Hong Kong has been through some well-documented challenges in recent years, but one enduring strength of the city is its food culture, which still ranks amongst the world’s best. Any visit to Filmart is not complete without indulging in the local cuisine, or failing that sampling some of the incredibly diverse food on offer in Hong Kong.
Visiting dealmakers and executives are perhaps aware of the slight over-obsession Hong Kong has with Michelin stars, and it is true: the city punches way above its weight when it comes to validation from the framed French food guide. In 2025, Hong Kong had seven restaurants with the three Michelin stars — Caprice, Amber, T’ang Court, Sushi Sukon, Ta Vie, Forum and 8 1/2 Otto et Mezzo – Bombana. To put that tally into context, the whole of the U.K. has 10 and the total for mainland China is four. But for most people, whether it’s for financial or time reasons, eating at Michelin-starred establishments is just not practical or even desirable.
To that end, The Hollywood Reporter has put together a list of eight must-visit eateries that span a broad range of budgets, and which all offer that special only-in-Hong Kong culinary vibe.
La Rambla by Catalunya
The vibe: A taste of Spain in the heart of Hong Kong is how La Rambla by Catalunya bills itself. That might sound like copy spit out by an AI chatbot, but it is on the money. This cosy eaterie traces its lineage back to Ferran Adrià’s El Bulli as it was established by alums of the legendary Spanish restaurant and continues that innovative spirit. The decor evokes Gaudi’s Barcelona and the space is big by Hong Kong standards, featuring a terrace overlooking Victoria Harbour. And in a neat link back to the entertainment industry, the current head chef is Rafa Gil, a finalist on Netflix’s Final Table.
The food: To butcher Orwell a little, the menu is a homage to Catalunya, and features classics like Segovian suckling pig, bombas, and avocado lobster roll. The drinks menu is also worth checking out, as it puts a spotlight on “Spain’s sherry-forward cocktail culture.”
The location: La Rambla is located inside the plush IFC Mall in Central, a short MTR ride/cab ride from the HKCEC.
The price: The lunch menu is a very reasonable $63 given the quality and surroundings, and includes Spanish lamb shoulder and carabinero paella. “Chef Rafa’s Tasting Menu” is a little more pricey, coming in at $232 for two.
The details: Address: 8 Finance St. 3071-73 Level 3, IFC Mall, Central. Telephone: +852 2661 1161. Website: www.larambla.hk
La Rambla by Catalunya
La Rambla by Catalunya
Leela
The vibe: In a city packed with great Indian restaurants, Leela stands out as among the best. The restaurant is led by Chef Manav Tuli, a veteran talent who has worked at the likes of Chutney Mary and Tamarind in London, and most recently the excellent Chaat at the Rosewood Hong Kong. Tuli takes on the broad challenge of showcasing the best of Indian cuisine, adding his own playful twists to familiar dishes. The decor is more comforting than mind-blowing, but there’s a lovely terrace area that’s nestled in amongst the skyscrapers.
The food: The push here is spotlighting regional Indian specialties, so there are delights like Goan peri peri prawns and kandhari (Afghani) lamb chop, but also contemporary spins on biriyani and dhaal.
The location: To be blunt, Lee Garden, where Leela is located, is a rather soulless luxury mall complex but its Causeway Bay so it’s easy to get to and from the HKCEC. There’s also plenty of things to do after eating as the restaurant is right in the middle of a huge shopping district.
The price: A must-try is the “Tiffin Box Set” lunch menu, which is priced at $46 for two courses, $53 for three courses, and $68 for four courses. The dinner tasting menu is priced at $127.
The details: Address: Shop 301-310, Lee Garden Three, 1 Sunning Road, Causeway Bay. Telephone: +852 2882 5316. Website: www.leela.hk
Tin Lung Heen
The vibe: OK, if you really want to check off a Michelin-starred restaurant, then consider Tin Lung Heen. The venerable Cantonese eaterie has comfortably held on to its two Michelin stars for a number of years now and its beloved by locals and international foodies alike. Tin Lung Heen has a much more grown up vibe to it, with red wood furniture, high ceilings and rather ornate wall carvings, but really people come for two things, the food and the incredible view.
The food: The restaurant is famed for its dim sum, so it would be criminal not to sample it. Don’t feel ashamed if you put the XO chilli sauce with everything.
The location: Located on the 102nd floor of one of the world’s tallest buildings, the view down below, both during the day and especially at night, is so incredible that you will get a pass for captions on your photos on social media that say things like “sitting on top of the world,” and “eating in the clouds.”
The price: It’s two Michelin stars, it’s the top floor of the Ritz-Carlton, expect to pay top dollar.
The details: Address: 102F, The Ritz-Carlton, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui. Telephone: +852 2263 2270. Website: https://www.tinlungheen.com/
Tin Lung Heen is located on 102nd floor of the ICC tower in Kowloon.
