The 14 Best Places to Eat in Hong Kong
- Lung King Heen — $$$$
Considered the world`s first Chinese restaurant to receive three Michelin stars and ranking 10th in Asia`s Best Restaurants in 2016, Lung King Heen is located inside the Four Seasons Hong Kong. Overseen by chef Chan Yan Tak, it specialises in authentic Cantonese cuisine, with an emphasis on seafood, using seasonal ingredients. The dim sum (available for lunch) are beautifully crafted; after sampling the gold-dusted steamed lobster and scallop dumpling, or the barbecued pork bun with pine nuts, you may never view dim sum in the same light again. The 8-course weekday executive lunch is excellent value (HK$560), but if you have something special to celebrate, splurging on the chef`s tasting menu (HK$1980) is worthwhile: the crispy suckling pig and braised abalone in oyster sauce are remarkable. The panoramic Victoria Harbour view complements the food, service is wonderful, and the atmosphere is elegant without being stuffy. Casual formal attire. Reservations required.
A luxury Four Seasons Hotel, 8 Finance Street, Central
• Nearest transport: Central MTR - The One Dim Sum restaurant • $
- OKRA Hong Kong • $$-$$$ This small Japanese-inspired dining spot (izakaya) is fairly relaxed; it constitutes the second venture from chef Max Levy, known for his work at OKRA Beijing – one of the top Japanese eateries in the Chinese capital. Grab a stool at the sleek bar or at the small, elevated tables meant for pairs, and select from the concise menu highlighting inventive small plates. Notable choices incorporate seared eel atop crispy rice, intensely flavored Brussels sprouts with homemade XO sauce, marinated quail, and a carabinero prawn soup highlighted by sweet, delicate Spanish shrimp. An excellent sake list pairs well with the fare. On weeknights, the place remains fairly tranquil, but fills up on weekends; reservations are advisable.
• 110 Queen’s Rd W, Sheung Wan
• Nearest transport: Sheung Wan MTR - Cuisine Cuisine • $$$$ Beneath an overhead display of hanging glass balls, this refined eatery within The Mira Hong Kong crafts noteworthy Cantonese delicacies using seasonal ingredients in memorable and modernized preparations. Many patrons gather here for the dim sum – among the most imaginative and excellent versions in Hong Kong. Don’t overlook the vermicelli rolls containing morels, the ethereal dumplings filled with morels, vegetables and black truffle, the seasonal Shanghaistyle steamed snacks containing hairy crab, or the crispy taro puffs combined with chicken and fois gras. The laidback Mira branch attracts families; another handy location resides at the IFC Mall in Central, known as the ‘magnate canteen’ – ideal for an alacritous lunch. Dress code: smart casual. Reservations.
The Mira Hong Kong, located at 118-130 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
• Nearest transport: Tsim Sha Tsui MTR - Tim Ho Wan • $ Situated in one of five locations around the city, this outlet of Hong Kong`s most affordable Michelin-starred dim sum cuisine provides convenience. Tim Ho Wan started as an indistinct small eatery in Mong Kok and now has branches across Asia. It maintains an unpretentious busy atmosphere where choices include steamed dumplings (such as delicate shrimp and spinach), deep-fried dumplings, vermicelli rolls, noodle and rice dishes and congee. Any selection is unlikely to disappoint, but Tim Ho Wan is especially renowned for the Big 4 Heavenly Kings – their signature items including the lightest, fluffiest barbecue pork buns. No reservations accepted; be prepared for queues during peak periods.
• IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central
• Nearest transport: Hong Kong Station - The Chairman • $$$$ Nestled away down a dead-end street in trendy Sheung Wan, this understated split-level restaurant serves some of the finest traditional Cantonese meals in the city. Chef Kwok Keung Tung sources ingredients from small local producers and fishermen and the vegetables originate from the restaurant’s own organic farm. Standout dishes include steamed flowery crab enhanced with aged ShaoXing wine, chicken on the bone with a spicy, numbing Sichuan peppercorn kick and wild clams prepared in fish broth and sake. The 3-/4-course lunch is a steal at HK$198/218. Service is highly professional and the ambiance is relaxed and casual even though this is a Michelin star rated restaurant and one of Asia’s Top 30 establishments in 2016.
