Hong Kong’s midweek grind just met its match. Every Wednesday from 6 PM to 10 PM, Zoku—the sleek Japanese restaurant inside The Hari Hotel in Wan Chai—unveils its revamped “This Is Izakaya” dinner experience, offering 90 minutes of unlimited Japanese dishes and drinks starting at just HK$398 per person. With live acoustic performances from local singers, this weekly event transforms the venue’s indoor dining room and outdoor terrace into a vibrant social destination for after-work revelers and food lovers alike.
A Menu Designed to Impress
U Food’s reporter attended a sneak preview and came away with a clear verdict: this is no ordinary buffet. The unlimited menu spans carefully curated appetisers, yakitori skewers, and sashimi-grade maki rolls, all prepared with an emphasis on freshness and seasonality.
Starters That Steal the Show
Among the standouts, the M9 Australian Wagyu beef tataki tacos drew immediate praise. Thinly sliced wagyu, rich in marbling and nearly melting on the tongue, is paired with seaweed and sesame for added texture. Equally tempting are the salmon tartare tacos and the buttermilk fried chicken, served with Sriracha mayo for a spicy kick.
High-Quality Maki Rolls
Sushi lovers will appreciate the yellowtail rolls dressed with yuzu vinegar and pickled radish, alongside salmon rolls topped with mentaiko sauce and flying fish roe. Each bite delivers a clean, oceanic burst of flavour that rivals many à la carte sushi bars.
Yakitori and Upgrades for the Adventurous
The skewer selection includes salt-grilled chicken wings, teriyaki salmon, and a surprising hit: Japanese grilled taro finished with white miso and lemon zest. For those craving a more indulgent experience, optional add-ons are available:
- Fried soft shell crab roll (+HK$48)
- A5 Wagyu roll (+HK$68)
- Wasabi tempura prawn (+HK$58)
- US prime beef ribeye skewer (+HK$28)
- Hokkaido scallop skewer (+HK$38)
These premiums allow diners to customise their meal without committing to a full upgrade for everyone at the table.
A Drink Menu That Keeps Pouring
No izakaya experience is complete without a robust drinks list, and Zoku delivers. The 90-minute free-flow package includes Asahi beer, red and white wine, sparkling wine, and a daily sake selection. Cocktail enthusiasts can enjoy highballs made with Widges London Dry Gin, Tried & True vodka, or Plantation rum. For an additional charge, guests can upgrade to Saiten Martini, Vodka Dirty Martini, or Espresso Martini.
Non-drinkers are not forgotten. The menu features Peroni Zero alcohol-free beer and creative mocktails such as Momotaro, a blend of hojicha, peach, and rose.
Practical Details for Midweek Diners
The “This Is Izakaya” event operates on a two-seating model:
- First seating (6 PM – 8 PM): HK$398 per person
- Second seating (8 PM – 10 PM): HK$428 per person
All prices are subject to a 10% service charge. The entire table must participate in the package, and only one drink can be ordered per round. Reservations are recommended and can be made through The Hari Hong Kong’s official website.
The Bigger Picture: A New Wave of Midweek Dining
Zoku’s weekly izakaya night reflects a broader trend in Hong Kong’s F&B scene: elevated, all-inclusive dining experiences designed to lure office workers out of their routines. By combining premium ingredients, live music, and a convivial atmosphere, this offering positions itself as a serious contender for Wednesday night plans. For busy professionals craving a genuine escape without sacrificing quality, “This Is Izakaya” might just become the new happy hour destination—one M9 wagyu taco at a time.
Location: 2/F, The Hari Hong Kong, 330 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai