Leglessbird Restaurant Guide

Made a reservation yesterday at Cafe Deco on the Peak (April 30th) around 5 pm for a table for 2 at the window, 7.15pm the same night. The young man on the phone confirmed that it wouldnt be a problem but only lower floor at the window would be available - which was fine. Upon arrival at 7.10 pm we learned from a very unfriendly person at the door that no reservation was made and with a tone that gave me and my friend the impression that she didnt belive us she said that reservations are made weeks in advance. I have very little understanding for this. Obviously communication between stuff doesnt work that well at cafe deco and even though reservation was made we made the trip to the peak for nothing. My Cafe Deco VIP membership card has made its way into the rubbish bin of course….

Wow! Lovely mountain views and food! This restaurant looks very attractive! Thought about visiting for a few times when I was up there but never did. Thanks for the review.

Limited choice on a la carte. Small portion of food. Taste is so so. Not the French culture of fine cuisine. Over priced. I’d better go to reputable ones / hotels. Never come back unless I’m told the menu & quality are improved.

Only good thing: high ceiling.

Hi, Chez Patrick was not so bad but still very expensive!! But since the French head Chef left the restaurant in August 2008, the quality also!!! Now you should try his own Just in front, Green mouse… quality on top, big portion and less price! my favorite now and for a lot of friends…

Not bad choice, food was pretty decent not too oily and the prices average..a bit more expensive than crystal jade but the atmosphere was of a restaurant, better quality food and no queues!
Fairly standard menu but they have a few specialities like steamed buns, and we tried the mustard veg buns not bad, and the speciality shredded tofu skin which was nice and light but a bit pricey.
Service was ok but a bit patchy maybe cos our table was at the back.
Good alternative choice shanghainese restaurant for a quiet and decent quality dining experience.

I went to Firenze just yesterday and i completely disagree with your rating and will give them a round 5-star rating, go firenze!

My rating: 1 Food: 2
Service: 0 Atmosphere: 2
Price: HK$ 200-300

I went to l? Isola for lunch recently and was very disappointed. I ordered a risotto which took for ever to arrived and when it finally came it was almost uncooked
As I had a limited lunch hour and could not wait any longer, I ask to pay for the small salad I had from the appetizer buffet, I was outraged to see that they charged me ? of the price of the set menu even though I only had the starter, I complaint to the manager who?s response was that this was not a fast food restaurant and that the uncooked risotto was how it was suppose to be etc?.
I know that this restaurant is famous for its bad service but to have the manager respond to a complaint with such disdain attitude was very upsetting.
I was left on an empty stomach!!

It has nice atmosphere but having a coffee with my pasta simply doesn’t turn me on. Pasta and most other italian food calls for a nice glass of vino so I hope they will get a licence soon.
Also, why insist on a ’set’ breakfast??? I don’t want to have a stale scone and jam with my muesli. How hard is it to have these items a la carte to ensure people can pick what they want?

Dinner food is good too, yet very pricy for a small joint like this. Portions are quite small, so the three of us had to order 8 to 10 dishes to feel mildly full?I

I had party there! Outstanding food and nice services. But hard to make reservation. I give 4 stars!

Went to epoch at Wing Fung Street, next to Pacific Place 3, today to try it out. Execellent coffee & music. Was really impressed with their desserts. Must try their souffles

Great place for grills. We had beef, ox-tougne and scallope.

It’s quite noisy. I’ve been twice and not attractive enough to go back again, although this restaurant is OK.

Food is good, but no surprise. Restaurant is a bit small, the chair is comfortable though.

My rating: 4 Food: 4
Service: 4 Atmosphere: 3
Price: HK$ 151-200
Replied by Dominic

Review: Had dinnner again at Cheena with some ex-colleauges. Had the nicely stewed beef wrapped in a special type of grass, the beef was very tender, had vergatables in a Portuguese saurce, sweet and sour fish. And we tried the assorted dessert plate that consists of red-bean, mango, sesame jelly and lai chi cake. All pretty yummy.

