SoHo East in Sai Wan Ho offers what Central and Wan Chai probably wish they could - a laid-back atmosphere with alfresco dining, available seats, good service and a harbourfront location.
You can practically feel the holiday atmosphere in the restaurants, many of which look out over a tree-lined avenue and across the harbour to Tseung Kwan O and Kwun Tong.
No wonder this cosy eastern enclave, in the northeastern corner of Sai Wan Ho and backing on to residential development Lei King Wan, attracts the city's Japanese and Korean expat communities, according to Tapeo's executive chef, Michael van Warmelo. The Spanish tapas restaurant, which also has an outlet in Central, has become one of SoHo East's most popular establishments since it opened nearly two years ago.
'In addition to Japanese and Korean expats - many of whom live in Sai Wan Ho or nearby Tai Koo - SoHo East is also a popular destination for Stanley and Sai Kung residents, as they usually have cars and can make the trip over here easily,' says Van Warmelo.
Start your sojourn with some European-inspired cuisine at Uncle Moustache (GC24-26, 35 Tai Hong Street, tel: 29676764), one of the best-known restaurants in the area. With a name inspired by owner Stephen Shum Hoi-kin's imposing facial hair, the restaurant is located just behind the waterfront, and on busy nights a pianist entertains diners underneath the grand oak wine barrel lids that adorn the wall. Diners can choose from five set lunches or dinners, with mains such as baked black cod with champagne beurre blanc (HK$260) and grilled Australian premium wagyu beef (HK$350), while executive lunches include English-style fish and chips (HK$88) and goose liver p?t? chicken roll (HK$88). Next door is a wine shop owned by the restaurant where you can pick up New World wines such as Merryvale Napa Valley 2003 (HK$470) and elegant wine accessories such as Vinum Burgundy and Bordeaux glasses (HK$260 each).
