BELON

Exciting movements include the opening of Tokyo's two-MICHELIN-starred tempura restaurant Tempura Uchitsu in Hong Kong, the relocation of the two-MICHELIN-starred Tenku RyuGin and the one-MICHELIN-starred Belon to new addresses for an enhanced dining experience. In addition, a fresh new roster of two new head chefs behind one-MICHELIN-starred Octavium and the opening of a new Hong Kong restaurant by chef Enrico Bartolini of Milan's three-MICHELIN-starred Enrico Bartolini al Mudec all have made October an exciting month for the gastronomic scene in the city.

Hong Kong has no shortage of high-end French restaurants, but Belon is a more casual option, like the everyday bistros all over Paris. They still take themselves pretty seriously, but not in ways we’re going to complain about - ingredients are the best they can find, and the bread is baked in house. The menu sounds like a list of classics (roast chicken, foie gras), but the local influence is in there as well - that roast chicken comes out whole (head and feet attached) to share, just like in Cantonese restaurants.

Exquisite French cuisine is only a click away thanks to Belon’s takeaway and delivery menu. The menu includes a refreshing salad niçoise with amberjack and vegetables, rigatoni pasta stuffed with scallop and ricotta mousse, and the signature roasted chicken with peas and mashed potatoes. You can even top it off with a bottle of wine and some delicate desserts like clementine millefeuille with vanilla cream or delectable kouign-amann (sweet Breton cakes).

An all-wood facade stands out from the concrete walls on Central’s busy Elgin Street. Behind a pair of heavy wood doors, a fresh and inviting bistro transports you to Paris’ artsy 11th arrondissement with low blue-leather booths, quirky globe-like lighting fixtures, and retro-looking French cafe tables. When it comes to pours, Belon’s known for two things: Fantastic cocktails and beautiful French wines.

Despite his sparkling credentials, chef Matthew Kirkley faced an uphill battle taking over the mantle of Daniel Calvert's much-loved Parisian bistro. Indeed, little remained the same apart from the name—from the location and interiors (transformed into a moody modernist hideaway by Joyce Wang), to the serving format (degustation out, a la carte in), and the menu which, save for classics like the pigeon pithivier, was entirely revamped to reflect Kirkley's near-obsessive plating tendencies while evolving French cuisine in an almost abstract manner. Yet Kirkley has made Belon his own, maintaining the institution's standing and easily garnering it a spot in our Tatler 20 ranking this year—better yet, wife and restaurant manager Lauren Kirkley works tightly with him, keeping the front of house shipshape.

From the one-star category, Hong Kong had six new entrants, including two from prolific F&B group Black Sheep Restaurants: Belon, headed up by chef Daniel Calvert (who is presumably still floating off the high of landing on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2018 list); and New Punjab Club, the modern tandoor grill from chef Palash Mitra, who captured his first Michelin star at Gymkhana in London before moving to Hong Kong. Both awards are a refreshing sign for a Guide that has traditionally tipped its hat to restaurants of the classical variety — recognising and rewarding the more casual type of establishments that increasingly represent the heart of modern-day dining.

After closing the doors on its inaugural home earlier this year, Michelin-starred French restaurant BELON – currently ranked at number 25 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list – has reopened in its elegant new home just down the block on Elgin Street, with Chef Matthew Kirkley now running the show. Notably, Chef Kirkley led Chicago’s L2O and San Francisco’s COI to two and three Michelin stars respectively. Keeping it in the family, the chef’s wife, Lauren, who has worked at revered restaurants including Thomas Keller’s three-starred The French Laundry, will oversee the front of house.

Neo-Parisian restaurant Belon reopens with a brand new look and feel in SoHo, with Chef Matthew Kirkley taking the helm as Head Chef in place of Daniel Calvert. Belon’s fresh interiors were updated by designer Joyce Wang Studio, with contemporary accents mixing old and new for a haven of refined elegance: think curved banquettes and dark muted colour palettes juxtaposed with aged plaster and cobalt panelling. The menu sees a similar revamp, retaining notable favourites such as the whole roasted three yellow chicken with pomme purée, and the rich and flaky Mikan Millefeuille.

Belon is a one-star Michelin restaurant known for its modern French cuisine with a bit of an Asian twist. The Chef’s Counter is where the magic happens, featuring a specially crafted multi-course menu and a behind-the-scenes look at the culinary team's expertise and flawless execution. Dishes like the succulent Cervelas en brioche – tender cervelas wrapped in flaky brioche and drizzled with truffle gastrique – speak volumes about Belon’s commitment to top-notch cuisine.

BelonDecorated with clean white walls, blue leather booths, and brass fixtures, the Belon serves classic French cuisine with a contemporary touch, evident in the beautiful presentations and Asian ingredients. “It’s well designed and simple,” Chow says. “The French cuisine would even be a star if this were in Paris.” For a taste of perfection, Chow recommends the pigeon pithivier with fig and amaretto—a homemade pastry filled with pigeon breast—with a savory jus on top.

Belon is a Michelin-starred neo-Parisian restaurant helmed by the talented Chef Matthew Kirkley. Moved into its new location on Elgin Street in Soho back in 2021, this eatery offers a contemporary menu of elevated French cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. The stunning menu includes the famous whole roasted chicken, the decadent foie gras tartlet with sauternes wine, alongside reimagined French dishes are a feast for the senses.

