Elaine is one half of The Whole World is a Playground where she writes about her quest to discover the world and find the best sights and adventures while eating good food and drinking fabulous cocktails! Follow her travels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Squeezed among the chaotic mix of skyscrapers, mountains, harbour, neon lights and 7 million people is a city crammed full of bars and restaurants to suit every taste. Hong Kong lives to eat and drink and I love sampling the city's cuisine and cocktails. Here are my five favourite spots to drink and dine in one of the most fabulous cities in the world!
- The Ozone Bar is a Hong Kong staple. After all, it's not every day you get the chance to sip cocktails at the highest bar in the world. Hop over to Kowloon and take the express lift to the ear popping 118th floor in the Ritz Carlton hotel for some drinks in the clouds. The views over Hong Kong Island are unbeatable and stepping out onto the terrace is an experience in itself once you find your sky legs! The cocktails are delicious and it’s best to stop by early in the evening for sunset and to take advantage of the Happy Hour offerings. Be sure to dress to impress, it is the Ritz Carlton after all!
The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, Level 118, ICC, 1 Austin Road West Kowloon, Hong Kong
Photo courtesy of Bing.
A Michelin Star dinner for less than US $15? I’m sold! Hong Kong is home to the cheapest Michelin Star restaurant in the world in the form of Dim Sum specialist Tim Ho Wan. There are branches across the city and 3 boast their own Michelin Stars. Tim Ho Wan is most definitely a no frills, hole in the wall establishment with communal tables and orders placed by ticking boxes on a menu list but it’s all part of the fun. Queues are entirely likely but the BBQ pork buns are magic making it worth the wait!
Branches with Michelin Stars at North Point, Sam Shui Po and Tai Kwok T Sui
- Spectacular harbour views in a funky rooftop setting where you can bring your own food and drinks may sound too good to be true but pop up to the roof garden in Central's IFC mall and it's a reality. A bring your own bottle picnic on a panoramic rooftop is a Hong Kong gem! The CitySuper deli located on the first floor of the mall, with its endless supply of enticing food, sushi and drinks, is the perfect spot to pick up some picnic treats or stop by Tim Ho Wan’s IFC branch (see number 2) for some Dim Sum. Be brave and grab a table on the roof, they may look like they belong to the surrounding bars and restaurants but the outdoor furniture is for everyone's use.
IFC Mall, Central, Hong Kong
Photo courtesy of Danny Nicholson.
With a name as impressive as its whiskey selection, Angels Share in Soho is a must visit on the Hong Kong bar trail. The story goes that before science got involved the angels were considered responsible for the annual 2% loss of whiskey from the barrel as it matured. Angles Share is luxurious and sophisticated and the cocktails are a treat (the Victoria’s Secret is my favourite!). The centre piece of the bar is a full size oak barrel from which whiskey is drawn directly. The angels obviously have good taste if the drinks at Angels Share are anything to go by!
2/F, Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
- If you're in Hong Kong at the weekend it can only mean one thing: the much loved champagne brunch ritual! Zuma’s Baikingu brunch in the Landmark building attracts a lively crowd and is the perfect spot for sushi and sashimi lovers. The starters are served buffet style and are followed by a sit down main from the robata or the open kitchen. The pièce de résistance is the enticing dessert platter delivered to the table. Zuma's weekend brunch is guaranteed to book out in advance so make your reservations early. The champagne is free flowing. You have been warned!
Landmark, Level 5&6, 15 Queens Road, Central Hong Kong
Cover image couresty of Colin Tsoi.
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