Hong Kong has some of the best restaurants in the world! It is a culinary delight for those who visit the city and even those who live here. From some of the best value-for-money restaurants to the pinnacle of fine dining, Hong Kong has it all!

Most of Hong Kong’s famous restaurants are located within the city, either on Hong Kong Island or on the Kowloon side. However, sometimes you just want to escape the city to seek solace in nature, whether it’s on a hike or a trip to the beach. And if you’re foodies like us, you’ll also be on the lookout for the best places to eat during these excursions!

Luckily, over the years, we’ve discovered some amazing and unique restaurants outside the main city of Hong Kong. Many of these restaurants have incredible ambience and amazing views. And not to mention delicious food at very reasonable prices (relatively speaking)!

After having eaten at numerous restaurants during our hikes or visits to remote beaches, we’ve narrowed the list of our favourite restaurants outside the city.

The Gallery, Tong Fuk, Lantau Island

Address: 26 Tong Fuk Village, Lantau Island

Phone: 29802582

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The Gallery is our favourite restaurant in Hong Kong, and probably Hong Kong’s best-kept secret.

Located on the main South Lantau Road, the restaurant serves some of the most delicious food in Hong Kong. We can guarantee that if this restaurant was located in the city, they’d never be any tables available.

Owned and managed by an Australian family, the restaurant is best known for its dry-aged steak. Not only is the food excellent, but also the outdoor porch seating is so relaxing. Just kick back with a beer, while your steak cooks on the grill beside you. There are plenty of vegetarian options for non-meat eaters as well.

What to order

The Gallery is best known for its dry-aged steak and also has some seasonal dishes such as grilled lobster that we recommend trying. Their spicy beef pizza is not to be missed and if you’re not a fan of steak, we do recommend their beef kofta which is served with a side of soft pita and fries.

How to get here

You can get to The Gallery by ferry and then bus, or by MTR and then bus.

Ferry & bus

1. Take the ferry from Central Pier No. 6 to Mui Wo.
2. From Mui Wo Ferry Pier, catch bus number 1, 2, or 4.
3. Alight at Tong Fuk Village bus stop.

MTR & bus

1. Take the MTR to Tung Chung.
2. Take bus number 11 from the bus terminal (5 min walk from the MTR).
3. Alight at Tong Fuk Village bus stop.

You could also take a taxi from Mui Wo Ferry Pier or Tung Chung.

Nearby activities

We usually combine our visit to The Gallery with a relaxing afternoon at Tong Fuk Beach. However, if you’re in the mood for a hike, we recommend completing the trail from Shui Hau Village to Shek Pik Reservoir on Lantau Trail Section 9.

one-thirtyone, Tseung Tau Tsuen, Sai Kung

Address: 131 Tseung Tau Village, Shap Sze Heung, Sai Kung

Phone: 27912684

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one-thirtyone is probably the most unique restaurant in Hong Kong and on this list. This fine dining establishment is located in Tseung Tau Tsuen, North Sai Kung, next to Three Fathoms Cove. This beautiful, remote restaurant is best saved for a special occasion.

one-thirtyone has limited seating and naturally, we didn’t see any walk-ins. We had to reserve a table a month in advance and of the entire experience, the booking was the most painful. For starters, despite a website, we couldn’t book online or over email. We finally had to communicate via Whatsapp to make the reservation. Also, the reservation requires that you pay the amount upfront via a bank transfer.

But once the reservation ordeal was over, we were genuinely excited to visit one-thirtyone.

The experience

one-thirtyone serves a delectable assortment of European cuisine from locally sourced ingredients. But it’s not the food that’s the highlight, but the ambience of a luxury European retreat that makes this one of the most memorable and unique dining experiences in Hong Kong.

The moment you step through the gates, you feel like you’ve been transported onto a European oasis. The salmon-coloured facade, the lush garden, and outdoor seating on the patio are all nestled among nature.

Even the indoor seating has a quaint, colonial charm. But if you ask us, make sure you sit outdoors, preferably on the patio. And as they’re only 3 tables on the patio, you must reserve your table in advance.

Honestly, when you come to dine at one-thirtyone, keep 2 to 3 hours set aside for the entire experience. The whole experience is just so relaxing and far removed from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong.

And on a related note, pets are welcome on the property. As the owner is a pet-lover herself, she encourages patrons to bring their pets along. The front garden is the perfect spot for your dog to run around.

What to order

one-thirtyone offers a set menu, with the option to customise it based on any dietary restrictions. I do imagine that the menu changes after a certain period of time.

The courses arrive one by one, and you can expect a meal to last around two hours. And unlike many restaurants in Hong Kong where you’re given a time limit, there is none at one-thirtyone. Well, unless they’re closing after lunch or dinner.

The quantity of the food was more than adequate and it was quite delicious. Honestly, we didn’t have any complaints about the food.

The entire experience reminded us of similar dining experiences in Australia, New Zealand, and Spain.

How to get here

The green minibus 807K is the only public transport available to Tseung Tau Village. The minibus runs between the University Station, on the East Rail line, and Tseung Tau Village.

