Dining in Hong Kong - Rooftop Bars and Restaurants with the Very Best Views
The Best Outdoor Rooftops, Indoor Panoramas and Practical Booking Details
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Me Jamie, your host, I am English and I have lived in Hong Kong since January 2nd 1972 - I know the place.
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Awesome Views | The Best Restaurants + Bars | Hong Kong
Foreword by Jamie
I have been meaning to an upgraded version of a previous blog post I did a few years back, so here it is, for once I am sticking to one image, if you want to check the bar and restaurant out then simply visit their website via a simple Google Search
I have been to quite a few places on this list, as a Private Tour Guide since 2010 in Hong Kong I am often asked by guests for exactly this recommendation request. so I do keep up to date, I talk to friends and family and spend my life doing research about my home for over 50 years. I am totally aware that if you ask 1,000 people for this list you will get 1,000 different lists because food, alcohol and views are so subjective, but you have to lay down a marker and stick to it.
This is a relatively easy list by the way, in a city of 17,400 ish restaurants there is simply too much choice, but there are not that many places that fir the criteria of having amazing indoor and outdoor views.
Hong Kong rewards those prepared to go up when it comes to dining and enjoying a few drinks. The density that makes street-level movement such a daily negotiation also delivers some of the most dramatic elevated vantage points on the planet. From open rooftop terraces that catch the evening breeze off Victoria Harbour to glass-walled dining rooms where the entire skyline becomes the backdrop to dinner, the city offers a remarkable range of places that put the view front and centre.
Weather still dictates a good deal of the experience - a clear winter evening or a crisp spring dusk is ideal for outdoor terraces, while the humid summer months or sudden rain often push people indoors without any real loss of spectacle. What follows is a considered selection across four categories, roughly ten in each, with the inevitable crossovers noted where a venue works equally well for drinks or a full meal. Pricing tiers are given as a rough guide only - value for money, mid-range or high-end - because the primary focus remains the view itself. Restaurant entries include a note on the food style. Full contact details are listed so bookings can be made directly. Observations are drawn from my long familiarity with these spaces rather than any professional marketing material.
Jamie’s Top Recommendation - Bar and Restaurant with a View
Terrace Boulud by Mandarin Oriental
25/F, Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central Telephone: +852 6015 7350 Email: terraceboulud@mohg.com Website: mandarinoriental.com (Terrace Boulud section) High-end
This is the standout choice when everything is weighed together - location, terrace quality, food, service, atmosphere and overall balance. It sits on the roof of Prince’s Building, right next to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, in the space that once housed Sevva. The outdoor terrace is properly open and generous, with clear sightlines across Central’s towers and out towards the harbour. It is not the raw, dramatic, almost overwhelming panorama found at Hutong or from the upper floors of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, yet it more than compensates in every other respect.
French brasserie cooking from the Daniel Boulud team forms the core of the menu, structured around four culinary pillars - tradition, season, vegetable garden and voyage - with an additional fifth strand of DB x MO dim sum collaborations that bring a thoughtful Hong Kong touch. Classic dishes such as pâté en croûte, vol-au-vent, poulet and grilled seafood sit comfortably alongside lighter, more contemporary plates. Breakfast runs Monday to Friday, lunch and dinner daily, and the terrace and bar continue into the evening for drinks and smaller plates. The indoor dining room and bar flow naturally onto the outdoor section, so the view remains part of the experience even when weather keeps guests under cover.
Smart casual is the expected standard. One of our 3 sons who has visited left thoroughly impressed by the overall package - the food, the polished yet comfortable service, the terrace itself and the sense that the place has been thoughtfully put together rather than relying solely on altitude. For anyone seeking a rooftop that delivers on more than just the skyline, this currently sits at the top of the list.
Bars with Outdoor Terraces or Rooftops
Ozone 118/F, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui Telephone: +852 2263 2270 Email: restaurantreservation.hk@ritzcarlton.com Website: ritzcarlton.com (Ozone section) or ozonebarhongkong.com
High-end The highest bar in the world by floor position, sitting roughly 480 metres above sea level. The outdoor terrace is modest in size but the altitude itself does most of the work. On a clear evening the view stretches across the entire harbour to Hong Kong Island and beyond. Cocktails are sophisticated, service matches the hotel, and the experience is best timed for sunset. Smart casual is expected. Minimum spends can apply depending on the table.
Sugar 32/F, EAST Hong Kong, 29 Taikoo Shing Road, Taikoo Telephone: +852 3968 3738 Email: reservations@sugar-hongkong.com Website: easthotels.com (Sugar page)
Mid-range to high-end An extensive open terrace facing east across Kowloon Bay and the harbour. Less crowded than many Central or Tsim Sha Tsui rooftops and popular with the local after-work crowd from the surrounding commercial buildings. Signature cocktails often draw on Hong Kong cinema themes. Asian-inspired share plates work well with the drinks. Reservations are sensible for sunset tables, especially at weekends.
