Looking for the best lunches in Central? Find sushi, Chinese fusion, Thai, bagels, sandwiches, salads, burgers, wraps, and much more!
We at Honeycombers Hong Kong have found the sweetest cakes, the best dim sum, and the most elegant fine dining restaurants in the city. And recently we’ve been scouting around Hong Kong for the best lunches to indulge in. For all you white collars in the area, check out our picks for the best lunches in Central to fill your belly during the week!
22 Best lunches in Central that will leave you happy and satisfied
1. Chaiwala
Struggling to find a table during lunchtime in Central? Find your way to Chaiwala, one of Wyndham Street’s best kept secrets! A spacious and colourful enclave hidden behind a blue wall and a red door, Chaiwala offers a relaxing lunch experience. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Central as the restaurant transports you to vibrant India, with its scrumptious selection of dishes. For those pressed for time, go for the Express Lunch Menu and take your pick between four different sets: chicken, lamb, fish, or vegetarian. Each set includes items such as curry, tikka, and tandoori, and is generously served with rice, naan, raita, lacha pyaz, and a dessert of the day. If you’re looking for a more indulgent and leisurely experience, the Executive Lunch Menu will be your best bet – it even comes with a complimentary 60 minutes of free-flow!
Chaiwala, Basement, 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2362 8988
2. Orka Restaurant, Bar & Cafe
In search of a healthy lunch in Central? Orka will be the ideal spot. Aiming to provide delicious and nutritious meals for vegans and non-vegans alike, this cafe and restaurant offers a two-course Healthy Set Lunch Menu, featuring the Blissful Pumpkin Soup or Broco-loco Salad to start with, followed by a choice of mains such as Lean Chicken Tikka Masala; Truffle Mushroom Shell Pasta; Barramundi Verde Delight; and more. Add on desserts and drinks to make an even more filling meal. Want something a little different? Orka also has an extensive all-day menu available from 12 to 6pm, with gourmet burgers made with house-made patties and superfood-infused buns; wholegrain sourdough wraps; and more to keep you going for the rest of the day.
Orka Restaurant, Bar & Cafe, G/F, 36 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 3489 1217, 中環雲咸街36號地舖
3. Uoharu
Famous for its A4 Wagyu Sandwich, Uoharu is a Japanese izakaya that offers all kinds of authentic nourishment. The variety of lunch sets here ensures you quality Japanese food such as Eel Rice Box, Wagyu Sukiyaki, and Seared Kaisen Don (seafood rice). While the set already comes with a salad, a few sides, and miso soup, you can add on a drink and a custard pudding (on limited supply) for a complete meal. That should leave you satisfied for hours!
Uoharu, 7/F, M88, Wellington Place, 2-8 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2217 8880, 中環威靈頓街2-8號威靈頓廣場M88 7樓魚治
4. HAND3AG
If you need an affordable grab-and-go meal during lunchtime in Central, HAND3AG will be the best spot. Located in the revitalised Central Market, this stall offers a myriad of scrumptious sandwiches, featuring teppanyaki meats and fillings. Popular items on the menu include the Soft Shell Crab & Shrimp Salad Sandwich; and the “Japan Travel Guide” Sandwich, which features a deep-fried wagyu beef cutlet, grilled Hokkaido scallop, and melted cheese. In addition to a teppanyaki sandwich, you can get H3 Hand-cut Fries and a coffee or tea in the lunch set. You can also try the Lobster Mac ‘n’ Cheese and other snacks for added volume.
Wanna explore more at the Central Market? Check out our handy guide.
HAND3AG, Shop 242C, 2/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 6275 8839, 中環皇后大道中93號中環街市2樓242C號舖
5. 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.
Treehouse is the Gold Award winner for Best Plant-based Eatery in Hong Kong in our Love Local Awards 2022!
Treehouse, Shop 1, Ground Floor, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 3791 2277, 中環砵甸乍街45號 H Code 地下1號舖樹屋
6. Spiga
A main course, plus unlimited salads and desserts? Yes, you can satisfy your huge cravings at Spiga. 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!
