Hong Kong’s Best Al Fresco Bars & Restaurants
If you want to kick back and relax outside, then we’ve pulled together our list of the best outdoor restaurants and drinking spots in Hong Kong. From fancy rooftop restaurants to chilled out beach front bars, here’s where we’ll be hanging out when the sun goes down.
Just need a spot for a cold drink in a cool al fresco bar? Click here to jump straight to the best outdoor bars.
There are a LOT of al fresco bars and restaurants in this post. So to make it easier we’ve broken it down by area and you can click these links to jump straight to the area you’re interested in. A lot of these restaurants will be happy to serve you just a drink and many of the bars serve snacks or sharing plates.
Restaurants
Hong Kong Island, Central & Western
Hong Kong Island, East
Hong Kong Island, Southside
Kowloon
New Territories and Islands
Bars
Al Fresco Drinks – Hong Kong Island
Al Fresco Drinks – Kowloon
Al Fresco Eats – Hong Kong Island Central & Western
Arcane
Lush greenery surrounds you as you sit in Arcane’s beautiful English-style outdoor terrace, tucked away in a surprisingly quiet part of Central. Modern European cuisine is served under the helm of multi-award winning Australian chef Shane Osborn, who uses 30 different varieties of herbs, fruits and vegetables grown in the outdoor garden you’re sitting in.
Where: 3/F, 18 On Lan Street, Central
Book: 2728 0178, or
ON Dining Kitchen & Lounge
This outdoor lounge high on the 29th floor above Central reminds us of Don Draper’s living room – sleek wooden coffee tables, cushy leather stools and brightly coloured cushions with dark oranges and reds that hark back to the 1960s. They’re known for their modern Mediterranean food (snack menu on the terrace), large selection of cheese and an extensive wine list, so you may be there a while, which is no problem as the wraparound sofa is very inviting.
Where: 29/F, 18 On Lan Street, Central
Book: 2174 8100 or [email protected]
Brick Lane
If you want harbour views, al fresco seating and little taste of England, then head to the Admiralty branch of Brick Lane. Expect all day breakfasts, comfort food and good coffee all in a relaxed and bright setting. The terrace is huge and as well as being a great place for dinner, it’s also perfect for afternoon or after work drinks.
Where: Shop 404, 4/F, CITIC Tower, 1 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar Site, Admiralty
Book: 2363 2500, or
Cassio
Hangout with the cool kids, sink into the comfy sofas on Cassio’s terrace above LKF and listen to music from old school hip-hop to Latin jazz and disco to salsa. The contemporary Spanish tapas menu was inspired by famous London restaurant Barrafina and there’s a creative cocktail list too.
Where: 2/F LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central
Book: 3792 0129
Gaia
One of Hong Kong’s most famous Italian restaurants, Gaia offers a large amount of outdoor seating where you can watch the streets of Central buzz around you. The lunch buffet is superb and the menu offers a great range of Italian classics.
Where: Unit 01-05, G/F, Grand Millennium Plaza, 181 Queen’s Road Central, Central
Book: 2167 8200 or [email protected]
KOKO
Snack on sushi, tempura and larger Japanese plates at this modern izakaya with a decent sized terrace. Holding court across from the old Police Station, it’s a cool locale for knocking back some sake or mellow sips of green tea.
Where: 5/F, 77 Wyndham Street, Central
Book: 2109 1777 or [email protected]
Aberdeen Street Social
Featuring a casual, open-plan restaurant and bar on the ground floor which spills out onto the patio, Aberdeen Street Social specialises in modern British cuisine and is located at Sheung Wan’s coolest venue – PMQ. There’s an extensive brunch menu and the setting plus quality of food makes it another success for Atherton’s ventures in HK.
