Igor's Western Harbour Centre, 181 Connaught Rd. W, tel. 2108-4467

Here you're greeted by ghouls and vampires, led on a spooky tour, and terrorized by an assortment of mechanical monsters before being shown to the dining room. Igor's is as much a haunted house-cum-stage show as a restaurant, but eventually you'll get down to stuffing yourself with appetizers; a limited selection of entrees such as smoked salmon, steak, and chicken; and desserts -- all rolled alongside the banquet tables on a series of trolleys. Not for the faint-hearted, this restaurant is popular with parties who want a raunchy night out. Reservations essential. DC, MC, V. Closed Mon. $38 - $64

The Verandah 109 Repulse Bay Rd., tel. 2812-2722

This spot is an unashamed celebration of the halcyon days of colonial rule: fans spin silently high overhead, champagne-cocktail trolleys cross the cool, granite-tile floor, and tuxedoed waiters attend to your every whim. Highlights here are the excellent Sunday brunch and daily afternoon tea. The place comes into its own at night, however, when the chef designs innovative and impressive combinations. Boston lobster with scrambled egg topped with sevruga caviar, for instance, perfectly blends the essence of each of the three ingredients. Other culinary specialties include mustard-crumbled rack of lamb, giant sea scallops with green asparagus and basil, and slowly braised Atlantic salmon with Burgundy snail ragout. For dessert, The Verandah's souffle is a classic. AE, DC, MC, V. $38 - $64

ToTT's Asian Grill & Bar Excelsior Hotel, 281 Gloucester Rd., tel. 2837-6786

Talk of the Town sits atop the Excelsior Hotel, looking down on Causeway Bay and the marina. The funky decor, which includes zebra-stripe chairs, a central oval bar, and designer tableware, is matched by the East-meets-West cuisine. Caesar salad with tandoori chicken is a good example of the culinary collision, and just as appetizing is the lobster-tail salad. The red-crab bisque in baby papaya is a house specialty, while soba noodle with crab spring rolls is light yet flavorsome. The grilled rare tuna steak is another long-standing favorite, and the sampler platter of desserts is a grand finale. Live music kicks in late during the evening, offering a chance to burn a few calories on the dance floor. AE, DC, MC, V. $13 - $64

Continental
Jimmy's Kitchen South China Bldg., 1 Wyndham St., tel. 2526-5293

Probably the most famous -- and still one of the best -- of Hong Kong's restaurants, Jimmy's first opened for business in 1928 and has been catering to a deeply devoted clientele (in one location or another) ever since. It's nicely decorated with comfortable booths, dark woodwork, lattice partitions, and brass fittings. The food is as charmingly old-fashioned as the place itself: where else in Hong Kong can you find corned beef and cabbage? Other European specialties, including borscht, beef Stroganoff, goulash, and bangers and mash, are accompanied by the restaurant's traditional pickled onions. The rhubarb tart is a must for dessert. Reservations essential for lunch. AE, DC, MC, V. $13 - $38