The restaurant scene in Hong Kong has really evolved in recent years – it’s now quite the foodie town. Here’s a selection of what’s on offer in some of the city’s best dining neighbourhoods.
SOHO/MID-LEVELS
Soho has a lot to offer those who like to eat and drink. A great place to start is Tai Kwun, the revitalised Central Police Station. You’ll find history, beautiful restaurants and some fun bars. Once you’re done here, jump on the escalator to Elgin Street and Staunton Street – these streets are also lined with bars and restaurants. Try the Chinese Library, the Dispensary, Old Bailey, Dragonfly or Aaharn in Tai Kwun. taikwun.hk/en
Also in the area:
Fini’s, Chilli Fagara, Belon, MANA! SoHo, Chôm Chôm, DiVino Wine Bar, Ho Lee Fook, Iron Fairies, Little Bao, Sohofama, Tate Dining Room & Bar
CENTRAL
Central is much more than just offices and retail; there are plenty of great eats, too. One exciting new venue that opened in mid-2020 is BaseHall. This multi-concept food hall features eight eating spots and two bars. Highlights include: Roti Tori, a Japanese-style rotisserie chicken joint; Pub 1842 from Young Master; tacos by Esdras Ochoa at Westside Taqueria; and contemporary nasi lemak at Return of Lemak. LG9 Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place, Central (basehall.hk)
Also in the area:
SOMM, Chaiwala, Dear Lilly, Aria, MONO, Nove@theFringe, Spiga, Arcane, The Envoy, Duddell’s, Carbone, Octavium, Bombay Dreams, Moi Moi by Luke Nguyen, TokyoLima, Uma Nota, Zuma, SHÈ, Silencio, Fumi
TSIM SHA TSUI
The TST area is a major drawcard for some of the biggest and best chefs in the world, and you will find something to please even the fussiest palate along the harbour. There’s so much going on in the area now, too! Start with the many gourmet restaurant options at Rosewood Hong Kong (opened 2019) and neighbouring K11 Musea, then – if you’re not too full – roll on to explore pockets like Elements Mall, FWD House 1881 and West Kowloon.
Also in the area:
Harbourside Grill, Monsoon, Aqua, BLT, Brick Lane Gallery, FINDS, Gaylord Indian Restaurant, HAKU, Hutong, OM Tapas, Spasso
SHEUNG WAN
This neighbourhood’s cool, creative vibe extends to the restaurants in the area. There are all sorts of places tucked away in laneways and side streets. While it’s officially in Central, French-Chinese restaurant VEA is closer to Sheung Wan; either way, it’s well worth a visit – for one thing, VEA’s Executive Chef Vicky Cheng recently earned 48th spot in a list of the best chefs worldwide, the only Hong Kong-based chef to get such an accolade. 30/F, The Wellington, 198 Wellington Street (vea.hk)
Also in the area:
Yakinikumafia, Locofama, Louise, Yardbird, Figaro, La Cantoche, Frantzen’s Kitchen
CAUSEWAY BAY
Causeway Bay can sometimes be overlooked as a dining destination in favour of nearby Wan Chai or Soho, but it can definitely hold its own in the foodie stakes. Roganic is the brain child of British celebrity chef Simon Rogan and it’s an impressive, well-thought-out experience. Roganic, UG08, Sino Plaza, 255 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay (roganic.com.hk)
Also in the area:
ALTO, Din Tai Fung, elBorn, Sijie Sichuan Restaurant, Little Bao, The Red Pepper, Brick Lane
WAN CHAI
Ignore the tourist-trap bars as there is a lot more to Wan Chai. It has pockets of excellent eateries on Ship Street, Star Street, Lee Tung Avenue and along Hennessy Road. A new opening in this neck of the woods is Jean May, which serves up contemporary, feel-good French food. It takes its name from the grandmother of Tiffany Lo, the restaurant’s chef who trained in Michelin-starred establishments in the UK. Shop A, 14 Gresson Street, Wan Chai (3590 6033)
Also in the area:
El Cerdo, The Pawn, Pirata, 22 Ships, Le Pain Quotidien, The Optimist, Le Bistro Winebeast, Francis, Pici, Samsen
KENNEDY TOWN
Affectionately known as K-Town, this thriving neighbourhood has a constantly evolving food scene. West Australian craft beer brewer Little Creatures has established itself on New Praya. The large premises make it great for family dining, and the staff are very accommodating to kids. Shop 1, G/F New Fortune House, 5A New Praya (2833 5611 | littlecreatures.hk)
Also in the area:
Chino, K-Town Bar & Grill, Bistro Du Vin, Alvy’s, Missy Ho’s, Comptoir, Shoreditch, 11Westside, Fishsteria
SAI YING PUN
This neighbourhood’s blend of old and new Hong Kong has seen it become one of the hippest districts in the city and a real foodie hotspot. One of our favourites is Ping Pong 129 Gintoneria, a great night out and worthy of a look. There’s a nice sharing menu and a good vibe. Ping Pong 129, L/G, 129 Second Street, Sai Ying Pun (pingpong129.com)
Also in the area:
Fat Chad’s, Big Dill, LucAle, Lobster Shack, Metropolitain, Flying Pig Bistro, La Paloma, Potato Head
SOUTHSIDE
Stanley Plaza, Repulse Bay and Wong Chuk Hang in Hong Kong’s Southside have a solid selection of restaurant options. For a seriously good burger, try Beef & Liberty. You’ll also find outlets in Wan Chai and Central, but the Stanley venue is great, with the option of sitting outside and watching the kids play in the square while you tuck in. Beef & Liberty G/F, Stanley Plaza, The Piazza, 23 Carmel Road, Stanley (2563 2798 | beef-liberty.com)
Also in the area:
Limewood, Shoku, Stan Café, Kömune, Sip Song
This article first appeared in the City Guide 2020 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