SKYE Roofbar & Brasserie 27/F, The Park Lane Hong Kong, 310 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay Telephone: +852 2839 3327 Email: skye@parklane.com.hk Website: parklane.com.hk/skye
Mid-range to high-end Curved illuminated bar and outdoor seating that looks across Victoria Park and the harbour towards Kowloon. One of the better unobstructed views from the Causeway Bay side. French-leaning food and a solid cocktail list. The terrace feels properly open rather than hemmed in by neighbouring towers.
Popinjays 26/F, The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel, 22 Cotton Tree Drive, Central Telephone: +852 3141 8888 Email: popinjays@niccolohotels.com Website: niccolohotels.com (Popinjays)
High-end One of the larger wrap-around terraces in the city, with views across Central, Admiralty and the surrounding high-rises including the Bank of China Tower and HSBC building. Floor-to-ceiling glass indoors, but the outdoor space is the main draw on good weather days. Italian-leaning bar food and carefully made cocktails. Private elevator access adds a sense of arrival.
Cardinal Point 43-45/F, Forty-Five, Gloucester Tower, Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central Telephone: +852 3501 8560 Email: bookings@cardinalpoint.com.hk Website: cardinalpoint.com.hk
High-end Sky terrace and lounge at the very top of the Landmark complex. Panoramic views over Central and the harbour. The outdoor section is properly elevated and catches the light well at dusk. Global-inspired plates and a travel-themed cocktail programme. Capacity is generous, so it can absorb larger groups without feeling cramped.
Aqua Spirit 17/F, H Zentre, 15 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Telephone: +852 3427 2288 Email: reservations@aqua.com.hk Website: aqua.com.hk
Mid-range to high-end Two expansive outdoor terraces with strong harbour and skyline views. Relocated from its earlier home, the current space retains the dramatic outlook while adding more garden-style outdoor seating. Creative cocktails and lighter Italian-Japanese bites. Popular for sundowners; book ahead if a specific terrace table is preferred.
Red Sugar Level 7, Kerry Hotel, 38 Hung Luen Road, Hung Hom
High-end 270-degree wrap-around terrace with sweeping harbour views that feel less compressed than many Island-side rooftops. The design nods to the area’s industrial past. A quieter alternative to the busier Tsim Sha Tsui and Central options, especially mid-week.
Eyebar 30/F, iSquare, 63 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Mid-range
Direct outlook across the harbour to Hong Kong Island. Long established and still effective for people-watching combined with the view. Fruity and Asian-influenced cocktails. Outdoor seating is the point of the visit.
Kaboom 20/F, Prince Tower, 12A Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Telephone: +852 3708 8114 Mid-range
Tropical-leaning rooftop with thatched elements and rattan seating. Panoramic city views. Southeast Asian fusion share plates work well with the drinks. Feels more relaxed than the ultra-polished hotel rooftops.
Terrible Baby 4/F, Eaton HK, 380 Nathan Road, Jordan Telephone: +852 2710 1866
Mid-range Spacious outdoor terrace with greenery that softens the surrounding urban density. Creative cocktails and a more informal atmosphere. Good for groups that want outdoor space without the full high-end price tag.
Bars with Strong Indoor Views
Felix 28/F, The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Wbsite: https://www.peninsula.com/en/hong-kong/hotel-fine-dining/felix
High end Philippe Starck design, double-height space and uninterrupted harbour views through floor-to-ceiling glass. The indoor setting remains one of the most theatrical in the city even without stepping outside. Classic hotel-bar service and a full drinks list.
Hutong Bar area (within the restaurant) 18/F, H Zentre, 15 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Telephone: +852 3428 8342 Email: hutong@aqua.com.hk Website: hutong.com.hk
High-end Northern Chinese restaurant whose main dining room and bar area deliver dramatic harbour views through large windows. Red lanterns and traditional architectural details contrast with the modern skyline outside. Cocktails lean botanical and Chinese-inspired.
Aqua Spirit indoor lounge Same address as the outdoor terraces above. The indoor space still frames the harbour strongly when weather keeps guests inside. Useful crossover venue.
Caprice Bar | Lounge areas at Four Seasons Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central
High-end Harbour-facing spaces with refined service and a view that remains impressive even from lower floors than the pure rooftops.
The Aubrey 25/F, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
High-end Japanese izakaya-style bar with strong city views. Intimate and polished.
Other solid indoor-view options include selected lounge areas at the Island Shangri-La and certain higher floors of hotels along the harbour front where the glass itself becomes the main design feature. The key is to request a window table or seat when booking.
Restaurants with Outdoor Terraces or Rooftops
Popinjays
(see bars section) Italian classics with modern touches. Mains typically in the higher range. Excellent for a full meal on the terrace when weather allows.
Aqua 17/F, H Zentre, 15 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Telephone: +852 3427 2288 Email: reservations@aqua.com.hk Website: aqua.com.hk
High-end Contemporary Italian and Japanese. The outdoor terraces make this a dual-purpose venue. Signature dishes and a strong wine list.
Kaboom
(see bars) Southeast Asian fusion. Lighter sharing plates and more substantial mains.
SKYE Roofbar & Brasserie
(see bars) Modern French and seafood-focused plates. Works equally well for a proper dinner.
