Hong Kong is one of the world’s great food cities, with a palate-pleasing array of choices when it comes to restaurants. Here’s a selection of what’s on offer in some of the city’s best foodie 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 or Dragonfly in Tai Kwun. taikwun.hk/en
Also in the area: Chôm Chôm, DiVino Wine Bar, Ho Lee Fook, Iron Fairies, Little Bao, MamaSan, Sohofama, SoHo Spice, Tate Dining Room & Bar
Central
Central is much more than just offices and retail; there are plenty of great eats too. One of our favourites is Octavium. For those new to Hong Kong, 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana is the only Italian restaurant outside Italy to be awarded three Michelin stars; it’s a big deal in Hong Kong. Octavium, however, is billed as the place where 8½’s Chef Bombana serves food close to his heart, with seasonal ingredients and loved dishes he would serve to his own family. Try it out. Octavium, 8/F, One Chinachem Central, 22 Des Voeux Road, Central (2111 9395).
Also in the area: Spiga, Arcane, ON Dining & Kitchen, Envoy, Duddell’s, Kytaly, Carbone, Bombay Dreams, Moi Moi by Luke Nguyen, TokyoLima, Chifa, Uma Nota, Zuma, SHÈ, Silencio, FUMI
Sheung Wan
Sheung Wan is a neighbourhood with a cool, creative vibe. This extends to the restaurants in the area. There are all sorts of places tucked away in laneways and side streets. Locofama is the sister restaurant to Sohofama in PMQ. It’s technically in Sai Yin Pun. But this smaller venue has a slightly cooler vibe and a great community feel. Head down on the weekend, when they often have a street party with puppy fostering – amazing food and some puppy love; what more do you need? Locofama, 11 Fuk Sau Lane, Sai Ying Pun (locofama.com)
Also in the area: Bibo, Chachawan, Yardbird, Aberdeen Street Social, Cocotte, Figaro, La Cantoche, Upper Modern Bistro, Mrs Pound, 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. Big hitters like Roganic have made Causeway Bay their home. 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 (2817 8383 | roganic.com.hk)
Also in the area: Sijie Sichuan Restaurant, The Red Pepper, Minh & Kok, ALTO, Papi, Brick Lane, Din Tai Fung
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. If you’re looking for modern Chinese, try Madame Ching in the hip Star Street quarter. This restaurant and roast house features dishes such as char siu and roast goose served in reimagined ways. Madame Ching, G/F, 5 Star Street, Wan Chai (2577 7227 | madameching.hk)
Also in the area: The Pawn, Pirata, 22 Ships, Le Pain Quotidien, Ham & Sherry, 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. Little Creatures, 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, Missy Ho’s, Comptoir, Shoreditch, 11Westside, Fishsteria, Fish & Chick.
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: Metropolitan, Flying Pig Bistro, La Paloma, Blacksalt, Potato Head, Thai on High, TacoChaca.
Southside
Stanley Plaza, Repulse Bay and Wong Chuk Hang 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, Pomegranate Kitchen.
Tsim Sha Tsui
The TST area is a major drawcard for some of the biggest and best in the world (think Alain Ducasse, Gordon Ramsay, Nobu Matsuhisa and the like), and you will find something to please even the fussiest palate along the harbour. Gordon Ramsay’s Maze Grill is perched on the end of Ocean Terminal and offers expansive panoramic views of the harbour and Lamma Channel – it’s a must visit. Maze Grill, Shop OTE401, 4/F, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui (2765 0890)
Also in the area: Aqua, BLT, Brick Lane Gallery, FINDS, Gaylord Indian Restaurant, HAKU, Hutong, London House, La Taverna, Nahm, OM Tapas, Spasso.
Other areas
There are some pockets around the city that are shaking things up in their own ways. Here’s what you’ll find in …
Lan Kwai Fong:
While technically a part of Central, LKF has grown into a spot that is just as likely to draw discerning foodies as late-night revellers. We love: Brickhouse, Lily & Bloom, Bread Street Kitchen, CÉ LA VI, Porterhouse by Laris, Jinjuu, Braza Churrascaria, Bistecca, Braza, Fang Fang.
Quarry Bay:
This side of town is not generally thought of when planning a night out, but there are some great options if you want to head left of centre. Don’t miss: Mr & Mrs Fox, Plat Du Jour, FEAST, Grand Cuisine Shanghai Kitchen, Shiro Sushi.
Admiralty:
Admiralty has a number of good dining options, many of which are found in the Pacific Place complex. Check out: Dim Sum Library, Commissary, Bizou, Brick Lane
Room Service
As far as hotel dining goes, Hong Kong has an unusually high number of Michelin-starred restaurants inside hotels – taking fine dining to a whole new level – as well as some of the city’s favourites.
Here are our picks:
The Four Seasons: Caprice, Lung King Heen Island
Shangri-La: Restaurant Petrus
The Peninsula: Felix, Chesa, Spring Moon Landmark
Mandarin Oriental: Amber Mandarin Oriental: The Mandarin Bar & Grill, Pierre
The Upper House: Café Gray Deluxe
Hotel ICON: Above & Beyond, The Market
InterContinental: Spoon by Alain Ducasse, NOBU, Yan Toh Heen
The Ritz-Carlton: Tin Lung Heen
JW Marriott: Flint Bar & Grill
See more in our Wine & Dine section
Restaurants with great veggie options
Asia’s best restaurants: Hong Kong winners
Dining: New venues and menus
This article first appeared in Expat Living’s CityGuide. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
