With close to 1,300 skyscrapers and more than 7,800 high-rise buildings scattered throughout the city, Hong Kong is a prime location for breathtaking views. What better way to eat and drink out than taking in the dazzling sights of the best skyline in the world from the clouds? Here are the best sky-high cityscapes, as well as some great vantage points for those who like their cocktails closer to ground, but still want to gaze at the special sights that make this city so unique.
We’ve split our picks of Hong Kong’s best bars and restaurants with a view into Hong Kong Island and Kowloon selections. You can also click on any venue name below to jump straight to that listing.
Hong Kong Island: Seafood Room, The Envoy, Alto, CÉ LA VI, Mahalo Tiki Lounge, Pier 7, SKYE at the Park Lane Hotel, ToTT’s, Sugar at EAST Hotel, SEVVA, Red Bar & Restaurant, Hooray Bar and Restaurant, Wooloomooloo Prime Causeway Bay and Wooloomooloo Steakhouse Wan Chai
Kowloon: Maison Eight, Above & Beyond at Hotel Icon, Al Molo, Ozone, Tin Lung Heen, Aqua, Morton’s at The Sheraton, Hutong, Sky Lounge at The Sheraton, Spasso, Felix at The Peninsula, Eyebar, Wooloomooloo Steakhouse TST East
Hong Kong Island
Seafood Room
Rooftop Terrace at Seafood Room
Causeway Bay, International Seafood, Rooftop
Heaven for seafood lovers, with more than 50 dishes from oysters to sashimi, langoustine to octopus, inspired by Asian, Mediterranean and South American cuisines. The restaurant also doubles as an art gallery, with various works throughout by American contemporary artist George Condo, Japanese artist Takashi Murakami and, to our surprise, actor Adrien Brody. The reason to come though is the 2,000 sq. ft. rooftop lounge offering a panoramic view of Causeway Bay and Wan Chai.
Where: 26/F and Rooftop, 535 Tower, No. 535 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay
Book: 3708 9668 or reservation@seafoodroom.hk
The Envoy
The Terrace at The Envoy
Central, Cocktail Bar, International Restaurant, Afternoon Tea, Terrace
Not one of the highest views on our list but The Envoy nonetheless offers great city scenery. Positioned on the third floor of the The Pottinger Hotel in Central, the outdoor area is a popular spot for after-work drinks. But we’re not talking pints of lager – the cocktails here are, dare we say, works of art. So inventive and made with exotic components like star anise syrup and Korean pear juice, then poured into the most delightful drinking vessels, you’ll be dying to order the next one to see what they deliver next.
Where: 3/F, The Pottinger Hong Kong, 74 Queen’s Road Central, Central
Book: 2169 3311 or
Alto
Alto
Causeway Bay, Modern Grill
Known for its great cuts of beef and stunning views of Victoria Harbour, Alto brings it all together in a beautiful dining venue with decor inspired by the elements – stone, wood, fire and water. Sit back on the 31st floor for an evening of fine wine and luscious desserts – their dark chocolate butter cake is served with caramel sauce and bacon (?!) ice cream. Trust us, it works.
Where: 31/F, V Point, 18 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay
Book: 2603 7181 or alto@diningconcepts.com
CÉ LA VI
Skybar at CÉ LA VI
Central (LKF), Modern Asian Restaurant, Cocktail Bar, Rooftop
One of the better views in Lan Kwai Fong, with a prime spot on top of the California Tower, the Skybar rooftop garden let’s you gaze across the city while rubbing elbows with a mixed crowd of business types and partiers. There’s even a jacuzzi, although we have yet to see anyone actually in it. Expect stiff cocktails with equally stiff prices and a lively atmosphere – perhaps even livelier if someone actually jumps in the water.
Where: 25/F, California Tower, 32 D’Aguilar Street, Central
Book: 3700 2300 or
Mahalo Tiki Lounge
The Terrace at Mahalo Tiki Bar
Wan Chai, Cocktail Bar, Terrace
We love it here. Maybe it’s because the bamboo interior and tropical decor brings us back to trips in Hawaii and warm Polynesian hospitality. And the rooftop views are a welcome refuge from the bustling city below as we sit amongst greenery sipping fruity cocktails from tiki-inspired glassware. For nights when you want to have some fun, go for one of their sharing bowls – we’re talking straws, not chopsticks – like the Makahiki (Grey Goose Vodka, Cartron ginger liqueur, watermelon juice, orange juice, lime juice, Thai red chili) served in a watermelon.
