Alto restaurant - Hong Kong, China

Among Hong Kong’s many dining establishments, there are surprisingly few restaurants with unimpeded harbour views.

So this, along with glamorous interiors by Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio, might explain the excitement around Alto, a new restaurant on the 31st floor of the newly developed V Point skyscraper. Inspired by the four classical elements of earth, air, fire and water with – according to Dixon – a touch of alchemy, subtle materials from the Shou Sugi Ban-style blackened timber, green marble and terrazzo stone are offset with polished brass fittings and fixtures.

Taking centre stage in the main dining room, is a gleaming cloud comprising 230 of Dixon’s gold mini ‘Melt’ lights while, separated by brass rod sliding doors, the 12-seater VIP room is furnished with a full-length marble topped-table and the designer’s wingback chairs in shocking pink. Food by chef Michael Boyle keeps carnivores happy with a robust menu of the usual suspects including a sublime Japanese A5 Wagyu beef, although the crispy pig’s ears with Thai-spiced dipping sauce is usually the first to sell out.