Spiga, 3/F, LHT Tower, 31 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2871 0055, 中環皇后大道中31號陸海通大廈3樓
7. Club Rangoon
If you don’t feel like having heavy burgers and fries for lunch, here’s a great option for you. Club Rangoon never disappoints us with its authentic Burmese food, serving amazing Mohinga (fish broth noodle) and Laphet Thoke (tea leaf salad). You can go for either two or three courses for the lunch set here, including your choice between a starter, main, and dessert.
Read our full review on Club Rangoon.
Club Rangoon, 33 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2503 3077, 中環鴨巴甸街33號地舖
8. Babacio
A famous pizzeria hailing from Italy, Babacio offers more than just the spectacular view of Tai Kwun (as if that’s not enough!). Available from 12 to 2.30pm, the Weekday Set Lunch includes a salad, pizza, and dessert or drink. The Margherita DOP is super chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside – a definite must-try! Although getting a seat shouldn’t be too tough, you might want to book in advance to secure the Instagrammable outdoor tables.
Babacio, 5/F, Carfield Commercial Building, 77 Wyndham St, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2808 1961, 中環雲咸街75-77號嘉兆商業大廈5樓
9. 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.
R&R Bagels, G/F, 28 Li Yuen Street West, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2178 5168, 中環利源西街28號地舖
10. Testina
Casually elegant, yet exceptionally filling – this is always our lunch experience at Testina. This trattoria delivers much more than your typical Italian fare. Going beyond pastas and salads – which are all wonderful, BTW – are its signature dishes that put the spotlight on offal. From the addictive Fried Tripe, to the flavourful Charcoal Grilled Bone Marrow, to the Insta-worthy Pig’s Head with Salsa Verde, Testina will transform the way you see and consume this ingredient. Still feeling unsure? Go for items like Roasted Onion, and Hanger Steak. Also, you’re definitely “safe” in the dessert section, with Seasonal Fruit Tart and other treats to round off your lunch. Aside from these a la carte items, you can opt for the two- or three-course Set Lunch Menu, with a selection of antipasti, pasta or main, and a dessert for you to choose from.
Testina, 3/F, 8 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2798 0668, 中環擺花街8號3樓
11. Cornerstone
This little gem from Shane Osborn (the man behind Arcane) is a must-try for both lunch and dinner. Cornerstone Express is a lunch menu that takes the hassle (and time) out of ordering, offering an appetiser and a main that changes weekly. Crafted from the freshest sustainable ingredients, expect seasonal delights that’ll make you happy and satisfied.
Cornerstone, 49 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, p. 6809 9771, 中環荷李活道49號
12. Uma Nota
Bringing the flavour (and value) to your lunchtime, Uma Nota’s weekday lunch concept is a must-try for those who love fresh and tasty cuisine with friendly service to boot. From 12 to 3pm, enjoy unlimited starters to share, followed by a main, with choices such as coconut rice with grilled tiger prawns; half roasted spring chicken; and the vegetarian Karana jackfruit rice, served with cassava farofa and carioca beans. Add a sweet treat, coffee, or tea, and you’ll be all refreshed to bring your A-game back to work in the afternoon.
Uma Nota, 38 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2889 7576, 中環卑利街38號
13. Chotto Maki
Did someone say sushi? At Chotto Maki, you can choose from over 30 fresh ingredients like truffle, unagi, tempura prawns, crabstock, beetroot, asparagus, and more to design and make your sushi roll. There are also recommended rolls, classic rolls, and nigiri sushi available. With big fat rolls well under $100, Chotto Maki is one of our fave lunches in Central.
Read more about Chotto Maki.
Chotto Maki, G/F, 3 Li Yuen Street West, Central, Hong Kong, p. 5111 6074, 中環利源西街3號地舖
14. Basehall and Basehall 02
Not sure if you’re craving for a hearty bowl of noodles or an indulgent burger? Head to Basehall and its brand new counterpart, Basehall 02. This food hall presents a diverse line-up of vendors, ranging from Moyo for Korean grub; Benko by Nüte for healthy options; Porker for juicy Japanese tonkatsu; Bengal Brothers for vibrant Indian street food; and more. In addition to the variety of options, we love the friendly, casual vibes here.
Basehall, LG/F, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong, 中環康樂廣場1號怡和大廈LG層
15. Veda
Another one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Hong Kong that serves up a mean lunch is Veda. Its Indian lunch set includes a starter of either Samosa Chaat (our fave!) or Silk Route Momos, followed by a Dosa served with traditional aloo masala; grilled mushrooms with spinach and ricotta; avocado, feta, and rocket salad; or eggplant masala with scrambled tofu. You also need to pick two accompaniments, with choices such as aloo gobi (roasted cauliflower and potatoes with curry leaf pesto, coconut, and lentil sauce), or idli with coconut chutney and sambhar. Add a dessert or a glass of wine if you’re feeling cheeky!
Read our full review of Veda.
Veda, 2 Arbuthnot Road, Central, Hong Kong, p. 3755 3067, 中環亞畢諾道2號
16. Foxglove
You can order the delectable lunch set for two or Chef’s Recommendation at Foxglove. Whichever you pick, you get to enjoy a wide variety of starters, soup, entree, and desserts. Items include Pork Dumpling, plum sauce glazed pork spareribs, wagyu beef fried rice, and more. The restaurant environment is extremely elegant – perfect for a business lunch in Central.
Foxglove, 2/F, Printing House, 6 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2116 8949, 中環都爹利街6號印刷行2樓
17. The Aubrey, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
If you’re marking a special occasion, or you feel like treating yourself to world-class dishes just because, then head to The Aubrey on the top floor of The Mandarin Oriental. There are various lunch sets available here, including Chirashi Don set, Donburi set, and the popular Three-layer Bento box. The last box offers a choice of main (which changes seasonally), with items such as Hokkaido pork belly; chicken katsu sando; assorted vegetable tempura; and the signature Miyazaki wagyu tenderloin. This is accompanied by house-made pickles, maki, miso soup, and more – plus a dessert at the end, too. Be careful not to overrun your lunch hour as The Aubrey’s stunning interior (and food) will keep you enticed – you won’t even notice the time!
Read our review on The Aubrey.
The Aubrey, 25/F, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2825 4001, 中環干諾道中5號香港文華東方酒店25樓
18. Bedu
Fancy some middle-eastern delights for your lunch? Try the weekday lunch set at Bedu, which offers a starter and a main. The Sweet Potato Falafel with hummus, pickles, and tahini may be a good choice to start with, but we simply can’t pick a favourite for the mains! Opt between Charred Chermoula Chicken with pickled chilli, tabouli, and lemon; Garlic Prawn Mujaddara with fennel, chilli, and caramelised onions; and Roasted Local Eggplant paired with hummus and couscous salad – an unmissable dish for vegetarians.
Check out our full review on Bedu.
Bedu, 40 Gough Street, Central, Hong Kong, 中環歌賦街40號地舖
19. Morty’s Delicatessen
Sandwiches are a classic lunch option, and Morty’s Delicatessen in Jardine House delivers. Find smoked meat sandwiches like Classic Pastrami and the California, as well as speciality sandwiches like Smoked Truffle Chicken; Egg Salad and Pickled Tomato; and The Ultimate Grilled Cheese. Every sandwich also comes with your choice of side (French fries, anyone?) and unlimited pickles – talk about a great lunch in Central!
Morty’s Delicatessen, Shop 12-14, LG/F, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong, p. 3665 0900, 中環康樂廣場1號怡和大廈地庫12-14號舖
20. Mak Mak
When it comes to the best lunches in Central, what list would be complete without this joint? Head over to Landmark for some great Thai food at Mak Mak. This restaurant not only caters to meat eaters, but also has menu items that will appease every vegan needs. Get your classics in like Tom Yum Goong, Pad Thai, and green curry. We definitely recommend their pomelo salad and their wok-fried crispy soft crab. Moreover, the grab-and-go station out the front has a selection of curries, stir-fries, and sweets for those looking for an easy lunch on the go.
Mak Mak also makes it to our list of restaurants with secret vegan menus, so that the whole crew can be fed.
