Eat & Drink

Hot Tables

Relaxed and happy dining at Classified

We are familiar with Classified, a popular café-style restaurant serving modern comfort food, freshly brewed coffee, well curated beers and wines, all delivered in a casual setting. It is also one of our favourite watering holes for after-work gatherings, and just a good all-round place to get a filling and tasty meal. Since the opening of its first outlet in 2006, Classified has expanded steadily to eight locations across the city. We thought it time to revisit this gem.

We went to the branch in Sheung Wan on Hollywood Road, nearby the famous Man Mo Temple. The restaurant occupies two levels. An al fresco portico fronting the street provides comfortable seating for drinks and snacks during happy hours and beyond. The ground floor has an open frontage, and a larger dining space upstairs offers a relaxing indoor space.

As is our wont, we ordered a bunch of plates to share. First was Kale Salad – kale, quinoa, red apple, dried cranberries, walnuts, halloumi, lemon olive oil dressing ($108), which is healthy and nutritious. Then came one of our comfort food favourites – the Classified Breakfast, choice of eggs, pork sausage, bacon, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, baked beans, sourdough ($138) – the tried-and-true English-style full breakfast that is good any hour of the day.

Other mains we ordered are Linguine Alle Vongole, clams, linguini, white wine, coriander, parsley, chilli ($168) and L’Entrecote Frites, grass-fed ribeye steak, cheese mashed potatoes, rocket, cherry tomatoes, signature sauce ($258). For sides, we opted for French Fries, Truffle Oil & Cheese ($60) and Chicken Wings ($68) with a choice of Thai chilli sauce or garlic parmesan.

In the dessert department, we were unable to overlook the Tiramisu, ladies fingers, coffee, mascarpone, chocolate ($68) and one of Classified’s specialties and another favourite – the Artisanal Cheese Platter, in which quality cheese types ranging from soft to hard and mild to strong of cheese made from sheep, goat and cow are curated. The platter ($270 – five types of cheese) is for dine-in only. But a similar cheese box is available for takeaway or delivery. The cheeses are served with crostini and quince jelly and come in three sizes ($180 for 3 types of cheese; $270 for 5 and $360 for 7). The cheeses include Comte 12 mois Reserve Du Chamet, a fruity yet buttery hard cheese, Croyitins De Chavignol AOC goat cheese, and the creamy and pungent Bleu d’Auvergne. You can order them through delivery services or Classified’s own online order form.

The drinks are good too: we had a nice bottle of Errazuriz Estate 2019 Reserva Merlot Chile ($298), Watermelon Mojito ($48), cold-pressed watermelon, juice, lime, soda water, and Sangria ($68), with a choice of white or red wine, orange juice, seasonal fruits.

Our visit to Classified was a fun and filling occasion – hearty food, nice drinks, and a relaxed ambience. It is a winning formula and we think you’ll like it too. Give it a visit.

Address: 108 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong (Sheung Wan branch)