Where: PMQ, G/F, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central
Book: 2866 0300 or [email protected]
Shore
Book ahead and try and secure the large semi-circular booth with a round canopy for a bit of seclusion among the high tables and sofas on Shore’s 1,800 sq. ft outdoor terrace. In-house, dry-aged steaks are on the menu along with organic vegetables and sustainable produce. Skip the meat and make it a dessert night – we’re dying to try the lemon meringue choux with vanilla ice cream. Shore have recently added a laid-back BBQ brunch to their repertoire.
Where: 3rd and 4th Floor, the L. place, 139 Queen’s Road Central, Central
Book: 2915 1638, or
The Kinnet
Despite Sheung Wan’s tall concrete buildings surrounding you, it feels like you’re sitting in your own little oasis on The Kinnet’s terrace. The emphasis here is on healthy, replenishing and nutritious snacks, meals and juices. With lots of plants and large patio umbrellas for shade, it’s a lovely place for breakfast with friends (including a free flow brunch option on Saturdays and public holidays) or a casual coffee and a book alone.
Where: 3/F, 33 Hillier Street, Sheung Wan
Book: 3968-7623 or [email protected]
Koh Thai
Tasty Thai cuisine served on a terrace in Wan Chai or rooftop in the Mid-levels makes for a relaxing and reasonably priced midweek meal. The Mid-levels location overlooks the escalators and is particularly good for people-watching.
Where: 1/F, J-Residence, 60 Johnston Road, Wan Chai
Book: 3160 8535 (Wan Chai)
Where: G/F, 38 Shelley Street, Mid-levels
Book: 2179 5779 (Mid-levels)
Café 8
Above the Hong Kong Maritime Museum at Central Ferry Pier Number 8 is Café 8, a collaboration between the Maritime Museum and the Nesbitt Centre. Many of the staff at this social enterprise are young adults with learning difficulties. This is a lovely family-friendly spot serving a simple but tasty café menu, the homemade cakes are delicious and the spacious terrace has great city and harbour views.
Where: Central Ferry Pier No.8
Book: 3713 2500
The Peak Lookout
Why not forego the weekend hike up the Peak and instead treat yourself to a lazy lunch from the Peak Lookout’s international menu, or a cold beer as you overlook the South China Sea from their terrace. Welcoming to families and an all-around laid back environment.
Where: 121 Peak Road, The Peak
Book: 2849 1000 or [email protected]
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Al Fresco Eats – Hong Kong Island East
The Pawn
Modern British restaurant The Pawn spreads over three floors, each with its own stylish interior and function. Balconies on the first and second floors keep you close to the Wan Chai hustle and bustle below, with the odd ‘ding’ of the tram passing by. But the tranquil open air rooftop terrace is a welcome retreat, with some tables in cosy corners and other seating smack beside the skyscrapers.
Where: 62 Johnston Road, Wan Chai
Book: 2866 3444, or
Seasons
Seasons has a roomy interior with beautiful decor, but the garden terrace provides a serene space for drinks and indulging in their creative French cuisine. Also makes a nice setting for afternoon tea and offers a delicious free-flow semi-buffet Sunday brunch option.
Where: Shop 308, 3/F, Lee Gardens Two, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay
Book: 2505 6228 or [email protected]
Shelter Italian Bar and Restaurant
Shelter’s terrace is a stunning and very romantic outdoor setting and the Italian restaurant prides itself on offering largely organic food. Service can be hit and miss but it’s worth a visit just to enjoy the ambience.
Where: 71-719, 7/F Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay
Book: 2778 8398 or [email protected]
Penthouse, by Harlan Goldstein
With a 5,000 square foot rooftop with stunning views across the harbour, Penthouse is a stylish urban-rustic restaurant featuring an extensive menu of contemporary Western cuisine in addition to a solid wine and cocktail menu.
Where: Level 30, Soundwill Plaza Midtown, 1 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay
Book: 2970 0828
Wooloomooloo Steakhouse, Wan Chai
The Wan Chai location of this steakhouse has a rooftop bar with fantastic panoramic views of the evening light show. Great for pre-dinner cocktails, as finding a place to sit can be difficult as the night goes on and restaurant patrons file upstairs for a nightcap.
