Header photo credit: HKTB
This article was produced with the support of the Hong Kong Tourism Board
Hong Kong is a river of skyscrapers amongst green parklands, ranges and rocky slopes, and in nearly every direction, you can see the ocean. The city owes much of its history to its many kilometres of beautiful coastline, and the salt, pearl and fishery trades in coastal villages were once the dominant ways of life here. Hong Kong even has its own native species of oyster!
Sheltered harbours and an advantageous geographic location defined early Hong Kong, and today it honours its rich maritime heritage with amazing seaside dining options. Whether it be a designer, glitzy spot overlooking the city skyline or a simple seafood restaurant bordering the ocean, it’s only natural that Hong Kong restaurateurs are perfecting the essential ingredients for a memorable meal by the sea.
City Hall Maxim’s Palace
Central (Hong Kong Island)
Dim sum might seem daunting to newcomers at first – a tremendous list of unfamiliar bites – but it won’t take long before you assess the dim sum trolleys like a professional, signalling your next small-plate adventure with a flick of the wrist. There are very few trolley-service dim sum halls left, and Maxim’s Palace next to Central Harbourfront is the best of all. Showcasing traditional Cantonese cuisine and dim sum with a backdrop of stunning Victoria Harbour, there’s no more quintessential Hong Kong experience than this one.
2/F, Low Block, Hong Kong City Hall, Central, 2521 1303
Cococabana
Shek O (Hong Kong Island)
Escape the city and get in a Mediterranean mood by the ocean at Cococabana in Shek O. Located directly on the beach with stunning views of the South China Sea whilst surrounded by the hills of Shek O Country Park, the restaurant maintains a friendly village feel. Simple, fresh seafood dishes such as grilled sea bream, peri-peri prawns and bouillabaisse are prepared by French chef Jean Paul Gauci, who has spent many years focusing on modern Provençal cuisine. Go early for an ocean swim, then head here for lunch.
G/F, Shek O Beach Building, Shek O Beach, Shek O, 2812 2226, book online
Felix
Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon)
The historic Peninsula hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui is famous for its luxurious, old-world charm. On the 28th floor of the hotel is Felix, a glossy fine-dining bar and restaurant designed by Philippe Starck featuring floor-to-ceiling windows on both sides and plenty of marble. Spectacular views are everywhere (even, famously, in the washrooms), and in order not to be outdone, Felix presents a contemporary European menu in order to bring you a theatre of the senses.
28/F, The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, TST, 2696 6778, book online
Fish & Chick
Kennedy Town (Hong Kong Island)
Kennedy Town is located at one end of a modern waterfront walkway that extends 10 kilometres across Hong Kong Island all the way to Tin Hau. The area has a neighbourhood feel, offering plenty of small, independent eateries and shops for browsing. Facing the open waterfront view is popular fish-and-chips restaurant Fish & Chick. Specialising in British-style beer-battered fish and French-style rotisserie chicken, you can choose to eat in or take away to the nearby sitting-out area, drinking in the seaside vibes.
25 New Praya, Kennedy Town, 2974 0088, book online
HUE
Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon)
Hong Kong Museum of Art underwent four years of refurbishment in order to transform into its current sleek glass and steel form. HUE occupies the first floor of the museum, with an entire wall of glass looking out towards breathtaking Victoria Harbour providing gallery dining. Artwork is a strong secondary theme here, and there’s plenty for diners to feast their eyes upon. Whilst the location makes HUE a special dining treat, it’s the modern Australian menu by Executive Chef Wilson Leung that keep guests coming back for more. Expect fresh flavours, lots of seafood and innovative plating.
1/F, Hong Kong Museum of Art, 10 Salisbury Road, TST, 3500 5888, book online
Pane e Latte
Stanley (Hong Kong Island)
Holiday-vibe chasers love Stanley, located on the southern peninsula of Hong Kong Island. Visit the beach, browse the market and wander down the seaside promenade in the sunshine to work up an appetite before dropping into Pane e Latte, a gorgeous Italian bakery, café and gelateria. Let the weather guide you – choose a gelato sundae, macchiato or one of the in-house pastries crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Julien Zampieri (the croissant bombolini is highly recommended). But, then again, why choose just one?
G/F, U-C Court, 25 Stanley Market Road, Stanley, 2337 7221
Tai O Lookout
Tai O (Lantau Island)
On the western side of Lantau Island is the centuries-old fishing village of Tai O, sometimes called the “Venice of Hong Kong” owing to its stilted houses built along the waterfront. Jutting from the side of a hill you will find boutique Tai O Heritage Hotel, located in a Grade II historic building that was originally the Tai O marine police station. Tai O Lookout restaurant has a glass roof and overlooks an impressive panorama of islands and ocean. Signature dishes you shouldn’t miss here include those made with the famous Tai O shrimp paste such as the pork chop bun and fried rice.
1/F, Tai O Heritage Hotel, 14 Shek Tsai Po Street, Tai O, Lantau Island, 2985 8383
Yau Ley Seafood Restaurant
Sai Kung (New Territories)
High Island in Sai Kung is known for its rugged shores and plentiful fishing, and there you will find a family-owned Cantonese restaurant nestled between two small beaches. Arrive at Yau Ley Seafood Restaurant by boat and alight at the restaurant’s pier or hike down from MacLehose Trail to kick-start your appetite. The restaurant is popular with families owing to the sheltered beach that’s in full view of diners, and sunseekers here enjoy sharing plates of deep-fried or steamed seafood fresh from the tanks. Cash only.
Lot 359, Sha Kiu Tsuen, Leung Shuen Wan, Sai Kung, 2791 1822
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