The initial thought that will come to mind when you see Watermark for the first time is “wow”, or “breathtaking” or “stunning”. Located on top of the Star Ferry pier, this latest offering from the Igor's Group has a dramatic entrance, unlike any other restaurant in Hong Kong. In fact, the restaurant itself is unlike any other in town.

An enormous stone wall is the first act in the drama, followed by a dark marble entrance with a water feature running the length of one wall and a curved ceiling adding to the watery feel. The final act is stepping into the restaurant itself with its stunningly high skylight ceiling (30-plus feet), and balcony on three sides, affording a 270 degree view of the harbour and Kowloon peninsula. The interior itself is warm and features teak, marble and glass – lots of glass.



It set the scene for a potentially memorable meal.

The Food



The restaurant's executive chef, Angelo McDonnell describes the cuisine as “Contemporary Continental”, which it is. The menu is peppered with tempting choices, such as Crispy Jumbo Crab Cake with Zucchini Jam, Spring Onions and Tomato Butter; Boston Lobster and Leeks with Truffle Mimosa; Seared Venison Tataki with Shallot Tatin and Juniper Berry Jus; Seared Diver Scallops with “Patatas Bravas”, Chorizo and Peppers; and Rabbit Loin Wellington with Braised Shoulder and Creamed Leeks.



Although tempted by many of the entree choices, my dining companion and I are both seafood lovers so we decided on the cold Seafood Platter for two. The drama of the restaurant was continued with the platter, which was not only beautifully presented it took up the whole table, perched on a metal stand we could hardly see the other side of the dish, let alone each other.

Lobster, crab, prawns, oysters, smoked trout, octopus, sea snails, mussels, cherry stone clams, fresh anchovy and mini blini made up the ocean fare/feast. It was served with three sauces – a Thai inspired vinegar, a dill mayonnaise and a deep red cocktail sauce.

It was all fantastic, fresh and flavourful. Standouts were the texturally delightful smoked trout and the Irish Rock oysters that were rich and creamy with appropriate hints of zinc and salt, and a flavour that lingered long after the oyster was gone. And, the crab and lobster were both divinely succulent and buttery, yum!

The House Special       
For main my companion ordered the Blue Eye Cod with Chanterelles, Cauliflower Couscous and Parsley Puree. He said that the fish was fresh and although the flavours of the individual ingredients were all strong they complemented each other – calling it a satisfying, almost comforting dish that exceeded his expectation.



I went with the House Specialty – 10oz Grilled Aged Angus Rib Eye with Aioli Potatoes and Asparagus. A 16oz steak is also available. Watermark is ageing the beef itself and it is wet aged for two weeks and dry aged for 16 days. According to the menu, “During the process the meat undergoes enzymatic changes that will enhance the flavour and texture, resulting in the perfect steak”. Quite a claim. For me it was not a perfect steak, in fact far from it. I had read that aged Angus has an intense flavor, is decadently tender, and positively buttery, but the steak I had was not tender nor buttery and I had to work hard at times to cut through it. It did have a nice flavour, but the texture was not as it should have been. The potatoes, fat chips really, were oversalted. It would have been a reasonable steak and chips at a local pub, but did not live up to its hype and is the most expensive dish on the menu.

The restaurant’s stunning location and stylish, sophisticated interior however soon made me forget that not all dishes are as impressive.

The End
We managed to fit in only one dessert – White Chocolate, Pistachio and Raspberry Opera with White Chocolate Sherbet. The plating of the dessert resembled an avant-garde snowman. Interesting textures and a surprising burst of fresh raspberry from inside the white chocolate made this dish a winner.



Also sounding tempting was the Pavlova with Glazed Black Pepper Pineapple, and Baked Chocolate and Caramelised Cheese Delice with Honeycomb.

Watermark is one of the city’s most elegant restaurants and is ideal for a romantic dinner, entertaining clients, taking visitors and just about any other occasion.

What Else
A stairway leads to the wine collection and private dining area.



The water theme is carried throughout the restaurant from a water pattern projected on the wall to the tactile menus.

The restaurant has one of the most extensive wine lists in Hong Kong. Compiled by the restaurant’s charming sommelier, the wine is listed under countries and regions with Wine Spectator and other wine critics’ ratings included.

Already gaining popularity is Watermark’s Sunday Live Jazz Brunch Buffet, great value at only $298 per person. The selection changes each week and usually includes a range of seafood, cold cuts, cheese, salad greens, hot dishes, a carvery, egg dishes and desserts.

Watermark is located at Shop L, Central Pier No.7 (Star Ferry), Hong Kong. Telephone 2167 7521.