Modern French cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Philippe Orrico at chic Sheung Wan urban bistro
April 4th, 2015
Opened in October 2013, Upper Modern Bistro elevated the bistro dining experience in Hong Kong with its fine-dining quality cuisine served in the more relaxed and casual environment of a neighbourhood bistro. With a menu replete with masterful renditions of modern French cuisine, interwoven with cross-culturally inspired small sharing plates created from imaginative combinations of seasonal ingredients, Upper Modern Bistro has captured the attention of discerning Hong Kong diners, and was rewarded within a year of opening with a Michelin star (subsequently retained in the 2015 listings). Conceived by classically trained French chef Philippe Orrico, based in Hong Kong since 2006, and previously gaining Michelin star status at Pierre restaurant of Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, and Saint George at Hullet House. At Upper Modern Bistro, his passion for globally sourced fresh seasonal ingredients is expressed in an evolving menu designed to offer diners a fresh, light and modern cuisine at approachable prices. Open daily, Upper Modern Bistro serves both lunch and dinner, with a small French and cross-cultural sharing plates and available at the cocktail bar all day.
Taking its name from its location on Upper Station Street – just off Hollywood Road in the happening dining enclave of Shueng Wan – Upper Modern Bistro occupies an unobtrusive double-fronted space with a monochrome grey facade and full height windows. The interior features a stylish contemporary decor of pastel grey-blue tones – accented with blonde timber furniture and grey marble – and highlighted by the striking ceiling installation of overlapping egg-shaped “petals” that reference chef Philippe’s favourite ingredient. Anchoring the space, the raised open kitchen overlooks the bar and dining room spaces connecting the kitchen team with diners.
Signature dishes from the a la carte menu that exemplify chef Philippe’s modern French bistro cuisine include Fatty tuna & squab roll, piquillos and tomatoes; 63°egg, with sautéed mushrooms, crab meat & bellota ham; and French pigeon, with shiitake, piquillos, carrots, mustard seeds. Standout desserts include the classic Vanilla crème brûlée, langue de chat; and Upper choc – chocolate sorbet, & chocolate candies. An extensive selection of over 30 artisanal French cheeses, expertly curated by general manager Jeremy Evrard, complement the extensive, mostly French wine list. Chef Philippe has selected an impressive variety of wines from boutique small-growers from across the main regions, together with champagnes, and a limited international selection of labels from Italy, Australia, and New Zealand.
Upper Modern Bistro enjoys considerable popularity and bookings are strongly recommended. The Upper Set Brunch on Saturdays & Sundays offers sociable and relaxed neighbourhood dining, while the Set Lunch menu during the week entices with its excellent value.
See also sibling restaurant ON Dining Kitchen & Lounge – recently opened (late 2014) in Central.
