New Restaurants to Try This August in Hong Kong

August is shaping up to be a seriously exciting month for Hong Kong’s dining scene. From a soulful Korean drinks-and-food concept to a beloved London bakery’s Asian debut, here are five new openings worth clearing your calendar for.

01. Torikizoku

Osaka’s much-loved yakitori institution arrives in Mong Kok with its sixth Hong Kong branch, bringing four decades of grilled chicken expertise to Grand Plaza. The menu centres on juicy skewers finished with the brand’s signature slow-simmered sauce or simple rock salt, with the Mong Kok outpost also debuting a handful of rarely seen cuts — including chicken oyster and chicken breast soft bone — not available elsewhere. With over 40 drinks to choose from and an izakaya atmosphere that buzzes with energy, it’s the kind of place that’s easy to stay in for the whole evening.

Torikizoku Mong Kok, Shop 206, 2/F, Grand Plaza, 625 & 639 Nathan Road, Mong Kok, Hong Kong

02. Santa Nata

London’s celebrated Portuguese bakery makes its long-awaited Asian debut in Central, and it’s everything fans of the authentic Pastel de Nata have been waiting for. Founded by Francisco Oliveira, Santa Nata has grown from a single location in 2019 to nine branches worldwide, on the strength of its meticulously handmade egg tarts with an irresistibly crispy, flaky crust baked fresh throughout the day. Alongside the signature tart, look out for Pão de Deus, the Santa Nata Brioche and a rotating selection of new products added to the menu each month.

Santa Nata, 25-27 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong

03. Pici

Hong Kong’s favourite handmade pasta bar marks its 10th anniversary in style with a brand new Yuen Long outpost at Yoho Mall I. The expansive 3,075 sq ft space combines an indoor dining room and an outdoor terrace, decked out in dark wood, deep-blue leather and mosaic tiles, with an open kitchen counter where guests can watch fresh pasta being made by hand each day. The signature Bone Marrow Wagyu Tartare and Orecchiette ‘Nduja are must-orders, and the relaxed all-day format makes it a welcome addition to the New Territories dining scene.

Pici, Shop 1076, 1/F, Yoho Mall 1, 9 Yuen Lung Street, Yuen Long, New Territories, Hong Kong

04. YuSang

Opening at LANDMARK PRINCE’S in mid-August, YuSang is set to bring a genuinely fresh perspective to Korean dining in Hong Kong. Rather than a traditional sit-down meal, the concept is built around the Korean culture of anju — food designed to be shared over drinks — and sool, the country’s rich tradition of alcohol. Expect an array of sharing plates spanning chilled and raw dishes, kimchi, soups and charcoal-grilled meats and seafood, all chosen to complement a thoughtfully curated drinks list of soju, makgeolli and fruit wines. It’s the kind of convivial, social dining experience that’s best enjoyed with a big group.

YuSang, Shop 105-109 & 139, 1/F, Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong

05. Ninetta

Central’s latest Italian opening comes from an impressive roster of culinary names — among them ESTRO’s Graziano De Gregorio and Chef Marco Xodo — and promises a warmly unpretentious trattoria experience in the heart of the city. The 32-dish a la carte menu spans light antipasti, fresh pasta, shareable mains and classic desserts, with standouts including a Mozzarella Braid from Campania, Gnocchetti with Sicilian red prawns and the house Tiramisu. Whether you’re popping in for a midday espresso or settling in for a long evening with friends, Ninetta is designed to feel equally at home for both.

Ninetta, 3/F, M88, 2-8 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong