The year is almost over, and as we breathe a collective sigh of relief, we look at where you might want to welcome 2021 in style. These are Hong Kong’s top New Year’s Eve celebrations.
So it’s been a turbulent year for many of us, one of change, to routine, to livelihood, for some even to where they call home. While there’s plenty we would sooner forget about 2020, there’s still the hope of the year ahead, the promise of stability and normality, at some point.
Of course, as we approach the end of the year, there’s also uncertainty in Hong Kong over whether New Year’s will even be something we can celebrate with more than one person. Current dining restrictions are slated to end just before Christmas but there are already whispers about extending them until New Year’s Day, in which case all you can do is sure your home fridge is packed with champagne.
However, we at ALPHA MEN ASIA like to think positively, so we’ve assembled a selection of our favourite New Year’s Eve menus and bashes, ranging from the casual-cool to the elegant and refined, so raise a toast, support local restaurants, and make 2021 a year to remember from the very first day.
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Harbourside Grill
For one of the most spectacular settings in Hong Kong, celebrate the start of a new year at Harbourside Grill with acclaimed executive chef Armand Sablon’s New Year’s Eve five-course tasting menu (HK$788++ per person plus HK$488 per person for wine pairing) this December 31st. Guests will first be welcomed with Fine de Claire oysters with champagne granita, and smoked salmon tart with Ikura, followed by foie gras terrine with fig and cherry compote, served with sourdough. Mains include Scottish beef fillet served with cep mushrooms and celeriac purée with a truffle sauce; and poached native lobster and razor clams with celeriac purée and sea urchin sauce; with apple Tarte Tatin with caramel sauce and crème fraiche to finish. The restaurant’s expansive terrace also promises to be an elegant setting from which to greet 2021.
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DiVino Wine Bar & Restaurant
New Year’s Eve is always an exceptional time to celebrate and each year DiVino pulls out all the stops, and this December 31 will be no different. Bidding farewell to 2020 will be a ‘HAVANA’ themed evening, with a selection of rum-based cocktails on offer, including rare Cuba Libre and Mojito recipes, as well as chef Ignazio’s Aperitivo ceviches from 6 pm – 8 pm. For those wanting a meal from Havana, the four-course gastronomic adventure (HK$688++ per person) begins with Mojito-cured salmon and Oscietra caviar with blinis, followed by a canaroli risotto with rum and avocado; and a choice of Glacier 51 cod fillet or Thomas Farm beef tenderloin medallion, served for the mains. After 9:30 pm, the DJ kicks off with some countdown tunes to get revelers into the Cuban party mood.
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Four Seasons
If you’re looking for an elegant kick-off to your celebrations, make for the Four Seasons and The Lounge, which is presenting an eight-course New Year’s Eve menu (HK$2,888++ per person) laced with the likes of Tsarskaya oysters, blue lobster ravioli, and grilled Japanese beef tenderloin.
In addition, Caprice Bar will host a special caviar and champagne celebration for New Year’s Eve, with music from DJ Helen Ting, a spectacular wine and cheese selection, and world-class views over the harbour. Just be aware of the HK$10,000 minimum spend per table.
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ALTO
Celebrate the New Year high up with ALTO’s New Year’s Eve dinner menu (Dec 31, HK$788++ per person). Guests can enjoy dishes like crispy duck leg with chicory, glazed peaches, pecan, and sweet dressing; Hokkaido scallops with white wine butter sauce and caviar; classic Steak Diane with chive mashed potatoes; half lobster with smoked shiso butter and salt-baked potatoes; and Beef Wellington with peppercorn sauce and mashed potatoes.
ALTO’s spacious rooftop is also the place to go for a classy end to this challenging year, with an extravagant black and gold-themed soiree (HK$260++ per person) to ring in the New Year in style. Tickets include one drink, with options of red, white, or sparkling wine, beer, spirits, juices, and soft drinks.
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Honjo
Welcome in the new year with a touch of Japan at Honjo, which will be presenting a New Year’s Eve dinner (Dec 31, 6 pm – 8 pm & 8 pm – onwards, from HK$880++ per person) that will include a showcase of modern Japanese cuisine with multicultural influences. Highlights include Kani Salad of king and snow crab kohlrabi confit; Hamachi served with ikura, watermelon radish, and ginger ponzu; Wagyu Tataki with chorizo oil and crispy quinoa; and Japanese Wagyu Tenderloin. Menus will also feature a deluxe Sashimi Selection featuring premium seasonal seafood bounty and freshly shucked Scottish Oysters before guests finish with dessert and wine from Honjo’s 200-bottle-deep cellar.
