One of the best meals Bryan and I had this past year was at Ta Vie in Hong Kong. A holder of 3 Michelin stars, Ta Vie embodies Chef Hideaki Sato’s focus on bringing out the simple and pure flavors of an ingredient. Chef Sato trained in French cuisine first. He switched to Japanese cuisine in his early thirties under chef Seiji Yamamoto of 3-Michelin starred Ryu Gin.
He moved to Hong Kong in 2012 to help open Ryu Gin’s first Hong Kong outpost Tenkyu Ryugin (now closed). The restaurant enjoyed great initial success (2 Michelin stars after 6 months). However, over time Chef Sato realized his first love was actually French cuisine, which he preferred “for creation and innovation.”
He decided to start Ta Vie together with his wife Hiromi Takano in 2015. This tiny restaurant (there are only 6 employees!) achieved its first Michelin star in 2016, second in 2017, and third in 2023.
We had the honor of dining here for Bryan’s birthday last October. And oh what a memorable meal it was!
House made Bread
A Refreshing Cucumber Salad
Uni Pasta
Fruit Tomato Terrine + Japanese Octopus
Green Lentil Soup with Lobster
Roasted Veal
Happy Birthday Bryan!
The detail and elegance of the spun sugar was amazing!
Dessert
Lemon cream with shortbread came with Japanese Kyoho grapes, lavender infused blueberry ice cream, and a blueberry “chip”. Bryan also enjoyed an old rum from Gosling’s Family Reserve.
General Thoughts – Ta Vie Hong Kong
We were blown away after the meal. I was particularly impressed by the precision of flavors a well as the thoughtfulness of the dishes. And just like that, Ta Vie soared to the top of our list of favorite restaurants in Hong Kong. Not sure when I’ll be back again (it is difficult to book!), but I certainly hope to return again soon.
Ta Vie Hong Kong
21 Stanley Street
2/F, The Pottinger
74Queen’s Road Central
Central, Hong Kong