Where: 31/F & Rooftop, The Hennessy, 256 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai
Book: 2893 6960 (Wan Chai), or
DiVino Patio
If you are looking for relaxed al fresco dining, then DiVino Patio offers an outdoor terrace alongside a warm and cosy restaurant that attempts to recreate the traditional Italian grocery store of the 1950′s. The food is rustic; large hunks of bread and cheese, pizzas, rich pastas and delicious desserts. The restaurant is very child friendly and there’s a weekend brunch available.
Where: Shop 11, 1/F, Brim28, No. 28 Harbour Road, Wan Chai
Book: 2877 3552, or
BOND Restaurant & Bar
No harbour views here, but a great find for the Tai Hang locals. In fact, the aim of this spot situated on the second floor of the Little Tai Hang apartment complex is to ‘bond’ the local community with a friendly style and affordable menu. Get to know your neighbour on the outdoor deck with a social glass of wine and some good ol’ Western comfort food.
Where: 2/F, 98 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tai Hang
Book: 2155 1777
Quayside
Featuring an international menu with distinctive French bistro influences, Quayside is the perfect balance of location, cuisine and atmosphere, and the outdoor space is huge, it even includes a Pétanque ground!
Where: G/F, Fenwick Pier, Fleet Arcade, 1 Lung King Street, Wan Chai
Book: 2661 6708 / 6790 1676, or
Hooray Bar and Restaurant
When you’re done pounding the pavement from a Causeway Bay marathon shopping expedition, head up to Hooray’s grand open air terrace for some respite. Stretch out on one of the lengthy sofas and soak in the marina views with drinks and some Italian food.
Where: P502, World Trade Centre, 280 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay
Book: 2895 0885 or [email protected]
Le Pain Quotidien
Famous for their freshly baked, rustic European-style bread, Le Pain Quotidien is ideal for a hearty but healthful breakfast, simple lunch or dinner. Being a Belgian restaurant, you can of course get tasty Belgian bottled beer as well as tea, coffee and fresh juice, and there are even a few cocktails to choose from. This terrace at their Wan Chai branch is perfect for people watching.
Where: Shop No G40-41, The Avenue, Lee Tung Avenue, Wan Chai
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Al Fresco Eats – Kowloon Side
Jamie’s Italian
The Harbour City location of Jamie’s Italian has a roomy outdoor seating area where you can stuff yourself silly with his tempting wood oven-baked pizzas. Very family friendly.
Where: Shop 412, Level 4, Ocean Centre, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui
Book: 3758 3333, or
ÉPURE
When you’re in the mood for luxury, French food and panoramic views, this one ticks all the boxes. Bring your special someone to dine among abundant foliage and flowers on ‘La Terrasse’, or nestle into one of the terrace’s plush sofas with a drink as the harbour lights twinkle behind you.
Where: Shop 403, Level 4, Ocean Centre, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui
Book: 3185 8338 or [email protected]
Wooloomooloo
Tuck into your steaks, fresh seafood, pasta and delicious wood-burned pizzas while checking out the harbour views at Wooloomooloo Steakhouse in TST.
Where: Shop 3013C, 3/F, Miramar Shopping Centre, 132 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Book: 2295 3200 (TST), or
Urban Park
Along with a gorgeous grass-covered terrace that spreads over 3000 sq. ft for open air drinks and dining, European casual fine dining restaurant Urban Park also does a unique ‘Picnics in the Park’ experience for a truly al fresco experience. They supply a picnic basket stuffed with salads, corn on the cob, hot mini sliders, chicken wings, sweets, plus a bottle of sparkling water and two glasses of sparkling wine. For an added touch, it’s all served on a checkered picnic blanket large enough for four people. Delightful. The afternoon tea here is also a must.
