Unique Hong Kong Dining Experiences in Central
Central Hong Kong is not just the financial heart of the city but a vibrant hub of culinary delights. From sizzling street food to Michelin-star dim sum and luxurious fine dining, Central offers an array of memorable eating experiences showcasing the best Hong Kong food. Whether tasting your way through historic eateries or sipping cocktails at trendy Hong Kong bars, Central has something to entice every palate.
Fine Dining in Central Hong Kong
The Chairman
If you’re looking to explore the subtleties of Cantonese cuisine, The Chairman in Central Hong Kong is an essential stop. Renowned for its dedication to fine, fresh ingredients, the restaurant partners with small-scale suppliers and local fishermen to bring authentic flavours to the table. The menu celebrates centuries of culinary tradition with dishes like steamed fresh flowery crab, stir-fried slipper lobster, and wood-smoked black foot goose, among other Cantonese classics.
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Amber
This two-star Michelin and Green-Star awarded restaurant is famous for its contemporary French fine-dining approach. Located on bustling Queen’s Road in Central, Amber features dishes ranging from duck foie gras and caviar with homemade blinis to Alaskan king crab and pigeon with West Australian winter truffle, all perfectly paired with a glass of Dom Pérignon 2015.
Prince and Peacock
Located in a restored colonial building in Tai Kwun, Prince and Peacock offers a regal dining experience with a modern twist on traditional Indian cuisine. Under the guidance of Michelin-starred chef Palash Mitra, the menu features refined dishes like Yeti Gassi—tiger prawns with coconut jaggery—and Keema Mirch Masala—hand-ground lamb with long chillies and tomatoes. The restaurant’s stylish setting and sophisticated drink selection make it a prime spot for fine dining in Central Hong Kong. For dessert, the caramelised Gulab Jamun is a must-try.
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Louise
Located in a two-story heritage building at PMQ in Central, Louise is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a dual dining experience steeped in French culinary tradition. Chef Loïc Portalier crafts a menu that marries rustic charm with heartwarming recipes, using fresh, seasonal ingredients. The ground floor La Terrace by Louise is perfect for relaxed, alfresco gatherings with an array of light bites, from oysters to leek terrine and classic croque monsieur. Upstairs, the Main Dining Room provides a more refined setting, where guests can enjoy dishes like caramelised onion tart, ‘Fabien D’eneour’ Brittany pigeon and wild mushroom ravioli, ideal for celebrating special moments.
Magistracy
Set in the historic Tai Kwun courthouse, Magistracy offers a dining experience reminiscent of London’s oldest restaurants. It’s the perfect spot for special occasions with a menu that features everything from oysters and steak tartare to English classics like slow-cooked roast beef and sticky toffee pudding. With an elegant setting and London-inspired dishes, Magistracy offers the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal in Central Hong Kong.
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Arcane
Michelin-starred Arcane is a sanctuary for those who appreciate the subtleties of modern fine dining with a European twist. Australian Chef Shane Osborn, renowned for his innovative approach, curates seasonal menus that cater to plant-based and meat-eaters and feature the best available ingredients. Dishes like the raw Hokkaido scallop with whipped cod roe, roasted pigeon breast with croquette of confit leg and truffled shiitake and cashew parfait showcase his commitment to flavour and technique. Arcane’s intimate setting and meticulous service make it a must-visit for culinary connoisseurs.
LPM
Located in Central, La Petite Maison—fondly known as LPM—captures the essence of coastal dining with its lively atmosphere and a menu inspired by the South of France. The setting is inviting and refined, adorned with gilt mirrors, bold artwork and flowers, creating the perfect backdrop for a unique Hong Kong dining experience. Guests can take their pick of classics like niçoise salad, escargots with garlic butter, and marinated baby chicken with a side of potato gratin, accompanied by a curated selection of world-class rosés and boutique wines.
Best Vegetarian Restaurant in Central Hong Kong
Veda
Located in a serene corner of Central, Veda Café & Bar is your go-to, whether stopping by for coffee, cocktails, or soulful Indian dishes. Catering to diverse dietary preferences, Veda offers a full menu focusing on vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Enjoy avocado toast or lemon ricotta pancakes for breakfast, a hearty turmeric and chicken Caesar salad or spinach and ricotta momos for lunch, and yellow dahl or roasted aloo gobi for dinner. Be sure to sample a signature Veda dish, Dosa —a thin and crispy South Indian crepe—filled with potato masala, pesto paneer or organic scrambled eggs.
