Looking for a great spot to have lunch in Wan Chai? These restaurants will fill your belly and satisfy your tastebuds.
Wan Chai, the ever colourful neighbourhood, is packed full of hip cafes, dive bars and live music venues – along with many restaurants you can’t find anywhere else in Hong Kong. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the most unique spots for every palate to find the best lunch in Wan Chai.
Have a midday pick-me-up with lunch in Wan Chai
1. Nadagogo
Uncover a hip slice of Tokyo right in the heart of Wan Chai. Modern yakitori-izakaya Nadagogo serves a dedicated lunch menu on weekdays for those who may wander onto Ship Street. Crafted with premium ingredients, the lunch sets are elevated Japanese fare, featuring a rotating selection of seasonal delights and chef specialties. With highlights such as the Grilled Japanese Chicken Thigh Set; M7 Australian Wagyu Harami Steak Set; Daily Sashimi Set – 5 Kinds; and more, you’re guaranteed a quality express meal without having to splurge.
Nadagogo, Shop 4, G/F, 18 Ship Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 5968 0586
2. Bengal Brothers
Previously operating as a grab-and-go joint, Bengal Brothers reimagined itself on the streets of Wan Chai in 2023. Inspired by the daily canteens found throughout India, this restaurant offers accessible yet punchy Indian street food, curries, roasts, and more in a vibrant setting. At this casual and convenient Wan Chai lunch spot, office workers grabbing a bite during breaks will feel right at home. Signatures like the Chicken Tikka Roll; Canteen Paneer Makhani; and Prince’s Papri Chaat are sure to bring the flavour without the steep price tag, making it easier to justify ordering a cheeky Sugarcane Smash cocktail on the side!
Bengal Brothers, G/F, Man Hee Mansion, 6 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 9245 8774
3. Samsen
Ever wish you could just jet off to Thailand for a day? Well, you can get the next best thing when you go to Samsen, where authentic Thai food is the name of the game. The picturesque Thai noodle house-inspired space has remained a local favourite ever since it opened in 2016, with long queues out the door daily. The Samsen Wagyu Beef Noodle Soup may be the most famous dish, but the Pad Thai Noodles of Tiger Prawns and Young Coconut Ice Cream are nothing to scoff at either.
Samsen (Wan Chai), 68 Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2234 0001
4. Osteria Marzia
There are many amazing Italian restaurants in Hong Kong, but few focus on the fare of Coastal Italy quite like Osteria Marzia. Celebrating the bounties of the sea, Osteria Marzia presents a sunlit and airy atmosphere that perfectly complements the menu. The freshness is palpable in the seaside lunch set, with refreshing antipasti options like the Hamachi Crudo or Oysters, as well as decadent mains such as the Linguine Alla Vongole and Pescato Del Giorno. Don’t forget to top off your midday nosh with some freshly churned gelato to truly delight in la dolce vita. Just take a bite and picture yourself on the Amalfi Coast…
Osteria Marzia, The Fleming, 41 Fleming Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 3607 2253
5. Ruam
If you love Thai food, great design, and a chic terrace, then you need to make a beeline for Ruam on Ship Street. Get ready to tuck into succulent skewers, delicious curries, and a selection of other delights here. It’s a great place for “business” lunches – and brunch, too, but that’s for another time.
Ruam, 1/F, J Senses, 60 Johnston Road (entrance on Ship Street), Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 3160 8535
6. Joy Hing Roasted Meat
No good round-up of lunch spots is complete without a char siu (roasted meat) restaurant that’s been around for generations. Joy Hing Roasted Meat has the typical fare of mouth-watering roasted pork, soy chicken, and other yummy Canto delicacies. The meat is cooked over an old-fashioned, thermometer-less oven to create a deep barbecue flavour that’s unbeatable anywhere else in Hong Kong. Be sure to come early to beat the lunchtime queue!
Check out our other favourite Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong.
Joy Hing Roasted Meat, Block C, G/F, 265-267 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2519 6639
7. Honbo
There are loads of burger restaurants in Wan Chai and one of our favourites is Honbo. This classic homegrown eatery works with local farmers, brewers, and artisans to bring the pure and simple joy of gobbling down a finger-licking-good burger. This laidback pad isn’t just for the carnivores either – there’s also a delicious vegan burger for our plant-based friends. Don’t miss the sweet potato fries, too!
Read our full review of Honbo.
Honbo, Shop B, G/F, New Sun House, 6-7 Sun Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
8. Morty’s
The delis of New York City are brought to Hong Kong with Morty’s. As per tradition, all meats are smoked in-house and cured using secret family recipes. Grab a hearty burger, sandwich, or hot dog loaded up with your favourite toppings when you pass by Wan Chai for lunch. Classic deli pickles come on the side to perfectly complement the flavourful premium meats from Morty’s favourites. What’s better, plant-based picks like the Grilled Cheese are also available for your vegetarian friends.
Morty’s, Shop 8-10, Wing Fung Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 3665 0890