So, the easiest way to get to one-thirtyone, using public transport, is to ride 807K from the University Station. You can also catch the minibus at Ma On Shan, from the Bayshore Towers bus stop on Sai Sha Road, if that’s more convenient. But of course, you can always take a taxi to the village.

Make sure you alight at the second last stop in the village, next to the salmon-coloured pillar with the sign for the restaurant.

From the pillar, walk down the village road this you arrive at the entrance for the organic farm and the restaurant.

Stay to the right as you walk down this road. one-thirtyone is located at the end of this road.

If you plan to self-drive to the restaurant, you’ll be happy to know that there is plenty of parking.

Nearby activities

Although Three Fathoms Cove is bustling with water sports and activities, we’re not sure if you would combine it with a fine dining experience. However, we highly recommend taking a walk down to the coast after your meal at one-thirtyone.

There is a small private garden that can be accessed via the side gate from the restaurant. You can walk along the coastline and find a nice spot to relax. Bring a book along if you plan to spend your afternoon by the bay.

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Genuine Lamma Hilton Fishing Village Restaurant, Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island

Address: G/F, Lot 584 DD.10, Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island

Phone: 2982 8220

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If you’re looking for fresh, delicious seafood that doesn’t break the bank, The Lamma Hilton Fishing Village Restaurant is the place to go.

On a clear day, dining at this restaurant truly feels like a beachside holiday. Be sure to make a reservation before your visit or else the wait for a table can be excruciating.

The restaurant is only open for lunch and serves some of the best and freshest seafood that we’ve eaten in Hong Kong. Order a glass of wine or beer and soak in the surroundings while your food arrives at a leisurely pace. Yes, the service here can be very slow but we think it’s worth the wait.

What to order

We loved the lobster with spicy salts and the Hokkaido scallops with vermicelli and garlic. The fried squid is perhaps the most popular item on the menu. Some of the other dishes which we cannot wait to go back and try are the steamed fish and black pepper crab.

How to get here

You can either take the ferry from Central or Aberdeen to Sok Kwu Wan on Lamma Island.

The timetable for the Central to Sok Kwu Wan ferry can be found on the HKKF website. And the timetable for the kai-to (small ferry) from Aberdeen to Sok Kwu Wan can be found on this website. The kai-to from Aberdeen stops first at Mo Tat Wan, a small village north of Sok Kwu Wan.

Nearby activities

You can combine a visit to the Lamma Hilton Restaurant with a trip to one of the many beaches on Lamma Island. If you’re feeling energetic, reward yourself with lunch at this restaurant after completing the Sok Kwu Wan Circular Hike.

Or you could hike to Yung Shue Wan from Sok Kwu Wan after your meal.

Melanie’s Kitchen, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island

Address: 55 Yung Shue Wan Main St, Lamma Island

Phone: 63785573

Website

Staying on Lamma Island, Melanie’s Kitchen is an unassuming restaurant that simply delights you with every dish! It may look like a few tables and chairs if you pass it by on Yung Shue Wan Main Street, but don’t be fooled by appearances!

Melanie’s Kitchen serves some of the most authentic and delicious Indonesian food in Hong Kong. But what makes it really special is that the owners are the only employees in the restaurant. They take your order, cook it, and serve you the food.

That’s when you understand the point of keeping it such a small restaurant. Because it’s more like a private kitchen for you where you’ll be well taken care of!

What to order

Honestly, I don’t have a personal recommendation. I loved everything we ate. We do recommend speaking to the owners and asking questions about the food they prepare.

Oh, and the menu is vegan-friendly.

How to get there

Much like Sok Kwu Wan, Yung Shue Wan can also be reached from Central or Aberdeen.

The ferry schedule for Central to Yung Shue Wan can be found on the operator’s website. As can the ferry timetable from Aberdeen to Yung Shue Wan.

Nearby activities

There are plenty of things to do on this side of Lamma Island too. You can visit the Lamma Power Station Beach or Hung Shing Yeh Beach. Or you can hike to Sok Kwu Wan on the Lamma Island Family Walk.

Or if you prefer staying on the north side of Lamma, then perhaps the Hong Kong Greenhouse Trail – Lamma Island Route might be of interest to you.

Be sure to read our complete guide to Lamma Island to get more inspiration.

Ming Kee Seafood Restaurant, Po Toi Island

Address: Tai Wan, Po Toi Island, Po Toi Island

Phone: 28497038

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Ming Kee Seafood restaurant keeps up with the theme of local seafood restaurants on outlying islands in Hong Kong.

The restaurant is located on Po Toi Island, often referred to as the South Pole of Hong Kong, and offers a wide selection of the freshest seafood! And I must add, has really good service!

It goes without saying that the food is delicious, but what we loved most about the restaurant is its location and ambience.

Ming Kee is located right on the beach in Po Toi’s Tai Wan harbour. You can truly appreciate the views of the sea and sand as you enjoy delicious fresh seafood with your drink. If you have kids, they will enjoy swimming right next to the restaurant.

What to order

I imagine that you wouldn’t be disappointed with the seafood that you order at Ming Kee. The salt and pepper calamari is their speciality, but we really loved their steamed scallops!

