Born out of sea and sun, Mediterranean fare is something we tend to crave especially in summer.
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Inspired by the Mediterranean's three major culinary traditions of France, Spain and Italy, industry veteran Erik Kirakozov and Spanish chef Antoni Bernabeu present Basin. "The Mediterranean diet varies by country so it has a range of definitions but, in general, it is high in fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, grains, fish and unsaturated fats," said Bernabau. "Most people are not aware of how much better their favorite items taste when they are prepared with the freshest ingredients and made with love."
Its soft opening menu (HK$700) offers a taste of the Mediterranean. A refreshing akami crudo starter is contrasted against a strong-flavored smoked eggplant.
A good choice for mains is the black angus tagliata, which offers just the right amount of fattiness to go with the pisto and potato millefeuille. For a palate-cleansing dessert, look to the chocolate mousse and roasted Romeo peach.
The Bayside, as its name implies, brings flavors from the coastal regions of Spain, Italy, France and Greece.
Brunch is a buffet-style spread of antipasto (HK$248) packed with charcuterie, soups, salad, cheese, pizza and homemade desserts. Those ordering a la carte can enjoy dishes such as Kyoto cod (HK$298), King Lobster (HK$528) featuring a full Boston lobster, and Mary Had a Little Lamb (HK$318), three lamb chops infused with thyme and rosemary jus.
There is no better place to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine than by the sea. At its pet-friendly space at Kennedy Town, Breeze Bistro's head chef, Chris Gill, offers guests more dining experiences in the neighborhood.
The Sicilian caponata (HK$90) is a rustic dish of chopped eggplant, vine tomatoes, olives and onions, served with a side of toast. Heartier mains include the lobster linguine (HK$280), featuring Maine lobster, New Zealand lamb shank (HK$280) braised for 12 hours for a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and whole grilled sea bass (HK$360).
Not all Mediterranean restaurants offer a medley of cuisines - there are also chefs who cater to those with more specific tastes in the region. Fireside, helmed by Spanish chef Miguel Gallo, launches its new lunch set menu on top of its a la carte menu, available from 12 to 3pm.
Guests can select one starter from a wide selection of dishes, such as wild Brittany red mullet with yaki-shiro, yuzu ponzu, garlic and parsley oil. For mains, you can't go wrong with the carabinero, almond-wood fire-cooked bomba rice (HK$498) or Australian Blackmore wagyu (HK$698).
At Salisterra, executive chef Cary Docherty presents a seasonal a la carte menu focusing on the flavors from the South of France and Italy. Guests can enjoy freshly shucked oysters from six different regions of France and Japan (from HK$240). Further indulge in sustainable seafood with the Plateau de Fruits de Mer (HK$1,198), featuring a selection of raw, cooked and marinated seafood.
Another must try is the cappelletti (HK$428), with lobster, salmon and scallop cappelletti, or whole pan-fried Dover sole for two (HK$1,288). Guests who need their meat can order the ribeye on the bone for two (HK$1,388).
Despite not being on the Mediterranean coastline, Portugal is considered part of the region. One place famous for Portuguese delicacies in Hong Kong is Casa Lisboa Gastronomia Portuguese. In celebration of its anniversary, it is offering guests a 13th anniversary six-course authentic Portuguese menu until August 31 (HK$488).
Main courses include marinated sea bass served with razor clams, crispy zucchini and a Murganheira sauce inspired by a Portuguese lemon cream sauce and meatier dishes such as slow-roasted suckling pig Bairrada style. Seafood fans should consider adding HK$58 for the red prawns and spicy-crab juicy rice.
