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3 of Hong Kong's hottest new fine-dining restaurants you need to know now

The private room at ECRITURE, one of three ‘hot’ new restaurants that have recently opened in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong’s fine dining scene just got that much hotter with the opening of three new restaurants in Central.

1. Sushi Saito Hong Kong

Sushi Saito at Four Seasons Hong Kong

Sushi Saito, “the temple of sushi in Tokyo”, with three Michelin stars and a spot on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants List, has opened on the 45th floor of Four Seasons Hotel. 

But before you run for the phone, there is an extensive waiting list – we were told it is at least two months, but press releases say up to six months. 

Four Seasons guests and regular guests of Global Link restaurants – Tenku RyuGin, Ta Vie and La Bombance – do have priority.

Edomae-style sushi served at Sushi Saito Hong Kong

Lunch features 14 kinds of seasonal nigiri and soup (HK$1,480, US$190) and dinner has six kinds of seasonal appetisers and 10 kinds of nigiri and soup (HK$3,280)

Parties of five or more can request to privatise the sushi bar at a minimum charge of HK$15,000 for lunch or HK$30,000 for dinner.

Tamagoyaki, a type of Japanese omelette, is on the menu at Sushi Saito Hong Kong. Photo: Edmond So

Edomae-style sushi aficionados should appreciate the restaurant, especially those who prefer tranquil settings. 

Dishes are seasonal and vegetarian or non-fish, non-seafood menus are not available. 

We have tried and tested and the verdict: it’s worth the wait, even if a little pricy.

Where: 45/F, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Financial Street, Central 

2. Arbor at H Queen’s

The private room at Arbor at H Queen’s, in Central.  

Gourmet Dining Group – Épure and Dalloyau – opened a new fine dining concept last week at H Queen’s. 

Serving innovative French cuisine with Japanese ingredients, chef de cuisine Eric Räty – previously with Café Gray Deluxe – says there is a touch of his homeland, Finland, in the mix, too. 

Arbor’s chef de cuisine Eric Räty pictured in Central

Arbor’s menu is inspired by nature with a fundamental respect for the changing seasons with dishes reflecting the forest and the trees through flavour, fragrance, preparation technique and creative presentation. 

Dishes are light with sharp flavours to excite the palate. 

The wine cellar offers a balance of established vintages from well-known producers and bold winemakers worthy of exploration. 

Renowned design company Yabu Pushelberg, which also designed Épure, has created an ambience of rustic sophistication. 

Glenn Pushelberg’s “high-humble” design features a collection of warm, soft textures and botanic tones. He has achieved his idea of creating a relaxed haven in busy Central.

Arbor’s bar area at H Queen’s

Menu showstoppers include the langoustine in tomato with a pop of candy, which was smoky, sweet and fresh; the desserts, too, especially the soy ice cream on top of duck egg with white chocolate next to soy beans and wafer and the madeleine, straight out of the oven. 

Arbor’s dessert of salty egg with white chocolate, soy ice cream and beans

The verdict: There are some wow dishes on this menu. 

Rush to the phone before the waiting list gets out of control.

Where: 25/F, H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road Central, Central

3. ECRITURE at H Queen’s

The main dining area at ECRITURE, a newly opened restaurant at H Queen’s.

Le Comptoir, known for artistic dining at restaurants such as Bibo and The Ocean by Olivier Bellin, has opened on the top of H Queen’s with ECRITURE. 

Executive chef Maxime Gilbert – former chef de cuisine at Amber – presents French dishes with a Japanese twist. 

Ingredients are seasonal and precedence has been given to artisanal producers who supply the best quality food.

Maxime Gilbert, executive chef of ECRITURE 

The menu changes seasonally, but right now diners can expect Hokkaido scallops contisée with black truffle cooked in a crispy beignet and raw Amaei prawn tail served with a delicate red onion jelly and beetroot feuillantine. 

And for dessert, cauliflower and white chocolate mousse with Schrencki caviar, which, with its intriguing ingredients, delivered.

Écriture’s dessert made with cauliflower, white chocolate mousse and Schrencki caviar

The restaurant is named after a series of paintings by celebrated Korean artist Park Seo-bo, which can been seen here.

The private room at ECRITURE at H Queen’s, Central

There are many contrasts in the design, such as geometric shapes uniting with fluid lines, the colours and textures of soft organic wallpaper beside the symmetrical copper ceiling and black hardwood tables next to white chairs. 

The rooftop will become a great place for a drink or two while admiring the cityscape: it will open soon we are told. 

Executive chef Maxine Gilbert’s raw Amaei prawn tail served with red onion jelly and beetroot feuillantine at ECRITURE

But back to the food. Gilbert’s influences at Amber and those of chef Yannick Alléno shine through.

The verdict: Definitely a new spot for local fine dining foodies to frequent. 

Where: 26th floor, H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road Central

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Central has welcomed newly opened upmarket Sushi Saito, Arbor and ECRITURE – but will you be able to book a table and are they any good?