Articles
The Foodie Awards
As voted by you, the Foodie readers, here are your winners for top places to dine around Hong Kong.
Best New Restaurant
READERS’ CHOICE
Yardbird
33-35 Bridges Street, Sheung Wan, 2547 9273
This New York-esque Japanese joint on Bridges Street became very popular very quickly and almost seems like it’s been around for ages. Yardbird’s modern Japanese experience includes top-to-tail chicken yakitori, a chic vibe, extensive drinks list and a no reservations policy.
FOODIE CHOICE
Monogamous Chinese
59 Caine Road, Central, 2523 2872
Authentic spicy Sichuan and Peking cuisine served in a cool, Suzy Wong-inspired setting all tucked up conveniently under the escalator. If you like it caliente, you will love the food here. Do not leave before sampling the deep fried ice cream balls. They are a perfect palate cooler after a delightfully spicy meal.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Chom Chom
2/F, 12 Wellington Street, Central, 2868 3302
This amazing little Vietnamese place has the finest quality pho you’ll find in Hong Kong. Simple, tasty and in short, Chom Chom is nom nom.
Se Sa Me
2/F, L Place, 139 Queen's Road Central, Central, 2870 2323
Japanasian cuisine set in the trendy L Place.
LUPA
3/F, LHT Tower, 31 Queen's Road Central, Central, 2796 6500
Mario Batali’s first Hong Kong resto is a chic and coveted spot for a table.
Mana
92 Wellington Street, Central, 2851 1611
This new, easy-going cafe is perfect for vegans and vegetarians with flat breads that suit the seasons.
Uno Duo Trio
19/F, Bartlock Centre, 3 Yiu Wah Street, Causeway Bay, 3489 3862
This private kitchen turned restaurant offers succulent Italian dining.
Best décor
READERS’ CHOICE
Lily and Bloom
5/F-6/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, LKF, 2810 6166
Inspired by the American Prohibition Era, Lily and Bloom is a two-storey bar and restaurant that promises a rich and enlivening experience while dining. Lily, the bar, contains fine details and intricate designs from the early 1900s complementing the extensive drinks menu. Downstairs is Bloom, a French brasserie-inspired restaurant with a compact yet sufficient menu for fine dining in a dimly lit and cosy ambience. With the ability to transcend its customers into another era, its no surprise Lily and Bloom is your top pick for the best décor in town.
FOODIE CHOICE
Heirloom
226 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, 2547 8008
With an open frontage onto Hollywood Road, Heirloom hosts a bustling and lively atmosphere set over its two floors. For customers who wish to have a cosier environment, the top floor offers a more comfortable setting with sofas and rugs scattered around. Nothing matches yet everything goes at Heirloom; it’s like hanging out at your cool friend’s apartment for the night with home-cooked tacos, cakes and cookies as well as the chicest bathroom in the city.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Madam Sixty Ate
Shop 8, 1/F, The Podium, J Senses, 60 Johnston Road, Wanchai, 2527 2558
With a contemporary and idiosyncratic setting, Madam Sixty Ate puts the fun back in food with its whimsical detailing.
208
208 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, 2549 0208
It’s a perfect blend of Chinese tiles, dark wood and vaulted ceilings in this two-storey restaurant overlooking Hollywood Road.
China Club
13/F, Old Bank of China Building, Bank Street, Central, 2521 8888
Traditional Hong Kong Chinese food served alongside retro chic modern art in this high-end Cantonese restaurant.
Best Local Food
READERS’ CHOICE
Tsui Wah (Peak location)
Shop 1A, G/F, The Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, The Peak, 2849 2354
Perhaps it’s the obvious choice, but you guys love Tsui Wah. The location on The Peak is an easy way to mix local cuisine with a quintessential Hong Kong view. Known for extremely reasonable prices and the ability to satisfy both local and Western tastes, Tsui Wah is an easy winner. Be sure to try the crispy bun with condensed milk and an iced lemon tea to wash it all down next time you pop in for a bite.
