Discover a delightful mix of cuisines, bagels, sandwiches and a whole lot more for lunch options in Central!
In the perpetually buzzing Central, lunchtime turns into a tasty adventure! You’ll find a mix of flavours and dining experiences just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re in the mood for the bold spices of Thai and Indian cuisines or craving something fancy from a Michelin-starred kitchen, this neighbourhood is packed full of choices. Here are my favourite choices for lunch in Central — each one is sure to make your midday break something special!
Unwind with the Best Lunch Deals in Hong Kong
Here are the top 4 picks to elevate your midday break:
- Flavorful Escapes: Mama Tiger
- Lavish Lunchtime: Estro
- Savoury Retreats: Nocino
- Quick Bite: Sofi Pasta
Best lunches in Central that’ll leave you happy and satisfied
1. Chaiwala
Seeking a restaurant in Central for a quick express lunch, sophisticated business meal, or team gathering? Find your way to Chaiwala, one of Wyndham Street’s best kept secrets! This restaurant showcases the breadth and depth of modern Indian cuisine with myriad offerings. For those pressed for time, go for the Dawath Express lunch menu (from just $148) and take your pick between chicken, lamb, fish, or vegetarian mains, generously served with a selection of small bites, freshly baked naan, dessert, and more.
If you’re looking for a more leisurely experience, the Flavours of India menu (from $288) has you covered. The feast features the best of Indian street staples, such as pani puri, aloo tikki chaat, a Tandoor cage for sharing, and various regional curries. Finish off with a creamy mango panna cotta for a refreshing lunch in Central.
Highlight Items: Dawath Express lunch menu (chicken, lamb, fish, vegetarian)
Price: From $148
Phone: 2362 8988
Address: Basement, 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong
2. Mama Tiger
This lively Thai eatery has taken social media by storm, and I couldn’t resist experiencing their celebrated soup noodles and crème brûlée for myself. Featuring a rich and aromatic sauce, the Wonton Tom Yum is a sensational delight with generously stuffed wontons that transport me straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok with every bite.
Highlight Items: Wonton Tom Yum, Wagyu Boat, Mhee Haeng Chicken, Thai Creme Brûlée
Price: Starts from $80
Address: 12 Kau U Fong, Central, Hong Kong
3. Treehouse
If you’re on the hunt for wholesome wraps, bowls, and burgers made with love, then you need to make a visit to Treehouse. With a completely vegetarian and vegan menu, you can choose from one of their signature combos (we love the Banyan and the Sakura) or design your own flatbread or salad bowl, filled with all your fave ingredients, like quinoa, tofu, eggplant, kale, and more. Don’t miss out on the sweet potato fries and the selection of sweets and fresh juices, too.
Highlight Items: Signature wraps (Banyan, Sakura), sweet potato fries
Price: Varies by selection
Phone: 3791 2277
Address: Shop 1, Ground Floor, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central, Hong Kong
Treehouse website
4. Sofi Pasta
Sofi Pasta Co. is great for leisurely brunches or casual lunches, just make sure you arrive early to beat the crowds and long lines! This cozy restaurant exudes the charm of an Italian café and is a little haven for pasta lovers in Hong Kong. With a small but thoughtfully curated menu and a warm atmosphere, I find comfort and quality in every dish.
Highlight Items: Classic Carbonara Casareccia, Black Truffle Mushroom Fusilli Lunghi Bucati, French Toast
Price: Starts from $80
Address: Sofi Pasta Co., Shop A, G/F, 6 Bonham Strand, Central, Hong Kong
5. R&R Bagels
Calling all lovers of bagels! Check out R&R Bagels in Central for lunch. The cafe caters to meat-eaters, vegetarians, and vegan diets. Take your pick among a range of freshly made-to-order bagels like the English Breakfast that features pan-cooked omelette and smoky bacon; Bacon Jam BLT, made with R&R’s signature bacon jam and smoky bacon; and The Vegan, a healthy favourite featuring R&R’s house hummus and topped with arugula, coconut, almonds, and more. Pick up a drink as well to wash it all down.
Highlight Items: English Breakfast bagel, Vegan bagel
Price: Varies by selection
Phone: 2178 5168
Address: G/F, 28 Li Yuen Street West, Central, Hong Kong
6. Huong Vi Quan Viet Bac Vietnamese Flavor
This Vietnamese restaurant is tucked away along one of the side streets that branches out from Queen’s Road Central. Seek your way to Huong Vi Quan Viet Bac for a quick and no-fuss dining experience – ideal for workers on the go. Whether you’re craving crunchy spring rolls or a classic beef pho, this eatery has you covered. Psst, try to arrive early, as this place tends to get crowded during lunch hours!
Highlight Items: Crunchy spring rolls, classic beef pho
Price: Affordable, varies by dish
Phone: 2907 4955
Address: Shop E, G/F, Willy Commercial Building, 28-36 Wing Kut Street, Central, Hong Kong
Huong Vi Quan Viet Bac Vietnamese Flavor website
7. Nocino
Go to Nocino for a rustic and fuss-free experience. A Swiss-Italian grotto, the fourth outpost is nestled on Hollywood Road, with a warm ambience that embodies the sun-drenched charm of Ticino, Switzerland. With its warm hospitality and a menu filled with comfort classics, Nocino guarantees a memorable lunchtime visit.
Highlight Items:Malakoff, Ossobuco Milanese, Brown Crab Cacio e Pepe Bucatini
Price: Starts from HK$68
Address: 49 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
8. Frenchies
When it comes to lunch in Central, you can’t go wrong with a toastie from Frenchies. Located along Hollywood Road, this quaint neighbourhood cafe offers a variety of pastries, sandwiches, toasties, and coffee. All the fillings are stellar here, but we especially recommend the Chicken and Brie with Truffle Toastie and the Mushroom and Spinach Toastie.
Highlight Items: Chicken and Brie with Truffle Toastie, Mushroom and Spinach Toastie
Price: Varies by selection
Address: G/F, 39 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
9. Spiga
A main course, plus unlimited salads and desserts? Yes, you can satisfy your huge cravings at Spiga’s lunch buffet. Smoked salmon, parma ham, coffee tart, coconut cream… There are a variety of appetisers and sweets that go well with the extensive list of mains. We know it’s tempting to try everything at the buffet, but make sure to leave some space for the pizzas and homemade pastas!
Highlight Items: Lunch buffet with unlimited salads and desserts
Price: Varies, buffet pricing
Phone: 2871 0055
Address: 3/F, LHT Tower, 31 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong
10. Estro
Enjoy a luxurious lunch at the Michelin-starred Estro, where Executive Chef Antimo Maria Merone crafts rotational seasonal menus that celebrate the vibrant essence of modern Neapolitan cuisine. But it’s not just about the food; the experience gets even better in the Music Room by KEF. This chic private space accommodates up to six guests and boasts cutting-edge audio technology, setting the perfect backdrop for film screenings or laid-back listening sessions. Enjoy a multisensory mid-day escape that tantalizes your taste buds and soothes your soul—making your lunch break truly unforgettable.
Highlight Items:Fukuoka Oyster & Semolina Riso, Pecorino-Stuffed Bottoni, Slow-Roasted Duck
Price: Lunch set menu (2–5 courses) starting from $580
Address: Level 2, 1 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong
[This article was originally published in May 2018 and updated in 2025 by Johanna Yan.]
