Cha Bei, Photo Credit: Cha Bei
In ever-evolving Macau, the dining scene continues to thrive, and a new crop of restaurants is diversifying the offerings. Whether you crave modern Italian fine dining or casual vegan fare, check out these new spots.
Cha Bei
A new café at Galaxy Macau on the Cotai Strip, Cha Bei has stolen the hearts of local gourmands and travelers alike. Decked out in pretty pastels and eclectic décor, the flirty restaurant delivers on the details, from the botanical silk wallpaper to the Marcel Wanders tulip chairs, gold birdcages and curated collection of teaware.
At this dainty address, sip fresh green juices from winsome jars or dig into a Cha Bei salad, made with greens, quinoa and mango that’s topped with almonds and a coconut dressing.
The restaurant’s name means “tea cup” in Chinese and, as expected, a long list of premium loose-leaf teas spans traditional local varieties to detox, herbal and fruity variations.
At night, there’s a bar serving up creative tea-inspired cocktails (green tea mojito), as well as an all-day shop, selling gourmet chocolates, home items and chic accessories. It all comes together in a feminine yet contemporary aesthetic inspired by founder Joanna Lui’s world travels.
La Chine, Photo Credit: Venetian Cotai Limited
La Chine
Anchoring the Cotai Strip in Taipa, newly opened The Parisian Macao features a 531-foot-tall, half-size replica of the Eiffel Tower. But the elaborate addition isn’t just for show — inside the structure, you will find La Chine, one of Macau’s best new restaurants.
Perched on the sixth floor of the iconic re-creation, the French and Asian fine-dining spot is all about luxury and romance, offering a selection of European cuisine with a Chinese spin — picture crab tartare with garlic-vinegar dressing, pan-seared foie gras with red dates and caramelized pineapple tarte tatin with coconut ice cream.
North by Square Eight
Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star MGM Macau recently renovated its Square Eight restaurant, ushering in an imaginative new two-in-one concept. The more upscale of the two is North, a space designed with sky-high ceilings and oversized ceramic vases that’s evocative of an ancient Chinese courtyard residence.
As its name suggests, North specializes in traditional Chinese dishes from the northern and central regions of China, including Beijing, Sichuan, Hunan, Shandong and more. An open kitchen gives a first-hand look at the intricate art of noodle-making, while cozy booths and wooden tables provide a refined atmosphere.
The extensive menu traverses China’s vast culinary palate, but don’t miss signatures such as the Shaanxi flat noodles with garlic and chili, poached fish in Sichuan chili sauce, and hand-made pork meat and chive dumplings.
South by Square Eight
Just next door to North, the aptly named South restaurant embodies all things Cantonese. The café-style concept feels casual and contemporary with eye-catching work by Macanese artist Victor Marreiros and little nods to Guangdong history in every corner.
Look for hand-painted calligraphy behind the open kitchen and red beams across the ceiling that mimic bamboo scaffolding.
The kitchen is open round-the-clock, which means you can get your fix of roasted goose, stir-fried noodles, braised beef brisket, dim sum and seafood congee whenever the cravings strike.
Ristorante il Teatro, Photo Credit: Wynn Resorts Holdings
Ristorante il Teatro
The signature Italian eatery at Five-Star Wynn Macau just got a big makeover. Il Teatro recently debuted updated look and an all-new menu at the hand of chef de cuisine Nick Olivas.
The theatrical restaurant is known for its front-row seats of the Wynn’s glittering Performance Lake, where choreographed light and water shows entertain diners every 20 minutes.
While the Macau restaurant retains its Italian heritage, there’s a more modern feel now, especially on the menu that features innovative takes on the classics — think tiramisu with cognac VSOP, Tahiti vanilla ice cream with warm apple fritters and a special four-cheese ravioli recipe that took 10 years to perfect.
Blissful Carrot
Macau’s health and wellness scene is just starting to sprout, led by healthy new eateries such as the Blissful Carrot. This cozy spot in Taipa is a no-frills café dishing out vegan rice bowls, breakfast burritos, vegetarian sandwiches, nutrient-packed smoothies, cold-pressed juices and surprisingly delicious vegan cakes and cupcakes.
Helmed by an American couple, Aaron and Marisa Randles, the place takes sustainability seriously, serving smoothies in biodegradable containers accompanied by bamboo straws to reduce waste. Blissful Carrot sources many ingredients locally, works with organic farms, and plucks herbs and fruits from its own garden.
AJI
MGM is gearing up to open its massive MGM Cotai resort this spring. This new attraction will be more than twice the size of its sister property, the Five-Star MGM Macau. The hotel aims to be a gastronomic destination with highly anticipated restaurants such as AJI on the menu.
The establishment will be led by Peruvian-born Japanese chef Mitsuharu Tsumura, who is best known for his celebrated restaurant Maido in Lima, Peru.
Complete with a pisco bar, hibachi grill and ceviche bar, AJI will specialize in Nikkei cuisine — using Peruvian ingredients but Japanese techniques for a fresh dining experience that will be the first of its kind in Macau.