Keep in mind that the prices are at par with similar restaurants on the island and that they only accept cash.

How to get there

Unless you plan to rent your own junk, the easiest way to get to Po Toi Island is from Stanley or Aberdeen. The ferry timetable can be found on this site.

Given the frequency of the ferry, we do think Sundays are the best day to visit the island.

Nearby activities

Po Toi Island packs in plenty of activities for a day! From hikes to some of the best rock formations in Hong Kong! We have a dedicated post on how the best things to do on Po Toi Island.

However, if you just want a relaxing day at Ming Kee, we recommend walking to the Tin Hau Temple and Conch Rock (Snail Rock). Both attractions are a short 400-metre walk from the restaurant.

Xi Xup Bar and Kitchen, Tai Wai (NT)

Address: GF, 70-72 Chik Chuen St, Tai Wai

Phone: 93892269

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Xi Xup Bar and Kitchen is a quaint little Vietnamese restaurant located in Tai Wai near Sha Tin. The restaurant’s menu is inspired by the bustling streets of Saigon that are packed with street food vendors, who have been around for decades.

The restaurant serves some deliciously authentic Vietnamese food and beverages! And even though it’s hidden away in one corner of Tai Wai, it’s always packed with people. We recommend making a reservation ahead of your visit.

What to order

Everything that we’ve tried on their menu has been delectable. Our favourite dishes are the seafood spring rolls, bo quan lua hong (beef slices with onion, lemongrass and crackers) and the da lat (a Vietnamese pizza).

And of course, no Vietnamese meal is complete without the classic egg coffee. We also recommend the pandan cocktail; it is absolutely delicious!

How to get here

Xi Xup is a 5-7 minute walk from the Tai Wai MTR Station (East Rail Line and Tuen Ma Line).

Nearby activities

Tai Wai is the starting point of the 22 km cycling track that runs till Tai Mei Tuk. You don’t have to cycle all the way if you don’t want to, but we recommend covering the scenic section between the Hong Kong Science Park and Tai Po.

You can read more about the best cycling routes near Tai Wai in our post.

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Po Toi O seafood restaurants, Clearwater Bay

Address: Po Toi O Chuen, Sai Kung, New Territories

Phone: 27195730

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The quiet fishing village of Po Toi O is located at the end of Po Toi O Chuen Road, under Clearwater Bay Country Club. When you reach the village, it almost feels like you’ve reached one end of Hong Kong. That’s how remote it is!

At the end of the village are two adjacent seafood restaurants – Fat Kee and Seafood Island. Although we personally prefer Seafood Island, they both serve delicious and affordable seafood next to the water.

Just don’t expect anything fancy. The plastic chairs and tables are all part of the charm. But more importantly, the food doesn’t disappoint!

What to order

We recommend the steamed fish with ginger and spring onion, the fried squid with salt and pepper, and the scallops in vermicelli. And don’t forget to order a chilled local beer that complements this food very well!

How to get here

Green minibus 16 is the only public transport option to Po Toi O village. The bus plies between Po Lam MTR and Po Toi O village.

Nearby activities

Many hikers to High Junk Peak choose to complete their hike at Po Toi O village. It’s a great option to earn your seafood fix after a gruelling hike!

Alternatively, you can spend time exploring the leisurely life of Po Toi O village. Admire the local Tin Hau temple, buy some locally made dried seafood, or just sit by the Po Toi O Pier.

Padstow Restaurant & Bar, Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung

Address: 112 Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung

Phone: 23355515

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Located opposite the Hebe Haven Yacht Club in Sai Kung, Padstow Restaurant & Bar has a laid-back, casual vibe that’s reminiscent of a seaside restaurant. Its proximity to the club also makes it popular with the club’s patrons who stop here, after a day out on the sea, for a drink and some hearty seaside eats.

Padstow is a great place for a casual get-together with friends and family. And like most of the restaurants on this list, it’s pet-friendly too.

What to order

We recommend ordering the Argentinian ribeye steak and the grilled whole lobster. Also, Padstow has special offers on certain items over weekdays. I think we once saw a sign for HKD 100 grilled lobster for dining on a Monday evening.

How to get here

Located at Pak Sha Wan village on Hiram’s Highway, Padstow is easily accessible by bus on the following routes

• Green minibus: 1, 1A, 1S, 2, 12, 101M
• Bus: 92, 96R, 792M

Nearby activities

For those who wish to relax on a beach after visiting Padstow, we highly recommend a visit to the nearby Trio Beach. The kaito departs from the Hebe Haven Pier opposite Padstow.

The last time we visited Padstow was after completing the Buffalo Hill Hike.

Best Restaurants outside the city in Hong Kong

We hope that you get a chance to visit some of our favourite restaurants that lie beyond the main city. Of course, this is just a condensed list of restaurants and doesn’t include all the amazing places to eat on Cheung Chau Island, Lamma Island, Mui Wo, or Cheung Sha Beach!

If you have any such fun and unique dining experiences in Hong Kong that you’d like to share with us, we’d love to read them in the comments below!