Incredible skyscrapers – the most of any city in the world – a glittering harbour and the lush greenery of the distant hills are just some of the attractions that draw millions of visitors to Hong Kong each year. Hot summers and mild winters mean there isn’t really a bad time to visit while the balance of eastern and western culture means there’s something for everyone in this buzzing region.
The traditional cuisine of Hong Kong is Cantonese, but due to the territory's history, its residents' varied origins and the booming tourist industry, you can find just about every cuisine in Hong Kong. Some of the best restaurants in Hong Kong are located in hotels, though there are plenty of French and Italian restaurants dotted around, and many more Chinese, Cantonese and dim sum eateries worth a punt.
As well as a glut of Michelin-starred restaurants, another thing we love about Hong Kong is that instead of three meals a day, there are five: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and siu yeh (a late-night meal). This means two more opportunities each day for visitors to sample the delights of all Hong Kong has to offer. We highly recommend starting the day with deep-fried French toast and Hong Kong-style milk tea before venturing off to explore the city’s many attractions.
Most visitors don’t spend a huge amount of time in Hong Kong, which is why we’ve put together this list of some of the best restaurants Hong Kong has to offer. Most are pretty pricey, but as plenty hold multiple Michelin Stars, you can rest assured that it’s money well spent. This list is by no means exhaustive – there are thousands of restaurants in Hong Kong – but hopefully you’ll find one or two you fancy checking out when heading to Hong Kong.
What: Fabulous and relaxed charmer, perfectly suited to the arty and adventurous vibe of this neighbourhood, where the eclectic tastes and combinations of seasoned chef David Lea help you celebrate your latest gallery purchase. Ambient lighting shouts "Settle in and enjoy"!
Where: 61-63 Hollywood Road, Central
What: The peripatetic Vicky Cheng combines Chinese ingredients with European technique at this small theatrical bonne bouche where supremely skilled chefs will dazzle you with their explosive flavour combinations. Paired coctkails, by ace mixologist Antonio Lai, simply add to the fun.
Where: 30/F, The Wellington, 198 Wellington Street, Sheung Wan
What: The transition from much loved neo-Parisian brasserie to dynamic, state-of-the-art trend-setter seems to have been achieved effortlessly, with Belon’s now-not-quite-so new home and chef. The modern French food from Belon’s newish chef is as uncompromising as it is brilliant, while its newish home is as refined and moody as ace designer Joyce Wang intended. The pigeon pithivier and chilled Saint-Aubin complements the oceanic colour palette and curvaceous banquettes to a tee. The kitchen counter, boasting just four seats, is an added treat.
Where: 1F, 1-5 Elgin Street, Soho
What: Like the restaurants within the Mandarin Oriental in London, the Michelin-starred Grill + Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong is an excellent spot for a fancy meal out. Views over Statue Square and Chater Garden along with crisp white tablecloths, smart staff and a menu full of organic, seasonally-inspired grill classics make this restaurant a go-to for business lunches and occasion dinners.
Where: 5 Connaught Road, Central
What: Simon Rogan’s Roganic London was the blueprint for this Hong Kong outpost, which earned a Michelin Star less than a year after opening thanks to its emphasis on using the very best ingredients, most of which are sourced from local farms. If you’re looking to really push the boat out, book a place at Aulis Hong Kong – the 12-seat Chef’s Table which provides guests with a dynamic and interactive dining experience.
Where: UG08, Sino Plaza, 255 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay
What: Breath-taking views and Michelin-starred cuisine come together to make this Italian fine dining restaurant in Kowloon well worth a visit. High ceilings, water features and truly spectacular views over the city make Tosca di Angelo a popular spot for special occasion dining. The set lunch menu provides an in for those on a budget.
Where: Level 102, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon
What: Chef-patron Alvin Leung Jr serves up his own unique cuisine which he calls ‘X-Treme Chinese’ at his two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Wan Chai district. He has modernised Chinese cuisine by creating flavour combinations that are unforgettable, such as an edible condom on a mushroom beach. If you’re looking for an experience like no other in Hong Kong, Bo Innovation is a must-visit.
