TIVO

When Aqua group co-founder David Yeo opened the Kennedy Town branch of Tivo in 2014, he had envisioned it being a neighbourhood hotspot that could offer something for everyone. When you arrive at the restaurant, it’s good to see little nods to the Hong Kong in this quickly gentrifying district—the vibrant red wet market lampshades appear cheerfully among the industrial-themed interiors. The seating is not the most comfortable, but then the youthful clientele don’t seem to truly mind—they come here for the menu of zingy cocktails (try the KT Ding Ding, a sweet-and-sour mix of gin, cherry brandy, cointreau, benedictine, grenadine, pineapple juice, lemon juice and bitters) and trendy small plates. You can’t go much wrong with truffle and parmesan fries, which soak up the drink nicely, and the Little Italy selection proves popular with crowdpleasers such as a prosciutto and forest mushrooms pizza or bottarga spaghetti, which has a chilli kick. The venue is most packed during weekends when families come down for a casual brunch.