• 18 Kau U Fong, Central
• Nearest transport: Sheung Wan MTR - Maxim`s Palace • $$-$$$ One of the few dim sum trolley restaurants still active in the city, this location provides an authentic Hong Kong experience. Trolleys loaded with various dim sum items are wheeled around a vast, colorful hall decorated with traditional dragon motifs. It`s a busy, lively, somewhat hectic setting, with tables densely packed with crowds of locals. While the staff may not speak much English, menus presented in multiple languages allow selecting desired foods directly from the roving trolleys. Favorite dim sum offerings carried aboard include the classic steamed pork buns, steamed beef dumplings, pork ribs with garlic sauce and shrimp dumplings. It provides simple, tasty, affordable Cantonese cuisine in a manner popular with groups and families.
• City Hall, 5 Edinburgh Place, Central
• Nearest transport: Central MTR - Beef & Liberty – $$-$$$ A burger and beer establishment located in a relaxed area of Wan Chai, Shanghai draws in both locals and visitors with its excellently prepared smoked and juicy burgers made from grass-fed beef from Tasmania. Popular options include the bacon cheeseburger, cracked black pepper burger, and slow-braised BBQ pork sandwich known as the Notorious P.I.G. A tasty veggie burger is also on the menu along with sides like chili cheese fries and curly fries. Other crowd pleasers are mac n cheese, corn on the cob, and tangy chicken wings. Dishes are suited for sharing. Wash them down with milkshakes or craft beers. It`s popular with young professionals and families, and reservations are recommended.
• 23 Wing Fung St, Wan Chai
• Nearest transport: Wan Chai MTR - Chilli Fagara • $$-$$$ This casual Sichuan dining spot is located up a steep street in the lively business and nightlife area of Soho. The crimson colored walls and subtle lighting set the atmosphere for China`s famously fiery cuisine known for its bold and spicy flavors. Dishes are divided into `ma` (numbing), `la` (burning) and `tang` (neutral) categories. Some top picks include silky tofu cubes in a Sichuan peppercorn sauce, eggplant in a garlic-chili blend and tender crispy beef that melts in the mouth. Opting for the lunch menu provides good value. Given its compact size and popularity with office workers, planning ahead is a wise decision even during lunch hours. Ideal for a brisk meal rather than relaxed dining.
• 7 Old Bailey St, Central
• Nearest transport: Central MTR - Fook Lam Moon • $$$$ Having been in Hong Kong for over four decades, the Michelin-starred Fook Lam Moon restaurant presents elaborate Cantonese dishes. This establishment attracts the influential figures of the city to sample specialties like barbecued suckling pig, stuffed baked crab and sautéed lobster. A highlight on the menu is the signature as well as more budget-friendly crispy chicken, with the crispy outer layer enveloping the juicy meat of farm-raised poultry that has been marinated in a flavorful homemade marinade. The environs are straightforward yet elegant, and the dim sum lunches are a good way to sample what`s offered (fluffy salted custard buns, steamed shrimp and vegetable dumplings) without overspending. There is another, more spacious, section at 53-59 Kimberley St in Tsim Sha Tsui.
