There is no shortage of must-try food in Hong Kong. Treat yourself to a quality meal at one of these best restaurants in Hong Kong.
Whether you’re a resident or first-time visitor, it can get overwhelming navigating the city’s diverse culinary scene – even foodies like us find it tough to pick out the must-try food in Hong Kong! If you’re struggling to find the perfect restaurant for your next meal, you’ve come to the right place. From Indian restaurants serving aromatic grub to American diners whipping up hearty comfort food, to vegetarian restaurants crafting quality plant-based fare, there’s bound to be something for you. Here are our picks for the best restaurants in Hong Kong.
Must-try food in the 852: Best restaurants in Hong Kong
1. Honjo
One of our all-time favourite places for an indulgent brunch in Hong Kong, Honjo is a vibrant contemporary Japanese restaurant, beloved for its unique blend of global flavours and traditional Japanese techniques. It’s our go-to spot for gatherings, thanks to its modern and immersive dining experience. Adding to the appeal of Honjo is the arrival of Executive Chef Sandro Montero and his brand new a la carte creations. With over 15 years of global experience in Japanese and Nikkei cuisines, Chef Sandro is able to blend his Peruvian heritage with global flavours seamlessly.
In Chef Sandro’s new menu, each item focuses on a single ingredient while delivering diverse flavour profiles, presenting the familiar to diners in a delightfully innovative way. Make your way to Honjo to sample “The Dreamer” and “The Traveller” tasting menus, featuring delectable dishes such as Octopus tartare; the luxurious Lobster Maki; salt-grilled Barramundi; robust Short Rib; the comforting Seafood Kamameshi; and more.
Honjo, 1/F, 77-91 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2663 3772
2. Auntie Ayi @ Wellwellwell
Have you spotted the stylish dining destination just beyond the MTR exit at Pacific Place? Wellwellwell is an exciting multi-concept space, designed like a time machine to transport guests across the different realms of Chinese food culture. It’s home to several upscale eateries and bars that marry ancient traditions and modern craftsmanship. Among the collection is Auntie Ayi, a Chinese restaurant that pays tribute to the history of ma jie (馬姐) and celebrates the humble yet legendary home kitchens across generations. Weaving the new with the old, the chefs reimagine classic dishes with an innovative twist while recalling centuries-old, fast-disappearing techniques. Believing good food is what we need to feel truly well, Auntie Ayi is here to nourish both your body and soul.
Auntie Ayi @ Wellwellwell, Shop 002, LG1, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong
3. TokyoLima
A chic izakaya-style restaurant and bar in the heart of Hong Kong, TokyoLima is one of our favourite spots for dining out on the town. This restaurant fuses the bold flavours of Peru with Japanese traditions, bringing a casual approach to Nikkei cuisine. And now, a talented new team has joined TokyoLima, bringing fresh recipes and renewed passion. In addition to the sought-after dinners and weekend brunches, Bar Manager Matias Radici and Executive Chef Stephan Joubert have created a unique “Sake & Bites” experience for Tuesdays, allowing you to pair Peruvian delights with a progressive selection of sake.
Shellfish lovers should also visit TokyoLima on Thursdays for the “Seafood Night”, with free-flow clams and mussels, plus a four-course meal that guarantees to hit the spot. Throughout your time at TokyoLima, trust General Manager Lorenzo Fioravanti and his staff to make you feel right at home, even during the buzziest evenings.
TokyoLima, G/F, Car Po Commercial Building, 18-20 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2811 1152
4. Bombay Dreams
Among the numerous Indian restaurants in Hong Kong, Bombay Dreams takes the crown as one of our all-time favourites. Specialising in elevated North Indian cuisine, the menu features an extensive selection of classics. Kick off with the Palak Patta Chaat and follow up with the must-try Chicken Makhni. Round off with something sweet from the dessert menu – we recommend giving Bombay Jamun or Kulfi Ice Cream a try. Bombay Dreams also has vegetarian and vegan options across its brunch buffet, lunch buffet, dinner, and tasting menus, so no one gets left out.
Bombay Dreams, 1/F, Winning Centre, 46 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2811 9888
5. Samsen (Wan Chai)
The popularity of this casual Wan Chai eatery speaks for itself. Come lunch and dinner time every day, you’ll find a queue snaking around Samsen’s street corner. On the menu of hearty Thai classics, we love having its Wagyu Beef Wok Fried Rice and Stir-fried Chicken Flat Noodles for lunch. Of course, you can’t go wrong with the Pad Thai, either. Lunch sets come included with a drink, and Samsen’s Thai Iced Tea or Thai Iced Coffee always satisfy. As for dinner, preface your mains with a Tangy Green Mango and Tiger Prawn Salad and round off with the Pandan Coconut Dumplings.
