Arcane

Open Now

Now Closed

Item: Arcane
Rating: 4
Author: hkfiles

77 Reviews

Taste

Decor

Service

Hygiene

Value

18566

Central

$401-800

International Fine Dining

hkfiles

Level3

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Someone special took me to Arcane for the eve of my birthday, and compared to the other new fine dining restaurants around comparable to it, it was pretty easy to get a table here. I was impressed by the photos of the terrace from doing prior research, but I was a bit disappointed by the layout of the whole place stepping into the restaurant.
Setting
I can't quite put my finger on it, but there was something off about the way they spaced out the tables. It was as if they were trying to cram in as many tables as possible that they completely eliminated the feeling of intimacy among guests. This is pretty amateur considering the spending of about HK$800-1,000 per head.

They had an open kitchen setup which always looks nice, and you could see Shane Osborn at work - the first Australian Chef to achieve one and two Michelin stars.
It's a shame I wasn't able to note the artwork from NY/London contemprary Flowers Gallery, which apparently adorned the walls.

The terrace garden was a nice touch, but unfortunately no breeze could get to it because it's closed in by high rises on every side, and the exhaust fans from the building was blowing right into the balcony. I would not recommend eating there during the warmer months. Hardly a street view either.

Service
Quite professional. Very attentive, and knowledgeable of the menu and its ingredients.

Food
A modern European affair, all wish fresh ingredients - you can taste it. Overall, food was delicious at Arcane. The servings were just right - the appetizers were on the small side, but the mains were decently portioned. If only the ambience were better...

Japanese fruit tomato with basil and pea pesto, stracciatella, lemon dressing (HK$228)

Japanese fruit tomato with basil and pea pesto, stracciatella, lemon dressing 228

This was a great refreshing starter, with the most exquisite burrata. It was healthy and perfect, except the fact that it's so expensive =0

Pepper seared yellow fin tuna with romaine salad, egg, beans, tomato and potato (HK$238)

Pepper seared yellow fin tuna with romaine salad, egg, beans, tomato and potato 238

Fresh, fresh, fresh! And nutritious. Feel-good.
Roast ibérico suckling pig with braised red cabbage, grain mustard sauce (HK$368)

Roast ibérico suckling pig with braised red cabbage, grain mustard sauce 368

The best way to cook it - Asian technique with Spanish cochinillo topped with French-style sauce. Lip-licking perfection.

Chocolate mille-feuille with caramel cream, fresh cherries, lemon curd and chestnut ice ream 138

Chocolate mille-feuille with caramel cream, fresh cherries, lemon curd and chestnut ice ream 138

Dessert. I can never ever resist dessert. It was kind of annoying that they didn't give a complimentary cake though, but anyway this was sweet and rich in just the right amount, everything in delicate harmony. I gorged it down. This was the better dessert.

Yuzu and lemon posset, fresh tangerine, mandarin and yoghurt ice cream, white chocoloate tuile 128

Yuzu and lemon posset, fresh tangerine, mandarin and yoghurt ice cream, white chocoloate tuile 128

A lighter sweet ending with fresh fruit. I can never choose between the richer chocolatier option and the fruity yoghurty one - I like both, and that night, I kind of had both. It was my birthday, after all!