50 Must-Eat Restaurants in Hong Kong

I grew up visiting Hong Kong at least once a year since my mom’s a citizen and I’m a resident card holder. It’s literally my second home! Every trip, my most anticipated activity is, obviously, EATING. Below are some of the best restaurants I have personally tried across the island and yes, they’re all definitely worth coming back for.

PS: This article was also featured in a print magazine! Check it out here- http://blog.biancasing.com/travel-now-magazine-50-must-eat-restaurants-in-hong-kong/

---

BREAKFAST

People in Hong Kong are super busy but one thing’s for sure- they always make time to have the most important meal of the day. From local cha chaan teng ( literally means “tea restaurant”) to modern Western cafes, you’ll never run out of options here. Whenever you’re in the city, make sure to wake up early and experience the exciting Hong Kong breakfast scene!

---

 1. Australia Dairy Company 澳洲牛奶公司

Queue here is always long so make sure to come early. Their most famous classic breakfast set consists of: Macaroni Soup + Toast + Scrambled Eggs (they make one of the bests in the whole world) + Coffee/Tea. Just don’t be too shocked as the service here can be quite rude due to the chaotic environment.

Address: G/F, 47-49 Parkes Street Jordan, Hong Kong

Opening Hours: 7:30am-11:00pm (Tue-Sun); Closed on Thursdays

2. Bakery King 皇餅飽

Back when we still had a house in North Point area, I always ordered egg tarts and bo lo bao (pineapple bun) for take-away here. Pair them with childhood favorite Malted Vitasoy- perfect simple breakfast!

Address: G/F, 263 King’s Rd, North Point, Hong Kong

3. Kam Wah Cafe 金華冰廳

Hands down the best bo lo bao (pineapple bun) in HK! For those hearing about this pastry the first time- a pineapple bun doesn’t have any pineapple ingredient in it at all. It’s actually a fluffy bread stuffed with butter in the middle. Don’t forget to order their HK milk tea too!

Address: G/F, 47 Bute St, Mong Kok, Hong Kong

Opening Hours: 6:30am-12:00am (Everyday)

4. Ocean Empire Food Shop 海皇粥店

Ever since I discovered this shop many years ago, I never went on a HK trip without eating here at least once. My staple order is: Congee +Rice Sheet Roll + Soy Milk. Don’t underestimate the rice sheet roll! It may look super simple but once you add their special sweet and peanut sauce into it… mind-blowing!

Address: G/F, 472 Lockhart Road Causeway Bay, Hong Kong + other multiple locations

Opening Hours: 6:30am-12:00am (Everyday)

5. Tsui Wah Restaurant 翠華餐廳

Craving for something at 2 in the morning? Chances are, Tsui Wah has that exact dish that you’re looking for. Being open 24/7, this restaurant is ready to serve you their bestselling items, including the famous crispy buns with condensed milk, any time of the day.

Address: G-2/F, 15-19 Wellington Street Central, Hong Kong + other multiple locations

Opening Hours: 24/7

---

UPSCALE DINING

Living up to being a top culinary destination, Hong Kong never runs out of  degustation and fine-dining options. From Michelin Guide to S. Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants Annual Awarding Ceremony, HK restos ALWAYS make waves.

---

 6. 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana

Being the first and only three Michelin-starred Italian restaurant outside Italy is a BIG deal. Run by Chef Umberto Bombana, who was just awarded the 2017 Diners Club Lifetime Achievement Award for Asia, this is the best place to be if you want to have the best truffle dishes in Hong Kong.

Address: Shop 202, 2F, Alexandra House, 18 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong

Opening Hours: 12:00nn-2:30pm (Lunch); 6:30pm- 10:30pm (Dinner); 12nn- late night (Bar); Closed on Sundays 

7. Amber

Grabbing the No. 3 spot in 2017 Asia’s Best Restaurant List (the highest for Hong Kong) and 2 Michelin Star for the nth consecutive year, you just know that you’re in for a luxurious treat whenever you dine here. Expect nothing but attentive (but not intrusive) service while enjoying quality French dishes (one of my favorites is their Hokkaido Sea Urchin) in the heart of Hong Kong. Fun fact, I had one of the longest solo meals in my entire life when I dined here last June 2015 and took 6 hours to finish my degustation set! It was that good that I needed almost a quarter of a day to savor it.

