When it comes to choosing where to dine, we think it’s always good to try recommended restaurants in Hong Kong. That’s especially the case if you’re going to be spending a fair bit of money! We recently reviewed a handful of restaurants in Tsim Sha Tsui and Central with a focus on alfresco dining, and a few more top restaurants thrown into the mix too. From tables in a pleasant piazza to tasty treats on terraces with a view, see what we thought of just a few of the best Hong Kong restaurants.
# Restaurants in Central
Pier 7 Café & Bar for alfresco dining by the harbour
Located above the Star Ferry, Pier 7 Café & Bar recently reopened after a five-year absence. It’s now making a fabulous return to the city’s dining scene. The bright and contemporary restaurant interior is spacious and welcoming. However, we visited to enjoy the breezy alfresco terrace with its spectacular city and harbour views.
The casual Mediterranean-inspired menu is ideal for lazy lunches with friends or evening drinks and nibbles while soaking up the chill vibes on the terrace.
We started with a Mezze Platter. With smoky baba ghanoush, beetroot hummus and whipped feta garnished with figs, grapes, cucumber, tangy sumac onions with plenty of warm, fluffy flat bread, this was a real crowd-pleaser. Other sharing dishes included a delicious charcuterie board and also a baked camembert with roasted grapes and walnuts. Both got our vote!
From the grill, we enjoyed the chicken shawarma, served on a bed of silky labneh with zesty pickled cabbage. And no visit would be complete without a serve of the restaurant’s Ras El Hanout Fries. Thes come seasoned with mixed herbs, garlic and also a touch of truffle oil.
The cocktails are fun and innovative – the aptly named Rooftop Garden blends vodka and prosecco with hints of honey and passionfruit, and is decorated with pretty butterfly pea flowers; a standout tipple!
There’s also a daily semi-buffet lunch and happy hour drinks every afternoon to keep us returning time and time again.
Shop M, Level R, Central
Pier 7, Star Ferry, Central
2167 8153
La Rambla by Catalunya – an alfresco restaurant with a view
La Rambla has long been a Hong Kong favourite and a recent refresh beaconed us for a visit. Newly renovated interiors inspired by renowned Catalan artist Antoni Gaudi create a bold and bright dining space with subtle nods to traditional Spanish décor.
But we were here for an alfresco dining experience on La Terraza, the restaurant’s expansive outdoor space offering some of the city’s finest harbour views. Inspired by Barcelona’s beach culture, the terrace has an extra-long high table that takes centre stage, perfect for communal dining. For a more intimate dining experience, there are smaller tables and comfortable couch-style seating.
Talented Executive Chef Rafa Gil (of Netflix’s The Final Table fame) is passionate about his menu. He chooses the best quality ingredients and his attention to detail is second to none. Chef Rafa has introduced some new dishes while retaining his much-loved classics. On our visit, we concentrated on the tapas menu, starting off with Boquerones. These marinated Spanish anchovies are paired with slivers of roasted red pepper, garnished with an almond emulsion and served with homemade potato crisps. Classic Spanish flavours all in one bite!
An array of Catalunya classics followed, including Pa Amb Tomàquet (tomato bread), Ham, Cheese and Truffle Bikini, Patatas Bravas with Alioli, and “Broken Egg” (or el huevo roto). Our favourite was “Bomba from ‘Barceloneta’”, the restaurant’s famous smoked potato and meatball topped with a spicy sauce. One of the new dishes is also set to be a classic: Oxtail & Red Wine Caramelised Onion Tart Tatin with Foie Mousse. It features succulent 24-hour slow-cooked Angus oxtail and is truly melt-in-the-mouth.
A Churro Sundae was the fitting finale to our meal overlooking the harbour. The crisp and fluffy churros came with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce and berries. Perfect.
A great drinks menu
John Nugent, Hong Kong’s renowned mixologist, has crafted several new signature cocktails showcasing Spain’s beloved beverage, sherry. The Café Español is a clever take on the classic espresso Martini. With the addition of Pedro Ximénez, it’s a smooth and rich beverage. I also loved the Cinque Terra Spritz, which is elevated with Tío Pepe Fino Sherry. Of course, there’s a well-curated wine menu with Spanish, French and New World wines alongside sangria, cocktails and mocktails.
Final word? This really is a top spot to dine in Hong Kong. The recent refresh ensures diners will enjoy La Rambla by Catalunya for many more years to come.
3071-73, Level 3, IFC Mall, Central
2661 1161 | larambla.hk
# Restaurants beyond Central
Ask for Alonzo – piazza dining in Quarry Bay
Just off Tong Chong Street and tucked behind Dorset House, you’ll find Taikoo Piazza, a leafy space that’s home to six restaurants all with indoor and outdoor dining. It’s the ideal spot to escape the Quarry Bay bustle. On this visit, we headed to Ask for Alonzo, renowned for its wholesome Italian cuisine, to try the new weekend Auntie Maria’s Brunch.
