racines is a chef-led French restaurant at 22 Upper Station St, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, where Provençal culinary memory meets contemporary French technique and Cantonese sensibility. Founded by chef-owners Romain Dupeyre and Chun, the restaurant takes its name from the French word for “root”: a fitting idea for menus shaped by heritage, local produce and the changing seasons. Travelers come for a considered tasting-menu experience that connects southern French dishes and ingredients with Hong Kong’s food culture, in a compact hillside neighborhood close to Central.
What to Expect at racines
The meal is the main event rather than a fixed catalogue of signature dishes. Racines describes its format as a reimagined tasting experience rooted in French gastronomy, with frequently updated menus. Chef Romain, who grew up in Nice, draws on formative flavors from his grandmother’s cooking, including aioli, ratatouille and pissaladière. Expect these Provençal reference points to inform the kitchen’s point of view rather than assume any one dish will be available on a particular night.
Chef Chun’s Franco-Chinese background adds another layer to the restaurant’s identity. Born in Strasbourg to Hong Kong restaurateur parents, he trained in Nice and worked in noted European kitchens before his years with Anne-Sophie Pic. Together, the chefs use classic French foundations, contemporary plating and heritage-led flavor combinations. The restaurant also emphasizes partnerships with local farmers, fishers and artisans; beverage pairings are designed to follow the balance and progression of the food. It is an intimate, reservation-led dinner choice rather than a quick walk-in meal.
- Provençal roots: Chef Romain’s Nice upbringing informs the kitchen’s southern French perspective, from aioli and ratatouille to pissaladière.
- French-Cantonese dialogue: French technique is thoughtfully combined with Cantonese sensibilities and the chefs’ shared Hong Kong connection.
- Seasonal tasting menus: The menu changes frequently, so return visitors can encounter a different progression of dishes.
- Local sourcing: Relationships with local farmers, fishers and artisans put regional ingredients at the center of the experience.
- Curated pairings: Beverage pairings are planned to complement the menu’s delicate, layered flavors.
racines at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 22 Upper Station St, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong |
| Neighborhood / Area | Sheung Wan, on the uphill streets west of Central |
| Operating Hours | Mon, Tue, Thu 6–11pm; Fri–Sat 12–3pm and 6–11pm; closed Wed and Sun |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | No admission charge; dining and drinks are paid separately. Current menu prices are not published on the official site. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2 to 3 hours for a tasting-menu dinner; allow around 1.5 to 2 hours for lunch. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Sheung Wan MTR Station is the practical rail arrival point; taxis can drop passengers on Upper Station Street. No dedicated parking is advertised. |
| Official Website / Phone | racineshk.com; reservations via SevenRooms. A public telephone number is not listed. |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve before making the uphill trip, particularly for Friday and Saturday dinner and the limited Friday–Saturday lunch service. Booking is available through SevenRooms; use it to check current availability, seating times, menu format and any dietary requests before confirming. For a more relaxed approach to the evening, take an early dinner slot, then continue toward Central or the Mid-Levels area. Arrive a little early rather than relying on a tight MTR-to-table connection, as Upper Station Street is on Sheung Wan’s steep, narrow hillside street network.
From Sheung Wan MTR, walking is feasible but involves an uphill approach; a taxi is the simplest option for guests with limited mobility, luggage or a stroller. There is no dedicated restaurant parking advertised, and drivers should not expect an easy curbside wait on the narrow street. Step-free entrance, lift and accessible-restroom details are not published, so wheelchair users should contact the restaurant before booking to confirm the route, entrance and seating arrangements. Within roughly 5 to 15 minutes on foot, pair dinner with the Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences on Caine Lane, explore the antique and art-dealer stretch around Hollywood Road, or browse independent shops and cafes around Tai Ping Shan Street.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are racines’ hours and when is the best time to go?
Racines opens for dinner Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 6–11pm, plus Friday and Saturday lunch from 12–3pm and dinner from 6–11pm. It is closed Wednesday and Sunday. Reserve an early dinner or Friday–Saturday lunch if you want to leave time for nearby Sheung Wan streets.
Are tickets or reservations required?
There are no tickets or admission fees because racines is a restaurant. Reservations are strongly advisable and can be made through the official SevenRooms booking page. Food and beverages are charged separately; check the booking page for the current dining options.
How much time should I budget for racines?
Allow 2 to 3 hours for dinner, especially if choosing the full tasting experience and beverage pairings. A lunch visit generally needs about 1.5 to 2 hours. Add extra time if walking from the MTR, as the surrounding streets climb uphill.
Is racines suitable for families or wheelchair users?
The experience is best suited to diners comfortable with a paced, chef-driven meal. Families should confirm menu suitability and seating directly with the restaurant. The hilly Upper Station Street setting can be difficult with wheelchairs and strollers; take a taxi and confirm step-free access and restroom facilities before reserving.
When planning your Hong Kong travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Hong Kong, pair this stop with standout local spots including 粤港美食 一号店, Hong Kong WAUKI SHOMEi & BEISEN WASEDA, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, and Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences (0.2 km away).
