Hong Kong is renowned for its exceptional dining scene! It is a culinary delight for those who visit the city and even those who live here. From budget-friendly eats to fine dining establishments, Hong Kong has something for everyone.
Most of the city’s famous restaurants are concentrated on Hong Kong Island or in Kowloon, but sometimes you just need a break from urban life. Whether you’re embarking on a hike or a beach getaway, escaping the city can be just what you need to recharge. And as foodies, we know that finding great places to eat during these weekend excursions is essential.
Fortunately, our explorations have led us to discover some truly remarkable restaurants outside of Hong Kong’s main city area. These hidden gems often boast stunning views and atmospheres that perfectly complement their delicious cuisine – all at reasonable prices!
After dining at numerous restaurants on our hikes and beachside escapades, we’ve curated a list of our top picks for eating out outside the city.
The Gallery, Tong Fuk, Lantau Island
Address: 26 Tong Fuk Village, Lantau Island
Phone: 29802582
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, there’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.
- The steak getting grilled at The Gallery
- The outdoor seating at The Gallery, Tong Fuk
What to order
The menu at The Gallery is always changing. They actually don’t have menu cards, and it’s written on two vertical chalkboards.
But the restaurant is best known for its dry-aged steak and also has some seasonal dishes such as grilled lobster (if on the menu) 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.
We recently tried their beef ribs, which are meant for sharing. Honestly, they were the best beef ribs we’ve ever eaten! No jokes.
- The menu at The Gallery. Everything sounded delicious
- The best steak in Hong Kong is found at The Gallery in Tong Fuk
- Delicious beef kofta rolls at The Gallery in Tong Fuk
How to get here
You can get to The Gallery by ferry and then bus, or by MTR and then bus.
Ferry & bus
- Take the ferry from Central Pier No. 6 to Mui Wo.
- From Mui Wo Ferry Pier, catch bus number 1, 2, or 4.
- Alight at Tong Fuk Village bus stop.
MTR & bus
- Take the MTR to Tung Chung.
- Take bus number 11 from the bus terminal (5-min walk from the MTR).
- 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
one-thirtyone is a unique, 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 the 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 there are only 3 tables on the patio, you must reserve your table in advance.
- The quaint European feel of the indoor dining
- Inside one-thirtyone
- One of the most unique dining experiences in Hong Kong
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 customize it based on any dietary restrictions. But the menu changes regularly.
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 amuse bouche
- Turnips and scallops. Loved this dish!
- Beetroot gazpacho
- Rolled pork collar wrapped in bacon for the main course
- The dessert
- Coffee and petit fours to finish our lavish lunch at one-thirtyone
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 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 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.
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
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.
- Delicious fried lobster
- Scallops with vermicelli and garlic
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. 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.
- The secluded Shek Pai Wan beach that has the softest sand – Lamma Island
- We made it! Look at that view of Lamma Island below!
The China Beach Club, Mui Wo, Lantau Island
Address: 18 Tung Wan Tau Rd, Mui Wo, Lantau Island
Phone: 29838931
Tucked away at the end of Silvermine Bay Beach is The China Beach Club, a restaurant that may initially go unnoticed due to its lack of outdoor signage.
However, this hidden gem has won over the hearts of families living on Lantau Island, and of course, ours too. And it’s easy to see why. This comfort food haven offers an impressive array of delicious dishes in a warm and inviting atmosphere!
Take a seat on their balcony and soak up the stunning beachside and sea views. Better yet, bring your furry friends along – they’re more than welcome at The China Beach Club! The friendly staff and owners will make sure you and your pets feel right at home.
Before we forget, we highly recommend making a booking in advance.
What to order
For me, what sets the food at China Beach Club apart is its authenticity and generous portions. Every dish feels like a delicious home-cooked meal, and the massive helpings are impressive.
We particularly love their Cajun chicken, steak, grilled prawns, surf ‘n turf – all of which are expertly prepared. And let’s not forget the excellent home fries that accompany each dish – some of the best we’ve had!