Mak Mak, Shop 217A, 2/F Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2983 1003, 中環皇后大道中15號置地廣場2樓217A室
21. Nood Food
Looking for a light but tasty lunch in Central? Find Nood Food on Hollywood Road, serving great salads, tender chicken pieces, vegetable soup, fresh fruit smoothies, and cold-pressed juices. Sit inside the brightly lit cafe and enjoy the street view, or take away your lunch in recyclable containers.
Nood Food also makes it to our guide of best juice bars in Hong Kong.
Nood Food, 2/F, Kinwick Centre, 32 Hollywood Road, SoHo, Central, Hong Kong, p. 8199 8189, 中環蘇豪荷李活道32號建業榮基中心2樓
22. The Pizza Project
The affordable weekday lunch set at The Pizza Project got us feeling fusilli! Plunge into your favourite Italian comfort foods from 12 to 3pm. While the menu changes weekly, there will always be an appetiser, a classic pizza of your choice, and a dessert to make lunch hour worth looking forward to (even more). You may have to throw in a couple extra bucks if you plan on going for the burrata or the tartufo pizza – but it’s worth it!
The Pizza Project, G/F, 26 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2311 1815, 中環卑利街26號地舖
Carbon (temporarily closed)
Rooftop views, shisha, a prime location, and scrumptious meals – Carbon has it all! Want to enjoy a quick lunch in Central? Opt for the Weekday Lunch Set, available from 12 to 4pm. You can choose between starters like Tenderloin Tartare and Warm Winter Salad. Next, mains include a choice between Australian Wagyu Chuck Steak; Carbon Signature Fried Chicken; Catch of the Day; and more. Add a dessert if you’d like a sweet ending, then wash it all down with a Zero Proof non-alcoholic drink (or go for the Carbon Cocktails if you prefer something boozy!).
Carbon, 26/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 6166 8585, 中環砵典乍街45號 H Code 26樓
J.A.M. Joint Asian Market (temporarily closed)
Offering authentic Asian cuisine from Singapore, Vietnam, Korea, and China, J.A.M. Joint Asian Market is a casual food court in the heart of Central. We also enjoy its range of Thai dishes here, including Fried Shrimp Cakes, Grilled Pork Necks, Thai Basil Minced Pork Fried Rice, Pandan Coconut Sesame Dumplings, and more.
J.A.M. Joint Asian Market, Shop G04 & G06, G/F, Nexxus Building, 41 Connaught Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2808 1086, 中環干諾道中41號盈置大廈地下G04及G06號舖
Mamma Always Said (permanently closed)
Located in SoHo, Mamma Always Said is a chill hangout with various small bites and beverages. The Sandwich Country Ham is our fave for its crispiness, but we also like the Grilled Octopus and Hanger Steak. If you want a glucose spike to recharge your energy, grab their delicious Passion Fruit Cheesecake or a Nutella Cookie.
Read our full review on Mamma Always Said.
Mamma Always Said, G/F, 42 Peel Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2386 2216, 中環卑利街42號地舖
Poem (permanently closed)
Helmed by two native Balinese chefs, Poem is dedicated to serving sustainable family-style Balinese cuisine. Despite being in the CBD, Poem serves a refreshing salad on top of the main course from just over $100. Whether you choose to have an earthy vegetable yellow curry or spicy red snapper, you will feel like being in a Balinese resort. Another thing we like about Poem is that you can add on a range of chef’s specials, such as Soft Shell Crab and Wagyu Cheek Bao.
Poem, 5/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2810 6166, 中環雲咸街33號 LKF Tower 5樓
POP Vegan (permanently closed)
So, POP Vegan is technically in SoHo, but it’s definitely worth heading up the escalators and escaping the madness in Central. Offering an entirely vegan menu that includes everything from pizza and pasta to hedgehog mushroom shakes, we love the relaxed vibe here. Plus, you can pick up a range of vegan cooking ingredients while you’re there.
Read our full review of POP Vegan.
POP Vegan, 1/F, 28 Elgin Street, SoHo, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2628 6211, 中環蘇豪伊利近街28號1樓
