Best Hidden Gem Hong Kong Restaurants
- Written by: Roxana Oliver
You finally find yourself enjoying the endless beauties of China and this fascinating city. In a place with so much variety, all your senses will be wide awake, and your stomach truly happy. Just don’t hesitate to head out for a gastronomic adventure to (some of) the following, off-the-beaten-track restaurants and pubs that will leave you craving even more deliciousness!
Okra
Located in a neighborhood named Sai Ying Pun, 110 Queen’s Road West, this cozy Japanese bar, or izakaya, is bound to ensure you a memorable experience. Its highly casual atmosphere is perfect for relaxation, with carefully chosen music, meticulously prepared meals, and purposefully planned beverages that make a harmonious combination of tastes together with the dishes. The place is proud of only using natural ingredients provided by trustworthy producers. Treat yourself to some excellent sake or delicious sushi that few other restaurants can prepare like this.
An interesting fact is that the bar insists that their guests avoid using (strong) perfume when visiting, so that nothing interferes with the taste and smell of their sushi! Just bear in mind—if you’re curious about Okra, make sure you book your reservation in advance, as you will not be seated otherwise.
22 Ships
Didn’t expect a Spanish-style place on this list? This food gem is located at 22 Ship Street, Wan Chai, which pretty much explains how it got its name. Another interesting piece of info: the bar has a Michelin-starred name behind it, Chef Jason Atherton. Beside its casual, laid-back atmosphere, 22 Ships offers truly great food, from the famous chorizo and, of course, seafood paella to different kinds of meat such as pork, beef and duck, accompanied by fruit and/or other expertly combined ingredients. That’s not where the story ends, though, as they also serve irresistible desserts—could you say no to a piece of their goat cheese ice cream with granola and raspberries or green tea cheesecake with lime and yogurt?
Big Sur Restaurant
Big Sur, one of the best restaurants in Central, is an American-style food place. Californian to be more precise. Walk in and breathe in a little bit of Asian California, with a spacious bar and a charming dining room that welcomes up to forty guests. Big Sur serves a wide range of palate-pleasers: barbecue meat, seafood, tacos, super healthy salads, and the unavoidable delicacy—ribs! Pair your food with a sip of some of their numerous craft beer brands, fresh pressed juice or perhaps a shot or two of high-quality tequila. Just don’t forget to mark 22 Staunton Street, Soho on your Hong Kong map and you’re all set!
Sijie Sichuan Private Kitchen
This restaurant gives you a chance to try authentic Szechuan cuisine and leave more than satisfied regardless of what you choose from their rich menu. Many of its guests consider it to be the best Szechuan place in all of Hong Kong, not just because of the quality of the meals, but also because of the friendly staff and pleasant ambience. Cold noodles, dumplings, sweet and sour pork and crab are some of the delicacies you can find there. The place actually belongs to the private kitchen world of Hong Kong—if it’s tickled your imagination, head straight to Causeway Bay and look for 10/F, Bartlock Centre, 3 Yiu Wa Street.
Koh Thai
You want a nice piece of Thailand right in the middle of Hong Kong? No problem! Koh Thai’s guests can enjoy wonderful views thanks to its generous outdoor terrace, and the open kitchen keeps them highly entertained as they watch their meals being prepared right before their eyes. The restaurant offers a wide range of Thai cuisine and meals inspired by it, with dishes like stir-fried pork and veggies in sweet and sour sauce, torched ginger with wagyu beef, spring onion and chili, pork belly with soy dipping sauce, glass noodles and shrimp, and so on. You can find this Thai gastro-wonderland at two locations in the city, in Mid-Levels and Wan Chai.
Of course, the list doesn’t stop here. Keep exploring the streets of Hong Kong and discover your own hidden gems!
