($35) of soft-serve ice cream to end your indulgent meal on a sweet note. 

Formerly known as Ushidoki, Wagyu-focused Japanese restaurant has reopened as Wagyu Kappo Oda. This restaurant provides a contemporary spin on kaiseki meals by heavily featuring premium A4-grade Odagyu beef from Kagoshima Prefecture. Grab a seat by the counter, which surrounds the restaurant’s open kitchen and allows customers to catch executive chef Tomiya Yu in action as he meticulously prepares each dish. Guests can enjoy a curated selection of dishes in Wagyu Kappo Oda’s lunch and dinner omakase sets, which showcase the very best of Odagyu – such as roast beef carpaccio, Wagyu sushi, grilled ribeye steak, and smoked Wagyu tartare. 

Pho Bay is a brand-new Vietnamese eatery located at Discovery Bay Plaza. Led by chef Chaliang Phaenthong – a 30-year veteran of Vietnamese and Thai restaurants in Hong Kong – this restaurant provides diners with a menu that’s chock full with authentic Vietnamese fare. Expect to enjoy piping hot bowls of pho (from $95 and up), which come topped with thinly sliced US beef and herbs, banh mi ($128), goi cuon spring rolls ($88) filled with assorted vegetables, and plenty more.

After undergoing a renovation and rebranding, The InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong has given its Italian spot a fresh vibe and a new view by moving it upstairs. Now named The Mistral, the restaurant serves Italian delicacies with stunning views of Victoria Harbour. Indulge in a semi-lunch buffet, a seasonal evening a la carte menu, and a Sunday brunch. The menu offers timeless classics and creative modern twists crafted by chef Fabio Guaglione. Must-try dishes this season include handmade pasta delights such as black ink taglierini served with Mazara Del Vallo red prawns ($448) and multi coloured tortelli with blue Boston lobster, Osietra caviar, served with lobster bisque sauce ($488). Pair your meal with their wide selection of Italian wines, including options by the glass, and don’t miss a taste of their Grappa and Amaro, served tableside from the trolley.

As the culinary mastermind behind fine dining restaurants like Le Du, Nusara, Niras, and many more, chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn extends his prowess to Here Thai Market in New Town Plaza. This affordable Thai restaurant is a collaborative effort between chef Ton and chef Man Wai Yin, a Hong Kong native with 20 years of experience promoting Cantonese fare in Thailand’s culinary scene. Here, diners can savour specialties of each chef such as chef Man’s Thai-style pork knuckle rice (from $88) or chef Ton’s boat noodles (from $88), as well as a wide selection of authentic Thai dishes which include charcoal grilled skewers (from $18 and up) and tom yum kung ($68).

Whisk your taste buds away with exotic culinary creations at Óna. Named after the Catalan word for ‘wave’, this restaurant specialises in creating rustic yet sumptuous dishes from the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Helmed by veteran Moroccan native chef El Mehdi Zenasi, Óna dishes up flavourful plates like slow-cooked lamb ($398), prawn saganaki ($298), as well as a variety of Josper grilled mains like kebabs ($228), seabass, and calamari (based on market price).

Pan-Asian restaurant Sage & Salt is the newest addition to Quarry Bay’s dining scene. The restaurant’s interior features a tiki-style bar,  wooden furniture, rattan light fixtures, an upside-down hanging garden, and a spacious al fresco dining area. When it comes to their food, Sage & Salt specialises in offering classics from Indian, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine. Kick off your meal with appetisers like keema pav ($168) or Malaysian roti canai ($58), before moving onto entrees such as Tandoori chicken ($158), Singaporean style chilli crab ($388), or beef rendang ($158). 

Wan Chai’s century-old Woo Cheong Pawn Shop is set to reopen as Sophia Loren House. The four-storey monument will be revitalised with a brand new look, which celebrates the iconic Italian actress’ legacy and captures the spirit of ‘la dolce vita’ made famous by Italian film director Federico Fellini in the 60s and 70s. The grand reopening of the Pawn Shop will dazzle visitors with four brand-new venues. Step into Sophia Loren Pizzeria, a casual Neapolitan-style pizza restaurant; or Casa Sophia Loren, a sophisticated Italian eatery that dishes up classic seafood plates. The venue will also offer Stage, a live performance space that captures the nostalgia of the 70s; as well as the Pellicola Rooftop, a romantic al fresco spot that’s perfect for evening cocktails while overlooking Wan Chai’s tramways and Johnston Road. 

Almost 100 years after it first opened its doors in Hong Kong, the historic Jimmy’s Kitchen will return to Central following its closure back in 2020. This latest iteration by Epicurean Group will see the restaurant moving a little down the neighbourhood from Theatre Lane to the Pedder Building. The eatery will be helmed by Hong Kong-born executive chef Russell Doctrove – formerly of award-winning restaurant group Maximal Concepts – who has promised to retain the old Jimmy’s spark while giving dishes a contemporary spin. Since Jimmy’s Kitchen has always displayed influences from Russian, British, and Indian flavours, diners can still expect to enjoy classics such as their chicken madras ($228), chicken supreme kiev ($238), Angus beef mince on toast ($168), and baked Alaska ($228).