You might have heard about our love for Hong Kong umpteen times – we still do, but today, we want to share some dining highlights from a recent trip because there are many reasons to love dining at Central, really!
We all have different objectives when we travel – some like to just stuff their faces silly with all the good food, some like to experience the local culture so that they have memories to keep in their hearts for always, some like to explore the famous attractions and sites. But because we always prioritise eating (greedy like that), our tummies are ever ready to be surprised, ever game to dine at non-touristy places, ever excited to explore all the food awaiting us.
Central is a bustling area in Hong Kong, and while it may be the CBD of Hong Kong, it actually has many dining options to offer.
From a very gorgeous cafe that is filled with natural sunlight, to what is probably the sexiest Japanese restaurant in Central, and a brilliant bakery that bakes the most creative croissants; here are 7 Restaurants in Central Hong Kong To Fall In Love With.
#1 CAFE LANDMARK
It is impossible to miss this grand restaurant that sits within Landmark shopping mall. The crowd that patronizes Cafe Landmark is a chic one; an evident favourite among stylish executives in the area, as well as shoppers who need a resting stop in between their retail therapy, Cafe Landmark is easy to fall in love with.
An open space with an effortless grace and grandeur, the restaurant has an international menu with Asian influences. The patisserie is an artisanal one, with delicate bakes and creations that are both feasts for the eyes and soul.
Shop 107-108,1/F, Landmark Atrium
15 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2526 4200
Mon to Sat: 8am – 9pm
Sun & PH: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Central
#2 GOGYO
Founded by the same owner of Ippudo Ramen, GOGYO is a modern and chic Japanese ramen bar that is quite unlike the usual traditional ramen shops. The idea at GOGYO is the start with drinks; why not, right? There is a comprehensive range of Japanese craft beers, shochu, and cocktails. Then, proceed with snacks, or what we’d like to think of as Japanese bar grub. A hearty bowl of ramen shall be your main, and that is the way we roll at GOGYO.
GOGYO has five ramen options on the menu, but the one to turn your attention to is the famous Kogashi (burnt) Miso Ramen – the broth is charred with large flames, giving the ramen a sensational smoky flavour. Expect a slightly thicker broth, and more robust taste; if you are not a fan of rich flavours, this might not be for you, though.
Fancy a lunch set? They’ve got one that is pretty value-for-money. For HK$188, the Eel Hitsumabushi Rice Bowl Set comprises a unajyu, vegetable tempura and a side salad. The seating capacity at GOGYO is relatively small, but there is a reason why so many are willing to wait patiently for a seat. You shall know why too when it is your turn.
Shop 3020, Level Three IFC Mall
1 Harbour View Street, Central
Tel: +852 2385 1366
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Hong Kong
#3 KIKUSAN
Kikusan is our newfound favourite restaurant in Hong Kong when we need our Japanese food fix without breaking the bank. It is also possibly the sexiest Japanese casual dining outlet in Central, one that we cannot ever get sick of. The prices are unbelievably affordable, and if we were citizens of Hong Kong and working in Central, you would see us there very often with our Kikusan Roll.
Yes, the Kikusan Roll (HK$68), a maki roll with gorgeous chunks of uni (sea urchin), shrimp and minced fatty tuna. You read that right – all these premium ingredients packed in a neat maki roll for just HK$68! Can you believe it?!
Kikusan also has a selection of Japas (their version of Japanese tapas). It might sound bizarre, but we actually love the Kimuchi (HK$28) the best. It is essentially ‘kimchi’, but Kikusan prepares their own with homemade Japanese chilli. Other noteworthy dishes include the comforting Fried Okinawa Bitter Melon & Pork (HK$58) which reminded us of a taste of home, and the Assorted Sashimi with Rice (HK$138) which is otherwise known as ‘chirashi-don’.
Shop B13-16, Basement, Landmark Atrium, Central, Hong Kong
15 Queen’s Road Central
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2500 0555
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Central
#4 MAXIM’S CAKES
Of course, the ones who are always in a hurry are not forgotten. You still deserve some nice bites in between meetings. Grab some fresh bakes from Maxim’s Cakes to keep you company while you clock your meetings in the day. Maxim’s Cakes is an all-time favourite place to stop by whenever we need to pick up a bread roll or two, and they are conveniently located EVERYWHERE in Hong Kong – and we really mean everywhere.
