Off The Beaten Path: Discover Hong Kong’s Under-The-Radar Restaurants

As one of Asia’s premier food destinations, Hong Kong’s bustling Wan Chai district, sleek Central and colourfully lit Tsim Sha Tsui are renowned for their diverse food options and Michelin-starred dining. But anyone who allows themself to get a little lost will discover a whole new culinary world.

Hong Kong is a city of vivid neighbourhoods, nestling against each other and teeming with nearly unending cultural, artistic and historical discoveries – and of course scads of hidden food gems. Whether you live here, are on your first visit or are dropping in for a second – or third – time, it’s never too late to get off the main roads and explore the city’s back alleys, new towns and islands, and sample what these Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Scheme eateries are serving up.

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A Tavola Bar & Grill

Literally meaning “at the table”, and in spirit meaning “Come, eat, your meal is ready!”, A Tavola proves great Italian food can be found outside the glitter of Central. Located in a tucked away corner of Tung Chung new town, the charming A Tavola offers diners venturing to Lantau Island a tranquil experience away from the city buzz. The multi-cuisine menu features everything from fresh salads to perfectly grilled mains, served up while you relax surrounded by art (or dine al fresco surrounded by greenery!). Wherever you sit, don’t miss A Tavola’s signature open kitchen crispy pizzas, perfectly grilled rib-eye steaks – a favourite – and authentic Italian pastas cooked al dente. It’s positively Mediterranean! What’s more, its extensive range of expertly shaken cocktails, wines and beers are not to be missed.

Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 12pm to 1am; Friday and Saturday, 12pm to 2am

A Tavola Bar & Grill, Shops E & F, G/F, Seaview Crescent Plaza, Tung Chung, Hong Kong, 2321 5500, Instgram: @atavolabar, www.atavola.hk

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Jade

Jade may not be quite off the beaten path for anyone visiting venerable Ocean Park, but the main attraction is the animals. The dining options at the Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel, however, make it worth a trip to Aberdeen for everyone. Transplanting the Jade concept from Singapore’s original Fullerton, authentic Cantonese delicacies crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients nourish the body, while views of the sea and the mountain soothe the soul. Among Jade’s must-tries are exquisitely crafted dim sums, its Aberdeen-inspired sustainable Boat Dweller Fish Soup with maw, garoupa fillet and scallop, and two new award-winning entries to the menu: Mushroom & Crispy Bean Box and Ginger-Infused Peach Pigeon, both taking Gold at 2024’s The Best of the Best MASTERCHEF.

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, 11:30am to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm

Jade, 2/F, The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel, 3 Ocean Drive, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, 2166 7488, Instagram: @fullertonoceanpark, www.fullertonhotels.com

Rainbow Seafood Restuarant

Rainbow Seafood Restaurant isn’t just a restaurant: it’s a Hong Kong institution. For 40 years, Rainbow has been dishing out seafood favourites and cold beer to residents and visitors, young and old, working folks and celebrities alike at its instantly recognisable, easy-going waterside Lamma Island location. With an emphasis on quality, hygiene and fresh local ingredients, Rainbow Seafood Restaurant has hosted more than its fair share of boisterous gatherings. Best of all? Its free ferry shuttle is still running, so there’s no reason not to venture out and try Rainbow’s signature Fried Lobster with Butter Sauce, Fried Squilla with Salt & Pepper or Fried Chilli Crab with Crispy Rice. It’s legendary for a reason!

Opening Hours: Daily 11am to 10pm

Rainbow Seafood Restaurant, 23-27, Street Sok Kwu Wan 1st Street, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, 2982 8100, Instgram: @lammarainbow, www.lammarainbow.com

Sakurada Japanese Restaurant

Once considered “far” away, city-within-a-city Shatin is the beating heart of the New Territories and has become a hub of business and leisure for residents and visitors – particularly during Dragon Boat season on the nearby Shing Mun River, just steps from the Royal Park Hotel. Here, Sakurada welcomes guests with a traditional ambiance as well as exquisite teppanyaki cuisine in the district. Tender and fragrant Hida Wagyu steak, chewy, flambéd live abalone and whole live lobster with Sakurada’s exotic sauce are just a few of the must-have dishes, while the skilled chefs also excel in crafting sushi, sashimi and washoku specialties. It’s worth the trip.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, 12pm to 3:30pm, 6pm to 10pm

Sakurada Japanese Restaurant, 3/F, Royal Park Hotel, 8 Pak Hok Ting Street, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, 2694 3810, Instagram: @royalparkhotelhk, www.royalpark.com

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Silvermine Beach Resort

Shining towers make it easy to forget Hong Kong is also a city of beaches, and one of the best is on Lantau at Mui Wo. Nestled between the lush green of island and the water of Silvermine Bay is the relaxing Silvermine Beach Resort. Steeped in history and nature, Mui Wo has been a popular getaway from city life for years, and the resort’s restaurant makes for a great mid-day pit stop or excursion-capping feast. Blending Asian and international cuisine, Silvermine’s menu spotlights local ingredients and has something for every taste. Among those are grilled lamb chops cooked with a fresh, house-made marinade, the tender and delectable Mui Wo Chicken and surprising seasonal specialties.

Opening Hours: Daily, 7:30pm to 9pm

Silvermine Beach Resort, D.D.2 Lot 648, Silvermine Bay, Mui Wo, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, 2984 6863, www.facebook.com/silverminebeachresort, www.silvermineresort.com

YinYue Chinese Restaurant

Tsuen Wan is one of Hong Kong’s oldest new towns, and is now a thriving satellite teeming with character. From the top floor of the Panda Hotel, YinYue offers diners a commanding view of the district to go with a selection of authentic Cantonese delicacies. After hiking in the parks or a heritage tour you can’t go wrong with YinYue’s signature Sautéed Lobster Meat with Egg White and Milk, showcasing sweetness and a creamy texture in perfect balance, the comforting and umami-forward Double-boiled Fresh Abalone Chicken Soup, or its classic Roasted Peking Duck. If you’re hiking afterwards, get a sugar jolt with some crispy, deep fried Chinese Fritters drizzled with syrup — a sweet and energising finish.

Opening Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 11am to 3pm, 6pm to 10:30pm; Sundays and public holidays, 10am to 3:30pm, 6pm to 10:30pm

YinYue Chinese Restaurant, Panda Hotel, 30/F, 3 Tsuen Wah Street, Tsuen Wan, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2409 3182, Instagram: @pandahotelhk, www.pandahotel.com

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Yuè

Venture to the western side of Kowloon and find Hong Kong’s own Gold Coast, facing the tranquil waters of Castle Peak Bay and soft sand of Golden Beach. This is where residents get away for a weekend – and where visitors discover the city beyond the hustle of the CBD and TST. Make your way to Yuè and tuck into its uniquely modern spins on traditional Cantonese dishes, proudly showing off the distinct flavours and heritage of Cantonese cuisine. Must-haves include Yuè’s signature Green Crab with Vermicelli Duo in Clay Pot and the Chicken Pot with Figs and Preserved Lemons, both of which highlight the singular blend of flavours and ingredients. Plus, sea views add to the vibe.

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:30am to 5pm, 6pm to 10pm; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, 11am to 3:30pm, 6pm to 10pm

Yuè, Lower G/F, Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel, 1 Castle Peak Road, Tuen Mun, New Territories, Hong Kong, 2452 8668, Instagram: goldcoasthotel, www.sino-hotel.com

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