Where: 4/F, 20-22 Granville Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Book: 2751 1999, or
Al Molo
Take in the view from TST to Hong Kong at this harbourside Italian eatery. The weekend buffet is extensive and great value, the service attentive and it’s very welcoming to families.
Where: Shop G63, G/F, Ocean Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Book: 2730 7900 or
Al Fresco Eats – Hong Kong Island Southside
Spices
The food here is delicious, but the curries can feel a bit heavy in hotter weather, making autumn the perfect time of year to enjoy a lazy Indian/Thai/Malay lunch on the veranda before strolling over to Repulse Bay Beach. Reservations are a must, particularly at the weekend.
Where: 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay
Book: 2292 2821 or [email protected]
Crft Pit
One for the BBQ lovers who don’t have their own backyard to grill in, head to Crft Pit’s generous outdoor balcony for views of the sea, instead of your half-naked neighbour sunning in a lounger.
Where: Unit 2, 3/F, Harbour Industrial Center, 10 Lee Hing Street, Ap Lei Chau
Book: 2476 2800 or [email protected]
Stanley Promenade Restaurants
If it’s shaping up to be a lovely day and you find yourself wishing you’d thought to make a lunch reservation, don’t despair – head to the Stanley waterfront and take your pick of al fresco restaurants for an easy afternoon meal. Menus are displayed outside the restaurants for passersby to peruse – the fare tends toward pub/international cuisine, with several pizzerias. Most (if not all) the restaurants in this location are very family friendly and have high chairs available.
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Al Fresco Eats in the New Territories & Islands
Casa Tapas Bar
Not for the fancy crowd, Casa Tapas Bar delivers local craft beer and of course, tapas, in a chilled out outdoor setting complete with large wooden picnic tables. Perfect for turning up in sandy flip-flops after a long day at the beach in Sai Kung.
Where: Shop 1 & 2, Sui Yat Building, Hoi Pong Square, Sai Kung
Book: 2440 9288
One-ThirtyOne
Looking for a unique location to celebrate a special occasion? Well, look no further because One ThirtyOne is certain to fulfil that “wow” factor. Located in a three-storey house with a garden overlooking Three Fathoms Cove, this romantic restaurant serves up contemporary French cuisine with plenty of style. Perfect for private parties or even small weddings, One ThirtyOne even has their very own helipad to land your chopper or a private jetty to moor your yacht in case the trek from Central is too daunting! Oh how very James Bond!
Where: 131 Tseung Tau Village, Shap Sze Heung, New Territories
Book: 2791-2684 or [email protected]
Mavericks
Want to escape the hustle and bustle? Head over to Lantau Island and go to Mavericks – a bar, restaurant and board shack located right on Pui O Beach. The award-winning executive chef Austin Fry serves simple, quality beach food and drinks in a dramatic space featuring large scale artworks by some of Hong Kong’s leading young artists.
Where: Pui O Beach, Lantau Island
Book: 5662 8552 or [email protected]
Find more beach bars and restaurants in this post.
D’Deck
If your party can’t quite narrow down their dining choice, take a stroll around D’Deck in Discovery Bay and check out the many outdoor restaurants on offer. The spacious setting allows for 180º sea views which glow nightly from the Disneyland fireworks. Cuisines ranging from Thai, Korean, Japanese and western flavours in the form of brasseries and bars means there is something for all appetites.
Where: 92 & 96 Discovery Bay Road, Discovery Bay (right beside ferry pier)
Book: Various contacts – check online
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Al Fresco Drinks – Hong Kong Island
Cabana
Pack your sunglasses, a book for the beach and some sunblock and you are ready to go at this luxury beach club with a fantastic view. The 10,000+ square-feet open-air rooftop is a spacious retreat from the city and is the perfect place to enjoy a bottle of champagne, wine, or beer. Guests can experience a variety of cuisine in the nearby sister restaurants or simply soak in the atmosphere of their afternoon sunset party.
