Roganic

Shop 8, UG/F, Sino Plaza, 255 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

A gentle Englishman Simon Rogan may be, but he is a culinary powerhouse, having built an empire of truly exceptional restaurants that have managed to stay true to his philosophy of quality farm produce imagined in thrilling new ways. Far from his original flagship restaurant in Britain’s picturesque Lake District, L’Enclume, Roganic (and its development kitchen, Aulis) may have seemed out of place in Hong Kong—a city that relies heavily on imported produce, and where local agriculture lacks real support. It didn’t faze the chef, and we’re glad for it—Roganic was by far the most favoured new restaurant among our panelists, who highlighted the comfortable and convivial atmosphere, unfussy dishes and incredible clarity of flavour found in dishes such as local chicken with leek and turnip, or the homemade soda bread with cultured butter. A meal at Roganic won’t break the bank either, with a full dinner tasting menu under one grand—making this one of the best value fine dining restaurants in the city.

RUNNER UP

Somm, which took over the old Amber bar space on the 7th floor of the Landmark Mandarin Oriental, is a breath of fresh air.

With wines anchoring the focus of the venue, you can be sure to taste exceptional bottles with equally accomplished dishes such as barbecued Japanese pork belly with Hakata cabbage or Lung Guang chicken with girolles and silverbeet.