Look & Feel: At H Code, just off Central’s Pottinger Street, Clarence offers four distinct dining areas, each one with its own atmosphere and experience. Whether you’re sitting up at the Raw & Wine Bar (inspired by a Japanese sushi bar), ensconced in the chic Sommelier Room, amongst the other diners in the elegant Main Dining Room, or relaxing in The Lounge, you’re in for a treat.

On the Menu:  At Clarence, Elzer pushes the envelope of what we know of French cooking by infusing everything he’s picked up during his time in Asia. The menu here is filled with dishes of what Elzer calls his unique “Yakifrenchy” concept,  as well as plates of fresh, raw produce inspired by Japanese sashimi. Cooking techniques include charcoal grilling, steaming, teppan, and Japanese robata, all of which are used to infuse new life into classic French dishes like Challans Duck Confit, Frogs Legs Pastis, Snails Burgundy, and Ratatouille — presented in the yakitori skewer style. Drawing on the local tradition of dining over shared plates, Clarence’s menus will offer whole and steamed fish like Dover Sole and Skate Wing, as well as specialty meats such as a 2kg Challans Duck and whole Yellow Chicken.

All of this is paired with an exquisite wine list—though while they’re waiting for their liquor license, it’s BYO.

Great For: Date night dinners, long business lunches.

FYI: For a real treat, book the exquisite Sommelier Room. Reminiscent of a traditional French wine cellar, the opulent space has a 14-seat marble tasting table, vaulted brick ceiling, and floor-to-ceiling wine fridges housing a collection or rare and decadent wines.

Check out Hong Kong’s newest restaurants and bars here.

This writeup was based on a complimentary media tasting. See our editorial policy here.