Shelter Lounge

Been here twice. Both for a group lunch & an abbreviated menu. For this menu good value, food & service. The location is not near other places for going out so my guess is this is a destination Resturant… So it needs to be to survive. To that end, I would not come here specifically for a meal. I also need to remember it’s here when I’m nearby. But if I was, I would come here & take friends here.

I could probably hit my five iron from my Hong Kong apartment to this restaurant and I am embarrassed to say that despite even walking by twice a day, five days a week, for the last six months, I have only just eaten at the Shelter Lounge this past week. Don’t take my lead, but rather do yourself a visit and go dine here. I look forward to returning myself soon.
We were there on a Tuesday night at 7PM. There were no other patrons for the entire time we were there. I walk by all the time and it is really often quite busy, so I know that our experience that was void of other guests was an exception and not the rule.
The ambiance is lots of light woods, contemporary furniture and feel, lots of light, openness, simple.
The staff was attentive, friendly, professional, focused. (maybe because we were the only ones there, not sure.)
We went with all items our wait staff indicated were «top sellers» and popular. Oysters, risotto, salmon & crème brûlée.
I am a raw oyster person and these were hands down, the best I have had in Hong Kong. They had three varietals on the menu, all flown in fresh daily from France. The quality and freshness is well aparant from the first forkfull to the last slurp.
The truffle and mushroom risotto was delicious. Fat, firm rice blended with just the perfect creaminess and earthy mushroom flavor. Really quite special.
Salmon was very good, but kind of in the shadows of how special the oysters and risotto were.
We finished with their lavendar crème brûlée. Truth be told, I hate crème brûlée. I love lavendar though and they indicated this was one of the top deserts. It was an explosion of lavendar and although a touch watery, it is an excellent desert… if lavender is your thing.
They do not have a liquor license (so bring your own bottle — no corkage fee), they have outdoor seating (although it is on high top tables) and they also take reservations (it can often be busy, so better be safe than sorry).