World City Guide

Restaurants

The selected restaurants have been divided into five categories: Gastronomic, Business, Trendy, Budget and Personal Recommendations. These are listed alphabetically within these different categories, which serve as guidelines rather than absolute definitions of the establishments.

A 10% service charge is almost always added to restaurant bills in Hong Kong. In theory, this is discretionary, although in practice, it is better not to challenge it, except in cases of exceptionally poor service. An extra cash tip could be added to this, if desired, to go directly to the staff. Normally this would be no more than 5%.

The prices quoted below are for an average three-course meal and for a bottle of house wine or the cheapest equivalent; they do not include service charge or tip.

Gastronomic

Café Deco Bar and Grill
Café Deco has one of the most breathtaking restaurant views on Earth (the panorama of the harbour from Hong Kong Island’s central peak) especially dazzling at night. The cuisine is a hugely diverse array of East and West, from perfect steaks to succulent sashimi and sizzling tandoori platters. What is remarkable is the consistent quality and excellent value; even the Art Deco decor is a gem.

Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road
Tel: 2849 5111. Fax: 2849 5188.
E-mail: cafedeco@cafedeco.com
Website: www.cafedeco.com
Price: HK$250. Wine: HK$200.

Gaddi’s
Since opening in 1953, The Peninsula hotel’s signature restaurant has served gourmet French cuisine and fine wine to an always appreciative audience. Its spacious, layered space is complemented by chandeliers, large tables and blue and gold décor. The three-course lunch menu costs HK$340 with four-, five- and six-course options available for dinner. Paradoxically perfect for either a romantic dinner or group celebration. Dinner jackets and advanced booking required for evening dinner.

1/F The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: 2315 3171. Fax: 2315 3140.
E-mail: dining.pen@peninsula.com
Website: http://hongkong.peninsula.com/phk/restaurants.html
Price: HK$720 (per person, four courses) Wine: HK$400.

M at the Fringe
With a hugely loyal following, this 15-year-old Australian-owned restaurant is one of Hong’ Kong’s best. It offers splendid continental cuisine (such as Mandarin Beluga served on a warm crepe Parmentier with crème fraiche and, of course, M’s legendary pavlova) in an effortlessly artsy ambience.

First floor, South Block, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central
Tel: 2877 4000. Fax: 2877 0135.
E-mail: info@m-atthefringe.com
Website: www.m-atthefringe.com
Price: HK$400. Wine: HK$225.

Vong
Critically-acclaimed French superchef Jean-Georges Vongerichten applies the same formula that has wowed diners in New York, London and Chicago. The Asian-influenced contemporary French cuisine (including offerings such as lobster with Thai herbs and sautéed foie gras with ginger and mango) is complemented by magnificent harbour views and a bar which mixes some of the best martinis in Hong Kong. The warm valrhona chocolate cake is nothing less than a Hong Kong legend.

25/F Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road, Central
Tel: 2825 4028. Fax: 2877 0262.
E-mail: vong@mohg.com
Website: www.mandarin-oriental.com
Price: HK$250-350. Wine: HK$ 250

Business

Felix
It is debatable whether patrons come here for the creative top fusion cuisine or the top-level view of Kowloon from Felix’s glass-walled urinals. The interior was designed by Philippe Starck and has several different themes in its different areas. Full of unexpected treats, such as the capsule-like wine room, a science-fictionesque cocktail bar, a communal dining table and Karaoke disco, even the lift decor must be seen to be believed. Crossover food (such as Hoisin-grilled baby back pork ribs or sweet-onion baked sea bass) comes with an incredible skyline and sky-high prices.

28/F, The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: 2315 3188. Fax: 2315 3140.
E-mail: dining.pen@peninsula.com
Website: http://hongkong.peninsula.com/phk/restaurants.html
Price: HK$600. Wine: HK$300.

