Best Power Lunches in Hong Kong
Want to impress a potential client or ink that mega-million dollar deal? There’s nothing like doing business over scallops or steaks. We round up the best places to go for a power lunch in Hong Kong.
Legendary and iconic, the Mandarin Grill & Bar located in the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong is a bastion of culinary history and tradition in the fast-paced and ever-evolving Special Administrative Region and former British colony. If you could count the number of mega deals that have been brokered in this Terence Conran designed grill room, it would fill the entire Statue Square and Chater Gardens to the hilt which, coincidentally, is the view from its light infusing windows. Considered an institution and well patronised, the Mandarin Grill packs a powerful lunch time crowd with Chinese tycoons and British Taipans and this pin-striped and brocaded clientele may appear to dominate but well-heeled tai tais complete in Chanel outfits also add a softer touch to this high-powered place.
1st Floor, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
5 Connaught Road, Central
Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2825 4004
FOOD: 4.5/5
AMBIANCE: 4/5
SERVICE: 4.5/5
TOILETS: 4/5
POWER TIP: Don’t laugh too loud because this high-brow place frowns upon any uncouth behaviour.
If it’s good food and a great view you are after, then Caprice at the Four Seasons Hotel fits the bill precisely. There’s nothing to complain about when you are negotiating a rights issue with your banker while looking out at a multimillion dollar view. But the vista of one ofthe world’s busiest harbours merely rivals the plush and glamorous setting of Caprice, complete with crystal chandeliers suspended above, which pay homage to its Chinese location. Aptly located on Finance Street and as part of the International Finance Centre (IFC) complex, Caprice has the advantage of being in the heart of the banking and finance district in Central, Hong Kong. Thus to say it’s one of the best places to indulge in a power lunch would be superfluous. Confit Red Label Salmon, Dill Jelly, Leek Roll and Kristal Caviar as an appetizer and Pollack Fish, Grenobloise Style with Salsify as the mains is a light and welcoming choice for those who need to rush back to their offices. An enviable selection of Bordeauxs and Burgundies plus artisanal French cheeses makes this place an expense account staple.
6th Floor, Four Seasons Hong Kong
8 Finance Street, Central
Hong Kong
Tel: +852 3196 8860
FOOD: 4/5
SERVICE: 4/5
AMBIANCE: 4.5/5
TOILETS: 4.5/5
POWER TIP: The open kitchen allows you to spy on the techniques of the chef… but don’t for a minute think you can recreate the same dishes at home.
THE CHINA CLUB
Whether you are bent on floating that underrated company or are submitting a takeover bid, nothing earns kudos more than boasting a membership at The China Club. Filled with contemporary Chinese art and with decorating flourishes which remind patrons and members of its late founder, Sir David Tang’s eclectic taste, the China Club is the place to see and be seen in post-handover Hong Kong. Located on the top three floors of the old Bank of China building, itself an Art Deco architectural gem in the heart of Central, Hong Kong, the China Club prides itself on its exceptional service and its Hong Kong-style Chinese fare. Atmospheric and buzzing with chatter, the decor pays tribute to 30s Shanghai. Paying a visit to the bathrooms is like stepping into a time machine, complete with vintage-inspired toiletries, albeit one with mod cons.
13th Floor, The Old Bank of China Building
Bank Street, Central
Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2521 8888
FOOD: 3.5/5
SERVICE: 4/5
AMBIANCE: 4/5
TOILETS: 4/5
POWER TIP: It may look old, but it’s actually quite new (it opened in 1991) which means this club welcomes riche both nouveau and vieux.
Related: Best Power Lunches in Singapore
