Arbor combines exceptional interior design with beautifully crafted seasonal dishes to become a modern classic in Hong Kong.
There are some absolutely sublime fine dining restaurants in Hong Kong that I just love to visit. Shane Osborne’s Arcane always makes me swoon, while Le Pan never fails to put a smile on my face, and you have to try Arbor. Located in H Queen’s, Central, this beautifully designed restaurant hits all the right notes.
Arbor in H Queen’s
H Queen’s is a building that was designed by local architect William Lim as a home for art; somewhere to bring culture and visual mediums closer to the people. Featuring the feminine-styles of VIVE Cake Boutique on the ground level and Ecriture on the 26th floor, the building is also home to Arbor.
Helmed by Chef Eric Räty, formerly at Cafe Gray Deluxe in The Upper House, the interior itself is a reason to make a booking right now. Design fans will surely know the studio behind the project, and signature Yabu Pushelberg elements can be found throughout the space, from the “high-humble” aesthetic to the bespoke furniture, all helping subtly allude to the forest.
Executed in what I am informed is millenial pink – though I would actually refer to as more of a subdued terracotta – the dining room is a breath of fresh air amid the heart of the city, and those views of the surrounds are an added bonus.
Let’s talk about that food (and why I’m obsessed)
Like most chefs these days, Räty is keeping the menu seasonal so that every time you go and try the set menu, you will get to sample something new. That also means that the flavour of each ingredient will be at its most delectable, and I can tell you, the team at Arbor have their flavours on point.
My absolute favourite, knocked-it-out-of-the-ballpark, I-may-hurt-someone-for-another-serving dish was the Icelandic langoustine. Cooked on a charcoal grill, this succulent delight was accompanied by Japanese fruit tomatoes, candied kombu and a beautifully simple yet invigorating tomato consomme jelly.
Another highlight were the delicious Uni morsels that started our meal, served with sea buckthorn berry and wasabi on a homemade rice crisp; a little bit of heaven.
OK, so I said that the langoustine was my absolute favourite, but actually this creative dessert may have pipped it at the post for a place in my heart. A delicious quenelle of soy milk ice cream atop salted duck yolk and white chocolate with black beans coated in Kowloon soy sauce and dried soy bean sheets? Who would come up with such a party in your mouth? Honestly, it’s a shame you can’t order à la carte at Arbor, as I would be there all the time.
Thankfully though, they are open for lunch (starting from $468 for 4-course set menu), brunch, and dinner (starting from $1488 for 9-course set menu), with a selection of set menus, and they can cater to various dietary needs too.
If this was truly my final meal, I’d go out a really happy gal.
Arbor, 25/F, H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 3185 8388, 中環皇后大道中80號H Queen’s 25樓