The Orange Tree
A consistent award winner, The Orange Tree offers ‘Dutch Continental’ (actually meat-heavy French) cuisine, such as delicate salted herring and lamb fillets. With a dark wood ambience, the restaurant is situated right beside the Mid-Levels Escalator and is excellent for quiet Sunday dinners and for people-watching. Serves lunch only at weekends.

17 Shelley Street, Central
Tel: 2838 9352. Fax: 2526 0488.
E-mail: restaurant@orangetree.com.hk
Website: www.orangetree.com.hk
Price: HK$260. Wine: HK$160.

Seafood
Teak furnishings, deep blue interiors and an alfresco terrace make this a great venue for one of those less-intense business lunches. From shuckled oysters to char-grilled barramundi, the food is exquisitely prepared and served with tangy and zesty sauces. The portions, both for starters and main course, are generous and the wine menu perfectly complements the seafood choices.

JW Marriott Hotel, One Pacific Place, 88 Queensway
Tel: 2841 3858. Fax: 28450737.
Price: HK$350. Wine: HK$200.

Va Bene
The quintessence of Italian dining in Lan Kwai Fong, Va Bene has a stellar reputation, comforting wood interior and pretty astronomical prices. Their wonderful selection of breads, mouthwatering ossobuco and other delights can melt even the tightest wad. This successful chain has expanded across the city (its portfolio also includes a new Isola bar and grill at the soaring Two IFC tower) and to Shanghai.

58-62 D’Aguilar Street, Central
Tel: 2845 5577. Fax: 2537 6886.
Price: HK$500. Wine: HK$325.

Yung Kee
If you want to impress local business people, take them to Yung Kee. Whilst not Hong Kong’s flashiest restaurant, it is one of its most famous and most revered. Specialising in roast goose and lunchtime dim sum, Yung Kee has been serving business folk, tourists and local diners for over 60 years and has won a host of awards. It also offers a take-away service Book ahead to avoid having to queue.

32-40 Wellington Street, Central
Tel: 2522 1624. Fax: 2840 0888.
E-mail: info@yungkee.com.hk
Website: www.yungkee.com.hk
Price: HK$400. Wine: HK$250.

Trendy

Aqua
Boasting classy interior design, moody lighting and jaw-dropping, floor-to-ceiling views of Hong Kong, Aqua vies with Felix for the title of Hong Kong’s ‘it’ bar/restaurant. Its two uber-chic restaurants, Aqua Tokyo and Aqua Rome, serve up innovative Japanese and Italian cuisine, while the spacious and stylish bar serves fine cocktails and bottled beers to a hip clientele. Aqua dignifies its premier location, rather than just trying to live off it.

29-30/F One Peking Road, Central
Tel: 3427 2288. Fax: 2542 3999.
E-mail: rochelle@aqua.com.hk
Website: www.aqua.com.hk
Price: HK$400. Wine: HK$250.

Boca
A Soho tapas and wine bar that offers more than 80 delicious tapas selections, which keeps the tables packed with lunch and dinner guests. Dishes include grilled black cod, grilled black bean vinaigrette with Chinese black bean salsa gambas al ajillo as well as the signature paella, which comes in three varieties, marinera, Valenciana and vegetariana. Its chain-mail walls and mix of bar-style seating and plush couches make for a light and fresh ambience, in keeping with the splendid Spanish-style delicacies.

Ground Floor, 65 Peel Street, Soho, Central
Tel: 2548 1717. Fax: 2548 1727.
E-mail: tapasandwine@boca.com.hk
Website: www.boca.com.hk
Price: HK$200-300. Wine: HK$155.

Jaspa's
Offspring of a much-loved parent in Sai Kung, this bright quasi-Matisse exercise in Australian fusion cuisine on Staunton Street offers great value and fabulous choice for brunch or dinner. Delicious steaks and pastas complement the grilled bugs, yabbies (crayfish) and ‘barbie’ fare.