Billed as the Pearl of Soho, Black Sheep concept Belon brings Parisian “je ne sais quoi” to lower Elgin Street. After a period of quiet relocating and renovating, this neo-Parisian “bistro” reopened in March 2021 with decorated chef Matthew Kirkley at the helm. Ranked among the best restaurants in Asia and even the world, expect food that’s manifestly French in taste and technique, without any of the stuffy formality endemic to haute cuisine.

BELON is a Michelin-starred neo-Parisian restaurant in Hong Kong, using the region’s best ingredients prepared with exceptional French culinary techniques. The restaurant is popular for its open kitchen design with four seats lined up, where diners can watch the chefs flawlessly prepare their meals. If you’ve been to France, you’ll know that French people adore beef or meat dishes because of its world-class cattle market.

The nine Hong Kong restaurants newly awarded a Michelin star are Singaporean chef Barry Quek’s Whey, chef Manav Tuli’s Chaat, Mono, Seventh Son for its time-honoured Cantonese dishes, Yong Fu, which serves Ningbo cuisine, Belon (a re-entry at its new location), Korean chef Mingoo Kang’s relocated Hansik Goo, I M Teppanyaki & Wine (a re-entry after its relocation), and Sushi Wadatsumi (a re-entry – previously Ginza Iwa).

Now with a fresh look on display – darker and more seductive, with plenty of deep blue tones – classy neo-Parisian restaurant Belon has classic French culinary techniques at its heart, with a spotlight on the best seasonal ingredients from the region. The likes of foie gras, truffle, pigeon, caviar, lobster and aged cheeses are all treated with an expert hand here. 1/F, 1-5 Elgin Street 2152 2872 | belonsoho.com

Treat yourselves to exquisite neo-Parisian delicacies prepared using the freshest ingredients and exceptional precision. It has gorgeous interiors and an elegant atmosphere that will surely bring the spark into your date night. If you’re in the mood for something more bespoke, reserve the chef’s counter experience where you can watch the chef prepare and serve a tailored multi-course menu (plus off-menu dishes!).

Belon – A lovely Neo-Parisian bistro located in trendy Soho – Belon has been awarded one star in the 2019 Michelin Guide and a place on Asia's 50 Best Restaurant list for good reasons. It moved down the street from its original location and has taken a more modern chic look (as seen in the photo) - a break from the classical bright look of its former location. The menu is just as spectacular as it's always been!

Skill and refinement are shown in every dish, from the cervelas en brioche with truffle gastrique to the Maine lobster en croûte with morel and madeira and the honey and passion millefeuille. The best way to get the complete Belon experience is to order the gorgeous sélection du chef for a seven-course voyage, from tarte au foie gras with plum and macadamia nut to smoked Peking duck with sugar cane and sakura.

Belon, a modern French restaurant located in Hong Kong's vibrant Soho district, offers a refined dining experience. Helmed by chef Matthew Kirkley, Belon distinguishes itself with sincere, technique-driven cuisine rooted in French tradition, emphasizing the region's finest seasonal ingredients. Kirkley, who has worked in some of the world's most respected kitchens, brings passion and dedication to his craft.

Highlights include Octavium and Yan Toh Heen promoted to two Michelin stars; the newly crowned one-star restaurants include Belon, Hansik Goo, I M Teppanyaki & Wine, Sushi Wadatsumi, Whey, Chaat, Mono, Seventh Son and Yong Fu; the three-star list remains unchanged: Caprice, Forum, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Lung King Heen, 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana, Sushi Shikon and T’ang Court retain their titles.

BELON is a Michelin-starred spot in Hong Kong that highlights modern French cooking through classic techniques and careful attention to ingredients. The intimate setting and welcoming team create a relaxed atmosphere that makes diners feel at ease. It’s a thoughtful choice for anyone looking to enjoy refined yet approachable French cuisine.

Recently ranked one of Asia’s 50 best restaurants, the sleek yet minimal interior of Belon is intentional, allowing the dishes to really do the talking. Helmed by British chef Daniel Calvert, the menu includes a wonderfully fresh oyster tartare, chickpea falafel with hummus, pigeon pie, whole roasted chicken and more.

While, to the surprise of some, Belon lost its star following the departure of chef Daniel Calvert, and Lei Garden in Mongkok saw its star taken away, some lost their place on the roll of honour as they closed their doors forever including Pierre, Tenku Ryugin and The Tasting Room.

BELON offers a taste of authentic Parisian cuisine in the heart of Hong Kong, promising a fine dining experience with a Michelin star. With a mix of exceptional dishes and room for improvement, this restaurant aims to deliver a memorable dining experience.

The team at the neo-French restaurant led by Belon and Batard album chef Jeston Chua, boasts instinctive cooking that highlights technique and tradition. Taste bistro-style viands such as Seared Scallops with Pistachio Cream and Boston Lobster.

Of course, we couldn’t help but recommend another French restaurant. After all, we like how their cuisine transforms fresh ingredients into something absolutely extraordinary!. Belon is no exception to that, obviously.

I’ve heard for quite some time that Ensue’s investors have brought in the sous-chef of Hong Kong’s one-starred restaurant Belon to collaborate on a new restaurant in Shenzhen.