Hong Kong’s ifc mall dining guide: What to eat at the Central shopping complex

Japanese restaurant Hikiniku To Come has made a name for serving only one dish: minced meat and rice. But it’s so popular on its home turf that the restaurant also became notorious for its difficult-to-book ticket-based reservation system. That popularity (and notoriety) extends to its first branch in Hong Kong. If you’re one of the lucky few to get a table, the wait is worth it all. It’s all down to the 100 per cent ground Japanese beef made every morning and then grilled over charcoal right in front of you. A simple dish but one that packs a punch. 

Since there’s only one item on the menu, that’s all we’ll be able to recommend. But you still have fun with it by mixing and matching from the whole range of condiments and sides. Some of these include garlic flakes, grated wasabi, pickles, and chilli powder. Plus, the meal comes with one fresh, raw egg to pair with the grilled burgers. Oh, then there’s the miso soup too.

CaN LaH gives a modern twist on Singaporean and Malaysian dishes under the expert hands of chef Zhang Wei Zhong who boasts over 30 years of experience under his belt. The dishes here are creative but are also packed with rich Singaporean and Malaysian flavours. To maintain the true essence of each cuisine, most ingredients and secret sauces are locally sourced from Singapore and Malaysia. Plus, the minimal and elegant decor is reminiscent of a Southeast Asian resort, complete with an outdoor space that boasts a stunning view of Victoria Harbour.

When it comes to the menu, the Baked Seremban Crab stands out, paying tribute to the iconic dish from Seremban, Malaysia. It features meticulously selected and freshly caught crabs, slow-cooked to achieve tender perfection. It has a unique sauce—a perfect blend of orange juice, evaporated milk, and chilli to bring out the crab’s natural flavours. Equally noteworthy is the Fried Tofu with Minced Pork and Choy Sum, a homage to the home-style comfort foods of Singapore and Malaysia.

There are quite a few things to love about Chinesology. First and foremost, the way it showcases the depth and complexity of Chinese cuisine and honouring authentic Chinese recipes. Then, there’s the breathtaking view of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline. The restaurant’s name 唐述 (Táng Shù) recalls the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty and reflects its mission to highlight the rich tapestry of Chinese culinary heritage. Chef Saito Chau brings this philosophy to life. At Chinesology, you can expect intricate dim sum, innovative main dishes, and exceptional Chinese-inspired cocktails. The dramatic backdrop of Victoria Harbour adds to the experience as well as the interiors that draw inspiration from the grand Chinese mansions of the bygone era.

For the food, we guarantee that pretty much anything they have is exquisite. But if you really can’t decide then, go for chef Chau’s culinary masterpiece: Goose Supreme Soya. It’s perfect for sharing up to 12 people and has a meticulous preparation process that lasts four days. The dish is inspired by the renowned Nanjiang Salted Duck recipe, where the team marinates Chozhou’s native lion-head goose for 24 hours. Then, it is air-dried for 12 hours and slow-cooked for six hours in traditional Cantonese-style marinade. The result is simply amazing. You’ll have to try it to find out.

Cuisine Cuisine is simply Cantonese cuisine at its finest. After all, you have master chefs who have expert knowledge of the 36 cooking methods in Chinese cuisine. So, for a genuine Cantonese dining experience, it can’t get any better than this. Its location in ifc also elevates the dining experience to a more elegant, classier atmosphere. With a double-height ceiling and huge glass windows to boot, you have a front-row view of Hong Kong’s skyline. In fact, the restaurant offers a great vantage point for the daily Symphony of Lights show.

On what to order, we recommend the Suckling Pig with Foie Gras and Crispy Rice to whet your appetite. You also can’t go wrong with Braised Dried Abalone, a classic favourite. The Baked Crab Shell Stuffed with Imperial Bird’s Nest and Crab Meat is also a restaurant signature. For larger dishes, go for the Stewed Duck with Dried Mandarin Peel. Its homemade soy sauce seals the deal.

Pizza is never a bad idea. But it’s even better when it’s from Napoli, or inspired by it as it’s the birthplace of pizza. Enter Falcone, which brings to life the chaos and beauty of Napoli. The 70-seat restaurant is designed by Melissa Collison, who is also behind Black Sheep Restaurant’s other ventures namely Grand Majestic Sichuan and Rajasthan Rifles. To replicate the allure of the city, the space features a clash of colours and textures complete with peek-a-boo arches for the kitchen.

