Hong Kong is an oasis where parklands, skyscrapers and the Victoria Harbour are surrounded by beautiful shorelines — and it’s only natural that Hong Kong restaurateurs are perfecting the essential ingredients for a memorable dining experience by the sea. From glitzy spots overlooking the city skyline to simple seafood restaurants bordering the ocean, here are 9 seaside dining options to try in Kowloon, Hong Kong Island and the New Territories.
The Hong Kong Museum of Art transformed into a sleek glass-and-steel form after years of refurbishment. Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, HUE occupies the first floor of the museum, with an entire wall of glass looking out towards the breathtaking Victoria Harbour. The sea-view restaurant offers a gallery dining experience, with art being a strong theme of the design, so 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.
Conveniently located in Harbour City, Paper Moon is a fine dining restaurant that showcases the best of Italian cuisine. Their signature dishes like grilled black cod and tiramisu are must-tries, but the cherry on top is the sea view through a three-way glass wall. Better yet, ask for a table in the outdoor dining area and watch the sunset while you sip on a glass of wine — how romantic is that?
You can’t tell people you have been to Hong Kong without trying dim sum. There are very few trolley-service dim sum halls left in Hong Kong, and Maxim’s Palace next to Central Harbourfront is one of the best in town. Showcasing traditional Cantonese cuisine and dim sum with a backdrop of stunning Victoria Harbour, there’s no more quintessential Hong Kong dining experience than this one.
The cosy neighbourhood of Kennedy Town is home to plenty of small, independent restaurants and shops for browsing. Facing the open waterfront view is popular fish and chips joint Fish & Chick, which specialises 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 and drink in the seaside vibes.
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 rolling hills of Shek O Country Park, the restaurant exudes a rustic vibe. Simple, fresh seafood dishes such as grilled snapper, peri-peri prawns and bouillabaisse are prepared by French chef Jean Paul Gauci, who has spent many years focusing on modern Provençal cuisine. Indulge in good seafood while enjoying the sea breeze ― it’s as relaxing as it can get.
On the western side of Lantau Island is the centuries-old fishing village of Tai O, with historical stilted houses built along the waterfront. Jutting from the side of a hill is the boutique Tai O Heritage Hotel, located in a Grade 2 historic building that was originally the Tai O Police Station. Inside, you’ll find the Tai O Lookout restaurant, which boasts a glass roof and overlooks a typically impressive panorama of islands and ocean. Signature dishes you shouldn’t miss include those made with famous Tai O shrimp paste, such as pork chop bun and fried rice.
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 enjoying sharing plates of deep-fried or steamed seafood fresh from the tanks.
Hungry for more? Here are 8 Hong Kong restaurants that serve up feasts for the eyes.
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