Our Lamma Island guide, written by a local

Discover all the foodie favourites, natural wonders, and activities in our Lamma Island guide.

Craving an escape from Hong Kong’s dazzling lights and relentless pace? Lamma Island, nestled peacefully in the South China Sea, offers the perfect antidote. Allow me to guide you to discover a side of Hong Kong starkly different from its familiar towering skyscrapers and bustling streets. Welcome to Lamma Island, a tranquil haven where you can indulge in beautiful coastal cuisines and freshest seafood at seafront restaurants, unwind on heavenly beaches, shop for unique knick-knacks at local stores, and immerse yourself in a slow, charming way of life.

Our neighbourhood guide to Lamma Island

Lamma spots and things to do that I keep coming back for:

• A taste of the Mediterranean: Terracotta Lamma
• Tap into your creative side: Lamma Arts Collective
• Authentic Spanish fare: Dale Candela

Now, onto the full list!

How to get there: Lamma Island ferry

To get to Lamma Island, make your way to Central Pier 4. The ride is just under an hour and waves are usually calm and easy to manage – even for doggos!

Where to eat and drink: Lamma Island restaurants and bars

1. Terracotta Lamma

When I’m craving Mediterranean and want an extra special coastal ambience to go with the food, I head to Terracotta Lamma. This charming eatery boasts an alfresco dining space right by the sea, with a rotational menu that spotlights fresh seasonal ingredients and traditional charcoal cooking. Though the meat options are very well done, personally I like to indulge in the seafood offerings. The Hamachi Crudo is bright and refreshing with just the right amount of acidity. And, while the Grilled Seabass falls apart at the gentlest push of a fork and goes perfectly with the gorgeous saffron fregola, the Grilled Octopus holds its own with a crispy, smoky exterior that gives way to a tender and juicy interior.

The drinks menu is as good as the food, featuring a long list of craft cocktails and enticing zero proof options. Remember to make a booking ahead of your visit because this is a popular spot that gets filled up fast!

Must-try items: Smoked Labneh, Hamachi Crudo, Scallop & Chorizo, Lamb Picanha
How much: $200 – 400
Opening hours: 12 – 11pm
Phone number: 9176 7500
Address: G/F, 47 Yung Shue Wan Main Street, Lamma Island, Hong Kong

Terracotta Lamma website Terracotta Lamma menu

2. Lamma Rainbow Seafood Restaurant

This iconic establishment needs little introduction. Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lamma Island, Lamma Rainbow Seafood Restaurant is a gem that offers a genuine Hong Kong dining experience. The menu brims with a wide range of seafood dishes, all freshly sourced from daily catches. I love the fuss-free meals I get here: casual seating at large round tables, with steaming hot plates of food arriving promptly as everyone sips on cold beer. More importantly, each bite of succulent, fresh seafood is expertly prepared to perfection and often infused with incredible wok hei.

Must-try items: Grilled Prawns, Wok Fried Crab, Steamed Fish, Steamed Scallop with Garlic and Vermicelli
How much: $200 – 400
Opening hours: 11am – 10:30pm
Phone number: 2982 8100
Address: G/F, 23 – 27 First Street, Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong

Lamma Rainbow website Lamma Rainbow menu

3. Los Gangstas Restaurant

Just a five-minute stroll from Yung Shue Wan Ferry Pier, Los Gangstas Restaurant on Lamma Island is where I go for an authentic Mexican bite. But, I have to confess, their Michelada is the main reason I visit; I dare say it’s the best version you can find in Hong Kong. Bold, rich and on the spicier side, the tomato-forward tipple goes down beautifully with the variety of tacos and hearty enchiladas on the menu. Even when I’m not too hungry, I can’t resist ordering a plate of their nachos, which comes out piping hot and completely covered in guac, pico de gallo and meat of your choice.

Must-try items: Michelada!, Cheesy Stuffed Jalapeno, Los Gangsta Nachos, Tacos
How much: $200 – 400
Opening hours: 12 – 9pm
Phone number: 6293 6176
Address: G/F, 91 Yung Shue Wan Main Street, Lamma Island, Hong Kong

Los Gangstas website Los Gangstas menu

4. Lamma Grill

Swing by Lamma Grill, a neighbourhood favourite known for its lip-smacking burgers, filling wraps, tender ribs, and hand-cut fries that have everyone keep coming back for more. The team has perfected their cooking techniques, especially sous-vide – a technique that involves cooking sealed food in a water bath slowly, at the perfect temperature. This ensures even cooking, so you can expect the fillings here to be juicy and incredibly flavourful. Above all, we love that Lamma Grill is more than just a restaurant – it’s a welcoming haven where events like quiz nights and Christmas singalongs are held, so join in the fun!

Must-try items: Jumbo Hotdog with Chilli, Sante Fe Wrap, Pulled Pork
How much: $100 – 200
Opening hours: 11am – 11pm
Phone number: 2982 1447
Address: G/F, 36 Yung Shue Wan Main Street, Lamma Island, Hong Kong

Lamma Grill website

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5. Dale Candela

Dale Candela is a vibrant testament to the island’s multicultural fabric. Known for its al fresco dining, the eatery has become a hub for casual meet-ups and honest Spanish cuisine since opening its doors in 2017. The moment you step into the restaurant, you’re greeted with friendly smiles and the alluring aroma of authentic Spanish dishes. At the heart of their menu are traditional tapas: From the paella to the zesty tacos, to the fresh fish and vibrant salads, every dish carries a distinct dash of Madrid’s culinary spirit. Adding onto that is a quirky and creative twist – think traditional Spanish fare with a playful, unexpected edge that surprises your palate!