Cardinal Point
(see bars) Global plates ranging from Asian classics to international grills. Suitable for a full meal outdoors.
Duddell’s Upper Room | Terrace 1 Duddell Street, Central
High-end Cantonese with a garden terrace. Dim sum and heritage-inspired small plates. The outdoor space feels more secluded than pure skyline rooftops.
Wooloomooloo | Harbourside
Grill style venues Various locations including higher floors in Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai. Steak-focused with outdoor seating and strong harbour outlooks. Mid-range to high-end depending on the exact branch and cuts ordered.
La Rambla by Catalunya IFC Mall area, Central
Spanish. Outdoor sections with harbour views. Good for sharing plates and paella-style dishes.
Cruise Restaurant & Bar 23/F, Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour, North Point
Asian and international. Outdoor bar and dining areas with wide harbour views that feel less compressed than central locations.
Restaurants with Strong Indoor Views
Hutong 18/F, H Zentre, 15 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Telephone: +852 3428 8342 Email: hutong@aqua.com.hk Website: hutong.com.hk
High-end Northern Chinese with theatrical presentation. Signature dishes include Flaming Peking duck, Red Lantern crispy soft-shell crab and Sichuan-style lobster. The entire dining room is oriented towards the harbour; almost every table benefits from the view. Smart casual; window seats are requested but not guaranteed.
Tosca di Angelo and Tin Lung Heen 102/F, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, ICC
High-end Italian (one Michelin star) and Cantonese (one Michelin star) respectively. Both sit high enough that the harbour and skyline fill the windows. Dim sum at Tin Lung Heen and refined Italian seafood and pasta at Tosca. Booking a harbour-side table is essential.
Caprice 6/F, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central
High-end Three Michelin stars, modern French. Straight harbour view across to Kowloon. One of the most polished indoor dining rooms with a view in the city.
Lung King Heen
Same hotel, lower floor than Caprice Two Michelin stars, Cantonese. Dim sum lunch is particularly popular for the daylight view.
Restaurant Petrus 56/F, Island Shangri-La, Admiralty
High-end Contemporary French. Floor-to-ceiling glass and a strong harbour outlook. Extensive wine list.
Felix (see bars)
Also functions as a restaurant with French and international options alongside the bar service.
Hue Dining Hong Kong Museum of Art, Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront
Modern Australian. Large windows framing the harbour and Island skyline. Strong daytime and early evening light.
Additional notes and out of left field observations
Weather remains the single biggest practical factor. Outdoor terraces are magnificent on clear, cooler evenings and can feel oppressive in peak summer humidity or when a typhoon warning is in force. Many of the better venues have strong indoor backups so a booking is rarely wasted. Dress codes lean smart casual almost everywhere listed; shorts and flip-flops will usually be turned away at the higher-end hotel properties. Minimum spends or table charges sometimes appear at the purest view tables - worth confirming when booking. For pure spectacle the highest floors still deliver, but some of the mid-level terraces (Sugar, Red Sugar, the H Zentre venues) offer a more human scale and often better service because they are less overwhelmed by transient visitors. Crossovers are common - Aqua, Popinjays, SKYE and Cardinal Point all work equally well for drinks or a full meal. Value-for-money options are thinner at the absolute top of the skyline, but a mid-week early evening visit to Sugar or Eyebar can still deliver a strong experience without the full high-end tariff.
The list is not exhaustive - new rooftops appear and older ones evolve - but these venues have demonstrated consistent quality of both view and operation over recent years. Bookings remain advisable almost everywhere, particularly for sunset or weekend slots.
So there you go
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Go here for the Hong Kong Michelin Restaurant Guide which includes the Bib Gourmand Category
I do not do Food Tours in Hong Kong but I know people that do!
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The information above can be shown to restaurant managers in Hong Kong if you are intolerant to gluten and nuts,
I do not do food tours as mentioned above, I have very specific reasons and part of it is that I do not speak Cantonese or write Chinese, I am from Yorkshire in England and I lack the language gene and it is not through lack of trying and yes a lot of restaurants do not have English menu’s or staff who speak conversational English.
.. and yet I have eaten at close to 1,400 restaurants in Hong Kong since January 2nd 1972, my wife was born in Hong Kong and we have been together over 40 years and her first language is Cantonese and a lot of her family are Chinese or half Chinese so I have never had much of an issue!
This does not translate to doing food tours though, yes, I could do them, no problem there but they would never ever be as good as the food tours done by my friends (see the 3 links above) most of their awesome guides are locally born Hong Kong Chinese and obviously food culture is part of their DNA, it is impossible for me to compete with that!
So please feel free to contact them for food tours
I do not do Hiking Tours in Hong Kong but I know someone that does!
I do not do Hiking Tours, never have and never will even though I used to go Hiking a lot when I was a lot younger, The Hong Kong Government is promoting hiking tours so I urge you to contact my friend Sabrina at Hong Kong Trails and Tours, she is a long time Hong Kong resident and and a very experienced hiker with close to 700 Hikes in 15+ years under her belt, please click on the link below
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