My rating: 3 Food: 3
Service: 3 Atmosphere: 3
Price: HK$ 151-200

Review: Had dim sum here for lunch before. This time we had the Master Chef’s Crab menu that included Steamed crab claws on winter melon, crab stewed in supreme soup, fried rice with seafood and bird’s nest with lotus seed and red dates. $258 for 2 people

Value for money with the good food, relatively good service and quiet dining environment. There are 3 private rooms that can be combined together for 3 tables. Good for business meal.

My rating: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3 Atmosphere: 4
Price: HK$ 101-150

Replied by irene

Special dishes: Japanese Beef Pizza, about $50. The sauce makes the pizza so yummy!

Review: As it’s a good place to enjoy a relaxing dinner, we came again. Indonesian fried rice is a bit too salty. We had sweet potato vanila cake, sounds rare, but actually good.

My rating: 4 Food: 4
Service: 4 Atmosphere: 3
Price: HK$ 400-500

Review:
Yes, I do agree the price is a bit pricy, like HK$70 for a normal cocktail and $80 for ginger favour creme brulee but it was really tasteful.
I forgot to check the price for wine.
Generally, the food is great.

My rating: 4 Food: 4
Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5
Price: HK$ 301-350
Replied by Foodie (on or modified on 10/03/2006 18:35)

Review: Great place to take visitors for szechuan food. Good food, nice atmosphere, great service and the singing at the end adds something different to the usual dining experience. And it is inexpensive, so great value for what you get. I think there are 2 sittings per night, recommend to book in advance.

My rating: 4 Food: 4
Service: 4 Atmosphere: 4
Price: HK$ >500
Replied by Foodie (on or modified on 10/03/2006 18:34)

Review: Pretty much what you would expect from a french restaurant in a 5-star hotel. Nothing exceptional, atmosphere is a little stodgy so more appropriate for business dinners more than going with a bunch of friends.

My rating: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Price per person: HK$ >500

Posted by Dominic
Review: I had company dinner here, excellent food, I had lobster for main course and chocolate souffle. Very good atmosphere.

My rating: 3 Food: 3
Service: 3 Atmosphere: 4
Price: HK$ >500
Replied by Foodie (on or modified on 10/03/2006 18:37)

Review: Average sushi, chefs act more like workers in a production line (who stand in the middle of the revolving sushi bar) as opposed to proper *itamae-san*. Any requests to the chef is consequently directed to the waiter! Ordered softshell crab temaki, and the crab was already pre-made and served COLD in a handroll. This place is for people who are looking for a quick bite in a trendy-looking restaurant that is centrally located - NOT for people who want proper sushi. And be careful not to trip over the raised platform near the entrance - the whole place is either red or black!

My rating: 3 Food: 3
Service: 3 Atmosphere: 3
Price: HK$ <50
Replied by irene (on or modified on 11/09/2005 21:15)

Review: Set lunch is a good deal, but they don’t accept booking.

My rating: 4 Food: 4
Service: 3 Atmosphere: 3
Price: HK$ 351-400
Replied by Foodie (on or modified on 10/03/2006 18:32)

Review: Tasty, but the steak keeps cooking as it is placed on the stone grill while you eat - so better eat quickly! Not particularly expensive, but makes me wonder why they charge average steak prices when I am cooking it myself…

My rating: 4 Food: 4
Service: 4 Atmosphere: 3
Price: HK$ >500
Replied by Foodie (on or modified on 10/03/2006 18:31)

Review: Steaks are good, but not the best as I have heard some people say. They should do something about the layout - other people are in your face and so close.

My rating: 4 Food: 4
Service: 4 Atmosphere: 4
Price: HK$ 401-500
Replied by irene (on or modified on 05/09/2005 09:14)

Review: Good food, but I expect more privacy for this price range. It’s a bit noisy. The tables are too close to each other. I think it’s good to have group dinner because they have a few function rooms.

My rating: 4 Food: 4
Service: 4 Atmosphere: 3
Price: HK$ <50
Replied by jerry (on or modified on 10/04/2006 20:36)

Review: I agree, but we should try more food! :p

My rating: 5 Food: 4
Service: 3 Atmosphere: 3
Price: HK$ 401-500
Replied by Foodie (on or modified on 10/07/2006 21:01)

Review: Good Korean BBQ, was recommended by a Korean friend - Kimchee, Kalbi and Yuke are all very good. Atmosphere of the restaurant is whatever, but who cares about atmosphere for BBQ!