Where: 29/F, QRE Plaza, 202 Queens Road East, Wan Chai
Book: 2488 8750 or info@mahalotikibar.com
Pier 7
Outdoor area at Pier 7
Central (Ferry Pier 7), Drinks & Snacks, Terrace
This is a perfect spot for meeting friends from other parts of the city – a happy medium for when you don’t want to go too far into town and neither do they. Located at the top of the Star Ferry Terminal, disembark and head right in for a drink and some snacks (although the menu is limited). The best time to come is at night to gaze at the ferry traffic shuttling people across the harbour among the lit-up skyscrapers.
Where: Shop M, Roof Viewing Deck, Central Pier 7, Star Ferry, Central
Book: 2167 8377 or pier7@cafedecogroup.com
SKYE at the Park Lane Hotel
Outdoor Deck at SKYE
Causeway Bay, French Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, Terrace
The outdoor deck at SKYE is sprawling and eclectic, with a lit-up bar and glowing tables that seem to magnify the lights from the skyline across as you look out from the 27th floor. Maybe it’s the cocktails doing something to our eyes – they’ll set you back at least $100 but they pack a punch. Inside the restaurant caters to French food fans, with a menu curated by British chef Lee Adams.
Where: 310 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay
Book: 2839 3327 or skye@parklane.com.hk
ToTT’s at The Excelsior
Terrace at ToTTs
Causeway Bay, International Seafood / Grill, Bar
An old favourite for imbibing among the skyscrapers, ToTT’s can be found on the 34th floor of The Excelsior hotel. Dining outside can be quite thrilling, as you feel so close to the towering buildings at times. But there are also indoor dining options where the view doesn’t suffer. Come for evening cocktails or their popular free flowing Champagne brunch on Sundays.
Where: 281 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay
Book: 2837 6786 or book online
Sugar at EAST Hotel
The deck at Sugar
Taikoo Shing, Cocktail Bar, International Tapas, Terrace
Something for the Quarry Bay crowd, Sugar’s rooftop deck and lounge on the 32nd floor of the EAST Hotel lets you take in the Hong Kong skyline from a different angle. Umbrella-covered comfy patio furniture is perfect for lounging in the summer while kicking back with one of their refreshing cocktails, like the Bitter Gourd made with green apple, egg white, mint and lime. The deck doubles as a wedding venue at times, so it’s a good idea to check ahead to see if they’re closed for a private function.
Where: 32/F, EAST, 29 Taikoo Shing Road, Taikoo Shing
Book: 3968 3738 or info@sugar-hongkong.com
SEVVA
SEVVA
Central, Cocktail Bar, Premium Cake Shop, International Restaurants, Afternoon Tea, Terrace
Dazzling 360-degree views of the city are in store at SEVVA’s rooftop bar in Central. A casual setting with colourful pillows on comfy sofas, it’s a good place for afternoon tipples while the sun is still out, and the perfect place for a nightcap as the city lights up. Decent cocktails and mocktails are on the menu, as well as nibbles in the form of share plates or the famed Ms B’s cakes. The Bankside and Harbourside restaurants are known for their chic settings of wall-adorned art and glistening chandeliers.
Where: Prince’s Building 25/F, 10 Chater Road, Central
Book: 2537 1388 or reservations@sevva.hk
RED Bar and Restaurant
Red Bar
Central (IFC), International Restaurant, Bar, Outdoors
If your bar is located in the highest building in Hong Kong, it’s bound to have a decent view. Looming above the IFC, RED has the breathtaking sights, music, al fresco dining and cocktails that make for a fab night out. They’re owned by the Pure group, who also brought us nood, which explains the series of cocktails RED is mixing up made with nood cold-pressed juices. Could make for a healthy (ish) happy hour.
Where: 4/F, IFC mall, 8 Finance Street, Central
Book: 8129 8882 or info@pure-red.com
Hooray Bar and Restaurant
Hooray Bar
Causeway Bay, Italian / Japanese, Cocktail Bar, Terrace
Up in the spacious open air terrace, you’ll forget about all the crowds and chaotic shoppers of Causeway Bay below. Hooray claims the biggest alfresco dining area in Hong Kong, and it is indeed sprawling, with a relaxing mix of sofas and high stools to rest into for Victoria Harbour and CWB marina views. The restaurant serves up signature Italian dishes and chefs at six state-of-the-art cooking trolleys are on hand with Japanese fare on the terrace.
