Award-winning French chef Daniel Boulud is set to open his first restaurant in Hong Kong next January, marking the culinary icon’s long-anticipated debut in Asia as the city’s fine dining sector faces new challenges from changing consumer habits and cross-border competition.
In a partnership with the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong and luxury property group LANDMARK, Boulud will launch Terrace Boulud atop the 25th floor of LANDMARK PRINCE’S in Central. The restaurant promises sweeping views of Victoria Harbour and a menu that blends classic French bistro cuisine with Asian influences, reflecting the chef’s signature style of globally inspired, seasonal fare.
The opening signals a vote of confidence in Hong Kong’s status as a world-class gastronomic destination, even as the city grapples with shifting dining trends. While the number of restaurants has remained steady, more residents are travelling north to neighbouring Shenzhen, where they are lured by lower prices, newer venues, and increasingly sophisticated food and beverage offerings.
Data from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department showed that restaurant closures outpaced new openings for the first time in six years, as we have reported. Analysts and industry insiders have attributed the downturn to economic headwinds, rising rents, and the growing appeal of dining across the border, where meals can cost significantly less without compromising on quality or experience.
Despite this, the arrival of Terrace Boulud adds momentum to a HK$7.8 billion (US$1 billion) redevelopment project dubbed “Tomorrow’s CENTRAL,” which seeks to revitalise LANDMARK with over 100 new restaurants, bars, and outdoor terraces. The collaboration reflects the confidence of both Mandarin Oriental and Hongkong Land in reimagining Central as a vibrant culinary hub.
“We are thrilled to be working with Chef Daniel Boulud and LANDMARK to introduce this unique concept to the city,” said Greg Liddell, Area Vice President of Operations and General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. “The space on top of LANDMARK PRINCE’S is exceptional… and is the perfect setting in which to create this extraordinary dining experience.”
Known globally for his MICHELIN-starred flagship Daniel in New York, Boulud has expanded his Dinex Group restaurant empire to cities including Palm Beach, Toronto, Riyadh, and the Bahamas. His Hong Kong outpost will be designed by Paris-based Malherbe, drawing inspiration from the golden age of French brasseries and luxury train travel. The venue will serve lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and cocktails on an expansive rooftop terrace.
“It is an honour for me to partner with Mandarin Oriental to bring Terrace Boulud to Hong Kong,” Boulud said. “I am endlessly inspired by the flavours and culinary variety of the region… I look forward to welcoming our guests to explore it with me in such an iconic location.”
Construction for the restaurant began this month, with the opening set for January 2026. Whether Terrace Boulud can thrive in a city increasingly looking north for its culinary thrills remains to be seen — but for now, it brings a fresh gust of French sophistication to the heart of Hong Kong.
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