• 35-45 Johnston Road, Wan Chai
• Nearest transport: Wan Chai MTR - Location • $$$$ Refined French restaurant on the 7th floor of the Landmark Mandarin Oriental. Michelin-starred Amber, which ranked 4th in Asia’s Best Restaurants list in 2016, offers experimental French dishes beneath an eye-catching hanging ceiling sculpture in a stylish, contemporary dining room. The 3-course lunch (HK$598) allows you to sample offerings such as globe artichokes with hazelnuts and black truffle, braised veal cheek, venison with caramelised parsnip, and frangipane plum tart. The seasonal a la carte menu has a concise selection divided equally between sustainably-caught fish/seafood and meat/game dishes; there’s a separate menu for vegetarians as well. The extensive, carefully chosen wine menu focuses largely on fine French vintages and the assistance is professional yet unobtrusive. Ideal for a romantic meal. Dress code: business casual. Reservations essential • Luxurious Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 15 Queen’s Road, Central
• Nearest transport: Central MTR - Classified • $$-$$$ Casual European-style café, popular with families. Now sporting ten branches across the city, this is the original branch of the hugely popular mini-chain that kicked off in 2006, complete with a small outdoor patio. It’s great at any time of day – for a hearty breakfast (from eggs benedict to granola and organic porridge), a pit stop for a fruit smoothie, gourmet coffee, or glass of boutique wine, or for something more substantial (club sandwich, pan-fried salmon, lamb tagine, Caesar salad, steak). There’s even a walk-in cheese room for cheese lovers, featuring cheeses from all over Europe, and a separate children’s menu. Buzzy, relaxed and fun.
• 108 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan
• Nearest transport: Sheung Wan MTR - Chôm Chôm • $$-$$$ Vietnamese street cuisine could be sampled in a trendy Soho bar. Drawing inspiration from a casual Vietnamese beer joint, this location serves some of the finest Vietnamese fare in the city to a blended crowd of young professionals and travelers. The menu is split into small bites, salads, wraps and large plates, all perfect for sharing and standout dishes comprise shrimp rice paper rolls, smoked eggplant and crab salad, bun cha pork skewers and beef wrapped in betel leaf. The kaffir lime margarita and other Vietnamese-inspired cocktails are excellent, there are regional beers from Vietnam and a short yet sweet wine list. Grab a seat at the busy bar or find one of the small tables in the crowded dining area. Chôm Chôm doesn’t take reservations, so arrive early or be ready to queue.
• 58 Peel St, Central
• Nearest transport: Central MRT
Considered the world`s first Chinese restaurant to receive three Michelin stars and ranking 10th in Asia`s Best Restaurants in 2016, Lung King Heen is located inside the Four Seasons Hong Kong. Overseen by chef Chan Yan Tak, it specialises in authentic Cantonese cuisine, with an emphasis on seafood, using seasonal ingredients. The dim sum (available for lunch) are beautifully crafted; after sampling the gold-dusted steamed lobster and scallop dumpling, or the barbecued pork bun with pine nuts, you may never view dim sum in the same light again. The 8-course weekday executive lunch is excellent value (HK$560), but if you have something special to celebrate, splurging on the chef`s tasting menu (HK$1980) is worthwhile: the crispy suckling pig and braised abalone in oyster sauce are remarkable. The panoramic Victoria Harbour view complements the food, service is wonderful, and the atmosphere is elegant without being stuffy. Casual formal attire. Reservations required.photo credit
Run by Alvin Cheung, the self-taught chef Bo Innovation is ensured to deliver you the most extraordinary meal in Hong Kong. The Michelin-starred `X-treme Chinese` restaurant`s focus is an imaginative multi-course interpretation of traditional Hong Kong dishes. Molecular gastronomy methods are used and all dishes are shown in a visually clever way, with accessories and utensils crafted by senior Hong Kong artisans. The set lunch menus (HK$550-800) and a la carte alternatives are good ways to sample innovative dishes such as chicken rice with wood ear mushroom, scallop ceviche, pigeon with shiitake mushroom cake, and langoustine with black truffle, but it`s the multi-course dinner menus (HK$1980-2380) that are particularly memorable and involve a dramatic element – it`s dinner and amusement all in one! Add wine pairing for an extra-special feeling. Dress code: smart casual. Reservations essential.