Address: 17/F, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong

Opening Hours: 17:00 am – 10:30 am (Breakfast); 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm (Lunch); 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm (Dinner)

8. Bo Innovation

Prepare yourself for a unique and fun molecular gastromonic meal in this three Michelin-starred restaurant where Chef Alvin Leung aka “The Demon Chef” and his team reinvent the way Chinese food is served. Make sure to try their standout dish Molecular Xiao Long Bao!

Address: J Residence, Shop 8, J Senses Entrance on Ship Street, 60 Johnston Rd, Hong Kong

Opening Hours: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Lunch); 7:00 pm – 12:00 am (Dinner); Closed on Sundays

9. Carbone

Where do I even begin? It was love at first bite! Their Carpaccio Piemontese with Wagyu Beef, Walnut, Black Truffle and Spicy Rigatoni Vodka with Tomato, Onion, Calabrian Chili are so amazing, I can finish them all by myself.

Address: LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Hong Kong

Opening Hours: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm (Lunch; Mon-Sat); 6:00 pm – 11:30 am (Dinner; Sun-Thurs); 6:00 pm – 11:30 am (Dinner; Fri-Sun)

10. JW Cafe

I’m not a fan of buffets because I feel like I’m paying so much for quantity and not quality but JW Cafe is an exception. They’ve got to be the most value-for-money buffet resto I’ve ever eaten in because of their UNLIMITED LOBSTER + Foie Gras + Haagen Dazs (actually, just eat the lobster and you’ll ROI already).

Address: JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong, One Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong

Opening Hours: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Dinner; Everyday)

11. Lawry’s The Prime Rib

Okay, this restaurant is not originally from Hong Kong but it was in HK where I first tried this steakhouse so… it deserves a spot in my list. I’m a huge steak-eater so it’s not that easy to please me when it comes to this dish. Lawry’s didn’t only deliver but even exceeded my expectations. Make sure to order their creamed spinach side dish as well- it’s the best one I’ve ever tried so far.

Address: 201, Hutchison House, 10 Harcourt Rd, Central, Hong Kong

Opening Hours: 11:30 am – 3:00pm (Lunch); 6:00pm- 11:00pm (Dinner)

12. Lung King Heen

The No. 17 Asia’s Best Restaurant for 2017 serves the finest Chinese dishes. This star restaurant inside Four Seasons hotel is the first Chinese restaurant to be awarded the most coveted three stars from the Michelin Guide. Make sure to try their star dish- the abalone tart!

Address: Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Finance St, Central, Hong Kong

Opening Hours: 12:00 am – 2:30pm (Mon-Sat);  11:30 am – 3:00pm (Sat-Sun + Holidays); 6:00pm- 10:30pm (Dinner; Everyday)

13. Mott 32

Aside from the amazing interior design c/o renowned designer Joyce Wang, Mott 32 is a must visit because of its Iberico Pork and Pecking Duck! Make sure to not only reserve seats but your meat orders as well before you dine here as they only serve limited quantities per day.

Address: Standard Chartered Bank Building, 4-4A Des Voeux Rd Central, Central, Hong Kong

Opening Hours: 12:00am – 2:30pm (Lunch);  6:00pm – 11:00pm (Dinner)

14. Ronin

First of all, this restaurant is hard to find. It took me a good 15 mins walking around this area looking for “8 On Wo Lane” only to realize that the restaurant is actually hidden behind the unassuming gray door. Ronin is a speakeasy Japanese Izakaya Bar that reinvents the way seafood is served . Their menu changes every season but Uni Flower Crab is always a must-order staple.

Address: 8 On Wo Lane, Ground floor, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Opening Hours: 6:00pm – 12:00pm (Mon-Sat);  Closed on Sundays

15. Cafe Landmark

I have long heard about the hype on this restaurant but it was only during my last trip to HK last November 2017 that I finally tried it and good news, it did not disappoint- now, I understand why the line here was insanely long even before lunch time. Their Lobster Linguine was amazingly good. Creaminess was just right- not too saucy, flavour is rich. The big pasta lover that I am approve of this!

