Make the most of the summer months and take your next meal outside with these leading Hong Kong alfresco dining destinations.
You’ll be forgiven for not knowing this (just this one time, mind), but the term alfresco actually comes from the Italian for “in the cool air”. While its contemporary colloquial use in much of the world refers to dining enjoyed outside, the Italians already had not one, but two phrases for that – fuori, or ‘outdoors’, and all’aperto, or ‘in the open’. In fact, the term al fresco in Italy is usally used to refer to someone’s time spent in prison, which could relate to your culinary experience today, depending on who your table companions are.
With dining restrictions being reduced by the Hong Kong Government, it’s time to (responsibly) plan that (social-distanced) lunch or dinner with your closest (temperature-certified) mate (singular), and to see how they’ve handled this absolute bitch of a year to date.
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Given the situation the world finds itself in, pandemic wise, and the celebratory ambiance we’re sure you’ll create upon your reunion, we thought the city’s best alfresco dining destinations might be in order.
While there are plenty of restaurants across the city that consider a couple of chairs and an ashtray “alfresco dining”, we’ve decided to distill things down to just our favourite haunts from across the Fragrant Harbour, for your culinary convinience. Buon appetito.
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Harbourside Grill
A newbie that we have discussed before, Harbourside Grill not only has some of the best views in town, but it also has an expansive terrace on which to enjoy them. While this spot at the tip of the Ocean Terminal’s Extension is a great destination for sundowner cocktails after a hard day’s corporate mine sweeping, the Harbourside Grill terrace boasts its own menu of feel-good fare from British-French chef Armand Sablon that includes everything from Angus beef carpaccio with aged Parmesan and rocket; and Fine de Claire oysters with pickled cucumber and gin granita; to hefty 350-gram ribeyes.
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Spiga
For great alfresco dining in the city centre, head to Spiga, a refined Italian restaurant off Queens Road helmed (if in name only) by celebrity chef Enrico Bartolini. The restaurant’s expansive terrace – named Portico – which was recently revitalised, features comfortable lounges and private cabanas, and is popular with the black suit after-hours brigade. However, as the evening progresses, it becomes a great outdoor dining spot in which to make the most of the seasonal weather. The terrace is great for grazing, so opt for the likes of Piemontese beef tenderloin tartare with quail egg and buffalo mozzarella sauce; and pizzas like the addictive Scamorza e tartufo nero with mozzarella, smoked scamorza cheese, and black truffle.
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Arcane
A great little hideaway in Central, steps from Lan Kwai Fong, Arcane is the creation of multi-award-winning Aussie chef Shane Osborn and serves refined European cuisine with menus driven by seasonality. While the interiors have the vibe of a private residence, thanks to modern art from London and New York, the terrace, designed like a British garden, is the place to be if you can handle the heat. Home to over 30 varieties of herbs, fruits, and vegetables used in the dishes, the space is intimate and pretty bloody romantic.
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Etna
The newest restaurant to add its creative streak to Hong Kong’s rapidly-evolving Tin Hau neighbourhood, Etna features an elegant dining room but you’ll want to visit to enjoy its twin outdoor spaces, which include both a spacious balcony, perfect for after-work drinks, and an expansive terrace furnished with comfortable rattan chairs and sofas, black marble-topped tables, and broad umbrellas, making it ideal for lingering weekend lunches. Named for towering Mount Etna, the new restaurant’s menu is refined yet comforting, with a focus on all the fantastic and fresh Mediterranean produce grown in the fertile soil that surrounds Mount Etna.
Look out for the likes of crispy soft shell crab Fettucine “Puttanesca” served with a spicy and savoury Gochujang syrup; “24-carat gold” saffron risotto with Robiola and Reggiano cheese; seafood bouillabaisse with seabass fillet, clams, and shrimp cooked in lobster broth; Brandt beef tri-tip steak served with oregano and tomato Concasse and dates; and succulent grilled Iberico pork chops, served with grapes and farro and dressed with honey and balsamic.
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District 8
Soaking up the sunshine of the Elements Mall’s expansive Civic Square, District 8 is the perfect spot for leisurely lunches and dinners under stars (ok, they’re probably outbound CX flights but it’s still a nice spot). The creation of dynamic duo Chris Woodyard and Bronwyn Cheung of Woolly Pig Hong Kong (Big Sur, Bathers, Hue, INK) the Parisian bistro concept combines the palate-soothing European of chef Anthony Hammel with a great range of old and new world wines by the glass. You’ll come here for the steak frites, with cuts from leading free-range producers from across Australia, and stay for the alfresco cocktails of German mixologist Steffen Willauschus.
