With restrictions finally relaxing after the fourth wave, dine-in dinner is back on the cards (yay!). From eccentric izakayas to relaxed Italian eateries, here’s where to head out for some evening meals.

Aria Italian

The elevated Italian cuisine at Aria has been reimagined in a new a la carte menu by chef Andrea Zamboni. Drawing on his experience working in China, Zamboni brings subtle Asian influence to his Italian fare. The decadent lunch set (HK$990 for five courses) includes the chef’s tribute to the ‘xiao long bao’. Having spent eight years working in China, Zamboni has reimagined his favourite dim sum, but instead of the signature pork dumpling, he’s filled it with turbot. The viscous nature of the turbot means no gelatin is needed to create the soup inside the ‘dumpling’. Using premium, luxurious ingredients Zamboni puts a modern twist on Italian home cooking, forever inspired by his beloved mama.

Aria Italian, 24/F, California Tower, 30-36 D’Aguilar St, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2804 1116

TMK Raps’n Rolls

The second venue of Pirata Group’s temakeria concept brings lively all-day dining, drinks, and old-school hip hop to Wan Chai’s Moon Street. You won’t be able to miss it with the vibrant mural of 80s hip hop lyrics from the likes of The Notorious B.I.G. on the restaurant exterior. Inside, indulge in temaki handrolls for (COVID-responsible) sharing or sample the new range of nori bowls. Keep an eye out for the hip-hop-inspired names.

The perfect escape from the office, TMK Raps n Rolls offers a weekday lunch menu of either two courses (HK$148pp) or three (HK$168pp), but get down there quick as there are no reservations for this venue. If a more bespoke affair is what you’re looking for, the “Fat Beats” Menu (HK$348pp)  allows the Rap & Rolls team to cater specifically to your tastes with the recommended plates of the day.

If you’re feeling generous, “Drinks on Me” allows guests to simply shout the celebrated phrase to order a generous serving of sake for everyone in the restaurant (HK$290 per round), a sure-fire way to make new friends and have a happy weekend.

TMK Raps n Rolls, 17A Moon Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 2662 2269

LucAle

Sai Ying Pun’s cosy Italian eatery, LucAle are unveiling an all new spring menu, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. Renowned for their creamy burrata and hearty pasta dishes, this charming establishment offers a laid-back atmosphere on bustling Third Street.

Start the evening with a beverage at the bar before enjoying the springtime fare. The brand new showstopper Ravioli Gigante, which as the name suggests is a giant ravioli, is stuffed with ricotta, mascarpone and egg yolk and served atop a black truffle and green pea cream sauce.

LucAle, Shop A, 100 Third St, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong

The Aubrey

Described as an eccentric izakaya, Chef Tomiyama of The Aubrey brings a new dining concept the high-end setting of the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. Located on the 25th floor with sweeping views of Victoria Harbour, the izakaya features three bars, one serving Japanese cocktails, flights plus a sake and champagne bar. Championing traditional cooking techniques, The Aubrey presents high-quality, sustainable ingredients, as well as eliminating all single-use plastic from its operation.

A collaboration between the luxury hotel and international F&B group, Maximal Concepts, The Aubrey is part of the top floor revamp, making it a home-away-from-home for Japanese food lovers in Hong Kong.

The Aubrey, 25/F, Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2522 0111

See also: The Aubrey opens at The Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

KiKi Tea

If you’re too full for a dessert but want a sweet treat before you head home, KiKi tea offers delicious Taiwanese tea drinks. Their latest creations, Hibiscus Rose Tea topped with Rose Cream Mousse and Iced Jasmine Orange Green Tea (both HK$45) are Insta-worthy concoctions adorned with fresh petals. Available both hot and cold, these drinks are the perfect ending to an evening on the town.

In celebration of the season of new beginnings, KiKi Tea have collaborated with L’Oreal to give customers a complimentary sample (30ml) of the French brand’s ‘miracle’ hair treatment – L’Oréal Elseve Extraordinary Oil with every purchase (available from now until 30 April 2021.)

Kiki Tea, Shop 2017 IFC Mall, Central, Hong Kong; Shop 112, Pacific Place, 88, Queensway, Admiralty; Shop 406, K11 Musea, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

See also: 15 new afternoon teas to try in Hong Kong this February