FOODIE CHOICE
Maxim’s City Hall
1/F, City Hall, 5-7 Edinburgh Place, Central, 2101 1333
Traditional dim sum floating past your table on old-style carts stacked with baskets of char siu bao and har gow and a big, busy dining hall overlooking the harbour with reliably delicious fare make Maxim’s Foodie’s top choice for local food. Even if there’s a massive queue, the dining room is so vast, you’ll never wait long for a table.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
The Chairman
G/F, 18 Kau U Fong, Central, 2555 2202
Authentic Chinese cuisine made with the freshest ingredients in town.
Macau Restaurant
Shop 270-273, 2/F, Shun Tak Centre, 168-200 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan, 2857 1933
Cheap, quick and tasty; all the makings of a great local meal.
Ming Kee
114 Sai Wan Ho Street, Sai Wan Ho, 2560 1150
Desserts, congees, noodles; you name it, they’ve got it.
Cuisine, Cuisine
Podium Level 3, IFC Mall, Central, 3101 3107
Award-winning chefs presenting exquisite and sophisticated local dining.
Modern China
10/F, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, 2506 2525
Scrumptious Chinese cuisine in a traditionally set atmosphere (quite unlike its name).
Best Late Night Dining
READERS’ CHOICE
Flying Pan
G/F, 9 Old Bailey Street, SoHo, 2140 6333
This casual yet cosy eatery cannot be dethroned as the go-to spot for 24-hour breakfast. With its notorious Eggs Benedict a favourite among loyal customers, the Flying Pan’s central location and chilled out atmosphere, make it an enduring ideal for a late, or really early breakfast.
FOODIE CHOICE
Loyal Dining
66 Wellington Street, Central, 3125 3000
Craving dim sum after midnight? Fusing Western flavours with existing local delicacies in a traditional setting right in the heart of the drinking district on Wellington Street makes it an easy stopping point to fill the late-night hunger pangs. We at Foodie have spent many a 3am at Loyal Dining with foggy taste buds and memories so this is strictly a ‘late night, tastes good’ winner.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Midnight in Mongkok
The Place, Langham Hotel, 555 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok,3552 3200
Authentic street food, not served on the street, available till the wee hours of the morning.
Tsui Wah – 24hrs
G/F-2/F, 15-19 Wellington Street, Central, 2525 6338
Hong Kong’s favourite local eatery is open all-night for the party-goers.
Beirut
27-29 D’Aguilar Street, LKF, 2804 6611
Fine Lebanese cuisine served till late.
Paisano’s
23 Hollywood Road, SoHo, 2544 4445
The best pizza place in Hong Kong is open til 5am on weekends.
Best On a Budget
READERS' CHOICE
Tim Ho Wan
Shop 8, Taui Yuen Mansion Phase 2, 2-20 Kwong Wa Street, Mong Kok, 2332 2896
Established as the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant, Tim Ho Wan’s dim sum is the embodiment of getting your money’s worth– if you can stomach the average three-hour queue that is.
FOODIE CHOICE
Traditional Beijing Dumpling House
Queen Street Cooked Food Centre, No. 38 Des Voeux Road West, Sheung Wan, 6349 2832
15 years ago, the owner came to Hong Kong from China and opened this inconspicuous eatery. To this day, the family business is still booming and getting a table at lunch time can be a challenge. The menu is on rotation every few days and you can get a dozen fantastic dumplings for less than 50 bucks; definitely our go-to place for a cheap and yummy fix. English menu available upon request.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
The American Restaurant
G/F, Golden Star Building, 20 Lockhart Road, Wanchai, 2527 1000
Don’t be fooled by the name – The American Restaurant has been serving Pekingnese cuisine since the end of World War II and boasts a menu of almost 200 different dishes.
Misocool
1/F, 11 Stanley Street, Central, 2565 1001
This ramen and bento restaurant is perfect for a quick, affordable meal, and has several branches across Hong Kong.
Tuk Tuk Thai
G/F, 30 Graham Street, SoHo, 2542 2760
This hole-in-the-wall places all its emphasis on the succulent and fresh food, so the prices are low and taste levels high!
