Mid-September Openings

Bistecca Italian Steak House
Going to the butcher in Tuscany is a glorious experience. Many have whole sides of beef on display and the butcher simply slices off what you want. The Italian tradition is being brought here by Bistecca, where the famous Florence butcher Darrio Cecchini has consulted on the project. Expect Domenico cuts of American and Australian beef in a Florentine-style dining room. 2/F, 15 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, 2525 6700. Soft opened now.

W52
When the opportunity arose to take four floors in a newly refurbished building next to Dragon-i, the guys from Va Bene grabbed it. The concept here is as simple as the name: humble regional Italian cuisine. The ground floor is a bar while the three other floors are dedicated to dining. It includes a chef’s table by the kitchen where a group of eight diners can sample some off-the-menu items by chef Tony Tonetto. 52 Wyndham St, Central, 6768 5252. Opens Sept 17.

Whisk
Singaporean chef Justin Quek, formerly of Les Amis, has been all over town putting the finishing touches to projects on both sides of the harbour. This autumn he is opening two new restaurants for the Mira Group. The first, Whisk, at the Mira hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui, will showcase modern European cuisine – classic dishes and contemporary fusion creations – in a relaxed environment. An LA-style rooftop lounge, meanwhile, will provide a novel spot for pre- or post-dinner rendezvous. 118 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2368 1111. Opens Sept 17.

Bourbon
Part bar, part smokehouse, the space where Wildfire used to live on Elgin is transforming to a hot spot for finger lickin’ saucy ribs and slow-smoked birds as a little bit of South Carolina comes to Hong Kong. Beyond all that corn on the cob, corn bread, and barbecue sauce, we’re looking forward to an impressive selection of American bourbons. Lips are smackin’ just thinking about it. G/F, 21 Elgin St, Soho, 2540 6630. Opens Sept 24.

Press Room Seafood Bar
Just two years after opening, the Press Room has undergone a revamp. They’re putting in a large seafood bar near the entrance, but it’s the new lounge area we’re excited about. The middle section will turn into a bar/lounge, offering a casual menu to accompany your Sazeracs. G/F, 108 Hollywood Rd, Sheung Wan, 2525 3444. Reopens Sept 21.