Nanhai No.2

Nanhai No. 2, the highly anticipated follow-up to Nanhai No. 1, has taken 12 years to complete. Inspired by the voyages of Chinese admiral Zheng He, known for his transformative discoveries, this new venture aims to match the high standards of its predecessor. Nanhai No. 2 is Elite Concepts' second major expedition, blending modern elegance with traditional Chinese cuisine.
The restaurant’s design honors Zheng He through various elements. A “starlit” corridor with twinkling lights evokes the navigational night sky, while window-side tables offer floor-to-ceiling views of Victoria Harbour. The menu features refined southern Chinese dishes and flavors from Zheng He’s travel routes, including Sri Lanka and Malacca, complemented by a selection of 150 wines.
The design continues the theme from Nanhai No. 1, envisioned as a culinary voyage inspired by the sea. Fresh seafood from the South China Sea is the centerpiece, prepared in diverse styles. The space includes flexible dining areas and four private rooms for up to 50 diners.
Key design features include a large lift entrance lobby with a cargo container wine cellar, a main dining area with panoramic harbor views, and two small private rooms that can be combined with the main space. The bar area retains the lit design from Nanhai No. 1, enhanced with alabaster stone. The middle corridor features semi-private booths and a round table for eight, set against a “starlit” backdrop. Two large private rooms, inspired by Zheng He’s treasure fleet, can be combined for larger functions.
Design challenges included accommodating a ceiling height of 3000mm with MEP systems and movable partitions and addressing lighting issues for movable furniture and no-sunlight areas. Solutions involved light troughs for a cloudy sky effect and ensuring LED lights could dim sufficiently.
Innovative materials include LED-lit edge glass, a new alabaster bar top, and a cargo container wine cellar. Sustainable features include low-voltage LED lighting, flexible bamboo curtains for semi-privacy, and energy-efficient LED light troughs.