39 Best Restaurants in Hong Kong, China

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We've compiled the best of the best in Hong Kong - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Liu Yuan Pavilion

$$ | Wan Chai Fodor's choice

Often regarded as one of the best Shanghainese restaurants in town, Liu Yuan’s cooking style stays loyal to tradition with a no-fuss mentality that has worked in their favor for years. Easy favorites include sweet strips of crunchy eel, panfried meat buns, and steamed xiao long bao dumplings plumped up with minced pork and broth.

The Chairman

$$ | Central Fodor's choice

The restaurant celebrates a return to authentic Cantonese fare. Using only the freshest possible ingredients—from locally reared free-range chicken to wild-caught seafood—this unique eatery focuses on the intrinsic flavors of each ingredient. Appetizers are creative: shredded pig’s ear and tripe salad is given an extra crunchy edge with the addition of freshly sliced guava, and razor clams are steamed with pickled lemon and garlic. And it gets even better with the mains. A particular favorite is the signature soy-sauce chicken, perfumed with 18 different fragrant Chinese herbs. Also recommended is the steamed fresh crab, which is steeped in aged ShaoXing wine.

Tung Po

$$ | Eastern Fodor's choice

Arguably Hong Kong's most famous—if not most perpetually packed—indoor dai pai dong has communal tables large enough to fit 18 guests and walls scribbled with an ever-growing list of specials. The food is Hong Kong cuisine with fusion innovations, and you should wash everything down with a cold beer (served here in Chinese soup bowls).

99 Java Rd., Hong Kong, Hong Kong
2880–5224
Known For
  • Spaghetti with cuttlefish and fresh squid ink
  • Seafood dishes and stir-fries
  • Owner Robby Cheung, who's known to blast pop songs and moonwalk
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch, No credit cards, Reservations essential

Recommended Fodor's Video

ABC Kitchen

$$ | Sheung Wan

Hong Kong is no stranger to Continental cuisine, but ABC is in a league of its own. The eatery is made up of a few stand-alone plastic chairs and tables scattered around the Queen Street Cooked Food Market. Despite being sandwiched between a curry stall and a dumpling joint, ABC’s owners remain loyal to their classic, European training (the manager and chef both hail from Hong Kong's top restaurants), serving dishes such as roasted suckling pig and foie gras with gooseberry chutney. If you want drinks with your meal, ABC offers a simple wine list and also allows BYOB with no corkage fee. Reservations are highly recommended.

38 Des Voeux Rd. W, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
9278–8227
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Sun., No credit cards

AJ's Sri Lankan Cuisine

$$

Sai Kung may be best known for its local seafood joints, but we’ll happily shine a light on the city’s only Sri Lankan restaurant. Housed in a quaint cottage, AJ’s rolls out regional delicacies from the South Asian island country—if you haven’t tried it before, Sri Lankan cuisine shares similarities with its neighboring countries, though there are some distinct differences in the use of spices and cooking techniques. Definitely order the moju—fried eggplant with onions and chilies. We’re also fans of any string hopper (shredded, steamed rice-flour dough) dish that’s tossed in a wok with diced meats and spices.

Che's Cantonese Restaurant

$$ | Wan Chai

Smartly dressed locals in the know head for this casually elegant dim sum specialist, which is in the middle of the downtown bustle yet well concealed on the fourth floor of an office building. From the elevator, you’ll step into a classy Cantonese world. It’s hard to find a single better dim sum dish than Che’s crispy pork buns, whose sugary baked pastry conceals the brilliant saltiness of barbecued pork within. Other dim sum to try include pan-fried turnip cake and a refreshing dessert of cold pomelo and sago with mango juice for a calming end to an exciting meal.

54–62 Lockhart Rd., Hong Kong, Hong Kong
2528–1123
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted

Chuan Shao

$$ | Tsim Sha Tsui

This place fires up the grill with skewered items that draw flavor inspiration from Sichuan. The menu is extensive, capping in at more than 100 different choices on any given day (including daily and seasonal specials). Grilled fish is perfect with beer, as are the tsukune chicken meatballs. When in season, order grilled oysters, clams, and other seafood items. The folks at Chuan Shao also serve grilled banana and pineapple for dessert. The restaurant is open until late, and there’s plenty of beer, so anyone staying at a hotel in the area might just want to keep this place in mind.

