Where to Eat: Top Restaurants to Try This June

This month, we celebrate chefs new and old with our favourite locations to eat at.

New Chef de Cuisine Gaurav Kuthari’s New Menu at Chaat

Stepping up to helm Rosewood’s beloved one-Michelin-star Indian restaurant Chaat is new chef de cuisine Gaurav Kuthari, who is celebrating this milestone with brand new creations of his own. Though the restaurant is just as difficult to book as always, if you’re lucky enough to reserve a spot, make sure to indulge in his pork pepper fry, a classic dish in Kerala Christian households; the Badami Murg tikka, also known as almond chicken tikka that’s famous for its rich spices and almond-infused marinade; the tandoori basil nimbu prawn, a modern take on a classic dish by infusing traditional Indian flavours with tandoori grilling; the lamb rogan josh, a Mughal-iNFLuenced slow-cooked dish blending spices and yogurt together; and our favourite – the smoked Patrani fish, a Parsi-style dish originating from the coast of Western India that fuses Persian and Indian iNFLuences. – Jeff Yeung

Vibrant Summer Menu at Ryota Kappou Modern

With the warmer months well and truly here, it’s time to shift over to lighter and more refreshing menus, and that’s exactly what chef Ryota Kanesawa has created over at the one-Michelin-star Ryota Kappou Modern. As usual, using only the freshest and highest quality of ingredients, the Japanese chef’s new menu offers a delightful journey to Japan through it’s numerous courses, all in the comfort of his On Lan Street location. Our favourites on the menu include hairy crab red eggplant dashi jelly, amadai karaage amadai broth, his signature wagyu and uni caviar sushi, stone-grilled Hokkaido scallop in Chinese yellow wine, grilled kinki in teriyaki sauce and the Japanese sweet corn black truffle donabe. – Jeff Yeung

Executive Chef Ramsey Wong’s New Creations at Hue Dining

After departing from Woolly Pig for tenures at Aberdeen Street Social and the JW Marriott Hong Kong, Ramsey Wong has now reunited with the dining group to be their latest executive chef at Hue Dining. Channeling his 15 years of experience into the scenic restaurant serving modern Australian cuisine, chef Wong has now introduced a brand new series of tasting menus ranging from two-course to three or five-course sets. Highlights include bluefin tuna served raw with lightly marinated squid ceviche and house-made tomato and shiso vinaigrette marinated fresh heirloom cherry tomatoes, Hokkaido sea urchin served with chilled al dente angel hair and a light fresh truffle dressing, French free-range guinea fowl served in two ways, pan-friend kinmedai filet with air-dried crispy fish skin and lemon and herb crust Margra lamb loin, accompanied by house-fermented white asparagus purée, black garlic, mint and a sticky glaze sauce. – Jeff Yeung

Italian Classics at Grissini

Chef Valerio Giuseppe Mandile has been at the helm of Grissini since June 2021, making this month his three-year anniversary at one of Hong Kong’s top Italian establishments. His wholesome touch can be felt from the very first bite – in our case, it was this Insalata di Gamberi (pictured), a summery apPetizer of marinated shrimp with fennel, orange dressing and nasturtium, to the very last sip of strong brewed coffee made in the traditional Napoli way, in a cuccumella, a nod to Mandile’s roots and family traditions. Don’t miss out on this summer’s specials featuring the deliciously tender white asparagus. We especially loved it gently cooked, doused in a parmesan sauce, and topped with a sprinkling of mushroom crumble. – Stephanie Ip

Mediterranean Perfection at Casa Sophia Loren

Much has been going down at Wan Chai’s Pawn Woo Shop – previously Crust and The Pawn – since its transformation into Sophia Loren House, marking the first Asian outlet of the Italian franchise. In a remarkable face lift, the four-story heritage building now holds a ground-floor pizzeria, a glamorous cabaret bar and a soon-to-open rooftop space that’s every inch as chic as you would expect from the Neapolitan goddess of cinema. We tried the blue and beautiful first-floor Casa Sophia Loren seafood restaurant, which feels like a slice of the Mediterranean, with dishes served on pretty porcelain plates. Highlights of the upscale menu include mixed seafood Risone Pasta, Amberjack Carpaccio, and Scampi Tartare. We also loved their version of a deconstructed tiramisu. The restaurant’s pretty terrace overlooking the tramway makes it the perfect spot for alfresco lunches. The next best thing to being in Italy? We say it’s better. – Madelaine Clark

Dean Street Townhouse Pop-Up at Soho House Hong Kong

Brits rejoice! A pop-up of one of the original Soho House spaces, Dean Street Townhouse, has landed at Soho House Hong Kong until the end of this month. Taking over the restaurant on the 28th floor in place of Cecconis, the pop-up focuses on upscale modern British cuisine with a European twist. In addition to the all-day menu, there’s also afternoon tea, Sunday roast, and a martini trolley, making the Vesper Martini a James Bond favourite. We loved the Ox cheek doughnuts (a must try) and the green Puntarella Gnocchi, as well as familiar favourites such as Beef Tartare and Dover Sole finished with beurre noisette. There’s also a programme of classical music performances on weekends that adds a truly elegant touch. Until June 30. – Madelaine Clark

Chueca’s New Weekend Brunch

With sunny summer days hopefully ahead of us, what better way to spend the weekend than a decadent brunch with besties? Cheuca, the authentic tapas spot located in bustling in Gough Street, Central, celebrates the sunny charm of summer in Spain with the introduction of a new weekend brunch menu. Named after Madrid’s hip neighbourhood where anything goes, Chueca reflects this joyful free spirit with plate after plate of creative tapas and beloved Spanish signature dishes using the freshest ingredients from both land and sea all served up in the country’s vibrant and hearty dining tradition. Award-winning Spanish chef Jordi Vallés Claverol’s new weekend brunch menu (HK$498 per person, 2-person minimum, served on Saturday and Sunday) spans 5 courses of tasty offerings. Adding to the experience is an indulgent two-hour free-flow option (HK$238 per person) which includes Cava, fine red and white wine, cheery red Sangria, buzz-inducing Negroni and refreshing pours of draught beer. Highlights on the menu include the royal chilled seafood platter, Iberico ham with tomato bread and crispy gem lettuce salad spiced by paprika vinaigrette and crunchy walnuts. – Andre Neveling