28 Staunton Street, Soho, Central
Tel: 2869 0733.
Price: HK$200. Wine: HK$120.

SPOON
The lighting may be enhanced by 550 hand-blown glass spoons from Murano of Venice, but it’s the food and harbour views which pull in the punters. French chef Alain Ducasse may count on nine michelin stars and four other SPOON franchises around the world, yet he has still managed to create a fresh and unique space and ambience in which to serve fine cuisine and more than 350 vintage wines. The work of a true visionary, SPOON serves dishes such as duck foie gras, poached Boston lobster and ceviche of sea bream to a reverential troop of foodies who recognize this as one of Hong Kong’s ultimate dining experiences.

InterContinental Hotel, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: 2313 2256. Fax: 2732 2803.
Email: spoonbyalainducasse.hk@interconti.com
Website: www.hongkong-ic.intercontinental.com
Price: HK$550. Wine: White HK$330 / Red HK$340.

Thai Basil Café Bar
One of the most laid-back restaurants in the Pacific Place shopping complex, Thai Basil is also one of the best. Not dogmatically Thai but deliciously so, this is an excellent place in which to people-watch, while picking at exquisitely presented dishes, such as Thai green duck curry. The thoroughly contemporary restaurant opens onto the Garden Court of the Pacific Place mall but is shielded by wooden and metal bars. Dining places are arranged bench-style, in a welcoming, restrained and chic ambience.

Shop 5, Lower Ground Floor, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty
Tel: 2537 4682. Fax: 2918 9418.
Price: HK$200. Wine: HK$200.

Budget

Caramba
Well located Mexican cantina that serves affordable and tasty Mexican food and ice-cold beer. The colourful interior is matched by the neatly presented dishes, particularly the spicy guacamole which brings an intensity of colour and flavour rarely found beyond Central America. The nachos are suitably crunchy and the fiery salsa tingles the tongue to order. Tacos, sopas, fajitas, ensaladas and chimichangas are all offered, as well as a few surprisingly innovative takes on Mexican menu standards. Takeaway food also available.

26-30 Elgin Street, Soho, Central
Tel: 2530 9963. Fax: 2530 5289.
Price: HK$50. Beer: HK$20.

Dan Ryan's Chicago Grill
Dan Ryan’s is the classic resort for American cuisine in American portions, in the mall-style surroundings of Pacific Place. The Sunday brunch is a notorious way to blow out a Sunday. Hamburgers, ribs, American beers, American cholesterol ... diners can forget California, this is the real McCoy.

114 Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty
Tel: 2845 4600. Fax: 2521 8055.
E-mail: info@windy-city.com.hk
Website: www.windy-city.com.hk/dans
Price: HK$200. Wine: HK$220.

India Today
Down an alleyway then up one floor in the lift, India Today is well worth the unorthodox entry. A broad menu offers pretty much every curry-based favourite you can think of, and the staff will adapt dishes to your requirements. The interior design is just like you’d find on your local UK high street, but the food is better and excellent value.

Unit 1-A, 1/F, Millioncity, 26-30 Elgin Street, SoHo
Tel: 2801 5959. Fax: 2537 4848.
E-mail: indiatoday@khazaana.com.hk
Price: HK$140. Wine: HK$150.

Kublai's
A Mongolian barbecue in Wan Chai is a strange pairing but it works, as droves of tourists attest. With tall bar-style stools and tables and a central area for diners to select their own ingredients for the Mongolian-style grill, the concept allows diners to eat imaginative personalised combinations of anything that a buffet full of ingredients and spices can offer, filling their bowls and handing them to experienced chefs to be cooked. Choices range from most varieties of sliced meats and fish to oriental vegetables, such as bean sprouts and Chinese cabbage, with a range of sauces from Japanese teriyaki to Thai spice. The result is surprisingly good for Hong Kong’s sleazy twilight zone. Half-price Monday nights are hugely popular.

3/F, One Capital Place, 18 Luard Road, Wan Chai
Tel: 2529 9117. Fax: 2529 9211.
Price: HK$140. Wine: HK$198.

San Marzano PizzaExpress Hong Kong
This beautiful white and plate-glass viewing gallery next to the Mid-Levels Escalator is a surprisingly upscale branch of the UK’s Pizza Express chain. Its pizzas, such as the signature Parmesan and rocket Soho Pizza, are good quality and great value.

21 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central
Tel: 2850 7898. Fax: 2850 7848.
E-mail: info@pizzaexpress.com.hk
Website: www.pizzaexpress.com.hk
Price: HK$130. Wine: HK$180.

The Stoep
Anyone who makes it out to the lovely seaside village of Cheung Sha on the south side of Lantau Island will certainly not want to leave after sampling the South African beachfront fare, such as mixed barbecue or kebabs. The big beachside verandah, large enough to seat 120 people, is the perfect antidote to the insane bustle of Central.

32 Lower Cheung Sha Village, Lantau
Tel/fax: 2980 2699.
Price: HK$100. Wine: HK$150.

Personal Recommendations

Café Gypsy
A great venue to eat light, delightful French cuisine while watching Mid-Levels Escalator traffic pass this terrace-style café like fairground shooting gallery ducks. The crêpes make a wonderful brunch treat and the escargot is a speciality.

29 Shelley Street, Mid-Levels
Tel: 2521 0000. Fax: 2521 3613.
Price: HK$200. Wine: HK$190.

Gaia Ristorante
A supremely refined (and supremely pricey) Italian dining experience, Gaia has one of Hong Kong’s best open-air dining areas. Potted plants screen the large outdoor area from the pedestrian courtyard outside, while a crescent white indoor dining area is splendid with floor to ceiling windows. The cooking is superb, with an impeccable antipasti buffet and crispy Roman-style pizzas with country sausages or, less typically, onion and rosemary marinated potato pizza. Buckwheat pasta with vegetable and basil pesto, or goose liver on sweet potato with caramelised blueberries and red pearl onions are delicious, as are the homemade gelati desserts. The selection of Italian wines is particularly fine.

G/F, Grand Millennium Plaza, 181 Queen’s Road, Sheung Wan
Tel: 2167 8200. Fax: 2167 8220.
Price: HK$250. Wine: HK$200.

Life
Vegetarians should make this their first (and probably, second, third&) stop. Located right beside SoHo’s escalators, Life does ‘proper’ vegetarian food – well-prepared, creative and served in hearty portions. The dining space is light and airy and the dinner menu well-balanced. The soups, salads and burgers are consistently good, as are the breakfast and lunch specials. Vegan wines and beers are also served. The ground-floor deli offers excellent take-away salads, breads and cakes.

2/F, 10 Shelley Street, SoHo
Tel: 2810 9777. Fax: 2868 5252.
E-mail: bobsy@life-café.com.hk
Price: HK$175. Wine: HK$170.

Soho Spice
Located on a bustling restaurant hill-strip in the heart of SoHo, this intimate and friendly restaurant serves up distinctive and flavoursome Thai and Vietnamese favourites, as well as some intriguingly blended dishes. The large menu and knowledgeable wait staff add to the attraction of the well-executed cuisine. There’s also a small patio at the back for alfresco dining.

G/F 47B Elgin Street, SoHo
Tel: 2521 1600.
E-mail: info@diningconcepts.com.hk
Website: www.diningconcepts.com.hk
Price: HK$200. Wine HK$ 170

The Verandah
A quintessentially romantic place for lovers to end long walks along Repulse Bay beach, The Verandah offers opulent international cuisine, along the lines of oysters and steamed lobster salad, in a palm-frond and ceiling-fan ambience. The outside courtyard is equally attractive and far cheaper.

Repulse Bay Hotel, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay
Tel: 2812 2722. Fax: 2812 2176.
Price: HK$500. Wine: HK$180.