Common Room | Hong Kong

Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Part of the Privé Group, Common Room is a gastrobar known for its top-notched cocktails and world-inspired tapas menu located in Lan Kwai Fong. The name is a term often used in colleges to represent a shared area where people can go and hang out. True to its name, the restaurants aims to do exactly that - which is to provide a casual and unpretentious lounge for people to relax with their friends, drink cocktails and enjoy food that is perfect for sharing. 

Even though it is located on the 1/F, the entrance on the street level was anything but common with a cute stairway leading up to the restaurant. The cozy communal atmosphere was obvious immediately with the use of brown wooden furnishings and warm lighting. The main bar is a whopping 31 foot long with a vast glass and cast iron liquor library. I was invited by the restaurant for a tasting event with a few other people, so we got to sample a variety of dishes on their menu. 

Cloxas ($155) - with three top cocktail mixologists at the helm, I was told that the cocktails here were splendid and I was not disappointed! The first drink I tried was the Cloxas with sake, citron vodka, honey, lime, passion fruit, and champagne. The cocktail was light and refreshing to drink with a lovely acidic tinge from the passion fruit. It was not too sweet or too strong - perfect to drink by itself or along with food. [5/5]

Kiss from a Rose ($110) - next, I tried one of its classic - the Kiss from a Rose with vodka, lychee, lemon juice, and homemade rose foam. I was very impressed by the rose foam, which was unlike anything I've had before in a drink. The foam was thick, fragrant, and simply delicious to sip on! The cocktail itself was delectable to drink as well with a sweeter and fruitier flavor compared to Cloxas. [5/5]

Charred Sweet Corn Salad ($58) - on to the food! With basil, tomatoes, onions, and deep-fried Tortilla chips, the corn salad was perfect as a starter with light and appetizer flavors. I love the sweetness of the charred corn and the spiciness of the Tortilla chips! [4/5]

Pulled Pork Poutine ($98) - ooh poutine! Who can resist melted chedder cheese and BBQ sauce on pulled pork and fries! The fries were very flavorful and crispy while I found the pulled pork to be a tad salty. The sauce could be stronger as well. [3.5/5]

Flatbread ($78) - the flatbread was quite aromatic with toppings of caramelized onions, wild mushrooms, goat cheese and truffle! Crunchy and tasty to eat, I especially love the sweet flavors of the caramelized onions. [4/5]

Chicken Lollipops ($88) - what a cute name! The chicken drumstick was curiously round with a crispy exterior and moist center. Two sauces were available for dipping with maple syrup and spicy mayo. The chicken was not as flavorful as I'd thought it would be while neither of the sauces went well with the dish. [3/5]

Classic Mac + Cheese ($98) - this dish is for the cheese lovers! Packed with many different types of cheese like Buffalo Mozzarella, Gruyere, Parmesan and Gouda, the mac and cheese was scrumptious to eat with rich and cheesy flavors. I especially adore the baked cheese crisp!  Nom nom nom. [5/5]

Wagyu Foie Gras Sliders ($108) - the first of 2 sliders we tried was the wagyu foie gras sliders with caramelized onions, argula and balsamic reduction. To be honest, you just cannot go wrong with the combination of wagyu and foie gras as these were simply delicious to devour! Just wished there was more of it. [5/5]

Portebello Mushroom Sliders ($98) - vegetarians are not left out with the portebello mushroom sliders! I actually liked these sliders more with gruyere, caramelized onions and avocados. The mushrooms were unexpectedly very flavorful while the avocado sauce complimented the sliders really well. [5/5]

Lobster Linguine ($178) - we also tried the lobster linguine with fresh half lobster in spicy tomato sauce. While I usually love spicy food, I found the linguine to be a bit too spicy as the delicate flavors of the seafood were easily overpowered. [3/5] 

Lobster Risotto ($178) - the dish came with a generous amount of lobster while the risotto was simmered in cream, garlic and white wine. Both the lobster and risotto were cooked perfectly with the right balance in flavors and textures! [4/5]

Overall, I found the the cocktails here to be very impressive while the tapas style is perfect for pairing food with drinks. I would love the try to Lobster Roll next time, an east coast favorite that is not commonly found in HK! Can't wait to go back to try more cocktails!

Common Room
1/F, Wo On Building, 8-13 Wo On Lane, Central
2525 3599
http://www.common-room.hk

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