11 Best Restaurants in Hong Kong, China

Spearheaded by Umberto Bombana (the former executive chef of the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong and often lauded as the best Italian chef in Asia), this glitzy space delivers everything it promises. The service is crisp, the wine list is extensive, and the interior is nothing less than glamorous.

Few places in Hong Kong have the kind of stunning garden views that you’ll find at AMMO. Housed in a former ammunition compound (hence the name) that was converted into the Asia Society Hong Kong Center, the restaurant's interiors and menus blend the old with the new resulting in an impressive and dynamic dining experience.

Touting itself as Hong Kong's "first authentic Italian steak house," Bistecca has become one of the best places to go for delectable beef. The space is charmingly rustic, decorated with butcher knives, hanging bunches of herbs, and a giant display case that shows off the restaurant’s premium cuts imported from the best suppliers around the globe. The steaks are all aged to tenderness and flavored with flecks of sea salt and peppercorns, then grilled and drizzled with a little Tuscan olive oil and lemon.

This ultracool wine bar and restaurant serves small plates for casual snacking and mixed platters ideal for sharing. Not surprisingly, it’s popular with the drinks-after-work crowd. But don’t underestimate the food: the tuna tartare with avocado, for starters, is delicious. You can also enjoy cheese and charcuterie for snacking purposes or create your own tapas platter. Gorgonzola and black-truffle penne or lobster linguine with fresh tomatoes are among the best mains. DiVino also stays open for revelry late into the evening.

Located along a stretch of semi-alfresco eateries known as Brim 28 (named after its waterside location on 28 Harbour Road), DiVino Patio touts rustic, homestyle Italian fare to match its laid-back surroundings. The expansive space is designed like a retro grocery store, and you can purchase gourmet condiments, salumi, and cheeses to enjoy on the go. For eat-in orders, try any of the hand-tossed pizzas, or go for one of the succulent selections from the rotisserie. The spit-roasted Vallespluga game hen is exceptional, with tender meat and crispy skin. The restaurant also has an excellent lunchtime antipasti buffet matched with a rotating choice of mains.

The concept at this trendy restaurant is a re-creation of Rome’s Spanish Steps, complete with alfresco seating. The restaurant is particularly popular with the business crowd, many of whom come especially for the excellent antipasti buffet. The authentic pan-Italian fare includes wide pappardelle noodles in rabbit ragout, beef carpaccio with mustard and peppercorns, and the signature thin-crust pizzas topped with everything from hot salami and mozzarella cheese to fresh arugula with prosciutto.

Located within the International Finance Center, Isola’s floor-to-ceiling windows and harborside terrace afford spectacular views of Hong Kong’s famous skyline. The restaurant serves regional Italian fare, with selections like hand-twisted pasta with Parma ham, black truffle, fava beans, and Norcia cheese, or sea bass baked in sea-salt crust. Don't pass up the simple and well-executed stone-baked pizzas. Isola is also as much of a nighttime destination as anything else, and it’s worth coming just to sample cocktails in the equally trendy Isobar upstairs.

British celebrity-chef Jamie Oliver’s first Hong Kong venture may have had a slow start, but its heart is in the right place. The restaurant offers casual, unpretentious Italian cuisine with a heavy emphasis on sustainable, responsibly sourced ingredients. The menu follows the blueprint set out by other Jamie’s Italian outlets around the world. House favorites include hearty sharing planks loaded with cured meats, cheeses, pickles, and greens. Other familiar dishes include the famous prawn linguine.

This place flies under the radar, but it does excellent, home-style Italian fare in a sophisticated yet relaxed and inviting environment. The traditional cuisine has won over many homesick Italian expats. The pizzas and pastas are done with respect to classic recipes—the recommended spaghetti mancini is a satisfyingly hearty dish loaded with fresh seafood and a brandy reduction. Starters also hold their own—the beef carpaccio is tender and flavorful, and the other favorite starter, octopus salad, uses dill and olives to bring out its flavors.

Opened by the acclaimed Sabatini restaurateur brothers, this small corner of Italy with sponge-painted walls and wooden furnishings has a cult following among those who crave authentic Roman cuisine. Linguine Sabatini, the house specialty, is prepared according to an original recipe in a fresh tomato-and-garlic marinara sauce, served with an array of seafood. For dessert, try the famous homemade tiramisu or the refreshing wild-berry pudding.

Stuck high up the clouds on the 102nd floor of the towering International Commerce Center, the views at Tosca can be hit-or-miss, depending on how clear the skies are on the day you visit. Fortunately, you’ll be preoccupied with the stunning interiors (complete with pretty fountains) and incredible culinary creations. The menu boasts creative Italian fare like sea tiramisu with red-prawn carpaccio, roasted scallops, caviar, and parsley pasta. There’s also a degustation menu for those who want a taste of Tosca’s finest. Note that sandals, sleeveless shirts, and shorts are not allowed for men.