An American architect’s favourite Hong Kong restaurants – from Greek comfort food to contemporary Balinese
When long-time Hong Kong resident J Lee Rofkind is not busy running her firm Buz Design, she is out exploring the city’s vast culinary delights. Here are her picks of places to dine around town
I grew up in Chicago when the restaurant scene started taking off with unique and creative decor and menus, so I’ve been a food explorer for a long time.
Isola (Shop 2075, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, tel: 2383 8765) was my go to place with visitors when [in their original location] they had a wonderful terrace overlooking the harbour. I still go there for a pizza after a film, but my new favourite Italian is Pirata (29/F-30/F, 239 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, tel: 2887 0270).
It’s in a nondescript building but upstairs is eclectic and cosy, with a sparkly view and great Italian home cooking. It’s best to go with people and share dishes like bruschetta, orecchiette with sausage, truffle risotto, and grilled flank steak.
I love the softshell tacos, margaritas and watermelon salad at Brickhouse (20A D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, tel: 2810 0560). It has a funky Mexican garage party atmosphere. If it’s busy (they don’t take reservations) then I will go to Mrs. Pound (6 Pound Lane, Sheung Wan, tel: 3426 3949). I love its secret entry – which just changed but I’m not giving away any clues – the neon sign and the ever-changing menu. The food is made up of nibbly Southeast Asian delights, and they serve great cocktails, too.