Address: Landmark Mall; 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

16. Daikiya

Enjoy unlimited quality sushi for 2 hours!  From nigiri, tempura, to uni and hand rolls, they’ve got it all for you! Their menu is so extensive, you might need to visit more than 10x to really try all their offerings!

Address: 7/F, Goldmark, 502 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong + other multiple branches

17. Futago

This was a surprise discovery I was delighted to find out about last April 2016. I was staying in J Plus Hotel and was looking for a place to eat in before leaving for the airport when I saw this restaurant just beside the hotel. Apparently, it’s one of the best Yakiniku Restaurant in Hong Kong! Originating from Japan, Futago is on top of the wagyu, pork, and uni BBQ game. Their Wagyu Beef with Sea Urchin is the best, I couldn’t stop ordering it!

Address: Shop B, 1-5 Irving St, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

18. Little Bao

Owned by Chef May Chow, 2015 Asia’s Best Female Chef, this is where the traditional Chinese Baos get facelifts and are reinvented with different kinds of  fillings. Eating buns has never been the same again after trying out their Pork Belly Bun.

Address: 66 Staunton St, Central, Hong Kong

19.  Under Bridge Spicy Crab 橋底辣蟹

What started out as a small stall selling seafood has now expanded into 3 major branches serving good spicy gigantic crabs, perfect for family feasts.

Address: G/F-3/F, Ascot Mansion, 421-425 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

20.  Yardbird

When you’re in the F&B Business in Hong Kong for more than 6 years and people still line up to dine in your restaurant- you must definitely be doing something great. This hip Yakitori doesn’t show any sign of slowing down after recently relocating from their original branch in Bridges Street to Sheung Wan. Make sure to get their KFC (Korean Fried Cauliflower) fix when you dine here!

Address: G/F, 154-158 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

21.  Yung Kee 鏞記

Enjoy authentic Cantonese favorites, together with roasted goose and barbecued pork in this restaurant considered as an institution in the Hong Kong culinary scene. Established in 1942, Yung Kee once held a 1-Michelin Star in the inaugural Hong Kong and Macau Michelin Guide back in 2009.

Address: 32-40 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong

 

---

BUDGET FRIENDLY

Hong Kong is an expensive city to live in but luckily, there are still restaurants that serve world class meals at an affordable price.

---

22.  Delicious Kitchen

Double Pork Ribs, enough said!

Address: Shop B, G/F, 9-11Cleveland Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong + other multiple branches

23. Ichiran

Another restaurant not originally from Hong Kong but… I just needed to add it here! It was also in Hong Kong where I first tried this famous Japanese ramen joint. Foodie Tip: eat here for breakfast to avoid long queues .

Address: Lockhart House, Block A, 440 Jaffe Road, Hong Kong

24. Kam’s Roast Goose

Another Michelin- starred BBQ restaurant because we can never have enough meat! The founder of this restaurant is Hardy Kam, a member of the 3rd generation family of Yung Kee’s founder. To avoid family disputes and court trials, he moved on and opened his own goose shop and went on to earn a Michelin Star just a few months after opening this shop.

Address: G/F, Po Wah Commercial Center, 226 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

25. Mak’s Noodle

Some people claim that they have the best Wanton Noodle in Hong Kong. Why wouldn’t they when the store is run by Mak Chi-ming, 3rd generation descendant of Mak Woon-chi, the “wonton master,” who brought the dish from Guangzhou to Hong Kong and even served President Chiang Kai Shek the exact same dish?

Address: 77 Wellington St, Central, Hong Kong

26. Sad Sour Spicy Noodles 傷心酸辣粉

Time to tingle your senses with a bowl of noodles! The first time I was here, I saw a girl crying her heart out I thought she was just heartbroken but apparently, she was crying because of the spicy noodles! Trust me, this might look like a simple bowl of noodles to you but it can really bring out different emotions in 1 bite! Make sure to order a glass of milk (coconut flavored for me) to help you survive once your nose and mouth ignite on fire.

Address: Island Beverley Shopping Center, 5/F, 1 Great Georges Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong + other multiple branches

27. Satay King

Ahh!!! My all time favorite comfort food. I ALWAYS order their Satay Beef Set- rice+ beef strips + satay sauce (with milk tea on the side). It’s the BEST!!!

