Welcome to the latest issue of JETSETTER’s monthly dining round-up, and if there was ever a time to bring friends and family together over a great meal, December is it!
We have a little something for every palate this season, from the finale of Amber’s 20th anniversary series – probably the most coveted dinner of the year – to winter omakase menus, elegant new cocktail bars from the industry’s leading mixologists, wellness cuisine for those looking to get ahead of New Year’s resolutions, and captivating riverside performances that families on the move will love.
A Truly Indulgent Dining Affair
The three-Michelin-starred Amber restaurant at Mandarin Oriental, The Landmark in Hong Kong, is set to host the spectacular finale of its #AmberAt20 20th anniversary series this month.
During the glamorous 16 December event, culinary director Chef Richard Ekkebus will join hands with Chef Jungsik Yim from New York’s three-starred Jungsik, Cedric Satabin from Macau’s two-starred Alain Ducasse at Morpheus, and Yusuke Takada of Osaka’s two-starred La Cime to present an unforgettable anniversary dinner, complete with Dom Pérignon Champagne pairings.
This one-night-only eight-hand dinner unites four of Asia’s most celebrated chefs: Yim, a pioneer of modern Korean fine dining; Takada, renowned for his breathtaking French-inspired cuisine; Satabin, a guardian of legendary French classics; and Ekkebus, representing contemporary French cuisine with Asian essences.
Crafted with seasonal ingredients, this very special dining occasion will include the likes of black kabocha pumpkin with chestnut and white Alba truffle dumpling; chilled langoustine, delicate gelée with spices and Kristal caviar; seared Normandy scallop with marigold tapenade and tarragon sabayon; and grilled Hanwoo tenderloin served with Korean-style Gamtae noodles, with each dish paired with a delectable Dom Pérignon vintage. Be sure to opt for the optional glass of Dom Pérignon VINTAGE 2005 PLÉNITUDE 2, an exclusive vintage limited to Dom Pérignon Society and private clients only.
Dinner and a Show
Delivering top-tier cuisine along the riverbank, Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort has unveiled Sala Lakorn, an innovative eatery blending Thailand’s premier culinary traditions with an enchanting stage show.
The vision of Manop Meejamrat (Kru Nai), a highly respected artist and recipient of the prestigious Silpathorn Award for Performing Arts, the heart of the experience is “The Eternal Siam”, a breathtaking performance, taking place at 6 pm and 10 pm daily, that can only be seen at the new Sala Lakorn. The production masterfully blends stunning contemporary Thai performances with world-class visual effects and a powerful musical score, taking audiences on a journey through the timeless beauty and spirit of Thailand.
Show highlights include an immersive welcome from the radiant Flower Queen, a tribute to the river goddess Mae Khongkha, a mesmerising Nang Yai shadow puppet performance, and a grand finale featuring the iconic Golden Swan Royal Barge, the Suphannahong.
While enjoying the spectacle, guests can feast on Sala Lakorn’s international buffet, which showcases a vibrant mix of Thai and international favourites, including a BBQ seafood selection, signature Thai dishes like Gang Keaw Wan Gai (Thai green curry with chicken) and Pla Pad Pak Preaw Wan (sweet & sour seabass), and Thai street food favourites such as crab omelette with coconut sriracha, sweet chilli sauce, bean sprouts and Thai herbs, and live-action Som Tum stations.
Bar Leone Opens in Shanghai
The team of Lorenzo Antinori and Justin Shun Wah, creators of Hong Kong’s adored Bar Leone – now ranked No.1 in The World’s 50 Best Bars – has launched Bar Leone Shanghai in the Huangpu district.
The new venue stays true to its founding philosophy of Cocktail Popolari, aka “Cocktails for the People”, in a larger two-floor space, with each floor offering its own personality and guest experience. Here, the cocktail programme presents a range of classic and new signature drinks, seasonal spritzes, and spirit-forward creations, as well as a food menu that features the popular mortadella focaccia and smoked olives, alongside new Shanghai additions.
The ground-floor entrance, inspired by the iconic Italian sports bar, will serve as a true Bar di Passo, or “passing bar”, offering an aperitivo-style menu of aperitifs and low-ABV seasonal drinks, while beyond, The Spritz Bar is dedicated to serving seasonal spritzes on tap – order the Spumoni, a bright and refreshing mix of Earl Grey–infused Campari, grapefruit cordial, and quinine or order the Leone Vermouth Service, featuring a house blend of vermouths served on ice, topped with orange foam and accompanied by Taralli and Parmigiano.
The upstairs space, which evokes the postmodern comfort of a 1970s and ’80s Italian living room, provides a moodier homage to the Hong Kong original, with a more spirit-forward offering alongside Bar Leone’s signature cocktails – be sure to try the Vecchi & Rari (Old & Rare), a special programme featuring aged cocktails, vintage spirits, and rare creations crafted from the finest ingredients, available only while stocks last.