29–31 Chatham Rd., Kowloon, Hong Kong
2311–8101
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch, Credit cards accepted

Din Tai Fung

$$ | Tsim Sha Tsui

Originally from Taiwan, this global restaurant chain is most famous for its expertly made dumplings. The place is serious about its craft—each dumpling is made from a specified amount of dough and kneaded to a uniform thinness to ensure maximum quality control. The signature steamed xiao long bao dumplings arrive piping hot at the table, filled with delectable fatty pork and slurpfuls of flavorful broth. Anyone with a sweet tooth should try the taro-paste dumpling. The excellent food is paired with VIP treatment from the friendly staff, making Din Tai Fung completely worthy of its immense popularity.

En Tsim Sha Tsui

$$ | Tsim Sha Tsui

Unlike some of the more common Japanese eateries, Rakuen serves authentic Okinawan cuisine. Start with the umi-budo—an interesting variety of sea kelp shaped like bunches of grapes (the bubble-like appearance has also won it its “green caviar” nickname). Other regional specialties include the homemade peanut tofu, which, despite the name, is not a tofu dish but a gelatinized mixture of peanuts that has a chewy but firm texture and discerning nutty flavor, which is drawn out by a drizzling of soy sauce. Okinawan ingredients—such as bitter gourd and squid-ink noodles—are found throughout the menu, and the melt-in-the-mouth grilled ox tongue is a definite must-order.

38–40 Cameron Rd., Kowloon, Hong Kong
3428–2500
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch, Credit cards accepted

Gaylord

$$ | Tsim Sha Tsui

This was one of the first Indian restaurants on the Hong Kong dining scene, and the atmosphere is still intimate and fun, especially on nights when there's live music. The food is packed with authentic spices, and there's an extensive menu for vegetarians. The chowpatty chaat is a winning combination of potatoes, chickpeas, and crisp wafers in a spicy dressing, and the chicken tikka masala is almost legendary. Lamb dishes are also done well, especially those in fragrant curry sauce, perfect for scooping up with bits of naan bread, or for spooning over plates of fragrant basmati rice. The restaurant also offers several lunch and dinner menus at excellent value.

23–25 Ashley Rd., Kowloon, Hong Kong
2376–1001
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted

Go Koong

$$ | Tsim Sha Tsui

One of the best Korean restaurants in town, Go Koong covers extensive ground, from raw meats and seafood that are cooked sizzling on the tabletop grills, to kimchi stews and thick pancakes studded with shrimp, squid, and scallions. The complimentary banchans (appetizers) are a feast in themselves, with more than 10 different items available every day. Order the smoked duck-breast salad to start before moving on to more substantial fare such as the tender beef ribs steamed in whole pumpkin. If you still have room at the end of the meal, remember to try the patbingsoo—a giant bowl of crunchy shaved ice laced with sweetened red beans and fresh fruit.

94 Granville Rd., Kowloon, Hong Kong
2311–0901
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted

Goldfinch Restaurant

$$ | Causeway Bay

Travel back to the romantic 1960s at this retro restaurant. Both the decor and the food have remained largely unchanged since the restaurant’s heyday, and you’ll find local interpretations of borscht, gravy-covered steaks, and other western dishes.

13 Lan Fong Rd., Hong Kong, Hong Kong
3427–916
Known For
  • The backdrop of director Wong Kar-wai’s film, In the Mood for Love
  • Nostalgic charm
  • Big portions

Grassroots Pantry

$$ | Western

You don’t have to be vegetarian to enjoy the food at Grassroots Pantry. The health-conscious, plant-based menu here is full of vibrant flavors and always reflects the season’s freshest produce. Try the appetizer platters or the market-inspired stir-fries and pastas. Grassroots also offers a delicious selection of gluten-free desserts. Being healthy never tasted so good.