Where: 60 Johnston Road, Wan Chai
What: This legendary Cantonese restaurant situated within the luxe five-star Langham Hotel has more awards than we have room to list, including three Michelin Stars. Lavish furnishings and widely-spaced tables set the scene nicely for a decadent meal involving the best of everything, from lobster to Wagyu beef, and exemplary service. Just don’t forget your credit card at Tang Court, as a meal here will cost you dearly.
Where: 8 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
What: Traditional French food reimagined is what diners can expect at this Michelin-starred restaurant owned by Singaporean restaurateur Yenn Wong and acclaimed chef Julien Royer. Dishes at Louise are made with quality ingredients so whether you drop in for brunch, lunch or an evening meal, you can be sure of a delicious meal.
Where: 35 Aberdeen Street, Central
What: Boasting three Michelin Stars, Umberto Bombana’s uniquely named restaurant is undoubtedly one of the best Italian restaurants in Hong Kong. Located in the second floor of Landmark Alexandra, 8½ Otto e Mezze Bombana serves up authentic Italian cuisine made from ultra-fresh ingredients so whether you’ve a hankering for pasta or tiramisu, you can’t go wrong.
Where: Shop 202, Landmark Alexandra, 18 Chater Road, Central
What: Elegant interiors pair perfectly with Chef Guillaume Galliot’s classic French dishes at this three Michelin Star restaurant within the Four Seasons hotel. Prices are steep, as you’d expect for this kind of quality, but the set lunch menus offer a taste of Caprice for a fixed price.
Where: 8 Finance Street, Central
What: Led by Executive Chef Siu Hin Chi, who has garnered a whopping 20 Michelin stars over the past 10 years, this two-Michelin-Star Cantonese restaurant in Central Hong Kong is a treat from start to finish. Guests can expect impeccably-presented dishes at Ying Jee Club, bursting with flavour, whether from the dim sum, a la carte or vegetarian menu.
Where: 41 Connaught Road, Central
What: Tranquil and serene, Arcane is a smart spot in the centre of Hong Kong’s business district that’s ideal for private lunches and dinners away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Owned and run by Australian chef Shane Osborn, the seasonal menu at Arcane is full of classic Modern European dishes, such as burrata, lamb and poached pears with ginger ice cream. Arcane also operates a BYOB policy, though a corkage fee applies.
Where: 18 On Lan Street, Central
What: As you’d expect from its name, Beefbar specialises in prime steaks, beef burgers and all other beef-based dishes (though it does offer some non-beef dishes too). Boasting a Michelin Star, it’s the place to go in Hong Kong for a slab of beef – perhaps prime Black Angus or Kobe beef – or a selection of street food such as tacos, tartare and mini burgers. Smart interiors make it a popular spot for working lunches.
Where: 16 Ice House Street, Central
What: For anyone craving modern French fare in elegant surrounds, L’Envol within the St. Regis Hong Kong hotel is a must. Located in the heart of the vibrant Wan Chai district, this Michelin-starred restaurant features an open kitchen where guests can watch the chefs at work preparing dishes such as chilled green pea and mint soup with smoked burrata ice cream, and Brittany blue lobster with hazelnut butter.
Where: 1 Harbour Drive, Wan Chai
What: Counter dining doesn’t get much smarter than L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Hong Kong. With three Michelin Stars this innovative experience is highly sought-after, but get a seat and you can look forward to a variety of classic French small plates, such as caviar, spiced bouillon with duck foie gras, and a classic Mont Blanc with cassis jelly.
Where: Shop 401, 15 Queen's Road Central, Central
What: A visit to Sushi Shikon, located on the seventh floor of the Landmark Mandarin Oriental hotel, doesn’t just mean world-class dining; it offers a complete cultural experience. Fresh ingredients are flown in from Tokyo’s famed Toyosu market each day and then crafted into seasonal sushi delicacies by Sushi Shikon’s Japanese master chefs. With three Michelin Stars under its belt, it’s not the cheapest option, but for the kind of sushi you’ll still be talking about long after your visit, it’s worth treating yourself.
Where: Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 15 Queen’s Road, Central
If you’re in the mood for impressing, check out our guide to the most romantic restaurants in Hong Kong