Amidst Hong Kong‘s vibrant dining and nightlife scene, the city has always been somewhat lacking in terms of Latin American offerings — until recently. Perhaps in answer to the clamoring for quality food and drink from the region, a number of sophisticated new places have opened over the last year alone, offering up everything from Mexican tacos to luxury mojitos.
This restaurant-and-bar’s obscure location — hidden down a little side lane in popular clubbing district Lan Kwai Fong — and no reservations policy elevate it to the height of trendiness, as both factors seem to be all the rage in the city right now. With plenty of exposed brick, murals and graffiti designs by local artists and wooden seating, Brickhouse’s rustic and casual vibe make it a great spot to chat with a group over shared small plates and cocktails. Food-wise, you’ll find everything Mexican, from tortillas to ceviche to cold salads to chips served with several kinds of daily-made salsas. Libations all have a distinctly Latin tinge, such as the Diabla, for instance, which is made with jalapeño vodka, raspberries, pomegranate and lemon.
Opened by dining mecca Concept Creations, Chicha is a Peruvian restaurant and bar backed by the Peruvian government and located on relatively calm Peel Street, which by day is home to bustling street markets. Its interior is dim and atmospheric, with long tables as well as a bar, and its location lends it a chilled out vibe. You’ll find plenty of seafood dishes here — think ceviche and tiraditos — created by executive chef Michael Van Warmelo after spending time in Lima to analyze Peruvian cuisine.
Havana Bar
This Cuban-themed bar is decorated with vintage signs and old-school, mosaic tiling. Its open-air terrace is a particular highlight, with a view of Lan Kwai Fong below, plenty of palm leaves and drummers and other performers playing live music there on certain evenings. Its drinks menu gets very creative with the rum — as you would expect — with several different versions of the classic mojito and daiquiri, including the Luxury Mojito made with champagne instead of soda. Various tasty small bites are available, too, though these draw on a mix of culinary backgrounds from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean. Its fourth floor location makes a nice respite from the crowds below, too.
With an open street-side front reminiscent of street eateries in Mexico City, and a grand restaurant-slash-nightclub behind its heavy front door, Socialito offers both casual dining — tacos are served at the street-side front — and eclectic nightlife. Opened by Buzz Concepts, Socialito’s interior decor features plenty of metal and wood, with a massive bar serving innovative, Latin-inspired creations at the back, and bottles and other trinkets lining the walls. Later in the evening, the restaurant converts into a club, complete with dimmed lights and live DJs. Bar manager Eric Stephenson pushes the envelope with his drinks, combining interesting ingredients such as jalapeño-infused tequila, lavender honey and lime and peach bitters to make the signature Sociarita. Food-wise, expect equally innovative recipes including wagyu or truffle tacos.
Photos Courtesy of Socialito, Havana Bar and Brickhouse