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Bedu
Ringing in 2021 in style, modern Middle Eastern restaurant Bedu is hosting an impressive five (HK$500) or seven (HK$720) course feast on December 31. The menu selection of celebratory mains includes raw beef kafta (tartare-style), a fresh take on a traditional dish shaved salted duck egg and toasted Levant bread; and Egyptian spiced drunken pigeon served with whipped fish roe and a rustic Bedouin coleslaw. The crab millefeuille innovatively balances flavour and texture with a crab salad, crispy filo, and fragrant zhoug jelly, while the Turkish Delight will steal the show with its irresistible flavours of chocolate mousse, rose marshmallow, and honeycomb.
For an extra jolly good time, guests can upgrade their à la carte dinner or set meals with 90 minutes of festive free flow (HK$200), including a selection of Bedu’s very best bubbles and more.
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Bouchon
Head to Soho bistro Bouchon for an intimate New Year’s Eve dinner celebration (Dec 31; HK$498 ++ per person) to enjoy dishes like faux gras, chicken liver parfait with dried French plums, haricots verts salad, and black truffles, served with toasted brioche; confit de canard with crispy duck leg with fava beans, spring onion, morel mushrooms, and duck jus; braised beef cheeks with chive-whipped potato, swiss chard, and crisp leek; and chocolate mousse with sea salt caramel. You’ll finish up in the heart of Soho in time for the countdown.
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Rajasthan Rifles
Overlook the bright lights of the city as you dine atop The Peak and wave cheerio to 2020. In the finest military fashion, the Mess Hall will serve guests a curated Swingin’ 40s menu (HK$1,588++ per person including free-flow wines, beer, gin & tonics, and Pimm’s Cups) of Anglo-Indian fare as the swingin’ live band sets the mood for the countdown to salute the New Year in style.
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Chaiwala
Chaiwala will also be putting on a New Year’s feast (December 31, 6 pm – 8 pm & 8 pm – onwards, from HK$680++ per person) that will be packed with South Asian flavour. Look out for delectable Indian snacks and appetisers like Pani Puri with Jal-Jeera, Rara kheema pav “Bombay bun”, and Malabar Scallops, as well as mouth-watering Kerala fish curry, Old Delhi Butter Chicken, and Tangara Chili Paneer. These are followed by smoky, charcoal-grilled meats and vegetables fresh off the Tandoori and finished with a selection of Bollywood desserts to treat the sweet tooth of all who have gathered before the festive dancing begins.
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Hotal Colombo
Gather your bruthas and sistas and ring in the New Year with a family feast celebrating crab at Hotal Colombo. This generous menu (HK$728++ per person inclusive of free-flow house wines and beer) features your choice of succulent mud crab (one per person) accompanied by unlimited sides to help soak up all that flavour. Live that Colombo dream, Machan, and let Chef Gizzy whip up a feast you are sure to remember while the team keeps the drinks flowing all the way into 2021.
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Monsoon
Welcome in the New Year with the flavours of Southeast Asia at Monsoon, located at ELEMENTS Mall, which will present a wallet-friendly New Year’s Eve dinner (Dec 31, HK$388++ per person) that includes salmon betel leaf with lemongrass, green tomato, and chili jam; grilled baby pork ribs with sambal Oelek; stir-fried beef with onion, sugar snap, and asparagus, with black pepper sauce; lemongrass panna cotta with lemon granita; and black sticky rice with mango ice cream. Top up with a free-flow package (HK$168++ per person), which includes red, white and sparkling wine, house spirits, beer, a choice of special cocktails, soft drinks, and juice selection, to celebrate in style.
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Landmark Mandarin Oriental
Amber is the place to be seen this New Year’s Eve, with both four-course early dinner and eight-course dinner (Hk$3,288++ per person including a glass of Dom Perignon Vintage 2010) options. Exciting festive dishes range from Ebisu with Granny Smith apple, coconut, and Daurenki Tsar Imperial caviar; and Kinemedai with edamame, wakame, Shikanoshima clams, sake, and phytoplankton; to dry-aged Galician beef sirloin with bone marrow, Passe Crassan pear, spelt, and black trumpet mushrooms.
