One Causeway Bay Debuts Retail Podium Ahead of Full Opening

Following the recent completion and opening of its Grade-A office tower, One Causeway Bay officially commenced the soft opening of its retail podium at 281 Gloucester Road, Hong Kong. Located on the historic grounds of the former Excelsior Hotel, the development offers an early preview with three new culinary offerings now open: Two first-in-Hong Kong dining debuts from Hakata Tempura YAMAYA and Ganso Hakata Yatai by Yataikeiji, joined by specialty coffee roaster, bakery, and café, FINEPRINT. The full retail podium launch and grand opening will take place before year-end, with more exciting brands to be unveiled soon.

Hakata Tempura YAMAYA, originating from Fukuoka, Japan, opens its debut Hong Kong branch in Causeway Bay. Hakata Tempura YAMAYA not only marks its first overseas debut in Hong Kong, but it also brings its signature Japan-made “168 Spicy Mentaiko” to local diners and over five decades of culinary heritage to Hong Kong. Overlooking panoramic Victoria Harbour, the renowned Fukuoka brand introduces genuine omotenashi hospitality alongside an accessible, elevated Japanese dining experience.

At the heart of Hakata Tempura YAMAYA’s menu is its signature 168 Spicy Mentaiko. Cured at low temperatures for 168 hours (seven full days), it combines sake from Kitaya, a historic Fukuoka brewery, with rich Hokkaido Rausu kelp, Kyushu citrus, and a balanced blend of chili peppers. Crafted without artificial colorants, it delivers a mellow, layered, natural umami. Diners ordering tempura sets could enjoy unlimited refills of signature 168 Spicy Mentaiko and Spicy Mustard Greens. A live seafood tank serving fresh live kuruma prawn and live abalone is featured, complete with a dedicated VIP harbour-view room and a retail counter offering packaged 168 Spicy Mentaiko and specialty goods.

Representative of Hakata Tempura YAMAYA said, “For our market entry into the Hong Kong market, One Causeway Bay stood out as the optimal starting point. Set within a vibrant convergence of culture, commerce, and energy, it establishes a direct connection to the city’s dynamic lifestyle. We look forward to welcoming local connoisseurs and international travelers alike and contributing to the ongoing evolution of Hong Kong’s dining landscape.”

Ganso Hakata Yatai by Yataikeiji brings the electric charm of Fukuoka’s street-food culture abroad as the first international outpost of Yuta Abe’s famed Yatai Keiji. Spanning 106 seats, the venue channels the bustling soul of Hakata through three distinct concepts under one roof: the spirited stall energy of an official Yatai Keiji, the crackling charcoal theatricality of Shimoda Goma’s Gotetsu, and the elevated seclusion of the Akashi private dining room. At the culinary helm, Head Chef Yuki Tounai, Sous Chef Kensaku Narazaki, and Yakitori Specialist Goma Shimoda reimagine humble cart staples with pristine technique and seasonal, jet-fresh seafood flown directly from Japan.

The menu unfolds as a vibrant journey through regional gastronomy, moving effortlessly from crisp robatayaki and soulful Hakata ramen to comforting teishoku sets and refined kaiseki-inspired courses. Paired with a curated selection of artisanal sakes and draught beers, counter seats place guests front row to the sizzle and smoke of the grill for lively sharing. By striking a seamless balance between boisterous open-air nostalgia and refined craft, the destination captures the irresistible warmth and after-dark pulse of Japan’s ultimate food capital.

Representative of Ganso Hakata Yatai by Yataikeiji said, “Bringing our concept to One Causeway Bay for our Hong Kong launch reflects our ambition to be at the heart of the city’s pulse. Surrounded by such a dynamic intersection of commerce and culture, we look forward to offering both local residents and global travelers an unforgettable culinary experience.”

FINEPRINT opened their first Causeway Bay branch on the ground floor of One Causeway Bay. The venue offers the brand’s complete menu, including locally roasted specialty coffee, freshly made sourdough toasts, toasties, breakfast bowls and baked goods. Customers can dine in or grab and go, with sandwiches, granola cups and drinks readily available.

Overlooking Victoria Harbour and neighboring Victoria Park, One Causeway Bay is surrounded by local retail, wellness, and lifestyle facilities, complemented by direct connectivity through an integrated transportation network, a footbridge connection to the wwwtc mall, and access to Causeway Bay MTR station.

At One Causeway Bay, environmental excellence and wellness stand as top priorities through the incorporation of smart features and energy-efficient systems that achieve high sustainability standards, complemented by 143 parking spaces equipped with electric vehicle chargers. By integrating state-of-the-art green elements, the property unifies daily experiences into a single vibrant, sustainable, and community-focused destination.