Where: 28 Beach Road, Lobby A Rooftop, The Pulse, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong
Book: 2889 5939 or [email protected]
Mahalo
Max Traverse, the guy behind the tiki lounge favourite Honi Honi Tiki, brings another authentically themed tropical setting with Mahalo Tiki Lounge. The upscale tiki bar located in the penthouse of QRE plaza in south Wan Chai boasts amazing views of Hong Kong Island, which you can take in while sipping on one of many creative, booze-filled cocktails with names like Toko Naki Night and Aloha Nui Loa. There are some nibbles too, like fresh pololi Hawaiian food (not available on weekends) to have while relaxing on the huge outdoor terrace. For a moment you may think you’re in Hawaii…
Where: 29/F, QRE Plaza, 202 Queens Road East, Wan Chai
Book: 2488 8750 or [email protected]
Pier 7
Did you know that there is a bar situated atop the Star Ferry pier in Central? Pier 7 offers a cool breeze and harbour views along with a snack menu perfect for sharing over after work drinks.
Where: Shop M, Roof Viewing Deck, Central Pier 7, Star Ferry, Central
Book: 2167 8377 or [email protected]
Havana
Havana has a decently sized terrace where you can let your cares slip away while sipping a fabulous Mojito or one of their special homemade rum-infusions. As the night wears on this LKF bar gets it’s clientele into a fiesta mood with a DJ soundtrack.
Where: 4 / F, The Plaza, No. 21 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central
Book: 2851 4880 or [email protected]
Duddell’s
A stylish setting featuring expertly curated art exhibits inside as well as a large, lush garden terrace perfect for cocktails from the in-house mixologist before a Cantonese meal in the (indoor) dining room downstairs.
Where: Level 3, Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell Street, Central
Book: 2525 9191 or [email protected]
Portico
It’s ultra-Central location makes Portico perfect for after-work drinks and the comfy sofas and excellent cocktails are guarunteed to help you unwind. We particularly love the Portico Sling with Tanqueray, chamomile syrum, lemon juice and egg white. To make a night of it, book a table at Spiga (right next door) to sample chef Enrico Bartolini’s authentic Italian food.
Where: 29/F, 18 On Lan Street, Central
Book: 2174 8100 or [email protected]
FoFo by el Willy
The rooftop of this Wellington Street tapas restaurant focuses primarily on drinks, but they’re generally happy to bring up dessert if you ask nicely, or arrange a tapas menu for private events.
Where: 20/F M88, 2-8 Wellington Street, Central
Book: 2900 2009 or [email protected]
The Envoy
On the third floor of The Pottinger Hotel you’ll find a welcoming outdoor terrace amid the crowds of Central. Snacks and a limited a la carte menu are available including their new Colonial small plates menu that offers a taste of Britain with a colonial flair. However, the main draw here is the wondrous cocktails concocted by mixologist Antonio Lai. Birds of a Feather, a unique blend of scotch, blueberry and pomegranate tea syrup, blueberry puree, malt essence and lemon juice is served in an adorable bird-shaped glass. You have to try one (or many) to believe what they have come up with.
Where: 3/F, The Pottinger Hong Kong, 74 Queen’s Road Central, Central
Book: 2169 3311, or
Fu Lu Shou
The outdoor terrace at Fu Lu Shou has huge, bright graffiti on the wall and comfy sofas make it a great place to head to for after work drinks. Don’t forget to try one of the refreshing and rather potent cocktails. Feeling peckish? As well as the extensive drinks menu, you can also sample Chinese food inspired by the Chinatowns in the UK and US with options for light bites and larger plates available.
Where: L7, 31 Hollywood Road, Central
Book: 2336 8812 or [email protected]
Honi Honi Cocktail Lounge
When you’re longing for a tropical getaway but the next public holiday seems ages away…we’ve got your solution. Creative tiki-themed drinks are served in festive glassware or whole fruit (several arrive on fire!), and the sweet tastes/strong pours ensure you’ll forget your woes in no time.
