New eats: Tapas on the terrace, an Italian-style brunch and the newest dumpling house in town

Hongkongers don’t need a reason to dine out, but the gorgeous summer weather certainly means we’ll be looking for more options outdoors with brilliant views of the skyline. From a sky-high brunch overlooking the city at Michelin-starred Tosca to nibbling on tapas on the spacious terrace at La Rambla by Catalunya, here are the best places to toast to the start of summer with a gourmet meal.

“La Dolce Vita” at Tosca

Newly launched in spring, Tosca’s “La Dolce Vita” (meaning “the sweet life”) promotion is all about celebrating the gourmet luxuries in life, from bottomless wine to sumptuous dishes made with premium Italian ingredients. Every Saturday afternoon, guests can dig into an extravagant 5-course wine lunch, starting with a reception at the Almas Caviar Bar to enjoy an appetising amuse-bouche paired with sips of Lombardian wines and insights from the hotel’s sommelier.

Move into the main dining room where Michelin-starred chef Pino Lavarra has created a delectable feast for the palate complete with live cooking stations, from creamy polenta made in a “paiolo” Italian-style heating pot, to risotto that’s been tossed in a giant Parmesan wheel for extra flavour and umami. For mains, choose from the meaty polenta and pork sausage ragout, a fragrant saffron risotto, or the hearty veal Milanese paired with crisp fries. Finally, head over to the interactive dessert station where pastry chef Rafael Charquero rounds out the afternoon with cooking demonstrations and an offering of delicate Italian-style pastries and desserts.

The “La Dolce Vita” lunch is available every Saturday from 12–2:30pm, priced at HK$828 per adult for 5-course wine pairing, HK$298 per child aged 3–12 years old. 

Tosca, 102/F, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, +852 2263 2270

Tapas on the terrace 

La Rambla by Catalunya is ringing in summer by throwing open the doors to their spacious terrace, and introducing a brand new Tapas Terrace menu. Stretch out your legs in the 5,000-sq.-ft. space as you soak in the sweeping harbour views and nibble on the tasty tapas selection, from suckling pig and foie gras sliders to roasted peppers and eggplant with smoked anchovies.

For a lighter option, dig into the surtido de montaditos or tuna and egg salad with creamy goat cheese, or satisfy meat cravings with the jamón croquettas and chorizo and padrón peppers served atop house-baked baguette. Wash it down with a selection of summer sippers, including the Botanical Summer Garden made with Botanist Gin, celery and cava; the Negrambla for negroni-lovers; and the Catalan Spritz which infuses gin with flower liquer, Aperol and bubbly cava. Want to extend the lazy summer afternoon? Continue nibbling with the Spanish Afternoon Tea priced at HK$240 per person, which includes bites of avocado lobster roll, pan de cristal con tomate and more.

La Rambla by Catalunya, 3071-73, 3/F, ifc Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2661 1161

Dumplings for days at Chifa

If you can’t go without your weekly dose of dumplings, head to Pirata Group‘s newest restaurant Chifa, which is now open on Peel Street in the heart of SoHo. Inspired by the cuisine evolved from the rush of 19th-century Chinese migrants to Peru, Chifa celebrates the coming together of two vibrant cultures and culinary histories, with complementary interiors designed by lauded firm Charlie & Rose. The casual vibe is propagated by a pared-back aesthetic of woven bamboo walls, clay dishware and earthy brick floors, with clusters of communal tables and an open kitchen bar for a front-row view of the dumpling masters at work.

At the core of the  menu are dumplings, with highlights from the vast and varied menu including the Juanito’s Green Dumplings (HK$70), made from an herbaceous chive-infused dough with prawn and shiitake mushrooms; and the Crystal Dumplings (HK$90) with two types of mushrooms enveloped in a bright beetroot jus. Choose from a variety of dipping sauces including zesty lime with spring onion, garlic and ginger. While dumplings are undoubtedly the main event, you can round out the meal with a selection of appetisers and mains including duck spring rolls, beef tongue baos, the lomo saltado with tender sliced beef seared in a wok, and lo mein noodles tossed with red apple and peanuts in a spicy Sichuan peppercorn-infused sauce.

Chifa is now open for dinner from Tues–Sun, with lunch starting soon. 

Chifa, G/F, 26 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2311 1815