Restaurants in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong restaurant scene definitely lends itself to experimentation; there are over 9000 eateries packed into the region, with everything from molecular gastronomy (fusion of chemistry and cooking) to Egyptian, French, Italian, American, Cantonese and Korean cuisine on offer. Whether you’re a vegan, a Muslim or a devout foodie, every kind of expat will be spoilt for choice, and every kind of budget can be accommodated for.
 
As a newcomer to Hong Kong, before lapsing back to your hometown's delicacies, which you would inevitably find at speciality supermarkets around town, you should really give the Chinese cuisine a try. Most expats are surprised to find that there is actually an assortment of different styles within the bracket, and even if you’ve never been a big fan of this culinary sphere at home, it’s likely that there will be one specific regional flavour you would fancy.

Shanghainese food tends to be sweeter, Sichuanese food more spicy, and there is also Pekingnese, Cantonese, Chiuchow, Yunnan, Wunan, and Mongolian BBQ to sample. It will take you quite a while to go through all the Chinese cuisines available, let alone the international cuisines in town.
 
Hong Kongers eat out several times a week, ranging from a Cha Chan Teng (local fast food) to an upscale restaurant. A 10 to 15 percent service charge can be expected from restaurants, while no service charge should be included for self-service cafes or fast food chains.
 
Keep yourself up-to-date with all the restaurants in Hong Kong by surfing the popular dining guide Openrice.com. HK Magazine and Time Out also provide weekly restaurant suggestions, and dish out an annual restaurant guide. For a reputable restaurant guide off the shelf, you can purchase the WOM Guide or the Fodor Guide.
 

 

Yung Kee
For the best roast goose, you should head over to Yung Kee. Also, try their preserved eggs with pickled ginger, BBQ suckling pig, and shredded jelly-fish.
www.yungkee.com.hk
Address: 32-40 Wellington Street, Central.
Tel: (852) 2522 1624
 
Jumbo Floating Restaurant
Jumbo is a fine dining floating restaurant with a reputation for good seafood. You can also hop onto a small junk while you are there, and take a tour around the Outlying Islands.
www.jumbo.com.hk
Address: Shum Wan Pier Drive, Wong Chuk Hang, Aberdeen.
Tel: (852) 2553 9111
 

Felix
Designed by Philippe Starck, the ultra-contemporary eatery boasts splendid views, especially from the men's room. The restaurant serves mouth-watering dishes. Reservations are recommended, and no flip-flops, shorts, or sneakers are allowed. Leave the kids at home, since children under 12 are not welcome.  
www.peninsula.com
Address: 28/F Peninsula Hotel, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.
Tel: (852) 2315 3188
 
Dan Ryan’s Chicago Grill
The perfect place for American expats to find a taste of home. A hearty portion of ribs and potato skins, among other options, are served in a setting reminiscent of any US big city.
www.danryans.com/dans
Address: 114 Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty.
Tel: (852) 2845 4600

The Bostonian Restaurant
Draw with crayons on your paper tablecloth while you wait for a well-deserved, US-inspired prime rib or Boston lobster. This American style restaurant always claims a lively atmosphere, but the live jazz trio at brunch is not to be missed.
hongkong.langhamhotels.com
Tel: (852) 2132 7898
 

Ebeneezer's Kebab
They serve Halal food, with kebab portions much smaller than that in Britain. A quick and delightful fix.
www.ebeneezers.com
Address: G/F, 25 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central.
Tel: (852) 2114 0555
 
Islamic Food
Traditional Halal food from Western China, where the Islamic population dwells, is available in this unassuming restaurant. Their Islamic beef buns are especially juicy, so make sure you order one as soon as you step inside, since it is freshly made.
www.openrice.com/
Address: 1 Lung Kong Road, Kowloon City.
Tel: (852) 2382 2822
 

Bookworm Cafe
A great place for a relaxing brunch. This organic vegetarian restaurant allows patrons to dine amidst a huge collection of books.
bookwormcafe.com.hk
Address: G/F, 79, Yung Shue Wan Main Street, Lamma Island.
Tel: (852) 2982 4838
 
Life Café
Being an organic vegetarian restaurant in the heart of Central, this is a great place for a workday lunch. Life carries a huge collection of Yogi organic tea, which makes a perfect office companion and coffee replacement.
www.lifecafe.com.hk
Address: 10 Shelley Street, Soho.
Tel: (852) 2810 9777
 

Sugar
This swanky alfresco rooftop bar provides an amazing view of the harbour. Grab your buddies, and chill with your favourite cocktail.
www.sugar-hongkong.com
Address: 32/F East Hotel, 29 Tai Koo Shing Road, Tai Koo.
Tel: (852) 3968 3968
 
Sevva
A luxurious al fresco lounge bar that boats a fancy wine list, and equally sweeping views of Hong Kong.
www.sevva.hk
Address: 25/F Prince's Building, 10 Chater Road, Central.
Tel: (852) 2537 1388
 

Honeymoon Desserts
Arguably the most famous dessert store in Hong Kong, Honeymoons serves the renowned pomelo and sago in mango sauce. They also have durian treats, available for those would like to test whether they’ve have acquired the Asian taste buds.
Address: Shop 4-6, G/F Western Market, Sheung Wan.
Tel: 2851 2606
 
Yuk Yip Dessert  
Yuk Yip is a rather primitive street dining stall that serves delicious desserts, like sesame soup and green bean soup.
www.openrice.com/
Address: outside of 2 Elgin Street, Central.
Tel: (852) 2544 3795