Address: 5/F, The Goldmark, 502 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong + other multiple branches

28. Tai Hing 太興

BBQ Rice Set + Milk Tea= perfect combo!

Address: Shop 1, G/F, Cigna Tower, 470-484 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong + other multiple branches

29. Tim Ho Wan 添好運

This has got to be one of the cheapest Michelin-starred dim sum spots in Hong Kong and even if they have already opened several branches world wide, I believe, it’s still different when you try their food in their hometown. Some of my favorites here include their BBQ Buns, radish cake, and wrapped steamed rice!

Address: 9-11 Fuk Wing Street, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong + other multiple branches

30. Yat Lok 一樂燒鵝

Being awarded with one Michelin star consistently for 3 years now, it is everyone’s favorite goose place in Hong Kong! Ahhh picturing the crispy skin and tender meat of the goose in my head right now as I type this…

Address: Conwell House, G/F,, 34-38 Stanley St, Central, Hong Kong

 

---

DESSERT

As the saying goes, there’s always room for dessert! Hong Kong has a huge dessert culture so expect no less when it comes to dessert spots choices in this city. Definitely a heaven for all the sweet tooths out there.

---

31. Cong Sao Star Dessert 聰嫂私房甜品

There was never a time I passed by this shop and did not see a long line of customers waiting for their turn/orders. So what’s the fuss all about? They serve Hong Kong-style desserts that involve a lot of coconut, milk, mango, durian, and jellies. My favorite here would be the Sweet Mango Soup.

Address: G/F, 11 Yiu Wa Street Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

32. Crumbs

Best frozen yoghurt ever! I was so sad when they first closed their only stall but apparently, their business got better and was able to afford to get a permanent shop in a building in CWB! I don’t know where they get their mochi toppings but they’re really soft and tender, I always make sure to have 2 scoops or more of it.

Address: No. 508 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

33. He She Eat

One of the new restaurants in town, their lava cakes (both matcha and chocolate) are good! Bonus: their risotto is also yummy.

Address: Shop 4, G/F, Ngai Hing Mansion, 22 Pak Po Street, Mong Kong, Hong Kong

34. Honeymoon Dessert

I grew up eating this! Just like Cong Sao, they offer Hong Kong Style Dessert and my go-to order is Snow White Sago.

Address: Shop No. 317-319, 3/F, Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong + other multiple locations

35. Labmade

The pioneer of liquid nitrogen ice cream in Hong Kong that serves ultra- smooth ice cream. There’s always something new to try as their flavor offerings change up every 2 weeks!

Address: G/F, 6 Brown Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong

36. Lady M

I know, I know. This is another not-originally-from-HK-entry but again, I first tried this world-class-mille crepe shop in HK so it deserves a spot in my list! It used to be just available in Tsim Sha Tsui but they’ve been opening boutiques across the island and has 4 shops now in CWB, Central, TST, and Sha Tin.

Address: 1-3 Cleveland St, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

37. Sinmei

A Matcha lover’s heaven- everything served here in Sinmei has matcha in it. From brownies, to ice cream, to cakes- EVERYTHING is green!

Address: 5/F, CS Tower, 50 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

38. Tai Cheong Bakery

I’m more of a Portugese egg tart person but I still enjoyed the ones here in Tai Cheong. I loved how perfect the crispiness of the tart in the outside and how it complements the warm soft custard inside!

Address: 35 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong

39. Tsui Yuen Dessert Shop

Get their hot almond peanut milk. It’s the best, especially during colder days.

Address: G/F, North Point Road, North Point, Hong Kong

40. Urban Bakery

You’ll fall in love at first bite with their Custard Croissant. From the crispy crust to the oozing molten custard… LEGENDARY!

Address: Shop 322, 3/F, Landmark Atrium, Hong Kong

41. Via Tokyo

The locals’ favorite matcha soft-serve spot. I’m actually surprised that I like their desserts even if I don’t really like matcha in general.

Address: Shop 1A-1B, G/F, Leishun Court, 106-126 Leighton Road Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

42. Yeeshun Milk Company

Their classic Hot Steamed Milk Pudding is definitely a must try. Such a plain dish but only they can do it so perfectly!

Address: 506 Lockhart Rd, East Point, Hong Kong

Opening Hours: 12:00PM- 12:00AM (Daily)