The outlet in Central is strategically located on Pedder Street, just right outside the MTR station. We often find ourselves drawn to the shop by the aroma of fresh bread and cakes. There will definitely be something for everyone – savoury and sweet breads, cake slices, biscuits and even mooncakes now that it is Mid-autumn festival.
This Mid-autumn festival, look forward to the Mei-Xin Lava Custard Mooncakes which has liu sha that actually flows from the mooncake center. What socery, right? Another creation that you can look forward to is the special Tsum Tsum edition mooncakes. The cute packaging will definitely delight every fan. But you may stick to the classics if you’d like – the Mei-Xin White Lotus Seed Paste with Egg Yolk will be just right for you.
Shop 3, G/F, Tak Shing House
20 Des Voeux Road Central, Central
Tel: +852 2526 7296
Nearest Station: Central
#5 PEKING GARDEN RESTAURANT
Established in 1978, Peking Garden Restaurant is known for its authentic Peking Cuisine and it is listed in the Michelin Restaurant Guide from 2013 to 2015. Whether it is a place for family dinners, or for a corporate meal, Peking Garden Restaurant is a notable choice.
While Peking Garden Restaurant has several outlets in Hong Kong, we like the branch at Alexandra House as it exudes ancient beauty with hints of gold and red.
Famed for their Barbecued Peking Duck (well, you saw that coming from their name right?), we savoured the prized crispy skin that came with a hint of smoky applewood taste.
Dining here may be relatively pricier, but the Peking Duck, as well as dishes such as Braised Tientsin Cabbage with Jinhua Ham, Deep-fried Prawn in Chilli Sauce and Chilled Duck Tongue in Mustard will have you rubbing your bellies with happy sighs.
Shop B1, Basement 1, Alexandra House
16-20 Chater Road, Central
Tel: +852 2526 6456
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Central
simplylife is a European-style bakery cafe, and it is one that had us falling in love with over and over again. In a busy city where people are always racing against time and missing out on the smallest things, simplylife is an oasis of calmness in Hong Kong, and quite simply what life should be.
Nothing here is unnecessarily expensive, and only the freshest ingredients are used in the preparation of its bakes and mains. There are several outlets across Hong Kong, and the one that sits at Landmark is convenient and very accessible. Well-loved by the executives working in the area, simplylife is a haven of fashionable European bakes.
Awake your senses and be greeted by the scent of fresh bakes every morning. simplylife’s range of breads and cakes is a sight to behold. Prices here are exceptionally reasonable, by the way.
Shop B32, Landmark Atrium,, Central
The Landmark, Central
Tel. +852 2978 3929
Mon to Sat: 7.30am – 8pm
Sun & PH: 8.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Central
It is no secret that our loyalty is sold to URBAN Bakery Works. Its concept shop at The Landmark is a stunner, and it promises nothing but a hip and fun experience. We are crazy about their croissants. If you haven’t tried, you must not miss the world for this – because these people are really game to outdo the Parisians with their croissants.
While you may be mind-blown by the sheer number of fancy croissants available, the highlight has got to be the Ball Law Cowssant – a hybrid of croissant and po luo bao (pineapple bun) complete with a slab of French butter, the Ball Law Cowssant (Dare devil version) totally blew us away, and we will go so far as to say that it is a must-eat in Hong Kong.
Other croissant flavours that captured our hearts were the Crunchy Peanut Butter that is lavishly filled with chunky spread, and the Lava Custard Croissant – if you think “liu sha bao” is divine, wait till you try this! That’s not all. The chic bakery cafe also serves excellent Vittoria coffee, a variety of salad and sandwiches which are perfect for a light and casual meal, as well as an array of decadent cakes and pastries.
Room 322, 3/F The Landmark
15 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 3565 4320
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 8pm Sat, Sun & PH: 8.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Central
This post is brought to you by Maxim’s Group.