New restaurant review: District 8, a French bistro in Kowloon, Hong Kong

New Parisian-inspired steak frites spot at Civic Square, Elements Mall

Who can say no to steak frites? Certainly not me so I was keen to check out District 8 (by Wooly Pig) which has just opened in Elements Mall’s charming Civic Square.

The decor is Parisian bistro chic and there’s great seating both indoors and outdoors. Inside the tables are well spaced out and the leather banquettes are super cozy. Outside the tables face the Square making it a chill spot for people watching as well as enjoying some bistro treats.

So what do they have on the menu?

Executive Chef Anthony Hammel has put together classics with a twist. We started with some calamari skewers ($35 per stick), baby beet skewers ($35 per stick), and salted fish croquettes ($90). With its smokey flavour, the calamari were a table pleaser. The beets were also popular especially with those that love black garlic.

The roasted bone marrow ($130) was done well with an anchovy, capers and parsley topping balancing out the richness.

Homemade sausage ($180) is always a treat. If you like fennel, you’ll love the flavour of these pork sausages. They were juicy and full of flavour without being too fatty. And nice on their own or with the harissa sauce on the side.

We tried a few steak options but the crowd pleaser was definitely the Rangers Valley Hangar (280 grams, $330). This Black Angus and Wagyu cross breed was super tender, moist and whatever spiced butter District 8 is putting on it is super addictive. I’d come back again just for that!

District 8 change up their cakes regularly but on the night we went there was cheesecake, lemon slice, chocolate tarte and a berry cake ($80 per slice). Classic choices served with creme fraiche.

Besides the steak sauce, my favourite part of the meal was this French Breakfast Martini ($90). It combines butter croissant-infused vodka, strawberry marmalade egg white and fresh lemon. Not an exaggeration to say this is easily the best cocktail I’ve had all year. You’ll see me again for this, District 8!

The Thyme of My Life mocktail ($75) with raspberry and orange also went down a treat.

Verdict

District 8 is a classic, well-priced steak frites spot in a great location. The food is solid and they’re doing really good things with the drinks program. They’re also open late for the night owls, until 12:30am Tuesday to Thursday and until 1am Friday and Saturday.

R009 Roof Deck, Civic Square Elements Mall, 1 Austin Rd W, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2537 7555

(By invitation for Foodie)