It's not hard to find a good restaurant in Hong Kong, but finding one that's removed from the usual chaos of the bustling city is a quest in itself. Tucked away inside Eslite bookstore at Hysan Place, there's a quiet little escape called Noir.
This modern bistro is simple but stylish, with dark walls, warm wood accents, and soft lighting that make the whole space feel cosy without trying too hard. Hanging on the back wall is a large mural by artist Elsa Jeandedieu that perfectly ties into the French-Japanese vibe here.
Chef Keith Leung, a Hong Kong native with over 15 years of experience, runs the kitchen. His menu is a mix of Chinese, Japanese, and French influences, focusing on seasonal ingredients and techniques like fermentation and ageing – something that's clearly reflected in the menu, with dishes that feel familiar but have enough of a twist to keep them interesting.
Highlights on the menu include pumpkin ebi miso ($78), a creamy, umami-packed dish that pairs roasted fermented pumpkin with ebi roe creme and miso cheese; and the fish crudo ($88), which features locally sourced kampachi served with a fermented tomato sauce and green oil.
For mains, the duck confit ($188) is a solid choice. The duck is slow-cooked for 12 hours with five-spice, resulting in tender, flavourful meat that falls right off the bone, and comes with crunchy bitter melon and daikon with wasabi mayo served on top of couscous.
As for desserts, the hojicha basque cheesecake with ginger ice cream, which cuts right through the dense creamy cheesecake, was the perfect way to end the meal. Noir also has an extensive menu of drinks, with a selection of shochu, sake, red and white wine, craft beer, cocktails, and liqueur to pair with the food.
So, what makes this place so special? For me, it wasn't just about the food or the setting. Noir doesn't try to be flashy or gimmicky, but as soon as you step in, you feel like you can truly have a moment to yourself, whether you're here for a full meal or just a drink with a few bites. If you're in need of a break from the noise of Causeway Bay, skip the usual haunts and head to Noir. Maybe even grab a book beforehand to spend some time flipping pages while enjoying genuine good food, even if it's just for an hour or two.
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