A New Chapter for Hamilton Island’s Bommie Restaurant
Hamilton Island Yacht Club’s Bommie Restaurant has introduced an exciting new menu crafted by executive Chef Ryan Locke, ushering in the latest evolution of the island’s culinary landscape.
Locke, who returns to Hamilton Island as executive chef, having previously served as head chef at Pebble Beach and Long Pavilion at qualia, has created a new Modern Australian menu with a strong focus on seasonality and sustainability, which includes native Australian ingredients, local and regional produce, and foraged elements like pine and paperbark from across the island.
Highlights include local Whitsunday cuttlefish shaved into delicate ‘noodles’ with koji-roasted cauliflower, umami textures and puffed grains; Queensland venison with smoked beetroot, native wattle seed and black garlic, which pays homage to Hamilton Island’s early history as a deer-breeding site; Oscietra caviar with cultured cream on a crisp waffle tart; and Australian cheddar with smoked onion, toasted brioche and brown-butter custard, a refined take on the quintessential Australian cheese toastie.
Hong Kong’s New Cocktail Hotspot
A uniquely nostalgic urban hideaway, Friday After Class (FAC) has opened in Central Hong Kong, offering a hint of that freedom we all felt at the end of a long week at school.
Divided into two distinct spaces, FAC features a cocktail list by head bartender Sabin Thapa, formerly of Ozone and Bayfare Social, that includes sophisticated fermentation and infusion programmes, and which is presented in the intimate Common Room as an illustrated sketchbook.
Here, the cocktails are not just drinks but chapters in a story, meticulously designed to trigger specific memories from three phases of life, including kindergarten, adolescence, and adulthood. Look out for seductive concoctions like the Bye-Bye Yuzu, with its dusting of nostalgic plum salt; the FAC (Fermented Aromatic Cosmopolitan), a complex, liquid version of a raspberry cheesecake, blending rum, berries, and a savoury twist of cheese and balsamic; and The Reverse Manhattan, which uses the classic drink’s formula (Dolin Blanc and Buffalo Trace) but playfully inverts the ratios.
Beyond the Common Room, revellers will discover the Pre-Game Terrace, which transports guests straight to their college days, with a dedicated takeaway window serving cocktails on tap – try the Pimm’s High Cup (FAC’s take on the British classic).
Power of the Parrilla
Among Bali’s most eagerly awaited new eateries, DAVA at Ayana Bali has relaunched as a grill inspired by Argentine traditions.
At the new-look DAVA restaurant, nestled within the expansive Ayana Estate in Southern Bali, premium meat cuts and sustainable, line-caught seafood meet the artistry of the parrilla, a traditional Argentine open grill that enhances natural flavours with its signature smoky char, and are paired with stunning ocean views.
Diners looking to delve into a modern interpretation of Latin-inspired cuisine will love menu highlights like Ceviche de Atún, featuring red tuna cured in a zesty lime and coconut leche de tigre with fresh mango and coriander for a bright, tropical lift; Hamachi Tiradito, a delicate Nikkei-style creation pairing thinly sliced hamachi with glazed sweet potato and a vibrant citrus–chilli salsa; and Picanha Madurada en Café, a standout Wagyu rump cap dry-aged with coffee for a subtle roasted aroma and deep, earthy flavour.
Each dish reflects how the new DAVA captures the restaurant’s balance of smoke, spice, and sophistication, with dishes complemented by a curated selection of South American wines, handcrafted cocktails, and Bali’s unforgettable sunsets.
A Haven for Coastal Mediterranean Flavours
The team from Francis and Francis West introduces Carmela, a fresh, produce-driven sanctuary in Central’s core, offering breezy coastal fare around the clock.
The new restaurant brings a new kind of Mediterranean ease to Central, one built around food that feels fresh, approachable, and alive with the spirit of the coast. Located on Des Voeux Road, Carmela offers the city an inviting space to pause and reconnect; a garden-like retreat where the energy of Hong Kong Island meets the slow, sunlit charm of the Mediterranean.
While lunch features a menu of fresh salads, pasta, and seafood-forward plates designed for easy, all-day dining, when night falls, the focus turns to relaxed, shared dining, with dishes ranging from Garlic and Sage Sourdough Fougasse; Whipped Mackerel Tarama; and House-made Baked Ricotta; to Grilled Courgette Flowers filled with cream cheese and preserved lemon; Galician Octopus with white beans; Raw Tuna with kalamata olives, orange, horseradish, and pickled kohlrabi; and Lamb Shoulder with socca, aubergine cream, and pistachio salsa verde.
The beverage programme mirrors this coastal spirit with a concise list of eight classic cocktails with Mediterranean twists – try the savoury Olive Oil Martini, with vodka infused with extra virgin olive oil and orange zest; or the Thyme After Thyme, a punchy take on a Margarita with pink peppercorn, thyme, and oregano.
From Dubai to the Lion City
L’Amo Bistrò del Mare, Dubai’s acclaimed seaside Italian spot, is infusing Singapore with its elegant Mediterranean vibe through its debut overseas location.
