The buzz: In any other hotel, Kitchen would be known as the coffee shop. In the achingly cool W Hotel however, it’s the informal dining area where they serve comfort food with a twist. 

The décor: As the name suggests, the restaurant is designed to give a homey feel, with stacks of dishes artistically arranged, piles of chilies, eggs and spices as decoration. The chef’s table, rather than being reserved for VIPS, is a large communal table reserved for solo diners.

The drinks: With comfort food as the central motif, this is not the place for trendy cocktails. Wines are recommended instead and with an extensive wine list of over 300 bottles, you’ll be sure to find something you fancy.

The food: The usual “coffee shop” suspects are all present: burgers, club sandwiches, pizzas and Hainan chicken rice. There are also the “comfort food reinterpreted” dishes: lobster tacos, chicken confit and Thai chicken burgers. The chicken confit is a particular delight, being much lighter than the usual duck leg version, and paired well with olives and endives.

Why you’ll come back: Kiwi Chef Michael Poutawa has not only worked in Asia for years but he’s also worked for the Thai royalty. If his food is good enough for a king, who are we to complain?

6/F, W Hotel, 1 Austin Rd. West,     Tsim Sha Tsui, 3717-2299.