Where: P502, World Trade Centre, 280 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay
Book: 2895 0885 or hooray@jcgroup.hk
Wooloomooloo Prime (Causeway Bay) & Wooloomooloo Steakhouse (Wan Chai)
Terrace at Wooloomooloo Prime Causeway Bay
Causeway Bay, Wan Chai (see also TST below), Steakhouse, Bar, Terrace
The Wooloomooloo group has got the Hong Kong view game covered, boasting three locations in Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui with equally prized viewpoints. Wooloomooloo Prime in Causeway Bay is spread across two floors, each with a terrace offering an awesome glimpse of Victoria Harbor. Over in Wan Chai, Wooloomooloo Steakhouse is planted atop The Hennessy on the 31st floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows for diners to gaze through, or peek down from (careful) on the open air terrace. We mustn’t forget to mention the steaks that Wooloomooloo is famed for, featuring Australian and USDA prime beef, with six different steak sauces to choose from. Pasta and pizza also make up the menu, along with seriously good desserts (their sweet and rich bread and butter pudding is a must) to cap off your meal.
Where: Wooloomooloo Prime, Level 27 and 28 Soundwill Plaza II Midtown, 1 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay;
Book: 2771 3600 or
Where: Wooloomooloo Steakhouse, 31/F and Rooftop, The Hennessy, 256 Hennessy Road Wan Chai
Book: 2893 6960 or
Kowloon
Maison Eight
Terrace at Maison Eight
TST, French Restaurant, Cocktail Bar, Champagne Room, Terrace
Opened this year, Maison Eight boasts 8,000 square feet of space in a multi-venue setting featuring the private dining French restaurant Esmé, cocktail bar Salvatore, the world’s first Bollinger Champagne Room – LE CLUB 1829, and a salon and lounge with its own private terrace, The Ballroom. Delectable cocktails can be enjoyed in the sumptuous setting of the main room, comprising Salvatore and The Ballroom, as a shimmering chandelier hangs above. But your eyes will be quickly diverted to the amazing view of the harbour behind the bar, which you can check out up close on the terrace outside.
Where: 21/F, 8 Observatory Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Book: 2388 8160 or
Above and Beyond at Hotel Icon
Above & Beyond
TST East, Cantonese Fine Dining
Award-winning Cantonese cuisine in a setting designed by noted British designer Sir Terence Conan, Above and Beyond is another one of those places that will have you gawking at the featured artwork within the venue. It boasts a contemporary Chinese art collection to be enjoyed along with the beautifully presented dishes by executive chef Paul Tsui. If you’re having trouble deciding, go for the dim sum platter which gives you a bit of everything – barbecue pork buns, steamed shrimp and bamboo shoot dumplings, abalone tart with diced chicken to name a few. Book ahead at a table by the tall windows for those coveted Victoria Harbour views.
Where: Level 28, 17 Science Museum Road Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon
Book: 3400 1318 or
Al Molo
Al Molo
TST (Ocean Terminal), Italian Restaurant, Terrace
Don’t let this mall-based restaurant put you off. Escape the hubbub of Ocean Terminal and settle yourself outside for some harbourfront dining while checking out the scene across the water. Indulge in satisfying Italian cuisine under the helm of famed New York chef Michael White – all pasta is handmade and the open fire pizza oven produces some excellent flat crust pizzas, they way Italians like ’em.
Where: Shop G63, G/F, Ocean Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Book: 2730 7900
Ozone
Ozone at The Ritz Carlton
Kowloon (ICC), Cocktail Bar, Asian Tapas
You will inevitably end up here, probably because an out-of-town guest asks you to take them to the highest bar in the world. It really is a cool experience, as you’re beamed up 118 floors above the city for some truly jaw-dropping views from the bar’s terrace. You’ll feel completely ripped off on bad weather days, as you won’t see much but cloudy mist through the windows, but hopefully the clouds dissipate while you’re up there because you will never see the city like this. And when they do, you can even sense it, as the chairs get a bit damp and the mist floats above your head. The drinks are notoriously pricey, but who cares when you’re 1,608 feet above sea level?
Where: Level 118, ICC, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon
Contact: 2263 2270 or
Tin Lung Heen
Tin Lung Heen
TST, Cantonese Fine Dining
Way up on the 102nd floor of the ICC at the Ritz Carlton, Tin Lung Heen is a 2 Michelin starred restaurant offering refined Cantonese cuisine, including fabulous dim sum. The views are something else, and so is the discreet and attentive service. Expect to leave with a lighter wallet and a satisfyingly heavier belly, the whole experience at Tin Lung Heen is phenomenal.
Where: Level 102, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon
Book: 2263 2270 or
Aqua
Views at Aqua
TST, Cocktail Bar, Italian / Japanese Restaurant
The place for watching fireworks and the harbour light show, the towering windows give you a spectacular vantage point for checking out the skyline. Many a celebrity pops by here when they’re in town, maybe because the dim lighting gives the place a private feel. Whether you’re looking for a romantic one-on-one dinner or are with a group of friends, the long venue nicely seats everyone either smack in front of the tall glass or in the semi-circular booths behind, which still provide prime viewing. Food here is of the contemporary Italian and Japanese variety and cocktails are taken seriously – they have various tonic to go with their vast selection of gin, and their signature cocktails are exquisite. But be warned, it will put a dent in your wallet – even a bottle of beer will cost you $98.
