The restaurant scene in Hong Kong has really evolved in recent years – it’s now quite the foodie town. If you’re wondering where to eat in HK, here’s a guide to what’s on offer in some of the city’s best dining districts.
9 Areas for Exploring HK’s Best Food
1. 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. Elsewhere, Graham St Food Hall (Shop 3, 23 Graham Street, grahamstfoodhall.hk) continues the recent trend of multi-outlet food spots; there are five vendors here, serving American smoked meats, Japanese food bowls and more.
Also in the area:
MEATS, Taqueria Super Macho, Motorino, Fini’s, Chilli Fagara, Belon, MANA!, Chôm Chôm, DiVino Wine Bar, Ho Lee Fook, Tate Dining Room & Bar
2. CENTRAL
Central is much more than just offices and retail; there are plenty of great eats too. Margo is an exciting new opening (Shop 6, G/F, The Galleria, 9 Queen’s Road, margohk.com) – it’s a modern European brasserie-style concept helmed by Chef de Cuisine Mario Paecke, and offering a balance between tradition and innovation. Wagyu Rump Steak Frites, anyone?
Also in the area:
BaseHall, J.A.M., Bedu, The Big Things Kitchen, SOMM, Chaiwala, Aria, MONO, NOVE@theFringe, Spiga, Arcane, Envoy, Duddell’s, Carbone, Octavium, Bombay Dreams, Baan Thai, TokyoLima, Uma Nota, Zuma, SHÈ, Fumi, VEA
3. 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 Bengal Brothers, inspired by bustling streetside eateries in Calcutta, and a great place to pick up Indian-style rolls and bowls (G/F, Man Hee Mansion, 6 Johnston Road, bengalbrothers.com).
Also in the area:
Crust, Jean May, El Cerdo, Pirata, 22 Ships, The Optimist, Le Bistro Winebeast, Francis, Pici, Samsen
4. 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 too! Start with the many gourmet options at Rosewood Hong Kong and neighbouring K11 MUSEA, and 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:
Boticario, Momoz, Radicalchic, Harbourside Grill, Twist&Buckle, Monsoon, Aqua, Brick Lane Gallery, FINDS, Gaylord Indian Restaurant, Hutong, OM Tapas, Spasso.
5. 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. Hjem is the newest to open (161 Hollywood Road, fb.com/hjemcafe); it’s a Scandinavian café (the name means “home” in Norwegian) serving up comfort food such as meatballs and mash, smørrebrød with prawns and asparagus, and Nordic cheese platters.
Also in the area:
Mama Malouf, Yakinikumafia, Locofama, Louise, Yardbird, Figaro
6. 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, Brick Lane
7. KENNEDY TOWN
Affectionately known as K-Town, this thriving neighbourhood has a constantly evolving food scene. Brand new on the waterfront is Grain, a gastropub and brewlab that happens to be the only dining venue in Hong Kong to house a working brewery on-site (Shop 1, New Fortune House, 3-5 New Praya, grain.com.hk).
Also in the area:
Pici (the sixth and newest outlet in HK), Chino, K-Town Bar & Grill, Bistro Du Vin, Alvy’s, Missy Ho’s, Comptoir, Shoreditch, 11Westside
8. 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. Among the highlights is Brut!, an intimate restaurant/bar combining creativity and simple ingredients, plus some fascinating wines (Shop C, G/F, 1 Second Street, brut.com.hk).
Also in the area:
Fat Chad’s, Ping Pong129 Gintoneria, Big Dill, Lucale, Lobster Shack, Metropolitan, Flying Pig Bistro, La Paloma, Potato Head, TacoChaca
9. SOUTHSIDE
Stanley Plaza, Repulse Bay and Wong Chuk Hang in Hong Kong have a solid selection of restaurant options. A newie in Stanley is Pane e Latte, Italian for “bread and milk”, which serves up artisanal breads, pastries, pizzas, Italian coffee, wines, cocktails and more (25 Stanley Market Road, paneelatte.hk).
Also in the area:
Beef & Liberty, Limewood, Shoku, Stan Café, Kömune, Sip Song
Keen to explore more Hong Kong restaurants and dining districts? Head to our Wine & Dine section!
This article first appeared in the City Guide 2021/22 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
