Looking for somewhere to spend your weekend with the family? Here’s everything you need to know before visiting South Horizons.
Hong Kong is a diverse metropolis with various things to do to suit every crowd. While the city’s cha chaan tengs and dai pai dongs delight foodies with local delicacies and its best bars shake up quality cocktails for partygoers and clubbers, its family-friendly eateries and venues offer visiting and local families a refuge from the hustle and bustle. You’ll find a cluster of kid-friendly establishments at South Horizons, an area in the Ap Lei Chau district that’s been occupied by hillsides, villages, farmland, and a bay prior to urban development. Now, the once sleepy district is buzzing with activity. Read on for my guide to South Horizons for the best restaurants, cafes, and things to do in the neighbourhood.
A local’s guide to South Horizons
How to get to South Horizons
The easiest way to get to South Horizons is by the public transport. Simply get yourselves to on the MTR Island Line to Admiralty Station and interchange to the South Island Line. South Horizons MTR Station is the last stop on the line.
South Horizons restaurants: Where to eat
1. Main Kitchen
Located in Marina Square East Centre, Main Kitchen is a local cha chaan teng serving unpretentious food at down-to-earth prices. Whether you’re here for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea, there’s bound to be something for you. My go-to is the Pork Cutlet Ramen and Baked Pork Chop Rice, which pairs perfectly with a glass of iced lemon or milk tea.
Must-try items: Baked Pork Chop Rice, Ramen, Hong Kong-style French Toast
Opening hours: Tue – Fri, 10am – 9pm; Sat – Sun, 9am – 9pm
How much: Mains from $50
Phone number: 2884 3383
Address: Main Kitchen, Shop 2A-4, G/F, Marina Square East Centre, 18A South Horizons Drive, Hong Kong, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong
2. Hungry Shop
Situated at the revamped Apier Wet Market, Hungry Shop is an ideal place to go for a quick and easy bite. Specialising in burritos, you can get all sorts of fillings at this harbourside restaurant. You can’t go wrong with the Chicken Burrito, while the Beef Burrito is a signature. And of course, I always add on sides like Fries, Mexican Corn, and Chicken Wings for extra indulgence.
Must-try items: Chicken Burrito, Beef Burrito, Bacon, Cheese, and Egg Udon
Opening hours: Mon, Wed – Sun, 8:15am – 10:30pm; Tue and public holidays, 12 – 10:30pm;
How much: Items from $18
Phone number: 7071 4954
Address: Hungry Shop, Shop ALC 33 – 34, G/F, Apier, 322 Ap Lei Chau Bridge Road, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong
3. Gaa Kee
Make your way to Gaa Kee for a Hong Kong-style meal. On the menu is a selection of home-style local dishes with iconic cha chaan teng drinks to pair. If you’re in South Horizons early, give Gaa Kee’s Hong Kong-style breakfast spread a try. On the other hand, I also recommend ordering the Char Siu Scrambled Eggs Rice for something a little heartier.
Must-try items: Stir-fried Beef Noodles, Hong Kong-style Breakfast, Steamed Pork Ribs
Opening hours: Mon – Tue, Thu – Sun, 7am – 8:30pm
How much: Items from $57
Phone number: 2554 8353
Address: Gaa Kee, Shop 104-106, 1/F, Marina Square East Centre, 18A South Horizons Drive, South Horizons, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong
4. Crab Dot
Seafood lovers have to check out Haai Dim. This sailor-themed restaurant serves a menu of Cantonese and Thai-inspired seafood specialties. Gather your friends for an intimate dinner in Crab Dot’s buzzy eatery in South Horizons.
Must-try items: Signature White Pepper Crab, Salted Egg Yolk Fried Shrimps, Steamed Eggs with Fresh Clams
Opening hours: 11am – 4:30pm (lunch), 5:30 – 11:30pm (dinner)
How much: Mains from $118
Phone number: 2811 9323
Address: Crab Dot, 1/F, Apier, 322 Ap Lei Chau Bridge Road, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong
5. Seun Fat Noodles
Fill up on noodle bowls from Seun Fat Noodles while in South Horizons. This neighbourhood noodle joint serves a wide selection of noods, both with and without broth. I recommend customising your own bowl by choosing between nine different noodle types and piling on top one or two toppings. Apart from noodles, Seun Fat is also famous for its congee, another quintessential local dish.
Must-try items: Customisable Noodles, Char Siu Scrambled Egg Rice
Opening hours: Tue – Sun, 6:30am – 8pm
How much: Items from $49
Phone number: 6540 1342
Address: Seun Fat Noodles (順發粉麵), Shop 7, G/F, Multi-storey Carpark, Ap Lei Chau Estate, 326 Ap Lei Chau Bridge Road, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong
South Horizons cafes and bars: Where to drink
6. Whiskers N Paws Cafe
Pet parents will love visiting Whiskers N Paws Cafe. Situated in Horizon Plaza, this pet-friendly cafe does delectable treats for you and your pooch. Whether it be light meals or hearty dishes, Whiskers N Paws guarantees satisfaction. As for your four-legged friend, get them the Cheesebarker with Pooch Cookies for extra indulgence.