Samsen (Wan Chai), 68 Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2234 0001
6. Suit Izakaya & Sake Bar
This laid-back izakaya is truly a hidden gem. Wind down over dinner at this buzzy eatery in Sheung Wan after a long day at work. We love starting with its Homemade Fermented Tofu and Roasted Eggplant Roll, before digging into Kasu Beef Chunk or Pigeon with Blueberry Reduction. Suit’s Yellow Chicken Rice is an absolute must-try food in Hong Kong – you’ll find tender roasted chicken sitting atop a bed of steaming rice with a crispy crust at the bottom. What’s more, you can BYOB to Suit on Tuesday and Wednesday nights free of charge. It’s no wonder that Suit is becoming many diners’ favourite contemporary Japanese restaurant in Hong Kong!
Suit Izakaya & Sake Bar, G/F, 89 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 5203 0398
7. Racines
Specialising in Southern French cuisine, Racines is a culmination of friendship between Chefs Romain Dupeyre and Adrien Castillo. Sharing a joint nostalgia for foods of their respective childhoods, the chefs draw inspiration from their culinary experiences to curate a menu of reinvented French classics. The lunch and dinner menus both feature Racines’ signature dishes such as Tarbouriech Oyster, Brittany Lobster, and Celeriac Root. Additionally, as one of the best French restaurants in Hong Kong, Racines has an extensive wine menu for you to choose from. Simply speak to your server to curate a pairing unique to your preferences.
Racines, 22 Upper Station Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 5742 6539 (Whatsapp)
8. Fiata Pizza
When it comes to pizzas in Hong Kong, it can’t get more authentic than those at Fiata. The diverse menu makes choosing a fave extra difficult for us, but we particularly enjoy the Bronte 4.0, a refreshing and unique creation with flor di latte, a sprinkle of pistachios, and a drizzle of lemon oil. Alternatively, give La Rustica a try! Creamy fior di latte, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, crispy smoked pancetta, and roasted potatoes converge on this pie – an underrated carb-on-carb option, if you ask us.
Fiata Pizza, 2 Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 6032 6626
9. El Vaso de Oro
Despite being a relatively new addition to the city’s culinary scene, El Vaso de Oro is quickly becoming one of our go-to Spanish restaurants in Hong Kong. On the menu are a selection of classic tapas and mains. Begin your feast by sharing the Pan con Tomate, Pimientos del Padron, and Gambas al Ajillo with the gang, before moving onto the Red Prawn Paella for mains. Round off on a sweet note with the Vanilla Seed Flan or a(nother) glass of Sangria Blanca or Roja.
El Vaso de Oro, 44 Sai Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2506 2518
10. Roganic
For a true farm-to-table dining experience, head over to Roganic. Founded by Chef Simon Rogan, the restaurant is one of the pioneers of sustainability in our city’s culinary scene, and offers some of the best must-try food in Hong Kong. The menu features a series of refined dishes crafted with ingredients sourced from local organic farms. While items rotate according to seasonality and availability, you can expect delicate creations in the likes of Hong Kong Pea Tartlet with Smoked Roe and Caviar; Three Yellow Chicken with Sweet Jean Sweetcorn; and “Roganic” Fig Leaf Mousse with Snow Pear.
Roganic, Shop 08, UG/F, Sino Plaza, 255 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 2817 8383
11. Mue Mue
This elegant Thai restaurant is located in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui. Mue Mue serves a diverse menu of Thai classics and innovative dishes that incorporate Chinese spices and culinary techniques. Start with the Beetroot-infused Deep-fried Tofu and Deep-fried Lemongrass Chicken Wings, before moving onto Mue Mue’s selection of hearty mains. We recommend getting the Green Curry Wagyu Beef Cheeks. The Pineapple Fried Rice with Shrimp, Pork, and Dried Raisins is also a must-try food in Hong Kong. What’s more, Mue Mue serves a mean brunch on weekends – the perfect time to sample its variety of cocktails!
Mue Mue, Shop 302, 3/F, Mira Place 1, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 9833 0788
12. Hexa
As one of the most iconic Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong, Hexa is the ideal place for group dining – complete with an al fresco dining area, Victoria Harbour views, and all. The menu features elevated Cantonese classics and revamped dim sum – all must-try foods in Hong Kong. Highlights include Smoked Chicken with Longjing Tea Leaves; Poached Grouper with Minced Pork and Rice in Fish Broth; and Golden Brick Silky Tofu. While traditional Cantonese desserts are often unremarkable in appearance, Hexa’s dessert selection is as Instagrammable as it is delicious. For instance, the Jasmine Tea Panna Cotta with Hazelnut Puff comes in a sophisticated Chinese tea cup on an aesthetically pleasing wooden tray.
Hexa, Shop OTE101, G/F, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, 3-27 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 2577 1668
13. Mono
Tucked away on On Lan Street in Central is Mono, a secluded fine dining restaurant in Hong Kong that specialises in refined Latin American cuisine. Chef Ricardo Chaneton draws on his global culinary experience to curate the diverse and unique menu at Mono. Here, you’ll find a curious intersection of flavours between Italian, Colombian, Venezuelan, French, and Asian cuisines. Sample signature dishes such as Plouneour-Menez Brittany Pigeon; Pingtung Cacao Chocolate Textures; and more across its two tasting menus.
Mono, 5/F, 18 On Lan Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 9726 9301 (Whatsapp)
[This article was originally published in August 2024 and updated by Elaine Wong.]
