It’s hard to get island-bound Hong Kongers to venture over to the dark side (as Kowloon is affectionately known), and much harder to find a restaurant that serves great food worthy of the awesome view. Step up Nanhai No.1 and Eyebar – the latest Cantonese seafood restaurant and drinking spot from the people who masterminded 1/5 nuevo and cinecittà in Wanchai.
On a beautifully clear summer’s day, we tried a range of dishes, including a nose-wateringly spicy hot and sour soup, crispy fried yam and stir fried beef with green beans. These Chinese classics are given a shakedown and recreated here truly well. The tender and succulent char siu pork was the stuff of meaty dreams, while the fried prawns had the kind of bite that can only mean just-caught freshness. The menu covers all the favourites, including dim sum at lunchtime, but manages not to lose anything in the process.
A large, airy and bright space, the nautical-chic theme manifests itself in crisp and fresh blues and greens, and big, comfy chairs that are just made for a long, Sunday yum cha experience with the family. You certainly won’t feel squeezed or penned in here – this is a Chinese restaurant with oodles of class.
Eyebar is their pre-dinner drinking spot with what has to be the most spectacular terrace on Kowloon side – too bad it’s not yet open – while working telescope offers peeping toms the ideal opportunity to take a look at what the other side of the harbour is up to.
Ideal for showing out-of-towners an authentic Cantonese experience, or treating yourself and the family to a chilled out lunch or romantic dinner, book early around fireworks nights, as Nanhai will no doubt be packed. If you plan to come with a big group, you must check out Guo Fu Lou on the 31st floor. Their private rooms are perfect for classy and traditional Chinese banquets – with a view of course.
Nanhai No.1 – 30/F, iSquare, 63 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
