BRICKHOUSE

HK$300 per person

20 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong

www.brickhouse.com.hk Wandering down a dinghy back alley in Lan Kwai Fong might not sound the most obvious precursor to a great meal, but underestimate the food at Brickhouse at your peril. The Mexican street eats here are consistently excellent, with the kitchen demonstrating a real knack for packing dishes with flavour; a fiesta of vibrant seasonings and stand-out sauces enliven classic dishes such as street corn, nachos, ceviche and tacos. The taco sharing platter, where diners can choose five of Brickhouse’s signature varieties (including beautifully soft wagyu beef cheek with spicy sour cream and salsa ranchera, and meltingly tender achiote pork belly with bacon aioli and salsa de pina picante), is a must-order. Service is friendly and helpful (offering to change an untouched cocktail without prompting), although it frequently proves difficult to get their attention throughout our meal. Whilst the food is pretty unimpeachable, the buzzy vibe might not be to everyone’s taste; the grungy, street art-plastered interior is dimly-lit, noisy and thanks to its open-front windows, absolutely sweltering on a summer night – although perhaps that simply offers the ideal excuse to cool down with some of the restaurant’s signature Mexicaninspired cocktails or extensive tequila menu.