Where: 3/F Somptueux Central, 52 Wellington Street, Central
Book: 2353 0885 or [email protected]
SEVVA
We always bring our visitors to SEVVA for delicious drinks with a view of the city skyline. This upscale rooftop in the heart of Central can be a bit on the pricey side, but it has a swankier feel than most rooftops, making it a great spot for date night.
Where: 25/F, Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central
Book: 2537 1388 or [email protected]
Sugar
For creative cocktails and tasty sharing platters (oysters, surf & turf, pizzas, and more) with open rooftop views, head a bit outside of Central to the top of EAST hotel. Wednesdays are Cuban nights, featuring specialty mojitos and cuban cigars. EAST’s house DJ is often spinning at night.
Where: 32/F, EAST, 29 Taikoo Shing Road, Taikoo Shing
Book: 3968 3738 or [email protected]
CÉ LA VI
Breathtaking views high above the city paired with serious cocktails sipped in the beautiful surroundings of the SkyBar rooftop deck. They even have a ‘Head Mixologist’ concocting drinks for your pleasure, best enjoyed Monday through Friday from 3-9 pm as they’re 2-for-1.
Click here to read more about CE LA VI’s free flow brunch.
Where: 25/F, California Tower, 32 D’Aguilar Street, Central
Book: 3700 2300, or
SKYE at the Park Lane Hotel
Do pop by at night, not just for the spectacular view of Victoria Harbour all lit up, but the table holding your bespoke cocktail too. A bright blue glow surrounds you as sit on SKYE’s outdoor deck, and drinks are within easy reach at the equally luminescent circular bar.
Where: 27/F, 310 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay
Book: 2839 3327 or [email protected]
Armani/Privé
Yes, this is the Hong Kong incarnation of Giorgio Armani’s own exclusive nightclub ‘where Milan’s fashion crowd come to play’. Expect wannabe fashionistas and throbbing DJ beats, plus a cool outdoor bar with plenty of seating to take it all in.
Where: 2/F, Landmark Chater (Chater House), 8 Connaught Road, Central
Book: 3583 2828 or [email protected]
ABOVE
Get away from Central for a change and check out the view from Aberdeen. The aptly-named Above rooftop bar housed in the Ovolo Southside hotel also has hip street art to compete with the southern district views.
Where: 23/F, Ovolo Southside, 64 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen
Book: 3460 8159 or [email protected]
IFC Rooftop
The IFC Rooftop Garden is a public space with tables and grassy areas open to all. You can BYO, or order drinks and snacks (think quesadillas and chicken wings) from Red Bar.
Where: 4/F, IFC mall, 8 Finance Street, Central
Book: 8129 8882 or [email protected]
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Al Fresco Drinks – Kowloon
VIBES @ The Mira Hotel
A luxury outdoor hideaway located on the fifth floor of the Mira Hotel. DJs, cocktails and shisha pipes make it a great place to kick back and relax after a hard day’s work. Thursdays are Arabic nights, featuring a belly dancer, mezze platters, shisha and Arabic lounge beats.
Where: 5/F, The Mira, 118 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Book: 2315 5599 or [email protected]m; WhatsApp for Instant Bookings 9828 3890
The Garage Bar
Garden patio with stunning mango trees, red lanterns and street culture inspired florescent neon red lights installed alongside two antique French Citroëns, dressed as food trucks. Get craft beers and East meets West street food at this easy-going spot.
Where: 555 Shanghai Street, Mongkok, Kowloon
Book: 3552 3388, or
Eyebar
Perched on the top floor of iSQUARE in TST, Eyebar is a popular spot for firework viewing, with plenty of chairs positioned opposite the harbour for the best outlook. Sample a long list of signature cocktails, including the Suzie Wong, served in a souvenir tumbler that’s yours for the taking.
Where: 30/F, iSQUARE, 63 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Book: 2487 3988 or [email protected]
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