The Murray has added yet another feather to its cap with the opening of Popinjays – a rooftop restobar.

Intrigued by the quirky name that’s been borrowed from the parrots in the neighbouring Garden Road, we decided to check out this hotspot that everybody’s been talking about, and, honestly, it looked quite promising from the word go!

Clearly meant to attract crowds throughout the day and well into the night, Popinjays is a truly versatile space, easily serving as a brunch spot in the morning, a lounge in the evening and a fine-dining venue at night, all perfectly synced to the changing colours of the sky whose unrestricted views one can enjoy, through the glass pavilion and outside on the wraparound terrace. Located atop the 25th-storey hotel, Popinjays easily commands the most Instagrammable views of Central. We’d personally recommend visiting the restaurant a bit before dusk, just in time to see Hong Kong’s skyline lighting up with neon lights from the surrounding skyscrapers.

Suitably satiated with the view, we turned our attention to the cocktail selection, which, in keeping with the general bird-inspired theme, was titled The Aviary Collection. We particularly liked the fruity, fragrant flavours of the Amazon Sour (HK$130) and the Flight of Fancy (HK$130), but those looking for something stronger can go for Popinjays Punch (HK$130) or Cockatoo on the Rocks (HK$130).

With the cocktails setting a pleasant tone for the evening, Popinjays’ dinner menu had a lot to live up to, and, oh boy, it sure did! Specially curated by Head Chef Didier Quennouelle, Popinjays’ speciality is French fine-dining with typical French savoir faire. The two appetisers, a textured salad of Tomatoes and Philibon Melon (HK$220) and a thinly-sliced veal starter called Vitello Tonnato (HK$260) were both light and easy on the palate, but it was the main course of Roast Vendée Pigeon (HK$650) that was the show-stealer. Tender and succulent, we recommend ordering it medium-rare to enjoy its full flavours.

Of the dessert selection, the Caramelized Golden Apple Cheese Cake (HK$130) stood out for getting the right balance between crunchy and smooth. Not too sweet on the palate, it’s also recommended for those who don’t have a strong sweet tooth.

With its perfect fusion of cosmopolitan cuisine and breathtaking views, it wouldn’t be a flight of fancy to say that Popinjays has truly enriched the restaurants and bars scene in our beloved city!

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay