Vibrant izakaya-style kitchen & bar offers sociable dining and drinking in fashionable Hong Kong neighborhood
July 10th, 2013
Astutely tapping into the culinary and social zeitgeist of Hong Kong urbanites, Three Monkeys has joined a growing number of popular drinking and eating establishments in the city that have adopted the concept of Japanese style izakaya bar/restaurants that have long lubricated the after-work socialising in urban centres across Japan. Opened recently (December 2012) in a prominent street frontage premises on the Sheung Wan end of Hollywood Road- and with well-established neighbors such as The Press Room, Classified and Blue Butcher, Three Monkeys has enjoyed an immediate and sustained popularity that sees the restaurant frequently booked out days in advance. An enticing combination of expertly executed traditional yakatori cuisine, and a solid drinks program- honed-in on premium Japanese spirits, craft beers and lavish cocktails- makes for an enjoyable evening of shared food and sociable drinking.
Spread over two levels, the matt black facade of Three Monkeys is boldly highlighted by the lighted signage featuring the charismatic manga-style logo. The contemporary design embraces a pared-back, industrial-chic style- with white-washed brick walls, unpolished concrete screed flooring, retro-style tungsten lamp lighting, and the utilitarian timber and steel framed chairs and tables. On the lower level, the black marble topped, U-shaped bar is the prominent feature with a number of dining tables occupying the balance of the floor space. The upper level houses the kitchen and impressive robata grill- an artisan-crafted masterpiece made from the purest steel by the famed Tokyo master grill and knife smith- Kama-Asa. Further dining tables opposite the grill station offer a different perspective to the more exuberant bar atmosphere of the ground floor space.
The attractively illustrated menu at Three Monkeys– printed onto a large folded broadsheet- features a broad assemblage of classic yakatori-style dishes- with various selections of grilled meats- pork, chicken, beef and seafood- as well as vegetable dishes. In addition to the grilled skewer items, a selection of “Cooked Items” from the kitchen offer more substantial plates such as Sukiyaki; Shabu Shabu; and some rice and noodle dishes. Standout items from the robata grill include the Foie Gras Tofu Toast; Tsukune Meatball with egg yolk; Belly Wraps of Kurobuta pork; and the Prime Rib Steak.
Beverages at Three Monkeys are mostly Japanese in origin. Fresh Suntory and Kirin draught beer on tap are supplemented by selections of canned and bottled Japanese craft beers. Cocktails feature both classic drinks that have been re-interpreted with Japanese spirits and ingredients; and modern creations inspired by Japanese culinary flavors and influences. Selections of premium sake, shochu and aged single malts offer further options for discerning drinkers.
Three Monkeys opens in the early evening- with the kitchen taking orders up until 10:30 pm. Tables tend to turn-over during the course of the night- but bookings are recommended to avoid disappointment.
Three Monkeys interior
The full-height glass facade of Three Monkeys visually connects the ground floor bar and dining area with the bustling street scene of Hollywood Road. Window front tables are best for those who wish to see and be seen.
Space on the ground floor is divided between the bar and various dining table settings. Retro-styled tungsten lamps provide a soft, warm lighting effect that matches the laid-back casual theme of the decor.
A handsome, industrial-chic bar- fronted with riveted steel sheets- is the focus of activity on the ground floor space – a few bar stools offer a perch to enjoy the action whilst waiting for a table.
A palette of white-washed brick walls combined with the unpolished concrete screed flooring and dark timbers create a somewhat quirky, industrial-chic style interior.
Glass-fronted display cabinets showcasing the liquor collection are built into the wall adjacent to the staircase leading to the first floor.
Upper-floor dining area overlooks Hollywood Road below through full height glass windows. Casual timber tables and chairs, concrete and unpolished timber flooring, continue the industrial-style theme of the lower level.
The impressive open robata grill and kitchen are the centrepiece feature of the upper level.
Highlights from the Three Monkeys kitchen & bar
Belly Wraps- Kurabuta Belly, romaine lettuce wraps.
Tsukune- Chicken & Egg- handmade.
Okinawa Ice Tea- Awamori, Umeshu, Tiffin Tea Liqueur, Lemon & Oolong Tea.
Monkey Business- Fat washed Bourbon Whiskey with Bacon and Butter, Fresh Lemon Juice, Egg White, Simple Syrup & Bitters
Bonzi Applebum- Red Chilli & Cinnamon infused Vodka, Green Apple Liqueur, Fresh Lemon Juice, Edd White with Spice Syrup & Lemon Essence
Yuzu Julep- Yamazaki Whiskey, Yuzu Juice, Fresh Mint with Spice Syrup & Gomme.
Bar counter display of premium Japanese single malt whiskys
Three Monkeys- modern izakaya restaurant & bar, Hong Kong
Address: 151 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan. Hong Kong
MTR: Sheung Wan station – Exit A1 – 10 minutes walk.
Enquiries: +852. 3151-7771
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/pages/Three-Monkeys/293878554065836
Opening hours: Daily: 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm
