French Cuisine Takes on Hong Kong

Food lovers in Hong Kong now have three new restaurants helmed by Michelin star-studded French chefs to enjoy.

Pierre
With a décor dominated by a sombre-coloured palette of charcoal, burnt cherry and midnight blues (above), the focus of this contemporary French restaurant is definitely on the food designed by legendary Parisian chef Pierre Gagnaire and executed by his protégé Philippe Orrico. Many dishes come in threes, such as ‘Le Saint-Pierre' – a fillet of john dory pan-fried in a spicy butter; spinach cream ‘aligot' and fillet of haddock, and chopped rocket salad. Where: Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road, Central; www.mandarinoriental.com/hongkong

Spoon by Alain Ducasse
Take the custom-designed cuisine of another Michelin-star chef Alain Ducasse, add a view of Victoria Harbour and stylish surroundings including 550 hand-blown Venetian Mercury glass spoons hanging from the ceiling (left) and you get one of Hong Kong's most sought-after restaurants. Dishes are divided into ''Original'' and ''Classic Touch'' with the former offering a modern twist on the classical French approach (gratinated Tiger prawns, vegetable nem and ‘Satini-coco' sauce) and the latter with more classic favourites like Bresse chicken breast, asparagus and morel. Where: InterContinental Hong Kong, Salisbury Rd; www.hongkong-ic.intercontinental.com

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon
The open kitchen, rimmed with a dark wood counter top and sexy, red counter seats (below), lets diners to watch their favoured dish being prepared while interacting with the staff. The ambience is informal, but the modern haute cuisine, designed by the three-star chef is impeccable. Where: Shop 401, 4/F, The Landmark, Central Hong Kong; www.joel-robuchon.com/