Must-try items: Croissant with Egg Salad, WNP Impossible Burger,
Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 10am – 6pm; Sat – Sun, 10am – 6:30pm
How much: Items from $22
Phone number: 2552 6200
Address: Whiskers N Paws Cafe, 10/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, South Horizons, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong
7. Kung Fu Tea
Make your way to Kung Fu Tea for your boba fix. This bubble tea shop serves a wide variety of drinks, from fruit teas to milk teas and more – a true lifesaver when you find yourself in the area on a scorching summer day.
Must-try items: 3.8 Kung Fu Milk King, Pearl Milk with Brown Sugar, Winter Melon Latte, Grapefruit Green Tea with Agar Pearl
Opening hours: Mon – Thu, Sun, 11:30am – 9pm; Fri – SAt, 11:30am – 10pm
How much: Items from $27
Phone number: 5319 3134
Address: Kung Fu Tea, Shop G12, G/F, Marina Square West Centre, 12A South Horizons Drive, South Horizons, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong
8. Tree Cafe
Tucked away in the furniture store’s flagship store in Horizon Plaza, Tree Cafe is a laid-back spot to relax with a cuppa in hand. Make your way through the store’s display of wooden furniture for the cafe. I love settling down in the cosy stripped-back interiors while enjoying its hearty and delicious cafe food.
Must-try items: Cottage Pie, Lemon Cheesecake
Opening hours: 10am – 6:30pm every day
How much: Items from $50
Phone number: 2870 1586
Address: Tree Cafe, Tree, Unit 1–20, 28/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, South Horizons, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong
Tree Cafe website Tree Cafe menu
Things to do in South Horizons
9. Marina Square
The OG shopping destination in South Horizons, Marina Square is a friendly neighbourhood shopping centre. Stores here are down-to-earth, with daily essentials being the primary products on offer.
How to get there: Take the MTR South Island Line to South Horizons Station for Exit A.
Opening hours: 8am – 10pm
Address: Marina Square, South Horizons, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong
10. Horizon Plaza
Despite being out of the way, Horizon Plaza is an outlet mall that’s worth your journey. This out-of-the-way shopping mall is stocked with a wide variety of brands from designer fashion to furniture, all at desirable markdowns, making it the place for bargain finds in the area. If you’re planning a home makeover or simply want to add some pizzazz to your space, this is an ideal place to shop.
How to get there: Take the MTR South Island Line to South Horizons Station for Exit C.
Opening hours: 10am – 7pm every day
Phone number: 2554 9089
Address: Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong
11. Loft Stories
A private kitchen-slash-event space, Loft Stories is a hidden gem on the south side of Ap Lei Chau. Loft hosts cooking and design workshops for small groups, which are perfect for a gathering with friends, team building with colleagues, and even as a bridal shower activity! For an intimate dining experience, book out Loft’s private kitchen for an elevated Spanish home-style feast.
How to get there: Take the MTR South Island Line to South Horizons Station for Exit C.
Opening hours: 6 – 10pm
Phone number: 3529 2980
Address: Loft Stories, 2305 Harbour Industrial Centre, 10 Lee Hing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong
12. South Horizons Waterfront Promenade
Surrounded by coastlines on two sides, South Horizons has one of the best waterfront promenades in the city. This 800-metre-long path offers unparalleled scenic ocean views. Take a stroll and admire the sweeping views of the South China Sea on one side and fishermen’s boats docked in the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter on the other. You’ll also find various parks dotted along the promenade where little ones can play on swings, slides, see-saws, merry-go-rounds, and more!
How to get there: Take the MTR South Island Line to South Horizons Station for Exit B.
Address: South Horizons Promenade, South Horizons, Hong Kong
Which neighbourhood should I hope to next? DM @honeycombershk on Instagram or drop me an email at celia.lee@thehoneycombers.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to South Horizons, and is it a walkable neighborhood?
South Horizons is easily accessible via the MTR South Island Line, with the South Horizons station located right in the heart of the neighbourhood. The area is designed with a mix of residential towers and a shopping mall, and it's very walkable, with a scenic waterfront promenade for leisurely strolls.
Is South Horizons a good destination for shopping and dining, especially for visitors?
South Horizons offers a good mix of shopping and dining, with a focus on convenience and local charm. Marina Square and Horizon Plaza offer a variety of retail options, from groceries to designer outlets. The dining scene is a blend of local eateries and modern cafes, providing plenty of choices for a casual meal or a coffee.
Are there any unique or notable things to do in the area beyond shopping and dining?
Yes, the article highlights several unique activities. You can enjoy the scenic views and a quiet walk at the South Horizons Waterfront Promenade. The nearby Horizon Plaza is famous for its outlet shopping, and creative spaces like Loft Stories offer workshops, making the area a great place for a laid-back day of exploration.