Ho Lee Fook

$$ | Central

Opened by award-winning Sydney-based chef Jowett Yu, this funky eatery is nothing like your average Chinese restaurant. As the tongue-in-cheek name suggests, the food here is bold and playful, inspired by old-school Chinatown classics but with a decidedly modern twist. Standout creations include the Yunnan-style steak tartare with hot-and-sour sauce, as well as the roast wagyu short ribs with a jalapeño puree. The cocktail list is just as inspired—try the Cooler, which is made with vodka infused with oolong tea.

Hoi King Heen

$$ | Tsim Sha Tsui

If you’re looking for stellar Cantonese cuisine, this is the place for you. The chefs serve a range of modern classics made from the freshest ingredients and influenced by their reverence for natural flavors. There are excellent—and expensive—dishes on the menu like double-boiled bird’s nest and braised abalone, but the humbler dishes like smoked vegetarian goose and braised beef brisket with pear really steal the show. Hoi King Heen is a great dinner destination, and the lunchtime dim sum menu is also worth checking out.

Hotpot Instinct

$$ | Causeway Bay

Hotpot cooking is immensely popular in Hong Kong, and places like Hotpot Instinct are packed even during the steamy summer months. The large menu offers thinly sliced beef, pork, seafood, and a range of house-made fish balls and meatballs, which diners then dip into a boiling vat of broth at their table.

Iroha

$$ | Causeway Bay

Expert in the art of yakiniku (grilled meats), Iroha stocks top-quality ingredients for its tabletop grills. Many go for the premium Wagyu beef selection, but the seafood choices are also worth trying. The thick-sliced salted beef tongue is legendary.

Jamie's Italian

$$ | Causeway Bay

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.

Jashan

$$ | Central

This well-established Indian restaurant has kept up with the times, and although you’ll still find the spice-scented classics on the menu, the newer dishes with a contemporary twist are the ones that steal the spotlight. Try the mirchi kebab—delicious grilled chicken flavored with coriander and chilies and served with a cooling cilantro dip. We also recommend the grilled halibut and the mackerel curry. The restaurant has a wide range of vegetarian specialties that can impress even devout carnivores. For a true Indian feast, drop by for the buffet lunch, which is available from Monday to Saturday.

Jaspa's

$$

The food at Jaspa's is delicious and filling, perfect after a day walking in the hills or enjoying the beach. The international menu is wide-ranging enough to satisfy all tastes. The chicken and Peking duck fajitas arrive on your table sizzling hot; grilled snapper with Asian herbs and Parmesan-crusted rack of lamb are also delicious. Enjoy your meal indoors or opt for a table on the alfresco terrace.

Ko Lau Wan Hotpot and Seafood Restaurant

$$ | Tsim Sha Tsui

Anyone seeking an authentic hot-pot experience need look no farther than Ko Lau Wan. Locals flock here for the tender beef and seafood that you cook at your table in a piping-hot pot of broth. The soup selection is quite extensive, but the satay broth and the fish stock with crab are particularly tasty. The owner comes from a fishing village in the New Territories, so there’s no wonder the cuttlefish, shrimp balls, sea urchin, amberjack, and abalone are all so tantalizingly fresh. The adventurous should try the geoduck, a giant clam popular among Hong Kongers, which can be eaten raw with soy sauce and wasabi or slightly cooked in soup.

21–23 Hillwood Rd., Kowloon, Hong Kong
3520–3800
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch, Credit cards accepted

Kung Tak Lam

$$ | Tsim Sha Tsui

Health-conscious diners will appreciate the simple Shanghainese vegetarian food served at this popular restaurant in the One Peking Road tower. The menu revels in its vegetarianism, rather than trying to emulate meat; highlights include the Golden Treasure Cold Platter, which includes delicious sweet gluten with mushrooms; the Shanghai-style cold noodles with seven different sauces; and bean-curd dumplings. Good, too, are the sweet panfried cakes. Set-price meals are incredibly cheap, but beware the high prices on the à la carte menu.

