10 best restaurants in Hong Kong, according to a local

Hong Kong’s dining scene is as dynamic and diverse as the city itself. From rowdy dim sum halls to Michelin-starred temples of refinement, each has its own Hong Kong story to tell. Whether you’re after breakfast that defines local rhythm, a deep dive into regional Chinese traditions, or a modern take on French-Cantonese artistry, these Hong Kong restaurants serve as a reflection of the city’s evolution – steeped in tradition, shaped by history, but always looking forward.

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London Restaurant

In Yau Ma Tei, the heart of Kowloon, London Restaurant delivers the quintessential dim sum experience – rickety carts weaving between tables in vast dining rooms across three levels. This heirloom banquet hall feels as alive as ever, fuelled by the chatter of families, the shattering of spring roll wrappers and the billowing steam of freshly steamed buns. It was once fashionable to name grand Chinese restaurants after global capitals (the now-shuttered Washington Restaurant was another), but few have managed to endure. Come for the nostalgia, stay for the har gow (shrimp dumplings).

Address: Good Hope Building, 612 Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei

Australia Dairy Company

A rite of passage for visitors and locals alike, who still jostle for a spot at the fast-turning tables at this iconic cha chaan teng (think East-meets-West version of a caff). Come for Hong Kong’s most famous scrambled eggs, silky steamed milk pudding and local-style milk tea, served with a lot of tough love and no frills. Go early in the morning for a less frantic experience reminiscent of the Hong Kong of yore.

Address: 47 Parkes Street, Jordan

VEA

Trained with the likes of Daniel Boulud, homegrown chef Vicky Cheng was among the first to combine French luxury with their Chinese counterparts to brilliant effect – think caviar, dried abalone and durian all in one tasting menu – with that spirit of classical French precision meeting cultural exploration running through every dish. With a sleek open kitchen, it’s one of the city’s most iconic fine-dining experiences, rooted in the local yet globally aware, like Hong Kong itself. For Cheng’s take on modern Chinese cuisine, Wing downstairs also promises an exceptional experience.

Address: 30/F, The Wellington, 198 Wellington Street, Central
Website: vea.hk

Yong Fu

While Hong Kong is mostly about Cantonese food, Yong Fu offers a rare treat from Ningbo, Eastern China – delicate, seafood-driven and intensely seasonal. Rarely outside of the Mainland will you find this sort of food presented at this level: expect meticulous sourcing, from mud crab, marinated and served raw, to river eels and freshwater fish, nuts and greens only known in that region, all prepared with understated precision. This is an elegant detour from the usual fare, and a delectable reminder of the diverse culinary traditions of the country at large.