Must-try items: Garlic Prawns, Patatas Bravas, Fried Eggplant with Salmorejo, Chorizo and Eggs
How much: $200 – 400
Opening hours: 12pm – 12am
Address: G/F, 23 Yung Shue Wan Main Street, Lamma Island, Hong Kong

Dale Candela website

6. Little Thai

The charming Little Thai is a gem run by the dynamic mother-daughter duo, Bee and Bionee. Little Thai serves up authentic Thai flavours that whisk you straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok. Craving the tangy, sweet, and spicy harmony of a good pad Thai, or perhaps the comforting heat of a creamy red or green curry? Maybe it’s the sour and spicy kick of tom yum soup that calls to you? Whatever your Thai food preference, Little Thai has you covered with a menu that celebrates the classics. What’s more, you’ll be able to taste the love and dedication Bee pours into her restaurant and every dish she prepares, making each of your visits to Little Thai feel like a warm embrace.

Must-try items: Fried Garlic Pepper on Rice with Tofu, Satay Chicken, Mango Sticky Rice
How much: $50 – 100
Opening hours: 11am – 9pm
Address: G/F, Block B, 51 Yung Shue Wan Main Street, Lamma Island, Hong Kong

Little Thai website

Things to do in Lamma Island

7. Hiking

When it comes to outdoor activities in Lamma Island, hiking stands unrivalled. The most cherished trail leads you on a 1.5-hour trek from Sok Kwu Wan to Yung Shue Wan, taking you through the heart of the island’s two main villages. The journey is not merely a hike, but a walk through time, offering glimpses into the island’s poignant past. Along this path, you’ll come across the Kamikaze Cave. This unassuming place carries the weight of a somber chapter from World War II, when the Japanese concealed speedboats here, launching them on suicide missions against allied shipping.

If you’re a history enthusiast, the trail offers more. You’ll encounter two 19th-century Tin Hau Temples, sacred sites that pay tribute to the revered ”Goddess of the Sea”. These temples serve as a testament to the island’s rich maritime heritage, offering a touch of spiritual serenity in the midst of your journey. As you venture further along the path, the Lookout Pavilion awaits. Here, you’ll be gifted with panoramic views of the surrounding islands – a sight that is sure to leave you awestruck.

8. Visit the beaches

For those who yearn for the soothing melody of waves and the soft touch of sand, Lamma Island’s beaches are an absolute delight. The most frequented is Hung Shing Yeh Beach in Yung Shue Wan, where shops, restaurants, and barbecue pits enhance the seaside experience. If you’re a dog owner seeking a friendly space for your furry friend, consider the Power Station Beach. Its lack of lifeguards makes it a haven for dogs to frolic freely (though this also means you need to be extra mindful of safety!). On the other hand, for those in search of tranquillity, the isolated Shek Pai Wan offers a peaceful retreat. Here, you can bask in the serene beauty of nature undisturbed.

Address: Hung Shing Yeh Beach, Power Station Beach, and Shek Pai Wan, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong

9. Get artsy

If you have a penchant for creativity and a love for the arts, Lamma Island offers you a thriving artistic community. At its heart is the Lamma Art Collective, an art centre located in Yung Shue Wan. This collective serves as a vibrant hub for artists to exchange ideas, share resources, and enhance their artistic prowess. Not only does it promote local artists and create work opportunities for them, it also enriches the island’s cultural fabric by participating in major art exhibitions in Hong Kong. The collective regularly hosts a range of classes and events, from tea ceremonies to live drawing to watercolour painting classes, providing a dynamic platform for various art forms.

Adding to the island’s artistic charm is the OSFO studio, a multifaceted space serving as a gift shop, gallery, design studio, and art studio. It not only showcases paintings from the American Hong Kong-based artist Aeerow, but also sells t-shirts designed by its in-house artist alongside prints, postcards, art supplies, and handmade candles. The studio also regularly hosts tattoo events, inviting prominent tattoo artists to showcase their craft.

Address: Lamma Art Collective, 1/F, 23 Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong
OSFO Studio, 92A Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong

Lamma Art Collective website OSFO Studio website

10. Shopping

The vibrant creative community has also given rise to remarkable local brands. One standout is Lamma Brand, a homegrown streetwear company specialising in designs that are both locally inspired and produced. Its unique t-shirts are irresistible, and the shop itself emanates an inviting vibe that’s further enhanced by a harbour-facing balcony, perfect for unwinding with a beer after your purchase.

For music enthusiasts, the island is home to the Lamma Vinyl Record Store, a treasure tucked between the sprawl of seafood restaurants and cafes. This second-hand record store is a haven of musical gems, offering not just vinyl records, but also CDs, DVDs, and even cassette tapes. What’s more, Ming, the owner, is always eager to share the history and stories behind his vinyl collection with curious customers.

Opening hours: 10am – 8pm every day (Lamma Brand). Fri – Mon and public holidays, 11am – 7pm (vinyl store)
Address: Lamma Brand, 75 Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, p. 6818 0181
Lamma Vinyl Store, 1/F, 45 Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, p. 2335 0601

Lamma Brand website Lamma Vinyl Store website

Did I miss your favourite? DM @honeycombershk on Instagram or drop me an email at natasha.li@thehoneycombers.com.

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