Now I know most of you are just backpackers, living on a shoestring... and I know that going out to a stylish restaurant is, probably, the last thing on earth you can afford... But if you want to celebrate something special or if you just want to show your girlfriend how much you love her (after you dragged her to a filthy Chunking Mansion guesthouse...), just put on your best shirt, dig deep into your pocket, and enjoy an unforgettable dining experience...

Being Asia's most international city, Hong Kong is not short of über- glamorous restaurants, where some of the world's most celebrated chefs indulge their connoisseur guests with sensational culinary delights of different cuisines.

Shark's fin, Abalone, Truffles, Fois gras and top quality Wagyu beef are starring on the menus of the city's classiest eating establishments, alongside some of Asia's most impressive wine lists.
Ambience and atmosphere also play an important role in Hong Kong's ritzy restaurants, and some of them offer guests spectacular views of the brightly illuminated city and Victoria Harbour.

Here are some of Hong Kong's crème de la crème restaurants:

Caprice, Four Seasons Hotel
Caprice is one of Hong Kong's most prestigious and sought after restaurants.
Located within the sumptuous Four Seasons hotel, the restaurant offers an unbeatable combination of beautiful décor, gorgeous harbor views, lovely atmosphere and, above all, Superb French food with a lighter touch...

This unsurpassed dinning experience is complemented by an impressive wine list (predominantly French wines from Bordeaux and Burgundy)

Level 6, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, Central (Phone: 3196 8888)


Restaurant Petrus
Restaurant Petrus is one of Hong Kong's best hotel restaurants and an internationally-known French gourmet institution...

The extremely elegant restaurant is located on Shangri-la's 56th floor and offers breathtaking harbor views that can be competed only by those of Victoria Peak.

Very classic and luxurious design, with perfect table settings, heavy curtains and glittering chandeliers... Tranquil, elegant and romantic atmosphere and, above all, superb French cuisine, complemented by one of Asia's most impressive wine collections.

Level 56, The Island Shangri-la hotel (Phone: 2820 8590)


Felix
Occupying the top floors of luxurious Peninsula hotel, this ultra stylish resto-bar features one of Hong Kong's most sensational dining experiences, and is an excellent spot to see and to be seen...

The stunning décor was created by internationally known avant-garde designer, Philippe Starck. The floor-to-ceiling glass wall offers unmatched views of Victoria harbor and Hong Kong Island, and the atmosphere is certainly like being at the top of the world...

The menu features a fusion of European classics, contemporary Sushi specialties, seafood and meat dishes... Many people, however, come here only for the bar and the light meals.

28/F, The Peninsula, Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui (Phone: 2315 3188)


Spoon
This very prestigious restaurant is owned and inspired by the world's most awarded chef, Alain Ducasse, and it specializes in contemporary French and international cuisine, featuring a unique and innovative dinning concept that gives diners the freedom to mix and match different foods and cooking styles.

Tony Chi's unique interior design, together with the stunning views of Hong Kong Island, make a perfect set up for a great dining experience, complemented by a superb wine selection of almost 5,000 bottles

Lobby level, InterContinental Hong Kong, Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui
(Phone: 2313 2323)


One - thirty one
Located in one of Hong Kong's most picturesque and romantic spots, tiny One-thirty one occupies the ground floor of a converted village house, facing the stunning views of Three Fathoms Cove.

The dinning room is designed in an elegant, French country style, with wood parquet, perfect table settings and beamed ceiling. The adorable, panoramic view of the mountains-surrounded bay can be seen through the large French windows, and the food is simply superb.

131 Tseng Tau Village Road, (Phone: 2791 2684)
(You can get there with a taxi from the KCR Station in WU KAI SHA)


Gaddi's
Located within the classic Peninsula hotel, this superb restaurant is considered as one of Hong Kong's best.

The interior design is marvelous and opulent, atmosphere is romantic and pleasant, service is impeccable and live band shows, from time to time, complement the splendid dinning experience.

The ever changing menu features a selection of French-International classics, together with the chef's own innovative touch... and the desserts are simply to die for.

1st Floor, The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Tsim sha Tsui (Phone: 2315 3171)


Sabatini
Located at the Royal Garden, this is the Hong Kong outlet of one of Rome's best known restaurants...

Picturesque, classic design with perfect table settings, chandeliers, heavy curtains and wood ceiling are matching the elegant and relaxed atmosphere and the first-class dinning.

The cuisine is "traditional Roman" and the extensive menu boasts a good selection of authentic Italian favorites, alongside the chef's own creations... Desserts section is extremely good (the Tiramisu in particular) and the wine list is, naturally, impressive.

3/F, The Royal Garden, 69 Mody Rd., Tsim sha Tsui Ph: 2733 2000


T'ang Court
Named as one of the world's best hotel-restaurants by several international magazines, this marvelous award-winning establishment serves world-class Cantonese cuisine in a glamorous environment.

Classic, luxurious interior, with heavy burgundy curtains and well groomed bonsai trees, helps to create a tranquil and elegant atmosphere, and the remarkably good service also contributes its share to an unforgettable dinning experience.

The menu features a wide selection of authentic Cantonese dishes, from exquisite specialties like Shark's fin, Bird's nest and Abalone, to scrumptious Dim-sum and other Cantonese fare.

Langham Hotel, 8 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui (Phone: 2375 1133)


Shang Palace
Dining at the Shangri-la is always a sensational experience, and Shang Palace is no exception.

The dinning hall is lavishly decorated in an elegant Chinese style, with traditional wood screens, large wall paintings and delicate Chinese pieces of art… Atmosphere is relaxed and elegant, and service is impeccable, as expected from this world-class hotel.

The splendid food consists mainly of traditional Cantonese fare, although the chef combines his own innovations.

Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel, 64 Mody Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui (Phone: 2733 8754)



For more information about Hong Kong, look at my other articles:

1) The best cheap hotels and guest houses in Hong Kong

2) How to cover Hong Kong's "must-sees" on a day-long stopover

3) One night in Hong Kong (A detailed guide for an overnight stopover in Hong Kong).

4) Hong Kong Restaurant and Nightlife Guide (with hundreds of excellent recommendations and a detailed article about Hong Kong's dining and entertainment precincts).

5) Hong Kong Tours, Attractions and Sightseeing (more than a dozen suggestions for Do-it-yourself city tours of Hong Kong).


Copyright © Roni Shwartz (AsiaExpert)

Darn, this would have been really helpful when I was in Hongkong two months ago. Oh well, i'll make sure I'll bookmark this since I'll definitely be returning to Hong Kong.