FIRESIDE

Fireside – Primitive Elegance and Open Flame Mastery in Hong Kong

In the bustling centre of Hong Kong’s Central district, Fireside has quietly become one of the city’s most compelling meat-centric dining destinations. Led by Head Chef Jaime Ortolá, this intimate and fire-focused restaurant celebrates primitive cooking methods through a lens of modern sophistication—where smoke, embers and raw product take precedence over unnecessary technique.

At Fireside, the centrepiece isn’t just the food—it’s the flame. Every element of the menu passes through fire, whether it’s kissed by coals, smoked gently over wood, or blistered in custom-built charcoal and wood-fire ovens. The open kitchen invites diners to witness this elemental process firsthand, bridging the gap between chef and guest in a way that feels immersive and personal.

Chef Ortolá’s culinary vision revolves around ingredient purity and honest technique. The menu changes frequently, depending on seasonal availability and sourcing, but always reflects a deep respect for product. Highlights in 2025 include Galician beef ribeye aged over 100 days, whole grilled carabinero prawns and a showstopping Iberico pork rack—each prepared with restraint and precision, allowing smoke and fat to do the storytelling.

Small plates such as wood-roasted bone marrow with citrus gremolata, coal-grilled vegetables and open-flame sourdough with smoked butter offer thoughtful interludes between heavier courses. The style is unpretentious yet deeply technical—flavour-forward, primal and elegant all at once.

The wine programme is a highlight in its own right, showcasing a smartly curated list of Old World favourites and low-intervention finds that complement the depth and umami of the fire-cooked dishes. The staff’s pairing suggestions reflect an intimate knowledge of the kitchen’s rhythm and the evolving menu.

Service at Fireside is warm and intuitive, mirroring the atmosphere of the glowing hearth. The team moves with grace, offering insights into sourcing, fire technique and ingredient provenance without ever overexplaining.

Fireside stands as one of Hong Kong’s most exciting restaurants - not because of spectacle or scale, but because of how masterfully it strips things back to the flame, the meat and the moment. Under Chef Jaime Ortolá’s thoughtful guidance, it’s a destination for those who crave authenticity, warmth and the timeless magic of open-fire cooking.