Hong Kong Street Food in Central
Yat Lok
Yat Lok, an unassuming eatery in Central, is celebrated for its Michelin-starred roast goose. The succulent and crispy goose, served with plum sauce and aromatic spices, draws locals and tourists alike. This family-run restaurant offers a no-frills dining experience that focuses on high-quality, traditional Cantonese cooking, making Yat Lok a true gem for those in search of authentic local flavours.
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Leaf Dessert
Sitting on the slope of Elgin Street in Central Hong Kong, Leaf Dessert is a street food stall that has been around for over a century. The stall is a must-visit with its menu of authentic Chinese delights, including cold green bean soup with seaweed and Leaf’s famous glutinous rice balls with sugar, sesame, shredded coconut and a hint of ginger.
Sing Heung Yuen
One of the last remaining ‘dai pai dong’, or traditional street stalls, Sing Heung Yuen offers simple yet satisfying Hong Kong street food. This cheap and cheerful stall on Mee Lun Street, famous for its signature tomato noodle soup topped with egg, sliced beef or chicken wings, is the perfect lunchtime pitstop while exploring Central Hong Kong.
Tai Cheong Bakery
Since its establishment in 1954, Tai Cheong Bakery has become a beloved icon in Central Hong Kong, famous for its deliciously fresh egg tarts. These treats come with a flaky shortcrust pastry or a delightful cookie crust, each filled with smooth, creamy custard. Beyond their signature egg tarts, Tai Cheong Bakery also tempts with traditional baked goods, including coconut tarts and Chinese doughnuts, offering a selection of treats to curb those sugar cravings.
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Best Bars in Central Hong Kong
Bar Leone
Recently crowned the top of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, Bar Leone offers a laid-back Italian vibe in the heart of Central Hong Kong. Drawing inspiration from traditional Roman bars, this lively Bridges Street haunt is just the spot to enjoy expertly mixed classic and signature cocktails, such as olive oil sours, yuzu gimlets and Leone martinis, crafted by renowned mixologist Lorenzo Antinori.
COA
COA in Central is an award-winning artisanal cocktail bar inspired by Mexican cantinas. It features an impressive selection of 100% agave tequila, traditional mezcal, and Mexico-inspired cocktails, all set in a rustic candle-lit space adorned with hand-drawn murals. COA’s La Paloma de Oaxaca with Tequila Blanco, Mezcal Joven, lime, grapefruit soda and worm salt and Ancho Highball made Tequila Blanco, salted plum, ancho chile and guava soda are a must-try.
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Argo
Another Central Hong Kong favourite listed among the World’s 50 Best Bars, Argo is known for its relaxed setting and innovative cocktails made with Asian-sourced ingredients. The bar showcases a rare collection of spirits, with top tipples including ‘The Breaker’ made with Patron Silver Tequila, roasted sweet potato orgeat, curry leaf, beetroot and citrus.
Penicillin
At Penicillin on Hollywood Road in Central Hong Kong, sustainability meets mixology in an award-winning cocktail experience. Renowned for its zero-waste philosophy, Penicillin creates innovative drinks using locally sourced ingredients or up-cycled food and drink ingredients. Seasonal cocktails like the ‘Circular Fashioned’ featuring leftover duck-fat applejack, butter whiskey, salted artichoke and mirin showcase a commitment to flavour and the environment. The bar’s minimalist design complements its eco-friendly ethos, making it a hotspot for those who enjoy their cocktails served with a side of sustainability.
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Lockdown
Another Hollywood Road haunt, Lockdown Bar is a speakeasy-style venue inspired by the city’s lockdown during the peak of the pandemic. Famous for its unusual secret entrance, prohibition-era vibe and dimly lit interiors, this bar crafts unique drink concoctions that blend rare spirits with unexpected ingredients. The ‘Silk Stocking’, a mix of tequila, spicy pomegranate, cacao husk and soy milk whey, is a crowd favourite. Lockdown’s allure lies in its mysterious vibe and the thrill of discovering it.
Kinsman
Kinsman, a Cantonese cocktail bar in Central, showcases classic mixology with a local twist. The bar specialises in high-quality, timeless beverages, offering a concise cocktail menu showcasing Cantonese and Chinese spirits and a food menu that reinvents Hong Kong staples. The luxurious bar interior features elegant timber panelling, brass lights, and a vaulted back bar adorned with a vibrant hand-painted mural by Hong Kong artist Cheung Mally. The setting is perfect for a sophisticated evening or a unique after-work drink.