1 Peking Rd., Kowloon, Hong Kong
2312–7800
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted

Loaf On

$$

Off Sai Kung’s main drag, this hidden gem stands out as one of the finer seafood joints for those in the know. Unlike its big and boisterous competitors, this tiny store has no flashy fish tanks outside and the number of seats is extremely limited, so it’s best to book in advance. The food, however, is a cut above the rest. Try the fish soup—a milky-white broth with a hint of sweetness. There’s also the famous deep-fried abalone dusted in chili and salt. Aside from seafood, Loaf On also serves an amazing deep-fried tofu dish that’s crisp and golden on the outside and silken, soft, and supple in the center.

49 See Cheung St., New Territories, Hong Kong
2792–9966
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential

Main St. Deli

$$ | Tsim Sha Tsui

Inspired by New York’s 2nd Avenue Deli, with a gleaming tiled interior to match, Main St. Deli introduced traditional Big Apple neighborhood favorites to Hong Kong and found immediate popularity with visitors and locals alike. It continues to make lunch favorites such as pastrami on rye and hot corned-beef sandwiches. Reuben sandwiches and matzo-ball soup satisfy homesick New Yorkers. On the drinks side, kids can indulge in the wide variety of milk shakes, while the grown-ups enjoy the selection of American microbrews.

Mango Tree

$$ | Causeway Bay

This eatery has won rave reviews since the first outlet opened in Bangkok. The Hong Kong branch lives up to its predecessor's reputation and boasts a winning formula of designer decor, friendly service, and tasty, refined takes on authentic regional Thai dishes. You can start with char-grilled pork neck before moving on to one of the spicy-and-sweet soups or salads. We also recommend the herb-laden duck and lamb curries, as well as a stir-fried noodle dish to anchor the meal.

Mavericks

$$

Pui O is famous for its beautiful beach, but not for its dining scene. This seaside restaurant, however, aims to change that by combining a laid-back surfer’s attitude with a reverence for top-quality cooking. Locally sourced ingredients feature heavily on the menu, which includes house-ground burgers and nachos made with pork wontons instead of tortilla chips. The restaurant also serves regionally brewed ales and cocktails designed to beat the summer heat.

Pui O Beach, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
5402–4154
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Thurs. No lunch Fri.

Plat du Jour

$$ | Eastern

This cozy bistro stands out as a true gem in a neighborhood dominated by quick-bite eateries and cheap food stalls. Diners can choose between the two- or three-course menu, which features a short but solid selection of classic French dishes. Hearty options range from escargot in garlicky butter to beef bourguignon and the traditional apple tarte tatin. Given the quality of the food, prices are extremely reasonable for both lunch and dinner.

San Xi Lou

$$ | Central

This Mid-Levels eatery is known for the high quality of its spicy Sichuan cuisine. The famous Chongqing spicy chicken is heaped with dried red chili peppers for a sensational tingling, mouth-numbing effect. Another unique creation is the homemade silken tofu, which is bathed in a bright-red spicy broth speckled with chunks of whitefish, chopped scallions, and crunchy roasted peanuts. Those in town during the cold winter months should go for the yinyang hot pot—the fiery-hot side dish is perfect for dunking with thin slices of fat-marbled beef and the local favorite, deep-fried fish skin.

51 Garden Rd., Hong Kong, Hong Kong
2838–8811
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential

Spring Deer

$$ | Tsim Sha Tsui

The floral interior makes this place look like something out of 1950s Beijing. The Peking duck, however, is a showstopper (it might be the best in town), and you'll see an old-school crowd enjoying it as well as noodles and stir-fried wok meat dishes.

42 Mody Rd., Kowloon, Hong Kong
2366–4012
Known For
  • Extremely popular—book your table at least a week in advance
  • Delectable boiled peanuts for snacking
  • Stir-fried wok meat dishes and not-to-miss Peking duck
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential

Tai O Lookout

$$

If you’ve made your way out to Tai O, this gorgeous glass-roofed restaurant is a great place to enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea or dinner. Formerly the Tai O Police Station, the historic building has been lovingly refurbished, and the restored colonial decor includes authentic wooden furnishings. The menu is short, sweet, and eclectic, offering a mix of Asian and western dishes. Be sure to try the Tai O–inspired items, such as the fried rice and crispy pork-chop bun with shrimp paste.