Also, don’t forget to leave room for dessert! The homemade apple crumble and drinks are also must-try treats.
How to get there
Here is their location on Google Maps. And below are the directions in greater detail.
From Mui Wo Ferry Pier
Getting to The China Beach Club from Mui Wo Ferry Pier is easy! The journey takes around 15–20 minutes on foot. But first, you must arrive at the Mui Wo Ferry Pier. The ferry timetable can be found on the operator’s website.
As you exit the ferry pier, follow the promenade towards Silvermine Bay Beach. Continue along the promenade until you reach the end, then turn right towards the beach.
- Walk towards Silvermine Bay after exiting the ferry pier
- The Mui Wo Waterfront Promenade
Make your way past Silvermine Bay Resort and stay on the pathway behind the beach, passing by the toilets, barbecue area, and lifeguard station.
Keep walking until you see a series of chalkboard signs advertising food and drinks. At this point, climb the stairs to enter The China Beach Club’s restaurant area.
- China Club, Silvermine Beach, Mui Wo
- Look out for the specials at China Beach Club
- The restaurant is located upstairs
By Bus
If you happen to already by on Lantau Island, catch any bus to Mui Wo Ferry Pier and follow the instructions above.
Nearby activities
There are plenty of activities next to China Beach Club. In fact, you might be overwhelmed with the choices!
For starters, the restaurant is situated on Silvermine Bay Beach, a beautiful beach with plenty of space for you to relax after your meal. But if you prefer some beach activities, there are kayak rental shops right next to China Beach Club.
- Silvermine Beach, Mui Wo
- A relatively crowded Silvermine Beach on the weekend
- Kayaking in Silvermine Bay, Mui Wo
For nature lovers, we highly recommend exploring the nearby waterfalls. The short hike to Silvermine Waterfall, Pearl Falls, and Silvermine Cave is a must-do for anyone visiting the area.
- Silvermine Waterfall – beautiful!
- Silvermine Cave near Mui Wo, Lantau Island
And if you’re feeling adventurous, take on the challenge of discovering the stunning Man Kok Tsui peninsula at the end of Silvermine Bay.
- Aerial view of the empty Man Kok Tsui beach
- Man Kok Tsui Beach
For those based in Discovery Bay, why not try hiking to China Beach Club via the scenic Trappist Haven Monastery route? The easy hike is a great way to build up your appetite before enjoying a meal at the restaurant!
And finally, be sure to read our guide to Mui Wo for more inspiration.
Ming Kee Seafood Restaurant, Po Toi Island
Address: Tai Wan, Po Toi Island, Po Toi Island
Phone: 28497038
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 fantastic service!
- Po Toi’s finest seafood restaurant, Ming Kee
- Ming Kee Seafood Restaurant, Po Toi Island
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.
- Inside Ming Kee Seafood Restaurant, Po Toi Island
- With the sea right beside, Ming Kee Seafood Restaurant is a great place for families with kids
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!
- Freshly fried squid at Ming Kee Seafood Restaurant
- Delicious 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 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 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.
- The view of the sea from in front of Tin Hau Temple, Po Toi Island
- Tin Hau Temple, Po Toi Island
- Conch Rock, Po Toi Island
Xi Xup Bar and Kitchen, Tai Wai (NT)
Address: GF, 70-72 Chik Chuen St, Tai Wai
Phone: 93892269
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).
- Net spring rolls
- You must try the chicken wings at Xi Xup
- Pho at Xi Xup
- Da Lat (Vietnamese pancake)
- No Vietnamese meal is complete without the egg coffee
And of course, no Vietnamese meal is complete without the classic egg coffee. We also recommend the pandan cocktail; it is 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 to 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.
Po Toi O seafood restaurants, Clearwater Bay
Address: Po Toi O Chuen, Sai Kung, New Territories
Phone: 27195730
OpenRice listing for Seafood Island
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 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!
- One of our favourite seafood dishes – steamed fish with soy, ginger, and spring onion
- Beer and good seafood
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
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!
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