From piping hot street food and the iconic cha chaan teng (tea restaurant) to Michelin-starred establishments run by celebrity chefs, Hong Kong is undoubtedly an epicurean dream. With the recent announcement that Singapore and Hong Kong have established an air travel bubble that will soon allow for leisure travel between the two locales, there’s no better time for foodies to start planning for their next trip to the city.
Check out SilverKris’ series of Hong Kong city guides here. In this one, we recommend nine restaurants that should be on your radar.
Juicy, smoky goodness at ALTO Bar & Grill
After a long time away from Hong Kong, drink in the city’s iconic views from the 31st floor of the V Point Tower in Causeway Bay. Designed by celebrated British designer Tom Dixon, this modern grill features black furniture, green marble and blond timber flooring and offers expansive views of the city skyline through wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s not all looks, of course – the food here is consistently delicious. The dry-aged British Hereford prime tenderloin and the miso-glazed lamb rack are both popular options but if you’re feeling ravenous, try the full-flavoured 1.2kg Australian Wagyu tomahawk. Vegetarians aren’t left out either as ALTO also offers a wide selection of plant-powered dishes.
sandshospitality.com; reservations@alto.com.hk; +852 2603 7181
Grill-centric gourmet dining at Harbourside Grill
With a prime waterfront location at the Ocean Terminal, the extension of Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui, this upmarket restaurant is popular for birthday or anniversary celebrations. And what could be a more timely celebration than the recent two-way air travel bubble between Singapore and Hong Kong? Pop the champagne and dig into hearty grilled meats such as the US ribeye, US sirloin and the Australian lamb rack. If you prefer something a little lighter on the palate, there’s the roasted sea bass served with lobster bisque or the lightly seared scallops served with crispy pork belly.
sandshospitality.com; reservations@harboursidegrill.com.hk; +852 2619 9100
A taste of London at Duck & Waffle
From the genteel streets of Bishopsgate in London, this stalwart restaurant now graces the shores of the Fragrant Habour, more specifically the International Finance Centre in Central. Fans of this mod-British restaurant will be delighted to discover familiar favourites on the menu, including the Irish crab, spiced ox cheek doughnut and of course, the eponymous Duck and Waffle, where crispy duck confit is served atop a soft, chewy waffle. Save some space for three desserts that were created specially for the Hong Kong menu – the PBJ macaroon ice cream sandwich, the “sticky rice and mango” waffle and the warm chocolate pudding.
duckandwaffle.com.hk; reservations@duckandwaffle.com.hk; +852 2267 6338
Homespun Italian dining at FIAMMA
From Michelin-starred Chef Enrico Bartolini comes this family-style Italian restaurant – located at the Peak Galleria, Hong Kong’s most iconic lookout – that serves up comfort dishes the way Nonna would have made them. There’s the moreish burrata cheese with Taggiasca olives and heirloom tomatoes or the beef tartare with a cheesy fondue, which whets your appetite for heartier dishes such as the fresh tagliatelle pasta with wild boar ragu or the decadently rich and creamy seafood risotto. Even as you fill your bellies with delicious nosh, your dining experience is enhanced with the soothing Mediterranean interiors of patterned ceramic tiles, wall-mounted planters and plenty of natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
sandshospitality.com; reservations@fiamma.com.hk; +852 2657 0800
Elevated dining at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong
It’s not often that you can brag about dining at the world’s highest hotel. Occupying floors 102 to 118 of the International Commerce Centre, the luxury hotel features six outstanding dining venues, including the two-star Michelin Cantonese restaurant, Tin Lung Heen, which serves some of Hong Kong’s best traditional dim sum. Over at Michelin-starred Italian restaurant, Tosca di Angelo, tuck into Mediterranean-inspired dishes under impressively high ceilings, stately fountains and majestic chandeliers. Be sure to also check out all-day dining venue The Lounge & Bar, indulge in a sumptuous buffet spread at Café 103 or enjoy the finest selection of caviar at Almas Caviar Bar. In the evenings, unwind with a cocktail at Ozone, a rooftop bar perched 490m above sea level.
ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/china/hong-kong; rc.hkgkw.leads@ritzcarlton.com;
+852 2263 2263
Refined Burmese cuisine at Club Rangoon
Now you can travel to Hong Kong and also enjoy a taste of Myanmar. Founded by Nelson Htoo, who is passionate about bringing Burmese cuisine into the international arena, this new kid on the block serves classic Burmese dishes within a chic jade-green space lined with framed photographs of Burmese culture and traditions. Tuck into Burmese favourites such Lahpet Thoke, a refreshing tea leaf salad or the mohinga, a dish of noodles in fish soup redolent with the aroma of lemongrass and other spices. For something more robust, try the lobster curry, which comes with a generous serving of the juicy crustacean or the Burmese-style briyani. Wash it all down with a tasty concoction from their impressive cocktail list.
clubrangoon.com.hk; enquiry@clubrangoon.com.hk; +852 2503 3077
Exquisite Chinese cuisine at Spring Moon
For a special treat, book yourself into this Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant at The Peninsula Hong Kong. The fine dining establishment is especially renowned for its top-quality dim sum that is rich in flavour yet delicate in texture. Dining here is a multi-sensory experience with unique touches such as a tea counter where tea masters are on-hand to offer recommendations from over 25 types of tea, and a behind-the-scenes look at how the Spring Moon culinary team crafts its wide array of delectable dishes. Diners will also love how the restaurant interiors have been dressed up to celebrate the Roaring Twenties, with stained glass, wood panelling and flooring, and tasteful Art Deco features.
peninsula.com/en/hong-kong/hotel-fine-dining/spring-moon-cantonesedining; dining.phk@peninsula.com; +852 2696 6760
Exclusive dining experience at Ta Pantry
If you’re looking for a completely novel dining experience in Hong Kong, consider this private dining space run by chef Esther Sham. Tucked along the Star Street neighbourhood, this 600 square-foot space has been dressed up to resemble a cosy French cottage and seats up to 20 guests along a long communal table. This intimate dining experience makes you feel like you’re having dinner in the chef’s personal home. Using only the finest seasonal ingredients, Chef Sham spins out creative dishes that are paired with gourmet wines hand-selected from top wineries around the world.
ta-pantry.com; booking@tapantry.com; +852 2521 8121
Relaxed Asian-French dining at Maison ES
Following the success of her private kitchen Ta Pantry, Chef Esther Sham opened her first full-fledged restaurant in 2015. Housed in a sun-filled, garden-themed venue designed entirely by Chef Sham, the restaurant is decorated with hand-picked vintage antiques and collectibles. The menu is just as intriguing, featuring classic European dishes given an inventive twist with Asian ingredients. Chow down on delicious creations such as Matsuba crab meat wrapped in rice paper rolls and topped with sea urchin or the sautéed Spanner crab meat tossed with linguine. For a complete dining experience, opt for the four- or six-course tasting menu.
maison-es.com; info@maison-es.com; +852 2521 8011