My rating: 4 Food: 4
Service: 3 Atmosphere: 3
Price: HK$ 401-500
Replied by Foodie (on or modified on 10/07/2006 21:01)

Review: Live seafood at the entrance to choose from - good chinese seafood without going all the way to Lamma. Great cheese-lobster, steamed baby abalone with spring onion, stir-fried clams with black beans, list goes on. The all-you-can-drink beer is fantastic.

My rating: 3 Food: 3
Service: 2 Atmosphere: 3
Price: HK$ 151-200
Replied by Dominic (on or modified on 11/19/2004 09:00)

Review: We tried the minced chicken soup that served in individual containers and we were told that it is good for our health. We had a few chicken dishes, fish with minced meat. young bamboo shoot, stew beef bowl etc. It was easy to find a table on Friday evening.

My rating: 5 Food: 5
Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5
Price: HK$ 301-350
Replied by meao meao (on or modified on 06/07/2004 21:17)

Review: We had our wedding banquet dinner there and everybody just loved the food and service.
I was rather impressed with how flavourful every dish is. I assume it is because everyone has a small portion for every dish and therefor we get to try each dish at it’s best rather than stuffing ourselves silly.

My rating: 3 Food: 3
Service: 3 Atmosphere: 3
Price: HK$ 251-300
Replied by irene (on or modified on 10/15/2006 20:02)

Review: Went there for lunch coz it’s difficult to find a table in IFC without advance booking. Quite noisy. There is a salad / dessert bar, but dessert is standard one, no surprise.

My rating: 4 Food: 4
Service: 3 Atmosphere: 4
Price: HK$ >500
Replied by Foodie (on or modified on 10/03/2006 18:36)

Review: I have had both good and bad experiences here. Good: the truffle pizza is very good - the flavour really comes out. I think the calamari is pretty good here too. Bad: had a live caterpillar in my salad, which managed to walk off my plate and across the table. Thank god I didnt eat it! When I complained, they told me that it was because the salad is organic and didnt even apologise! I forget if they didnt charge me for the salad or gave me a free coffee, but I do remember that they didnt do much and that left a bad impression of the place for me.

My rating: 1 Food: 1
Service: 1 Atmosphere: 3
Price: HK$ 201-250
Replied by gul (on or modified on 05/19/2005 07:12)

Review: Originally, I intend to keep it to myself but somehow, after reading others’ views, I think I should let them, or hopefully, the management (Mr Pino Piano?) know.

I am, naturally, as a ’supporter’ of Va Bene, attracted to this place. I tried it on one lunch occasion but the results have made me decided not to go there anymore - for these reasons:

Reason 1: I have called to reserve a table, but when I was there, as you would all expect, they said, ’sorry, there is no such record’. After about 5-minutes’ wait/exchanges, they finally found me a not-so-pleasant table. I can understand that it could be a teething problem.

Reason 2: I ordered some tagliolini with clams and zucchini . But surprise, it came some certain linguine, okay, okay, they said it’s homemade, so, it’s just lacking on my side.

Reason 3: When the pasta was served, the waiter only gave me a fork. When I asked for a spoon, he seemed so puzzled. Ok, pasta is not on the set and, again, it’s just a training problem when could be all corrected.

Reason 4: the clams were without their ‘litte shells’ and could be fresher. ok, the price for this dish is on the cheap but it would be nice if they can tell me this beforehand.

My rating: 4 Food: 4
Service: 4 Atmosphere: 4
Price: HK$ >500
Replied by Linda Wu (on or modified on 07/04/2004 00:35)

Review: i think the best part of this restaurant is the bar upstairs – very nice.

My rating: 4 Food: 3
Service: 4 Atmosphere: 5
Price: HK$ >500
Replied by Vanessa (on or modified on 06/02/2004 02:45)

Review: I went there for a party and the bar was brilliant (upstairs). Lovely out door space to chill out and beautiful deco.

On another occasion was ther for dinner. Food was reasonable (slightly disappointed after reading previous positive comments). But given the price, I would expect slight better food. The lamb chop I tried was good, starters was good. Limited wine list. However, the deco, view and location help on the ratings.