Where: 29/F and 30/F, One Peking, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Book: 3427 2288 or book online
Morton’s at The Sheraton
Morton’s Steakhouse
TST, Steakhouse and Bar
Morton’s is known for it’s top notch service and perfectly cooked steaks. The decor is simple, but anyway the star of the show is the harbour views from each and every table. This place is a pricier option, perfect for a special occasion. If you’re in the mood for something more casual then settle in at the comfortable bar for some of their award winning wines and sample the tasty and well priced ‘bar bites’ menu.
Where: The Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Fourth Level, 20 Nathan Road, Kowloon
Book: 2732 2343 or
Hutong
Hutong
TST, Northern Chinese Restaurant
When the door to the lift opens onto the 28th floor of the One Peking building, you will gasp at the beautiful setting in front of you: hanging red Chinese lanterns, silk curtains, striking wooden furniture and an array of Chinese antiques. The restaurant is beautifully lit for special evenings watching the sunset over the harbour but just as stunning in the day for their exotic brunch. It truly is a stunning venue and will impress your visiting friends in many ways – the view, the decor and the enticing Chinese cuisine.
Where: 28/F, One Peking, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Book: 3428 8342 or book online
Sky Lounge at the Sheraton
Sky Lounge at The Sheraton
Kowloon, Cocktail Bar / Snacks / Afternoon Tea
Mum in town? Take her to the 18th floor of the Sheraton Hotel in TST to the Sky Lounge for afternoon tea with a view. Or if you’re looking for a place to talk shop with a client, this is also a good choice. We wouldn’t recommend it for a chic night out or a lively atmosphere, but it does boast those gorgeous harbour scenes that we love.
Where: 18/F, 20 Nathan Road, Kowloon
Book: 2369 1111 (ext. 4)
Spasso
Spasso
TST East, Italian Restaurant, Cocktail Bar, Terrace
Spasso has a sprawling space perfect for big groups if you’re in the mood for comforting Italian food. The dishes will not blow you away, but the setting boasts a great harbour vantage point to watch the red-sailed junk float by or the fireworks at Chinese New Year.
Where: G5-8, 12-17, Empire Centre, 68 Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon
Book: 2730 8027 or
Felix at The Peninsula
Felix at The Peninsula
TST, Modern European Restaurant, Cocktail Bar
You’ve probably heard of the Felix due to its toilets – the men’s room, to be specific. High on the 28th floor of the gorgeous Peninsula Hotel the gents get a magnificent view of Victoria Harbour via a sheet of glass in front of the urinals. But there’s more to Felix, which you’ll see as you enter the dimly-lit passageway from the lift leading you into an impressive setting designed by Philippe Starck. Walk up the eye-catching spiral staircase and you’ll enter the American Bar, where you can peer down at diners feasting on modern European cuisine by Chef Yoshiharu Kaji and, even better, at the glittering harbour vistas through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Where: 28/F, Salisbury Road, Kowloon
Book: 2696 6778 or diningphk@peninsula.com
Eyebar
Terrace at Eyebar
TST, Bar, Terrace
The staff here wear nautical-inspired clothing to go with the maritime theme of the place (the name references the protective ‘eye’ found on the prow of old Chinese ships). The outdoor bar perched on the top floor of iSQUARE offers wraparound views for an ultimate look at the city, and they do special nights on New Year’s Eve that give you a great spot to see the fireworks. Try their signature Suzie Wong cocktail in a souvenir tumbler that’s yours to take home.
Where: 30/F, iSQUARE, 63 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Book: 2487 3988 or eyebar@elite-concepts.com
Wooloomooloo Prime TST
Wooloomooloo Prime (TST)
TST (see also Causeway Bay & Wan Chai), Steakhouse, Bar, Terrace
Enjoy your steak in style at Wooloomooloo Prime TST. Check out the sparkling 270 degree harbour views from their floor to ceiling windows on the 21st floor of The One on Nathan Road. As well as their signature 150 day grain fed Australian Black Angus beef, you can upgrade to 200 days grain fed Australian steaks. If you’re feeling hungry they offer cuts ranging from 10oz to a hearty 20oz. Don’t miss their free flow weekend brunch.
Where: Level 21 The ONE, 100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Book: 2870 0087 or
You can find our pick of Hong Kong’s best boozy brunches with views in this post.
Nancy Matos is a lifestyle and culture writer from Vancouver, Canada currently based in Hong Kong and London.