Unmissable restaurants

Seventh Son
3F, The Wharney Hotel, 57 – 73 Lockhart Road, Hong Kong

This is my favorite dim sum restaurant. I have taken a whole host of people to eat at Seventh Son and it never disappoints. For meat-eaters, suckling pig is the signature dish; for vegetarians, I would recommend deep-fried taro and vegetable patties.

Yardbird
G/F, 154 – 158 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

I just love the vibe in this place! It’s full of like-minded people, and I really trust the quality of the yakitori dishes. Yardbird is a fun, modern Japanese izakaya with a great selection of highball cocktails and really friendly staff.

Cô Thành
L1, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong

I love a good Vietnamese pho with a delicious broth, but if you prefer bánh mì or other Vietnamese dishes then Cô Thành has them all. With friendly and efficient staff, this place is a great choice – especially for those looking for a quick bite while shopping in Pacific Place.

Kwan Kee Claypot Restaurant
G/F, Wo Yick Mansion, 263 Queen’s Road West, Hong Kong

For those who want to try authentic local food but aren’t daunted by the challenge of a language barrier, this tiny restaurant in Sai Ying Pun offers one of the best claypot dishes in Hong Kong. But, like all good things worth waiting for, you’ve got to queue for it: the restaurant doesn’t take reservations.

Favorite watering holes

Salon 10
10 Arbuthnot Road, Central, Hong Kong

Salon 10, which opened almost a decade ago, is actually where I met my husband – a classic, pre-Tinder fairy tale! Having survived the pandemic, it’s now a jazz bar that, from time to time, hosts themed parties. Anyone who is a true Hong Konger in the Hong Kong artworld goes to Salon 10.

Secret Bars
Various venues, Hong Kong

Hong Kong is full of ‘secret societies’ and ‘hidden bars’ that are only open to those with a personal invitation – and are often extremely difficult to find!

Nightlife

As a mother to two young children with an event-oriented job, my favorite way to spend an evening is either relaxing at home or enjoying casual drinks on a friend’s rooftop terrace. However, I do occasionally love attending the incredible parties organized by Hong Kong event planners Surprise Surprise, who describe themselves as ‘a whirl wheel of art, music, and chaos.’

Best place to catch the sunset?

One of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen in Hong Kong was at the picturesque fishing village of Tai O, which lies to the southwest of Lantau island. To get there, you need to take a ferry then a bus or a taxi over the mountain, but it’s worth it. These days, I more often catch the sunrise than the sunset – usually while I’m surfing at Big Wave Bay Beach.

Don’t miss

Sheung Wan! It is the district right next to Central but significantly calmer, Sheung Wan is a quirky district where you’ll find the cutest crystal shop (Nelles Gemmes), a kid-friendly coffee/brunch spot (Elephant Grounds), various small temples (e.g. Man Mo) and the famous ‘dried-seafood street’ on Bonham Strand West.

Top tip for first-time visitors

Hong Kong is very much a ‘vertical’ city, so don’t just settle for the restaurants and shops you come across at street level: look up!