After a three-year closure, Brasserie on the Eighth—the elegant French restaurant perched on the 8th floor of the Conrad Hong Kong in Admiralty—has reopened its doors, bringing back classic Gallic dishes, floor-to-ceiling city views, and a refined yet cosy atmosphere. The reopening positions the venue as a prime destination for romantic dinners, birthday celebrations, and private business gatherings in the heart of Hong Kong.
A Comeback Worth Celebrating
Originally a staple among the city’s French dining scene, the restaurant closed in 2021 amid shifting hospitality demands. Its return in late 2024 has been met with enthusiasm from local food lovers and hotel guests alike. The interior features light-wood tones, soft ambient lighting, and immense glass windows that offer sweeping panoramas of the Admiralty skyline. For guests seeking privacy, private dining rooms are available for intimate dinners or corporate events.
Menu Highlights: From Appetisers to Desserts
The kitchen revives beloved signatures while introducing fresh options. Here are the standout dishes:
- Classic French Escargots ($230) – Baked with herbs, garlic, and butter for a savoury, tender bite.
- Beef Tartare ($280) – Seasoned to order, served with crispy bread for a bright start.
- Seafood Platter ($1,080) – A lavish tower featuring Boston lobster, Japanese king crab legs, seasonal French oysters, Spanish red prawns, US scallops, and Dutch mussels.
- Signature Lobster Bisque ($180) – Simmered for six hours with fresh Boston lobster, coral, and shrimp oil, delivering deep, concentrated flavour.
- Pan-Seared Sea Bass ($380) – Topped with caviar and served with fava bean mousseline.
- Australian T-Bone Steak ($1,450 for two) – Charred on the outside, tender within. Other beef options include French Charolais fillet (8 oz, $820) and a rich US tomahawk ($1,950 for three to four people).
Desserts are made to order, including the Classic Soufflé ($160) – crisp on the outside, airy and moist inside – and Vanilla Crème Brûlée ($160) with a caramelised crust, almond crumble, and salted caramel ice cream.
Value-Oriented Tasting Menu
For diners who want a curated experience, the restaurant offers a four-course tasting menu at HK$688 per person. Choices include:
- Appetiser: Marinated scallops with chicory, wild salmon roe, and blood orange vinaigrette; or pan-fried duck liver with cherry confit and roasted brioche.
- Soup: Black truffle mushroom cream soup or the signature lobster bisque.
- Main: US sirloin with red wine mustard sauce; pan-fried prawns; or roasted sea bass with yellow wine sauce, organic vegetables, and carrot mousseline.
- Dessert: Mille-feuille with sugar-glazed strawberries and vanilla custard; or crème brûlée with almond crunch and salted caramel ice cream.
- Includes coffee or tea and petits fours.
Practical Information
- Location: 8/F, Conrad Hong Kong, 88 Queensway, Admiralty
- Hours: Daily, 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm
- Reservations: Call (852) 2822 8803 or book via the hotel’s dining portal
Broader Implications for Hong Kong’s Dining Scene
The reopening signals a renewed confidence in fine dining within luxury hotels, particularly for French cuisine. As travellers return and locals seek special-occasion venues, Brasserie on the Eighth’s blend of classic technique and scenic setting taps into a growing demand for memorable, Instagram-worthy experiences. For those planning a birthday surprise or anniversary dinner, the restaurant’s combination of grand seafood displays, classic bistro fare, and skyline views offers a compelling option in a competitive market.
Actionable tip: Book at least two weeks in advance for weekend evenings, especially if requesting a window table or the private dining room. The four-course tasting menu is an excellent entry point for first-time visitors.