It was crowded in Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong's famously lively neighborhood known for its bars, nightlife, and foreigner-friendly establishments. This was during a long stretch of period during the pandemic when things in Hong Kong were pretty stable, and thus life moved on like normal.
As Bryan and I walked through a neighborhood that we had not visited in a long time, we continued to walk in circles searching for this restaurant that specialized in "lavish teppanyaki affair" with strong influence from both Japan and the US? What does that mean??
Soon after we stepped into Crown Super Deluxe Teppanyaki we started to understand. This place is not like a typical teppanyaki restaurant that we've visited in the US. Instead, it serves Japanese food with the flair and showmanship of US teppanyaki establishments. Think Benihana, but much more upscale.
Case in point. Moments after we sat down, this beautiful large lobster started looking at me. I cringed a bit, knowing that he would likely become part of our dinner later on in the day. There are actually several counters at Crown Super Deluxe Teppanyaki. It seemed like we were sitting at the lobster station where unlucky live lobsters were "prepared". I've always had trouble killing any live critters (e.g., I couldn't bring myself to step on ants when I was a kid, and I still struggle cooking live mussels). As such, this wasn't the most fun table for me to sit at.
I tried to ignore the lobster as we looked at the menu. We could choose from one of three different tasting menus: the Crown (HKD788) which included a choice between two types of US Prime beef, the Super (HKD788), which added sashimi, a seafood course, and AU Wagyu beef, and the Deluxe (HKD988), which added Spiny Lobster and A5 Kagoshima Wagyu.
Since this was our first time, we decided to go all out and try the Deluxe.
Cold Starters
Next up, assorted sashimi from Toyosu Market (the market in Japan that replaced Tsukiji Fish Market) was serviceable but nothing particularly memorable.
Teppanyaki
The After Party
I’m not sure if ”After Party” is the right term, but after we finished our meal, our server invited us to go into the Whiskey Lounge to enjoy our desserts and (optionally) some drinks. In this room were bartenders, other guests, and magicians who would walk around from table to table. One magician came by our table and started to show us a magic trick. I honestly can’t remember exactly what the trick was, but I do remember being amazed by the outcome. Soon after, another server started pouring sake shots for everyone, and we all yelled a collective ”cheers!” before downing our drinks. This happened more than once. It was crazy loud, boisterous, and so different from the earlier part of the meal.
At that moment I certainly felt like I was in Lan Kwai Fong, partying with all the other revelers. Are we really in a post-Covid time?
Another gentleman at the table next to us bought us a drink, and we chatted a bit with him. Honestly, everyone was really, really friendly, though possibly a bit drunk.
We stayed for about 15-20 minutes before deciding to leave. What an interesting night!
General Thoughts
This restaurant sources high quality, luxurious ingredients, and does a good job on executing Japanese teppanyaki. Black Sheep Restaurant Group has created a concept that I think will appeal to people who are looking for a fun, lively restaurant that serves impressive dishes in a theatrical environment designed to “wow.” Though I thought the food was good, I don’t think I’ll be going back. The loud, sensory-overload, vibe was interesting to experience once, but at the end of the day, it’s not my favorite type of place.
Crown Super Deluxe Teppanyaki Hong Kong
Mezzanine, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street
Central HONG KONG