• 60 Johnston Rd, Wan Chai
• Nearest transport: Sheung Wan MTR
This compact, understated dim sum establishment normally has a line of loyal locals extending from the entrance. These professionals earned their Michelin star in 2012, and though they didn`t maintain it, the dim sum remains just as excellent and the service is welcoming and patient. Out of the 45 items on the menu, ones to opt for include the fluffy, light barbecue pork buns, steamed vermicelli rolls with prawns, the nutty chiu chew dumplings, the steamed crystal prawn dumplings and the flavorful steamed minced beef meatballs. Three dishes is plenty for one individual, and you get a mug of tea for free. Affordable, lively, casual environment. Since the place is usually busy, come outside peak meal times or else join other diners at the packed tables.
• Historic Kenwood Mansion, 15 Playing Field Road, Kowloon
• Nearest transport: Prince Edward MTR, exit A
This small Japanese-inspired dining spot (izakaya) is fairly relaxed; it constitutes the second venture from chef Max Levy, known for his work at OKRA Beijing – one of the top Japanese eateries in the Chinese capital. Grab a stool at the sleek bar or at the small, elevated tables meant for pairs, and select from the concise menu highlighting inventive small plates. Notable choices incorporate seared eel atop crispy rice, intensely flavored Brussels sprouts with homemade XO sauce, marinated quail, and a carabinero prawn soup highlighted by sweet, delicate Spanish shrimp. An excellent sake list pairs well with the fare. On weeknights, the place remains fairly tranquil, but fills up on weekends; reservations are advisable.
Beneath an overhead display of hanging glass balls, this refined eatery within The Mira Hong Kong crafts noteworthy Cantonese delicacies using seasonal ingredients in memorable and modernized preparations. Many patrons gather here for the dim sum – among the most imaginative and excellent versions in Hong Kong. Don’t overlook the vermicelli rolls containing morels, the ethereal dumplings filled with morels, vegetables and black truffle, the seasonal Shanghaistyle steamed snacks containing hairy crab, or the crispy taro puffs combined with chicken and fois gras. The laidback Mira branch attracts families; another handy location resides at the IFC Mall in Central, known as the ‘magnate canteen’ – ideal for an alacritous lunch. Dress code: smart casual. Reservations.
Situated in one of five locations around the city, this outlet of Hong Kong`s most affordable Michelin-starred dim sum cuisine provides convenience. Tim Ho Wan started as an indistinct small eatery in Mong Kok and now has branches across Asia. It maintains an unpretentious busy atmosphere where choices include steamed dumplings (such as delicate shrimp and spinach), deep-fried dumplings, vermicelli rolls, noodle and rice dishes and congee. Any selection is unlikely to disappoint, but Tim Ho Wan is especially renowned for the Big 4 Heavenly Kings – their signature items including the lightest, fluffiest barbecue pork buns. No reservations accepted; be prepared for queues during peak periods.
Nestled away down a dead-end street in trendy Sheung Wan, this understated split-level restaurant serves some of the finest traditional Cantonese meals in the city. Chef Kwok Keung Tung sources ingredients from small local producers and fishermen and the vegetables originate from the restaurant’s own organic farm. Standout dishes include steamed flowery crab enhanced with aged ShaoXing wine, chicken on the bone with a spicy, numbing Sichuan peppercorn kick and wild clams prepared in fish broth and sake. The 3-/4-course lunch is a steal at HK$198/218. Service is highly professional and the ambiance is relaxed and casual even though this is a Michelin star rated restaurant and one of Asia’s Top 30 establishments in 2016.
One of the few dim sum trolley restaurants still active in the city, this location provides an authentic Hong Kong experience. Trolleys loaded with various dim sum items are wheeled around a vast, colorful hall decorated with traditional dragon motifs. It`s a busy, lively, somewhat hectic setting, with tables densely packed with crowds of locals. While the staff may not speak much English, menus presented in multiple languages allow selecting desired foods directly from the roving trolleys. Favorite dim sum offerings carried aboard include the classic steamed pork buns, steamed beef dumplings, pork ribs with garlic sauce and shrimp dumplings. It provides simple, tasty, affordable Cantonese cuisine in a manner popular with groups and families.