The menu is uncomplicated, exploring the culinary traditions of the Campania region, mainly the neo-Neapolitan style of pizza and pasta. Heading the kitchen is chef Roberta, a trained pizzaiola who knows the ins and outs of the best culinary cities. The pizza is made using a 1500-kilogram custom-made Pavesi brick oven. While pizza is undoubtedly the highlight, the menu also focuses on the abundance of Napoli’s seafood with options like Linguine Alle Vongole (clams sauteed with white wine and linguine) and Gamberi al Forno (oven-baked soft shell prawns).

No list of best al fresco dining is complete without La Rambla by Catalunya. While that is the restaurant’s main draw, there are also plenty of other things to love about this place. The interiors draw inspiration from the bustling boulevard of the same name in Barcelona. Think velvet green booths and rattan chairs with a chic outdoor terrace. What you get is sweeping views of Victoria Harbour and a perfect space for lazy afternoons, sunset cocktails, and energetic evenings. 

Leading the kitchen is Netflix celebrity chef Rafa Gil, who takes diners on a culinary journey across Catalan. Expect the bold flavours of the region with added fluences from Asia. Must-have dishes include the Traditional Suckling Pig, which is known for its crunchy skin, Grilled Spanish Seabass, and Avocado Lobster Roll. Don’t forget to order a drink or two as well.

Nothing beats Japanese comfort food. And we love Kometaki—nothing fancy, only simple but comforting. The Japanese restaurant is known for its Japanese curry omelette rice, made with A-grade rice and eggs. The dry-aged beef is also a great addition. Kometaki is great for a quick lunch or afternoon tea, as well as happy hour. They also have sake and special drinks. But the vibe is casual, and the no-fuss menu certainly makes for an even better experience.

Make sure to try the Japanese Curry Omelette Rice with Grilled Angus Sirloin Steak. If curry is too flavourful for you, the Grilled Premium Angus Hanger Steak Donburi is a worthy alternative. When dining in a group, we also recommend getting the skewers and ending with the Green Tea Waffle.

To taste the finest Iberico hams, look no further than Para Negra House. What started as a gourmet retailer and food distributor quickly became a leading Spanish food specialist. The unique Iberico hams are all the rage here but the premium cold cuts and cheeses favouring artisanal producers are also well worth a try. Their delicatessen and Iberico bar are a great option for breakfast and snacking with healthy Mediterranean offerings and staples of Spanish cuisine. Make sure to dig into dishes such as cold gazpacho and their famous Jamon Bocadillo Sandwich.

Those well-reversed in the culinary scene know of chef Ken Lau’s experience in other harbourside restaurants such as Pano and Palco. Now, he’s leading Pleka, a modern Italian restaurant in ifc with the concept of ‘Chef’s Table’ where guests can see the cooking process right in front of them. The restaurant’s interior is minimalist at best, accentuating the elegant dining experience with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a fantastic sea view.

The menu here takes inspiration from chef Lau’s travels around the world. We recommend just going for the eight-course tasting menu to try a bit of everything. It starts with an amuse-bouche and has seafood, handmade pasta, meat and dessert. If you have dietary restrictions, the culinary team is more than happy to customise the dishes too. Some of the standout dishes include the Sicilian Red Prawn Tartare with Caviar and Celeriac Puree, the Squid Spaghetti with Hokkaido Sea Urchin, and the Slow-cooked French Baby Pigeon with Black Truffle and Red Wine Sauce.

The Rome outpost of Sabatini Ristorante Italiano has been operating since 1958 and its legacy extends to Hong Kong with its branch in The Royal Garden. And most recently, the Italian restaurant set up shop in ifc to bring Italian culinary excellence to Hong Kong Island dwellers. At the helm is chef Marco Antonio Li Voti who brings his expertise working in Hong Kong and his mastery of Italian cuisine. 

The ifc space has five zones including the reception (Aperture), the bar and lounge area (Atrium), Vista Mare Galleria (main dining area), and the Discovery Corner (cold room). All around, guests can admire the intimate Roman details from the semi-barrel vault ceilings to the buttresses and the terracotta and timber flooring. For the menu, make sure to try the Classic Plin ravioli served with veal jus and spinach or the Dry Marinated Wagyu Beef with horseradish mayonnaise and wild rocket served with herbs. You also can’t go wrong with the Pan-fried Dover Fillet Sole in pinot grigio sauce with green asparagus.

Opening as early as 7:30 am, Chapter is ready to serve early risers getting ready for the day. And to those on the hunt for post-work food or tipples, Chapter is available. Besides, the casual all-day restaurant consists of a dining hall, a bar corner, and a bakery counter all ready for whatever you’re looking for. While the highlight is European cuisine, you’ll also find a range of pastries, artisanal sandwiches, and healthy quick bites. For more hearty options, there’s also handmade pasta and juicy steaks to choose from. Need a drink? Order from the selection of wine, beer, and cocktails at the bar corner.