My rating: 4 Food: 4
Service: 4 Atmosphere: 4
Price: HK$ >500
Replied by irene (on or modified on 05/06/2004 21:52)

Special dishes: dessert is great!

Review: the bar is on upstairs, but i haven’t got a chance to see it. seaview and private roomes are available. the next hip restaurant in town!

My rating: 5 Food: 5
Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5
Price: HK$ >500
Replied by kiu kiu (on or modified on 04/25/2004 06:32)

Special dishes: crispy thin-crust pizza; salad of lobster,mushrooms & mango; spaghetti with squid & squid-ink sauce (a devilish dish); grilled beef tagliati style - extremely flavorful; all desserts!

Review: The place speaks for itself.

Perhaps the most striking feature of Isola is its enormous private outdoor dining terrace with a spectacular harbour view - more so rare for a restaurant located right in the city center district (ifc mall in Central).
It is also one of the only upscale restaurantin HK that has a full open kitchen with bustling chefs cooking pizza, grills, pasta and dessert before your eyes.
The restaurant is elegant and chic, as with all other Va Bene Group restaurants (Va Bene, Gaia); the service is attentive but unstuffy.

The food is prepared with a lighter hand than most Italian cuisine in HK, as the chef is fresh from Italy - yet very tasty. no wonder - he was formerly the private chef of the Agnellis in Italy!

For overall food and ambience, dining at Isola is a total quintessential experience.

This is an alternative choice to the many other restaurants, if you are in the Times Sqaure area. Medium price and decent food.

My rating: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 2
Price per person: HK$ 101-150
Posted by Dominic (on or modified on 08/01/2004 06:54)

Review: We tried the special menu-for-2 around HK$480, the food was enough to feed 4 people (well, we are not big eaters). The cold seafood starter plate with crab, mussel, clam and shirmp, however, they don’t have much taste, need to put sauce on, so that’s not very good…The rest is actually okay, angle hair with mushroom and a pizza.

My rating: 3 Food: 3
Service: 4 Atmosphere: 3
Price: HK$ 51-100
Replied by irene (on or modified on 12/14/2003 08:07)

Review: Set lunch from $70-98. It’s a high ceiling design that makes you feel spacious.

My rating: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Price per person: HK$ 101-150

Special dishes: Ironwood spring chicken is the signature dish

Review: The decoration is quite nice. The service is friendly. The spring chicken is delicious, could improve the look though. We also had salmon steak which is also very tasty. A variety of set menu to choose from. There is a salad bar or dessert bar depends on the day of your visit. The asparagas with mushroom starter was good too.

I quite like its interior design especially its open kitchen style.
Reasonable price for its food quality as well as quantity.
Highly recommend to try the oxtail risotto which is very rich in taste.
Creme brulee is cremy & a bit sweet, but the top is crispy enough & what surprising me is its big portion. Better to share with your friends! Good deal!

My rating: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4

I came to this restaurant when it was first open. Enjoy the food from okinawa 沖 繩 菜 and there was interesting Japanese traditional drum show.

Posted by Irene
Special dishes: Mimigo Tempura (Pig Ear), Okinawa Donut, Milk Pudding, Fish Cake, Pork with Yuzu Lime. Tuna & Avocado, Tofu with special source, Seafood with seaweed.

Review: This restaurant serves Okinawa food, so pork is one of the most popular items. All the dishes are good, and they differ from the typical Japanese cuisine. It’s suitable for both small and big group gathering. As we went there for the drum performance, it’s particularly fun.

Replied by Gourmet Hunter
My rating: 4 Food: 4
Service: 4 Atmosphere: 4
Price: HK$ 101-150

Special dishes: Baramundi with herbs on a bed of mixed cooked and raw salad veggies. Grilled Mushrooms with Field Greens and creme brulee

Review: This was my second visit to this bistro style restaurant. It reminds me a lot of restaurants I have visited in New York and I think that’s what the owners of 798 are trying to reproduce with much success. It was very busy the night I went even though it was a weekday. I found the restaurant a little too noisy so if you want a quiet romantic night out, maybe this one’s volume level is a little too loud. All in all the atmosphere was good and the service prompt and friendly. The food was excellent with generous portions well presented and delicious. The mushroom salad with a vinaigrette dressing was a light and satisfying starter. The barramundi was fresh, well seasoned and presented with an array of veggies and slices of grilled lemons. At $98.00 I thought it was a bargain. We ended off the meal with a creme brulee which wasn’t unlike any other cream brulee but it was creamy slightly sweet and a perfect ending to a nice meal. Would I go again? YES! My bill for two people plus a tip was roughly $350. A bargain for quality, quantity and atmosphere of a restaurant in a surprisingly small cul-de-sac in a very unassuming street.

