SML

By Stefanie Lai

SML, on the 11th floor of Times Square, literally means “Small, Medium, Large”; the concept being that every dish on the menu comes in three sizes, allowing diners to compile their own menu. You could have a tasters’ menu all in “Small”; or “Large” dishes buffet-style shared by a dozen friends.

Created by the people behind The Pawn and The Press Room, SML favors a more laid back setting for a casual crowd. There are bookshelves, candles and lots of wood all round, creating a relaxing atmosphere ideal for just hanging out and having a good time. The restaurant is divided into three areas: first a canteen-style area where no reservations are taken, and diners all eat at long communal tables; a dining room for those with reservations; and best of all a huge outdoor terrace, perfect for sunny weather chilling while overlooking the buzz of Causeway Bay. 

The food at SML is a mixture of Italian and Mediterranean, and of course they do great snacks like hot wings and wonderful desserts. Their most popular signature dishes include belly with red cabbage and apple coleslaw, profiteroles with butterscotch sauce and whipped cream, and meatballs in spicy tomato sauce.

SML not only caters to diners of every shape and size, if you’re not in the mood for eating they also have a fine list of wines and cocktails. It's totally a hot happy hour spot in Causeway Bay with a mix of Chinese and expat crowd. One of the highlights is the bar’s automated wine dispenser which dispenses wine directly from the bottle while preserving its taste and characteristics. They also offer a pay-as-you go card for automated purchasing of drinks, of course in small, medium or large.