Hong Kong has a wide range of wine-and-dine options — from rooftop bars and dim sum restaurants, to afternoon-tea havens and family-friendly joints. And if you’re looking for a spot where you can sample great food while you catch stunning views of the sunset, indulge in a bit of people-watching, or even enjoy an intimate date night, there are loads of al fresco and terrace restaurants in the city where you can do just that. Read our guide to the best outdoor restaurants in Hong Kong, which covers Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories.
Arcane — Central
This brainchild of award-winning chef Shane Osborn has been a staple on the Hong Kong dining scene for a decade, and is renowned for its modern European culinary offerings. The outdoor dining space of this Michelin-starred restaurant is sandwiched between two buildings in Central, and its verdant environs are a stark contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers. If you have time for a leisurely meal, we recommend their three-course set lunch menu or the dinner tasting menu, both of which have vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
Price Range: $$$
Signature Dishes: Pan Roasted Loin of Lamb, Roasted Hokkaido Scallop
Location: 3/F 18 On Lan Street, Central & Western District
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | +852 2728 0178
New Baccarat Seafood Restaurant — Cheung Chau
If you want a truly Hong Kong al fresco dining experience, we suggest you head to a dai pai dong. And one of the best in the business is New Baccarat Seafood Restaurant, which is on many a foodie’s Cheung Chau must-try list. The popular joint, which has been around for about 20 years, is best known for the Cantonese-style seafood feasts it serves up — think mantis shrimp, razor clams, and whole crabs. There are also loads of chicken dishes and claypot options if you’d like to explore non-seafood options.
Price range: $$
Signature Dishes: Razor Clams, Eggplant and Pork Claypot
Location: G/F, 9A Pak She Praya Road, Cheung Chau
Contact: Website | +852 2981 0606
Wooloomooloo Steakhouse — Tsim Sha Tsui
While Wooloomooloo Steakhouse in Wan Chai has stunning views of the city from its 31st floor location, the Tsim Sha Tsui East branch gives diners a street-level view of the goings-on at Victoria Harbour. This sprawling two-floor casual dining space has an al fresco area that seats 42, where patrons can feast on top-grade signature steak cuts and sip on sundowners. Wooloomooloo is probably best known for its Short Bone-In Rib Eye Steak, but their Crab Cake and Pan Seared Salmon are worth checking out as well, as are their pizzas and pastas.
Price Range: $$$$
Signature Dishes: Short Bone-In Rib Eye Steak, Crab Cake
Location: G7/8, G/F & 1/F, Tsim Sha Tsui Centre, 66 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | +852 2722 7050
Sunset Grill — Tung Chung
This is the perfect spot to unwind over a leisurely weekend brunch while you take in the views of the airport at Chek Lap Kok and the Bay Area. Perched atop the Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel, Sunset Grill boasts a menu that caters to everyone — whether it’s the 30-day dry-aged bone-in steak for hard-core carnivores or the Whole Lemon dessert if you’re in the mood for a sweet treat.
Price Range: $$$
Signature Dishes: 30-day Dry-aged Bone-in Steak, Hokkaido Scallops
Location: 19/F Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel, 9 Yi Tung Road, Tung Chung
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | +852 2535 0025
Pondi — Sai Ying Pun
If you’re looking for a spot for an intimate date night, then this restaurant in a cul-de-sac in Sai Ying Pun should be right up your alley. Pondi takes inspiration from the former French colony of Pondicherry in India, which is seen in its chic décor and fusion menu. The indoor seating area on the ground floor spills out into the al fresco seating area on Fuk Sau Lane. Try the baby calamari that comes with fino sherry, pancetta stuffing and pistachio, or the gougères with goats cheese and anchovy sambal. While the drinks menu is sherry-forward, diners can also opt for natural wines.
Price Range: $$$
Signature Dishes: Gougères, Baby Calamari
Location: 14 Fuk Sau Lane, Sai Ying Pun
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | +852 6113 0195
Island Table Grocer Café — Peng Chau
The outlying island of Peng Chau now has a lively F&B scene, and this quaint coffee shop is one of its highlights. The family-run joint is one of the best cafés in Hong Kong, and is popular among day-trippers for its innovative menu and family-friendly vibe. Their homemade Sausage Roll is pretty hard to beat, and the Lemonade Coffee is a refreshing take on a caffeine-based drink. Make sure you grab one of its al fresco tables to people-watch from this outdoor café.
Price Range: $$
Signature Dishes: Sausage Roll, Lemonade Coffee
Location: 9C Wing Hing Street, Peng Chau
Contact: Facebook | Instagram | +852 6019 7694
Feather & Bone — Tsuen Wan West
Looking for a spot in the New Territories to chill out over a great view? Feather & Bone has the distinction of being among the best butchers in Hong Kong, and even has restaurants attached to its retail spaces — including their outlet in Tsuen Wan. This outdoor terrace restaurant is a great place to unwind over a coffee or a meal — we go for the Dry-aged Beef Burger, or the Smashed Avocado if we’re in the mood for something lighter.