Replied by rabbit
My rating: 4 Food: 3
Service: 4 Atmosphere: 4
Price: HK$ 151-200

Review: At this price range, the quality is a surprise, though the dessert we had (the napoleon) is below the standard. the choice of dish includes a range of salad. atmosphere is good for group gathering. it’s a young and service-oriented restaurant.

Replied by Friend

My rating: 4 Food: 4
Service: 4 Atmosphere: 5
Price: HK$ 101-150

Review: Many would expect French when they hear the word bistro. The fact is, the word bistro is used so pervasively these days (in the U.S.) that it means no more than casual. At 798 unit & co., bistro is our interpretation of urban casual dining in a region where we live, the east. Hence, bistro east.

If anything, we are more New York: bustling, lively and a melting pot of many nationalities. Upon entering 798, you will feel the high-energy and charged ambiance of New York eateries, beginning with a view of an open kitchen with busy chefs churning out tantalizing dishes, spanning to a neo-classic dining room of black and white checkered tiles.

What we also took from bistro is its culinary ethos. As defined by Thomas Keller, ?bistro food is not about specialized ingredients, rather it is about precision of technique brought to bear on ordinary ingredients. It?s easy to make foie gras and truffles taste good. But how do you combine lettuce, salt, vinegar, and oil in a way that is elegant and exquisite??

That?s our food. Honest, hearty, rustic? common dishes prepared uncommonly well ? with a generous selection of grilled meats and seafood, bountiful salads, hearty risottos and pastas, homemade desserts and weekend brunch.

Salads are my personal favorites. The green salad ($48) is a bountiful heap of mesclun greens in a tangy blueberry vinaigrette. Abundant, fresh.
Pastas are simple and range from $56-78.
Our dishes are relatively unadorned. BBQ lamb loin with potato bean salad ($98) is served as described. Personally, whenever I see too much stuff on a plate I think it’s a sign of insecurity.
Desserts have grown to be a must at 798 unit & co. Again, nothing fancy?banana toffee pie ($38), brownies($38), pavlova ($42)?but somehow they manage to draw smiles from every customer ? guys and girls alike.

Here’s the thing about 798 unit & co. The place has a great bustling feel and an aesthetic that is about the decor, the service, the people and the food. It is simple food made well, and brought slightly upscale. Sophisticated yet affordable. Refined yet accessible. It represents today?s generation take on casual dining - when food and friendship intersect, dessert and delight combine, and wine and well-being go hand in hand.

Hence our customers return, because 798 unit & co. is not just a restaurant, it is an invitation to sit down with friends, open a bottle of wine, tear into crusty bread, dip into tasty tapas, and share not only wonderful food but a way of life.

Replied by 9394
My rating: 5 Food: 5
Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5
Price: HK$ 101-150

Review: Given the price range, food and environment, it’s a pleasantly surprise concept in HK. Must try, great pasta!

Posted by kiu kiu

My rating: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Price per person: HK$ 101-150

Special dishes: Spaghetti with Asparagus & Pesto
Chargrilled thick-cut Pork Chop
Crispy Pork Belly with Ginger-Pineapple Marmalade
Grilled Mushroom with Field Greens
Pavlova of Milk & White Chocolate
Key Lime Cheese Cake with Lime Sorbet

Review: 798 unit & co. is a New York style bistro epitomizing contemporary ?wine and dine? culture. Patrons can expect honest, good food in a casual, yet stylish atmosphere.

A singular experience unlike any other in Hong Kong ? the lively, bustling experience of a New York bistro, yet with unmistakable Asian accents.

I like the deco very much. Great food and atmosphere! Pls note the 6-course dinner will make you very full and you may not be able to sleep.