Best Dessert
READERS’ CHOICE
Sift
G/F, Dominion Centre, 49-53 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, 2528 0084
It may not be the most original dessert spot but its well liked for a reason. Best known for the signature Sift Chocolate Cake, this cake shop serves creamy, velvety goodness full of rich flavours and textures to indulge yourself.
FOODIE CHOICE
C’est La B
Shop 3, G/F, 110-114 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tai Hang, Causeway Bay, 2806 8168
Bonnie Gokson’s charming café-bar creation serves a large variety of colourful cakes soaked deep with flavours to please the taste buds. Delight in the whimsical interior and the playful decoration of the desserts that always look too good to eat.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
The Mandarin Cake Shop
Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central, 2825 4008
Little chocolate works of art that are sure to impress.
Zuma
The Landmark, 5/F-6/F 15 Queen's Road West, Central, 3657 6388
Desserts served on ice sculptures, enough said!
Best For a Date
READERS’ CHOICE
Amber
7/F, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central. Central 2132 0066
Serving unique French fusion cuisine with two Michelin stars under its belt, Amber’s intimate ambience and their much-recommended sea urchin dishes are sure to impress your date’s palate.
FOODIE CHOICE
Amo Eno
Shop 3027, IFC Mall, Central, 2954 9922
Want something to chat about other than each other? The interactive wine tables provide a talking point as you adventure into vine discovery then seek out your chosen tipple. Excellent food in a chic setting puts the cherry on top of this relaxed date-friendly establishment.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Hutong
28/F, 1 Peking Road, TST, 3428 8342
Unhindered views of the Central skyline with innovative Chinese cuisine in a sophisticated setting.
One-Thirty-One
131 Tseng Tau Village Shop, Sze Heung, New Territories, 2791 2684
Set in one of the most beautiful parts of Sai Kung, this reservation-only restaurant is intimate and a great weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
California Vintage
G/F, Carfield Commercial Building, 77 Wyndham Street, Central, 2525 9808
Once you've gotten past playing with the iPad menus, indulge in California Vintage's wide selection of boutique wines for an authentic Californian wine experience.
The Lobster Bar
6/F, Island Shangri-La, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 2820 8560
The Lobster Grill features savoury crustaceans and live performances six nights a week.
Le Marron
12/F, Ying Kong Mansion, 2-6 Yee Wo Street, Causeway Bay, 2881 6662
This French seafood restaurant boasts succulent escargots and fresh crustaceans on their classic menu.
L16
Hong Kong Park, 19 Cotton Tree Drive, Admiralty, 2522 6333
Located beside a lake with a waterfall, it’s an oasis amidst Hong Kong's concrete jungle.
The Parlour – Hullett House
G/F, Main Building, 1881 Heritage, 2A Canton Road, TST
With a beautiful view from across the restaurant's veranda, The Parlour makes for a great lunch date destination.
Best Private Kitchen
READERS' CHOICE
TBLS
7/F, 31 Hollywood Road, SoHo, 2544 3433
Created by Chef Que Vinh Dang, TBLS serves a singular fixed menu of imaginative comfort food with haute-quality ingredients to make everyday dishes feel special. Reservations have to be made well in advance, but it's worth the wait.
FOODIE CHOICE
Liberty Private Workshop
26/F, 11 Stanley Street, Central, 5186 3282
This small French private establishment boasts an open kitchen for guests to observe the chefs whilst waiting for their dishes. Indulge in their 8-course menu consisting of everything from seafood and citrus to fowl and truffle.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Fleur de Sel
Shop 2J, Po Foo Building, Foo Ming Street, Causeway Bay, 2805 6678
Fleur de Sel's specialties are French gallettes and crepes, and they make them undeniably well. Try their La Salardaise and sink your teeth into the tender, succulent duck meat and juicy mushrooms.
Comilonas
1/F, Flat 22, Yip Cheong Building, 4-6 Hill Road, Shek Tong Tsui, 9863 2270
Although Spanish tapas restaurants have been popping up all over Hong Kong, there is no restaurant like Comilonas. The fixed multi-course menu inside this living room-sized dining space includes tender scallops, shrimps, paellas, stuffed peppers, and much more. Book ahead, and we mean way ahead – Comilonas is currently booked out until September this year.
Blue Duck Workshop
2/F, 28 Stanley Street, Central, 3175 2448
Blue Duck Workshop offers a fixed 6-course dinner menu, serving home-style appetisers for sharing and flavourful main courses, such as duck breasts on a bed of mashed potatoes or pan-fried pork.
Best Kept Secret
READERS' CHOICE
Robata Zawazawa
41 Wyndham Street, LKF, 2536 9898
It’s hard to hide a place in LKF but you’ll never spot this tiny gem unless you’re looking for it. Down a hidden flight off Hotel LKF, Robata Zawazawa is a blink and you’ll miss it resto. Try and keep your eyes peeled because the Japanese cuisine here is what taste buds were made for. Silk wallpaper and high stools to chat with the animated chefs make it a delightful experience where everything is well thought out and well executed.
FOODIE CHOICE
Kushiyaki Beco
2 Shin Hing Street, Sheung Wan, 2581 1282
This ghetto-chic Japanese joint off Gough Street serves delicious beef kushiyaki and opens exclusively for dinner. Go early or reserve ahead – this tiny 20-seater restaurant meets the hype. We recommend the beef rump.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Lucy’s
G/F, 64 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2813 9055
Tucked away near the main area of Stanley Market, Lucy’s cosy and casual gourmet menu offers seasonal Western dishes.
Teakha
Shop B, 18 Tai Ping Shan, Sheung Wan, 2858 9185
Serving unusual blends imported from all across Asia, this tiny tea and cake shop with its cute eclectic boutique décor is a favourite amongst those in the know.
PLAY
1/F, On Hing Building, 1 On Hing Terrace, 14 Wyndham Street, Central, 2525 1318
This nightclub offers up seriously good eats from the renowned chef at Sushi Kuu.
Best Reliable Favourite
READERS’ CHOICE
Nha Trang
88-90 Wellington Street, Central, 2581 9992
Authentic Vietnamese cuisine reflecting the country’s rich lifestyle and heritage all rolled up in a restaurant. Some of the ingredients are imported straight from Vietnam, giving the fare a rich and refreshing edge. Famous for their pho and regional noodle soups at affordable prices, Nha Trang never disappoints and won’t break the bank.
FOODIE CHOICE
Linguini Fini
G/F-1/F, The L Place, 139 Queen’s Road Central, Central, 2857 1333
Another great offering from the Posto Pubblico group, with rich homemade Italian food and an ever-appealing menu, this is a restaurant you can return to again and again. Great central location and moderate prices fix it firmly in as a Foodie Favourite.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Classified
Shop 1, 108 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, 2525 3454
European-styled al fresco café with a generous selection of cheeses, pastas and crispy-crust pizzas.
Crystal Jade
Shop B221A Times Square, Causeway Bay, 2506 0080
One of the most popular Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong offers a wide range of local delicacies.
Bistro Manchu
G/F, 33 Elgin Street, SoHo, 2536 9218
Unintimidating dumplings at reasonable prices with friendly service.
Wagyu
LG/F, Hollywood Commercial House, 3-5 Old Bailey Street, Central, 2525 8805
Stylish and modern décor with a range of dishes, inspired from all over the world.
Nantei
G/F, 10 Yuen Yuen Street, Happy Valley, 3118 2500
A restaurant that lends extreme precision to its flavours and presentation, Nantei is best known for its wide range of yakitori.
Ye Shanghai
6/F, Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel, 3 Canton Road, TST, 2376 3322
Rich and tasty Shanghainese cuisine.
Morton’s
4/F, Sheraton Hotel, 20 Nathan Road, TST, 2732 2343
Amazing steaks served with impeccable service with a view of the city’s skyline from every table.
RED
4/F, IFC Mall, Central, 8129 8882
For the great terrace, chilled vibe and healthy cuisine.