Price Range: $$$
Signature Dish: Dry-Aged Beef Burger, Smashed Avocado
Location: Shop G/F 09 OP Mall, 100 Tai Ho Road, Tsuen Wan
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | +852 6313 0513
Ruam — Wan Chai
This dining spot above Wan Chai’s busy Ship Street has a laid-back vibe in sync with its menu featuring Thai market favourites. While you can sit in their indoor space in front of the open kitchen, we prefer sipping a cocktail on the terrace while sampling dishes like the Gaeng Massaman Ka Gae (massaman curry with lamb) or the Gai Yang (Thai-style grilled chicken) with Sticky Rice.
Price Range: $$-$$$
Signature Dish: Gaeng Massaman Ka Gae, Gai Yang with Sticky Rice
Location: 1/F, J Residence, 60 Johnston Road, Wan Chai
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | +852 3160 8535
Little Cove Espresso — Sai Kung
If you’re in Sai Kung and are in the mood for a light bite and coffee, stroll on over to Little Cove Espresso. This family- and pet-friendly spot serves up a great cuppa and healthy Mediterranean food. The Spiced Chicken Salad — which you can order with halloumi — and the Hazelnut French Toast are popular picks, as are the flat white and piccolo.
Price Range: $$
Signature Dishes: Spice Chicken Salad, Hazelnut French Toast
Location: Sai Kung Town Villa Block A, Siu Yat Building Block A, Shop 1+2, G/F, Sai Kung Hoi Pong Square, Sai Kung
Contact: Facebook | Instagram | +852 397 0875
Café Claudel — Central
If you’re looking for a meal with a side of history, there are several restaurants located in heritage buildings in Hong Kong. Café Claudel has one of the best al fresco dining options in the city, with its view of Tai Kwun’s historical parade ground. The outdoor café’s French vibe is reflected in its menu, which features Escargots au Beurre d’Ail, Ravioles De Royan, and Croque Monsieur. As a bonus, the restaurant also provides a great vantage point for the installations and shows that Tai Kwun hosts at the parade ground.
Price Range: $$$
Signature Dishes: Croque Monsieur, Ravioles De Royan
Location: Shop 1, G08, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central & Western District
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | +852 4447 2285
Paper Moon — Tsim Sha Tsui
The Hong Kong branch of this restaurant that has its roots in Milan is known for its breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour, thanks to its wraparound terrace. If you’re looking for authentic Italian fare, then Paper Moon has got you covered with its antipasti, the Homemade Pappardelle with Smoked Pancetta in Tomato Cream Sauce, and Clams and Parsley Spaghetti. This is also a great spot to watch fireworks in Hong Kong.
Price Range: $$-$$$
Signature Dishes: Homemade Pappardelle, Clams and Parsley Spaghetti
Location: Shop OTE 301, Level 3, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | +852 2156 2256
Lamma Grill — Lamma Island
For over 10 years, Lamma Grill has been a must-try restaurant in Lamma. Caroline and her team serve generous Western food (yes, portions are big!) with a delightful and colourful outdoor seating area where you can enjoy stunning pink sunsets over the ferry pier. What to order? You have plenty of choices, including pizza from Lamma Express (the sister restaurant), burgers, spaghetti, or snacks like sweet potato fries, Jalapeño poppers or even poutine. Lamma Grill also serves some vegetarian and vegan dishes for our plant-based food lovers.
Price Range: $$-$$$
Signature Dishes: Caroline Burger, Jalapeño Poppers, Poutine, Grilled Veg Pizza, Rack of Ribs
Location: 36 Yung Shue Wan Main St, Lamma Island
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | +852 2982 1447
Sau Kee Seafood Restaurant — Lamma Island
Yes, another spot in Lamma! But this time, let’s explore seafood, and if there are various options on the island, whether you’re in Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan, Sau Kee is one of the best spots. While prices are affordable, the traditional mouthwatering Cantonese dishes will make you come back for sure. The menu is huge and ranges from fresh fish cooked with soy sauce to fried pigeon, from fried rice to Char Siu and Siu Yuk if you’re not into seafood, and of course, many treasures from the sea like fried calamari, scallops with vermicelli noodles, clams, crabs, or lobsters. Sau Kee offers a large outdoor seating, and baby chairs are available.
Price Range: $
Signature Dishes: Fresh Fishes, Scallop With Vermicelli Noodles, Fried Rices
Location: 43 Yung Shue Wan Main Street, Lamma
Contact: +852 2982 0210
Now that you’ve got an idea of the best outdoor restaurants in Hong Kong, you may also want to find out about other dining experiences in the city. Check out our guides to the best foods and snacks in the city and Hong Kong’s signature street food if you want the complete 852 foodie experience.
Header image credits: Paper Moon