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Best Bars in Soho
The Wise King
Inspired by King Alfonso X of Spain, The Wise King in Central Hong Kong brings a touch of medieval luxury to modern-day Hong Kong. The sophisticated bar features plush decor and curated cocktails like the ‘Dark Spot’ with rum, tamarind, jaggery, and citrus, and the ‘Queen of the Spas,’ a rich blend of truffle brandy, Mancino Vermouth Chinato, Pacharan, and Frangelico. With classic tapas dishes like tasty manchego croquettes and patatas bravas, the bar continues the king’s culinary tradition of pairing drinks with food.
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The Blind Spot
Get ready to step back in time at The Blind Spot, the newest addition to Hong Kong’s Central District. This bar, brought to you by Sandeep Kumar of The Wise King, offers a unique throwback to the elegance of the roaring 1920s, blending the charm of vintage decor with a Peaky Blinders-inspired vibe. At The Blindspot, you’re in for an immersive experience that brings a touch of class and a bit of mystery from a bygone era into the heart of Hong Kong.
Top Lan Kwai Fong Restaurants
Carbone
Located in buzzing Lan Kwai Fong, Carbone pays homage to mid-20th century New York-style Italian dining. Known for its bold flavours and elegant yet unpretentious setting, the restaurant serves classic Italian-American dishes like spicy rigatoni vodka, lobster ravioli and veal parmesan that transport diners to the streets of New York. An extension of the New York restaurant of the same name, Carbone offers a dining experience that’s both nostalgic, exciting and delicious.
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BRAZA Churrascaria
Located in bustling Lan Kwai Fong, BRAZA Churrascaria offers a unique all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse experience. Embracing the traditional “Churrascaria” style, diners enjoy skewered meats barbecued over hot coals and carved directly onto their plates in a lively Rodizio-style service. The rustic, colourful decor and central bar serving authentic Caipirinhas set the perfect backdrop for indulging in an array of fire-roasted meats, complemented by a buffet of gourmet salads, seafood, and traditional Brazilian sides like feijoada and garlic rice.
Roji
Offering a slice of Tokyo-style dining in Central Hong Kong, Roji transforms late-night eating with its modern take on Japanese izakaya. Tucked down an alleyway in this bustling district, Roji offers a casual yet chic setting and a menu featuring everything from fresh scallops and crunchy chicken katsu to wagyu beef with shiso ponzu and seafood boxes with snow crab, octopus, bonito and wasabi.
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Dumpling and Tea Houses in Central Hong Kong
Luk Yu Tea House
A historic tea house dating back over 80 years, Luk Yu Tea House serves expertly brewed Cantonese tea, a delicious selection of dim sum, and popular dishes, including fried noodles with sliced beef and crispy deep-fried chicken. Located on Stanley Street in Central, this traditional tea house is an ideal spot to experience nearly a century of Hong Kong’s dining culture.
Foxglove
Known for its natural and organic tea selections, award-winning Foxglove in Central also impresses with its range of classic and signature cocktails. The venue pairs fragrant Chinese green tea, Gwai red tea, and Iron Buddha (oolong) with gourmet bites like Hokkaido Scallop Dumplings, Wild Mushroom Bao, Braised Beef Noodles, and Cheeseburger Spring Rolls.
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Tim Ho Wan
Tim Ho Wan in Central is renowned as one of the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide. This celebrated spot excels in exquisite dim sum, with its ChiuChow-style dumplings, baked BBQ pork buns, braised Phoenix Claw and steamed sponge cake standing out as crowd favourites. These signature dishes capture the essence of Hong Kong’s culinary delights, making Tim Ho Wan a must for anyone seeking an authentic Hong Kong dining experience.
Hotels in Central Hong Kong
Ovolo Central
Perfectly located for culinary adventurers eager to experience Central Hong Kong’s best restaurants, Ovolo Central offers a stylish sanctuary with cosy, well-lit rooms and contemporary interiors. The hotel features amenities like self-service laundry, super-speed WiFi, an in-room bar, and thoughtful touches, including Apero hour and flexible cancellation to ensure an unforgettable Hong Kong stay.
This guide to unique dining experiences in Central Hong Kong invites you on a one-of-a-kind culinary journey. Whether you’re craving traditional dim sum, authentic Hong Kong street food, innovative cocktails, or Michelin-star fine dining, Central offers a distinctive glimpse into the diverse tastes and traditions of Hong Kong’s rich food culture.