If you haven’t over indulged too much the night before, Amber will also host a four-course New Year’s Day Lunch (HK$1,888++ per person) that includes a free-flow of pre-selected champagnes, red and white wines. For all Amber festive season menus look our for early bird specials for bookings before November 15.
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Uma Nota
Uma Nota’s annual NYE Réveillon celebration offers a set menu of tantalising sharing dishes including soft shell crab with yuzu kosho mayo, Uma Nota Nigiri, and tender slow-cooked duck leg served with duck rice and homemade pickles. Available in two seatings, guests can enjoy the first-round (HK$580) from 5:30-6:30 pm, and the second-round (HK$680) from 8 pm until late.
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SPIGA
SPIGA in Central marries contemporary Italian dining with a design inspired by the cinematic splendour of 1950s Italy, making for the perfect setting for those looking to celebrate this New Year’s with a touch of Italian vintage charm. The New Year’s Eve tasting menu (Dec 31; HK$988++ per person) include oyster Gillardeau N2 topped with cucumber and prosecco; scallop carpaccio with Romanesco, puffed fregola and topped with white truffle; tortellini filled with braised duck and foie gras served with parmesan fondue and duck jus; braised and glazed Marango beef cheek, with soft potato, horseradish and morels; and Kirsch milk chocolate mousse, with 72% dark chocolate crispy, cherry compote and cocoa nibs sponge.
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Ho Lee Fook
Rally your squad and get ready to drop it like it’s hot at SoHo’s funky Chinese kitchen Ho Lee Fook. Descend underground and follow the thumping bass as you get ready for a Lucky Cat Scratch feast whipped up by Chef Jow (Dinner and after party HK$1,288++ per person, inclusive of free-flow sparkling and house wines and beer; after-party only HK$388++ per person) and his crew featuring signature dishes. From 10:30pm, get ready to hit the dance floor and show off your best moves before cracking open some good fortune for 2021. Don’t worry, the crew has your squad covered with free-flowing drinks all night long.
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MEATS
If you’re feeling ravenous this New Year’s, head to the Soho meathouse MEATS for a five-course New Year’s Eve dinner (December 31, 6 pm – 8 pm & 8 pm – onwards, from HK$5500++ per person). you’ll enjoy hearty mains including the tender Porchetta surrounded with crisp, crackling skin and accompanied by romesco sauce; nostalgia-inducing roasted turkey basted in gravy sauce and cranberry jam; and roasted sirloin in peppercorn sauce. Decadent dulce de leche cheesecake served with meringue brings a sweet finish to the celebration. Just don’t give in to the food coma that’s bound to follow.
The Langham Hong Kong
For a Chinese take on New Year’s Eve, head to T’ang Court at The Langham Hong Kong in Tsim Sha Tsui for an exquisite dinner featuring the
legendary Cantonese cuisine of three Michelin-starred master chef Kwong Wai Keung and executive chef Wong Chi Fai. The seven-course winter banquet (December 31, HK$1,688++ per person) will feature baked stuffed crab shell with crab meat and onion; double-boiled fish maw with sea whelk; and braised dried abalone with Bêche-de-Mer.
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Artemis & Apollo
Celebrate as only the Greeks can with an evening of decadence, excess, and extravagance, with dancing, singing, feasting, and drinking. Kicking off at 9 pm, the New Year’s soiree at Hong Kong’s favourite Greek tavern (HK$988++ per person) includes Champagne on arrival and a free-flow package of house wines, beer, and…gulp, ouzo. On a night of revelry, dressing up is encouraged, so don your toga and vine leaf and give thanks to the Gods for another trip around the sun, the ancient Greek way.
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Crown Super Deluxe
Leave the gloom of 2020 and step back in time to an era of opulence and extravagance at Crown Super Deluxe. Your seat at the teppan is front row to the main event – a Deluxe menu (HK$2,488++ per person inclusive of free-flow Champagne, sommelier wines, and dinner), featuring show-stopping A5 Kagoshima Wagyu sirloin, Tokushima fruit tomato, and signature Teppan Spiny Lobster doused in coral butter. Gold-painted dancers add to the 60s glamour so dress to impress, toast to a brand New Year with free-flow champagne, and ring in 2021 with all the elegance of the finest Japanese teppanyaki melded with a hint of debauchery, in true Rocky Aoki fashion.
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