A burger and beer establishment located in a relaxed area of Wan Chai, Shanghai draws in both locals and visitors with its excellently prepared smoked and juicy burgers made from grass-fed beef from Tasmania. Popular options include the bacon cheeseburger, cracked black pepper burger, and slow-braised BBQ pork sandwich known as the Notorious P.I.G. A tasty veggie burger is also on the menu along with sides like chili cheese fries and curly fries. Other crowd pleasers are mac n cheese, corn on the cob, and tangy chicken wings. Dishes are suited for sharing. Wash them down with milkshakes or craft beers. It`s popular with young professionals and families, and reservations are recommended.
This casual Sichuan dining spot is located up a steep street in the lively business and nightlife area of Soho. The crimson colored walls and subtle lighting set the atmosphere for China`s famously fiery cuisine known for its bold and spicy flavors. Dishes are divided into `ma` (numbing), `la` (burning) and `tang` (neutral) categories. Some top picks include silky tofu cubes in a Sichuan peppercorn sauce, eggplant in a garlic-chili blend and tender crispy beef that melts in the mouth. Opting for the lunch menu provides good value. Given its compact size and popularity with office workers, planning ahead is a wise decision even during lunch hours. Ideal for a brisk meal rather than relaxed dining.
Having been in Hong Kong for over four decades, the Michelin-starred Fook Lam Moon restaurant presents elaborate Cantonese dishes. This establishment attracts the influential figures of the city to sample specialties like barbecued suckling pig, stuffed baked crab and sautéed lobster. A highlight on the menu is the signature as well as more budget-friendly crispy chicken, with the crispy outer layer enveloping the juicy meat of farm-raised poultry that has been marinated in a flavorful homemade marinade. The environs are straightforward yet elegant, and the dim sum lunches are a good way to sample what`s offered (fluffy salted custard buns, steamed shrimp and vegetable dumplings) without overspending. There is another, more spacious, section at 53-59 Kimberley St in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Refined French restaurant on the 7th floor of the Landmark Mandarin Oriental. Michelin-starred Amber, which ranked 4th in Asia’s Best Restaurants list in 2016, offers experimental French dishes beneath an eye-catching hanging ceiling sculpture in a stylish, contemporary dining room. The 3-course lunch (HK$598) allows you to sample offerings such as globe artichokes with hazelnuts and black truffle, braised veal cheek, venison with caramelised parsnip, and frangipane plum tart. The seasonal a la carte menu has a concise selection divided equally between sustainably-caught fish/seafood and meat/game dishes; there’s a separate menu for vegetarians as well. The extensive, carefully chosen wine menu focuses largely on fine French vintages and the assistance is professional yet unobtrusive. Ideal for a romantic meal. Dress code: business casual. Reservations essential • Luxurious Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 
Casual European-style café, popular with families. Now sporting ten branches across the city, this is the original branch of the hugely popular mini-chain that kicked off in 2006, complete with a small outdoor patio. It’s great at any time of day – for a hearty breakfast (from eggs benedict to granola and organic porridge), a pit stop for a fruit smoothie, gourmet coffee, or glass of boutique wine, or for something more substantial (club sandwich, pan-fried salmon, lamb tagine, Caesar salad, steak). There’s even a walk-in cheese room for cheese lovers, featuring cheeses from all over Europe, and a separate children’s menu. Buzzy, relaxed and fun.
Vietnamese street cuisine could be sampled in a trendy Soho bar. Drawing inspiration from a casual Vietnamese beer joint, this location serves some of the finest Vietnamese fare in the city to a blended crowd of young professionals and travelers. The menu is split into small bites, salads, wraps and large plates, all perfect for sharing and standout dishes comprise shrimp rice paper rolls, smoked eggplant and crab salad, bun cha pork skewers and beef wrapped in betel leaf. The kaffir lime margarita and other Vietnamese-inspired cocktails are excellent, there are regional beers from Vietnam and a short yet sweet wine list. Grab a seat at the busy bar or find one of the small tables in the crowded dining area. Chôm Chôm doesn’t take reservations, so arrive early or be ready to queue.