The new Fort Canning venue, located at the newly launched METT Singapore, features a menu by Chef Daniele Sperindio, with each creation channelling the spirit of the Mediterranean with modern artistry.
Dishes you need to try include signature pastas like Spaghettone Cacio e Pepe with its luxuriously creamy pecorino and black pepper sauce, premium Japanese uni and bright chives; and the Tagliolini Lime & Caviale, gently tossed in a lime butter emulsion and topped with elegant Italian caviar. You’ll also kick yourself if you don’t try the Neapolitan Impepata di Cozze, plump mussels steamed in fragrant wine and garlic; and the Costolette d’Agnello alla Brace lamb chops, marinated for 36 hours, charcoal-grilled in a Josper oven, and served with red cabbage and mandarin compote.
Pair your meal with signature cocktails like the Florence, which captures the city’s gardens in summer with a tangy blend of gin, bergamot and citrus; and the Viola del Mare, which dazzles in violet hues with butterfly pea tea and lavender, inspired by the sea at dusk.
Time for Wellness Feasting
Featuring everything from probiotic-packed power bowls to mushroom burgers mimicking pulled pork, Ocean Bistro at Vietnam’s TIA Wellness Resort has rolled out a fresh all-day menu merging inventive vegan dishes with sustainably caught seafood.
The revamped menu sees each dish given a wellness rating so guests can make informed decisions (don’t worry, most of them score 5 or less!) with new options ranging from Bánh mì chay, a vegan version of Bánh mì packed with mushroom pâté and sautéed shiitakes; a delectable prawn charcoal burger; to Cao Lau noodles (available in pork or plant-based versions), grilled lobster and squid, and even desserts like salted peanut butter bars that promise a sweet touch with no added sugar.
La Vache! Arrives in Exchange Square
Black Sheep Restaurants’ hit steak frites venue, La Vache!, makes its debut at Hong Kong’s Exchange Square, bringing a chic Paris-inspired steakhouse vibe right into Central’s bustling centre.
The creation of American designer Sean Dix, this is La Vache!’s fifth and largest opening, so expect its signature steak frites experience – including those unlimited fries and great wine by the glass – which this time includes a standalone cocktail bar, private rooms that are great for groups celebrating together, and the added benefit of a Peak Pizza outpost next door.
The newest outpost maintains the same Aujourd’hui menu, complete with freshly-baked warm baguettes, organic green salads, and USDA Prime ribeye. And for those who arrive early or just want to transition into their evening, the new venue’s bar is the perfect spot for a glass of wine or even a bite from the bar menu, which includes signature steak sandwiches and the Burger Maison, with brioche, caramelised onions and melted raclette.
And if that doesn’t do it for you, Peak Pizza next door brings Black Sheep’s New York-style slice shop concept to Central, with delectable pizzas ranging from Caprese and White to the oh-so-controversial Hawaiian.
Swim Club Opens at Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui
Elevated above the urban sprawl, Swim Club – the fresh rooftop pool bar crafted by Steve Leung Hospitality – fuses the laid-back vibe of Southern California pool clubs with panoramic vistas of Hong Kong Island.
This design-savvy 50th-floor urban retreat promises to be a popular hangout for visitors and locals alike, thanks to playful designs that include grids, stripes, and symmetrical motifs, bespoke rattan furniture, terracotta floors and rippled glass, which you’ll find from the chic circular cocktail bar, a main dining area composed of curved ceramic tiles, and an eye-catching swimming pool lined by cabanas (only open to hotel guests).
Be sure to look out for the specially imported red Igloo coolers that double as mini-bars, as well as the hidden High Dive bar, the entrance for which is meticulously concealed behind a vending machine.
New Winter Menu at NIWA
NIWA, located in Hong Kong’s Soho, has launched new winter omakase menus that showcase Japanese seasonality.
The four new winter menus spotlight coveted Seko crab, a seasonal delight famed for its creamy roe, while other highlights include cod, served in one dish as light, flaky tempura and in another as yuan-yaki, with a touch of sweetness from a soy, sake and mirin glaze and the smoke of the charcoal grill.
Sushi has also been reinvented with filefish capturing the elegance of the Edomae tradition, sea eel offering a lingering earthy sweetness, and toro and sea urchin delivering the fresh flavours of the deep, while a vegetarian option includes sushi topped with green onion shoots, matsutake and shiitake mushrooms.
W Kuala Lumpur x Veuve Clicquot Pop-up
For champagne lovers en route to Malaysia’s capital, W Kuala Lumpur presents a special Parisian-flavoured bubbly experience, running through to November 2026.
The journey combines the spirit of Veuve Clicquot with the vibrant energy of the W hotel and includes the conversion of the hotel’s bar into the Living Room x Veuve Clicquot Pop-Up Café, where a specially crafted menu showcases French flair — think fresh French oysters, indulgent truffle croque monsieur, chicken cordon bleu sliders, and hearty steak frites au poivre.
Also look out for the Road to the Sun retail pop-up, a chic, boutique-style showcase of exclusive collectables and gifting editions, home to Veuve Clicquot bottles and curated gift sets.