We kicked off with a warm bread basket paired with truffled butter. Then came a generous grazing platter piled high with tasty morsels such as crispy calamari with a zesty lemon mayo, and Italian cold cuts, cheeses and bruschetta. Delicious!
There are eight family-friendly brunch mains on offer. I chose the fabulous Breakfast Carbonara and my husband devoured the TLC “Tender Loving Care” Sandwich with tasty Bolognese, mozzarella and red cheddar, served with parmesan fries.
There are three choices for a sweet finish; we chose the rich and creamy tiramisu and the white chocolate panna cotta with a tart wild berry compote to balance the sweetness. I must admit to eyeing up a neighbouring table’s portion of My Auntie’s Toast – toasted brioche mascarpone with berry compote. Next time!
This is a fabulous alfresco brunch spot. You get generous portions of delicious food, and it’s reasonably priced at $268 per person. We also added the two-hour free-flow for only $198 each. This included house wine, beer, lemonade as well as vodka and gin with mixers.
G/F, PCCW Tower, 979 King’s Road, Quarry Bay
(and other locations around town)
2856 2911 | askforalonzo.com
# Restaurants in Tsim Sha Tsui and nearby
Harbourside Grill for alfresco dining in TST
A sunset dinner and drinks with a stunning terrace view of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline? Yes, please!
We recently had a wonderful evening at Harbourside Grill in Tsim Sha Tsui, enjoying the restaurant’s warm and sophisticated atmosphere; the floor-to-ceiling glass windows allow for a panoramic view of Victoria Harbour from every corner, ensuring everyone has a memorable dining experience.
We started with some bubbly and a bread basket. I had to remind myself not to be too greedy with the freshly baked buns, but it was impossible to stop dipping the pieces into the soft butter!
Next came a seafood platter, served on chilled ice and one of our favourites of the night. Every bite was truly a delight, with ingredients freshly harvested from the nearby seas.
While steaks are a key feature of the menu here, if you fancy something else for mains, there are plenty of options, including vegetarian dishes. I had the sea bass with crushed potatoes and lobster bisque, and my husband tried the Ibérico pork chop. The size and tenderness of the meat was perfect, complemented by delicious Asian greens and triple-cooked chips. The restaurant’s suggested wine pairing was also excellent.
Finally, I highly recommend Chef Armand’s signature Apple Tarte Tatin with fresh cream and salted caramel sauce for dessert. It’s a must-try and impossible to leave a single crumb behind, despite its generous size! We enjoyed every bite, washing it down with a nice latte to complete a perfect meal.
Harbourside Grill offers an incredible dining experience with high-quality food and exceptional service by staff who go the extra mile to make sure their guests receive the best.
About the venue
Opened mid-2020, this sensational Tsim Sha Tsui restaurant sits on the edge of iconic Victoria Harbour. This is a bonus from the start, as you get unobstructed 180-degree city vistas. Harbourside Grill makes the most of the awesome location too, with alfresco dining on an expansive terrace. (Don’t miss the creative cocktails for sundowners!) With experience in a three Michelin-star restaurant, Executive Chef Armand Sablon serves up a grill-centric menu of fine meats, delectable seafood dishes and more. And all of it is prepared with typical French finesse!
Shop OTE401, Level 4, Ocean Terminal Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui
2619 9100 | harboursidegrill.com.hk
O’Thai restaurant for alfresco dining
If you’re looking for a Thai restaurant near Tsim Sha Tsui, newly opened eatery O’Thai if a great pick. It shares its space with sister restaurant The Bayside on the Hung Hom waterfront. The two restaurants are separated by the bar area. Guests can choose to eat in either space and from both menus.
However, it’s hard to go past the spacious terrace with stunning views of the eastern side of the island. It was the perfect spot to enjoy the harbour breeze with a cold beer in hand as we perused the menu.
Helming the kitchen is native Thai Master Chef Amoo, who has been delighting Hong Kong diners for years. Here at O’Thai, he expertly combines authentic Thai flavours and cooking techniques with quality produce. The result is a range of delicious dishes, with a menu well balanced with a solid selection of familiar favourites including appetisers, soups, salads, noodles, curries and a handful of desserts.
We started off with two appetisers. The grilled Iberico pork neck was perfectly charred and tender, and the crispy vegetarian spring rolls came with zesty dipping sauces. Our mains were both top-notch, too. They were also well-priced for the excellent quality. We devoured the flaky pan-fried halibut in aromatic green curry. (Highly recommended!) In contrast, the dry aged wagyu bavette paired perfectly with the robust spicy red curry. A side of steamed rice and stir-fried morning glory fragrant with garlic and chilli rounded off a super tasty meal.
Shop G1, One Harbourfront, 18 Tak Fung Street,
Whampoa Garden, Hung Hom
2123 2177 | silverspoon.com.hk/o-thai
This article first appeared in the March 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
Looking for more restaurants in Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Causeway Bay and elsewhere? Don’t miss our Wine & Dine section!