Tin Lung Heen
Jee
The vibe: The brainchild of chefs Siu Hin-Chi and Oliver Li, Jee is a modern Cantonese restaurant nestled in Central district. Committed foodies may recognize Siu Hin-Chi, as he is also behind the two Michelin-starred Ying Jee Club. A sleek jade interior is the perfect venue for the sleek food — a marriage of traditional Cantonese cuisine and modern cooking techniques and innovations. Definitely the sort of place to sample the cutting edge of local cuisine.
The food: The menu is full of Cantonese classics like bird’s nest, roasted pigeon and wok-fried lobster.
The location: Jee sits inside a relatively nondescript and low-rise (for Hong Kong at least) building, so you won’t get much of a view, but a restaurant like this is for foodies seeking out a culinary experience, views be damned. The restaurant is a relatively easy to get to from the HKCEC, but it’s recommended you get cab.
The price: The lunch menu is a bargain $50 per person. The 8-course dinner menu is priced at $114 and the 10-course menu at $140.
The details: Address: 2/F, 8 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central. Telephone: +852 2389 3288. Website: https://www.jeehongkong.hk/
Morton’s The Steakhouse
The vibe: Meat lovers, and Americans who might be missing home, should consider Morton’s, the Hong Kong outpost of the global chain of upmarket steak restaurants that has some of the best views of the city. There’s nothing too complicated about Morton’s, the focus is on the food, but be warned there’s a dress code. There is also a 12-person private dining room, making the restaurant a great place for a meeting or to celebrate closing a deal.
The food: It’s steak innit, no need to gild the lily with flowery prose.
The location: Morton’s is on the Kowloon side, so the trade-off, as always, is getting the best view of Victoria Harbour, with the downside being the awkwardness of the location. Still, it’s easily reached with cab or Uber.
The price: While Morton’s isn’t cheap, it is far from extortionate and a three-course wagyu short rib meal will cost approximately $89, with prices pushing up from there.
The details: Address: The Sheraton Hotel & Towers Fourth Level, 20 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui. Telephone: +852 2732 2343. Website: https://www.mortons.com/location/mortons-the-steakhouse-hong-kong/
Morton’s The Steakhouse boasts breathtaking views of Hong Kong’s world famous skyline.
Morton’s The Steakhouse
Bakehouse
The vibe: Fast becoming an institution, Bakehouse bakery is an indulgent and cheap place to pick up pastries from an only-in-Hong Kong joint. You can spot a Bakehouse outlet a mile off as they usually have queues stretching out the door and into the street, so popular has the French style pâtisserie become.
The food: Bakehouse offers French baked goods, but became a viral sensation for its sourdough egg tarts — so much so the company had to limit the number of tarts each customer could buy. The Wan Chai branch, the closest outlet to HKCEC, has a wider menu offering including sandwiches, burgers and set lunches.
The location: Bakehouse currently has 7 locations in Hong Kong, with Filmart attendees most likely interested in the Wan Chai, Soho, Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui branches.
The price: It’s a fancy bakery, what could it be possibly cost? $10? Joking aside, the egg tarts (which is what everyone wants) will set you back a $1.60 a pop.
The details: Bakehouse Wan Chai – G/F, 14 Tai Wong Street East, Wan Chai. Bakehouse Soho – G/F, 5 Staunton Street. Bakehouse Causeway Bay – 16 Kai Chiu Road, Causeway Bay. Bakehouse Tsim Sha Tsui – G/F, 44 Hankow Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.
Chef Grégoire Michaud, founder and owner of Bakehouse.
Bakehouse
Terracotta
The vibe: If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, then look no further than Lamma, a small-ish tropical island getaway that’s home to the Mediterranean bar and restaurant Terracotta. Lamma is well-known for its bohemian residents, as well as its car-free and relaxed atmosphere, and the island is a great bookend to any trip to Hong Kong. If you do make it to Lamma, Terracotta does a great job of reflecting the people and overall vibe of the place.
The food: As mentioned above, Terracotta is a Mediterranean establishment, so try the grilled octopus and sea bass and the grilled Greek sausage is a must. The drinks are great too, and the terrace bar out the back, with a picaresque view of Lamma harbor, is a magical place for sundowners.
The location: Lamma Island is a 25-minute ferry ride from Hong Kong Island — just head to the Central Ferry Piers and look for pier 4 (make sure to take the ferry to Yung Shue Wan). Door-to-door from the HKCEC, Terracotta — assuming you hit all the ferries at the right time — is under an hour travel time.
The price: Definitely amongst the cheapest places to eat and drink at on this list, Terracotta won’t bankrupt you, promise.
The details: Address: G/F, 47 Yung Shue Wan Main St, Lamma Island. Telephone: +852 9176 7500. Website: https://terracottalamma.com/
Terracotta is located on Lamma Island, a short ferry ride from Central, Hong Kong.
Terracotta
