Why slave away at the kitchen this Christmas with so many festive dine-out options available? Here are our top picks of the best Christmas Day meals in town.
La Rambla
ifc’s newest Catalan restaurant, with its stunning view of Victoria Harbour, is currently a hidden gem on the third floor, tucked away unassumingly by Lane Crawford. However, once you get past the subtly gilded entrance, the place opens up to a vast space and terrace flooded with natural light. On 24 and 25 December, the Spanish establishment lays out an elaborate spread of Iberian favourites for its Christmas Brunch Buffet. The affair is hosted by none other than Father Christmas, featuring the famous Segovian suckling pig, paellas, tapas and a wide selection of oysters from France, Spain, Ireland and the US. Pastry Chef Valerie Zuniga outdoes herself on the dessert section, so save room for that. Children under 3 eat for free; for 3 to 9 years old, it’s HK$320 a head; adults are HK$780 plus HK$320 for free flow options of red wine and champagne.
La Rambla. 3071-73 level 3, ifc mall, Central. 2661 1161
Olé
The months running from November to February mark hunting season in Spain, and in many a pastoral home, it wouldn’t be uncommon to find heart-warming dishes of venison, wild boar, red dear and pheasant. From now until 28 February 2018, Olé – Hong Kong’s most established Spanish restaurant now on its 19th year – presents a winter menu celebrating the rustic cooking associated with the season. Its themed dishes include the rich Red Deer Hunters Stew (HK$280), the shredded Wild Boar “Civet” Raviolis (HK$260) and hefty Wild Duck “Challandaise” Breast with Sweet Potato, Figs & Port Wine Reduction (HK$360). The menu’s meats have been personally secured by Spanish Executive Chef Jesus Pascual, hence the opportunity to try dishes like Wild Pheasant with Truffle (HK$390) and Quail Legs Stew (HK$180) – they’re sure to warm you up on a cold day.
Olé. 1/F, Shun Ho Tower, 24-30 Ice House Street, Central. 2523 8624
Gaucho
Presenting a decadent Christmas extravaganza, London-born Argentinean restaurant Gaucho brings a classic Argentinean twist to your favourite foods this winter. Soak in the Yuletide spirit with special dishes and drinks, including Beef Wellington, Ancho (Argentinean beef), Candied Apples, Gingerbread Sour and more. Don’t miss the Slow-Braised Lamb Shank that takes over four hours to prepare! Brunch packages start from HK$518 for food only and goes up to HK$768 on adding Veuve Cliquot and cocktails.
Gaucho. 5th Floor, LHT Tower, 31 Queen’s Road, Central. 2386 8090
Jinjuu
If you’re tired of traditional Christmas fare, why not head to modern Korean hotspot Jinjuu? Run by head chef Judy Loo, this restaurant is already well known for its inventive fusion flavours. The Christmas Day menu continues this trend, featuring interesting reinterpretations of usual culinary suspects such as the Jinjuu Korean Crispy Fried Turkey, Gochujang Honey-roasted Iberico Pork Belly and Minced Pie Mandoo dumplings. Unexpected combinations also appear, from ssamjong wonton in the Creamy Pumpkin Soup to yuzu cream and green tea sugar in the Yule Log. Jinjuu’s seven-course Christmas Day menu is priced at HK$668 per person.
Jinjuu. UG/F, 32 D’Aguilar Street, California Tower, Central. 3755 4868
Amber
Voted one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, French fine dining restaurant Amber serves a memorable meal every time. But two Michelin-starred chef Richard Ekkebus is going one step further for Christmas, foregoing traditional courses like turkey and ham in his quest to push the boundaries of gastronomic innovation. Diverging from his usual repertoire, Ekkebus has introduced strong Asian flavours for the five-course affair. Case in point, his main course – Challans Female Duck brushed with hyuganatsu marmalade, Japanese whiskey and miso. While the menu may not suit those looking for a generic Christmas dining experience, it promises to be a true treat for epicurean adventurers. Amber’s five-course Christmas Day lunch menu is HK$1,388 per person.
Amber. 7/F, Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen’s Road, Central. 2132 0066