Words by Aude Camus
There’s a new French brasserie in town, and as a Parisian, you know I couldn’t resist checking it out. Enter LALA, the latest hotspot where chef Franckelie Laloum (you might know him for his previous tenure as the chef of Michelin-starred restaurant Louise in PMQ) works his magic in the kitchen while hospitality veteran Michael Larkin brings his signature warmth and hospitality to the floor. A duo like this? You know you’re in for a treat.
From the moment you step in, LALA feels like one of those places you could happily linger in for hours. It’s French, yes, but without the fuss - elegant yet relaxed, refined yet welcoming. The kind of spot where you can sip on a perfectly chilled glass of wine, soak up the buzzing atmosphere, and indulge in dishes that make you wonder why you don’t eat French food every day.
There’s a new French brasserie in town, and as a Parisian, you know I couldn’t resist checking it out. Enter LALA, the latest hotspot where chef Franckelie Laloum (you might know him for his previous tenure as the chef of Michelin-starred restaurant Louise in PMQ) works his magic in the kitchen while hospitality veteran Michael Larkin brings his signature warmth and hospitality to the floor. A duo like this? You know you’re in for a treat.
From the moment you step in, LALA feels like one of those places you could happily linger in for hours. It’s French, yes, but without the fuss - elegant yet relaxed, refined yet welcoming. The kind of spot where you can sip on a perfectly chilled glass of wine, soak up the buzzing atmosphere, and indulge in dishes that make you wonder why you don’t eat French food every day.
Now, let’s talk about the menu. Classic French cuisine gets a lighter, fresher touch here, and trust me, it works. You’ll find timeless favourites like parsley garlic frog legs (HKD 188), pâté en croute (HKD 258), and turbot with smoked hollandaise sauce (HKD 458), but if there’s one dish you absolutely must order, it’s the vol-au-vent LALA (HKD 458). Flaky, buttery pastry filled with sweetbreads (one of my guilty pleasures – I just love sweetbreads) — delicate yet rich, comforting yet elegant. I would go back for this alone.
And the experience doesn’t stop at the plate. The cocktails, overseen by Pawel Mikusek, channel that classic hotel bar sophistication but with a playful edge. Whether you’re in the mood for a flawlessly stirred martini or something a little more inventive, you’re in good hands. Add to that the stunning artistic touches by Elsa Jeandedieu, and you’ve got a space that feels as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.
But what truly makes LALA special? The feeling that you’re being welcomed into a place where food is celebrated, hospitality is effortless, and every visit is as delightful as the first. As Chef Laloum puts it: “We’re not reinventing French cuisine—we’re celebrating it.” And let’s be honest, what’s not to celebrate?
LALA HK
https://www.lalahk.co/
Lyndhurst Building, G/F, 29 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central
And the experience doesn’t stop at the plate. The cocktails, overseen by Pawel Mikusek, channel that classic hotel bar sophistication but with a playful edge. Whether you’re in the mood for a flawlessly stirred martini or something a little more inventive, you’re in good hands. Add to that the stunning artistic touches by Elsa Jeandedieu, and you’ve got a space that feels as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.
But what truly makes LALA special? The feeling that you’re being welcomed into a place where food is celebrated, hospitality is effortless, and every visit is as delightful as the first. As Chef Laloum puts it: “We’re not reinventing French cuisine—we’re celebrating it.” And let’s be honest, what’s not to celebrate?
LALA HK
https://www.lalahk.co/
Lyndhurst Building, G/F, 29 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central
This article is based on a complimentary dinner hosted by LALA. No money has been paid to publish this review which is entirely based on the genuine opinion of its author.