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Vibes
The captivating central courtyard of The Mira Hong Kong hotel, Vibes is a great spot for a bite, a drink, and a groove. Featuring lotus-shaped open fires, running water features, and private cabanas, Vibe hosts resident DJs many nights of the week, setting the scene for menus that include a Fancy Caesar Salad, Korean fried chicken with homemade spicy chilli sauce, cheesy meatball bake with cheddar cheese and a rich tomato sauce; and the Hide Beef Burger with provolone, inion rings, and chipotle mayo.
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Big Sur
A bit of a Soho fixture and another Woolly Pig creation, this California kitchen is one of the few spots in Hong Kong Island’s restaurant hub with outdoor dining. You can’t book Big Sur‘s alfresco tables thanks to some pretty weird laws about outdoor spaces, so you’ll need to send someone in advance or test your luck but you’ll be rewarded with a dozen Young Master craft beers on tap, some great imported Mezcals, menus laced with Cali Latin flavours – think smoked pork ribs, fish tacos and juicy beef burgers – and some of the city’s best people watching.
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Piqniq
Le Comptoir’s rooftop eatery and lounge atop Central’s H Queen’s building, Piqniq is all about embracing the sky and air. A chilled out setting with captivating views, Piqniq offers a range of solo and shared dishes, including hearty Wagyu beef cheek rendang stew; Smoked salmon bruschetta with tomato sambal and black beans; and daily charcuterie boards, which pair well with the venue’s extensive cocktail list.
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The Continental
One of the city’s most elegant alfresco settings, The Continental, located atop pacific Place Mall in Admiralty, is perfect for those long lunches on the company account, or weekend brunch under the sun. The restaurant’s ineriors are sublime but book ahead for a table in the tropical garden beyond. Here, yo’ll be able to select from an extensive bistro-styled menu – the Wagyu Beef & Gruyere Cheeseburger is pretty awesome – as well as a great wine list. Grab a perch and make the most of the fine weather.
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The Garage Bar
If you’re Mongkok bound, leave the bustle of the street behind and ascend to the Cordis Hong Kong hotel, home to The Garage Bar, an expansive terrace garden wreathed by tower blocks. The venue features menus of Western food truck dishes – including Impossible burgers – given an Asian twist, as well as over 40 local and international beers, perfect for breaking the heat while the better half looks for bargains in the Langham Place mall next door. Be sure to book ahead if you’re headed here in the evenings as it can get packed.
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Bathers
In Hong Kong, the further you get away from the city the easier it is to find decent alfresco dining. For the ultimate coastal dining experience head to Lantau’s Lower Cheung Sha beach at Bathers, an Aussie-esque restaurant and bar perched on one of the city’s best (and longest) swimming beaches.
Here, you’ll be able to combine views of the South China Sea and the sensation of sand between your toes with British comfort cuisine ranging from Mac & Cheese Croquettes with black truffle mayo; eggplant arrabiata rigatoni with roast eggplant and Parmesan; and Australian Coffin Bay oysters, to Beer Battered barramundi with green salad, coleslaw and chips. For something even more casual, Mr Chipper next door does great fish and chip takeaways and also has alfresco deating by the beach.
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Ichu Terraza
The hint with this one is in the name. Also located at Central’s H Queen, Ichu Terraza serves insightful and intriguing Peruvian dishes using traditional ingredients and techniques, both indoors and on a terrace that looks straight out of the Amazon. Not only is the food a deliberate challange to Hong Kong’s palates – which we slaute – but the terrace evolves with the evening ensuring the party comes to you. The terrace-specific menu includes some classic Peruvian dishes, including snapper cerviche with sweet potato and onion; deep fried chicken with lime chili mayo; and mini Japanese seabass chicarron baos with green chili, best washed down with a saffron-infused Ichu Pisco Sour.
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The Chop House
Another great TST spot with outdoor dining, The Chop House (also one of our favourite Hong Kong steak restaurants) is all about enjoying the great outdoors with the right company. Located at Mira Mall, the venue has a sexy industrial-chic main dining room but we suggest you make a segway to the garden atrium, which has a dedicated bar and ample seating. The venue has the kind of menu that’s also condusive to its laid back vibe, with a great selection of burgers and sandwiches, as well as mains like Australian tenderloins, Berkshire pork chops and squid ink pasta crab ragu for those looking for something a little more substancial.
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Feather & Bone Tsuen Wan West
What’s better than a great steak out in the open air? At Feather & Bone‘s Tsuen Wan West outlet you can have both. The group’s biggest branch to date, the OP Mall restaurant features a butcher’s counter for all your take-home requirements, as well as a waterfront terrace, where you can soak up the atmosphere over house-made sausages, free-range chicken schnitzel with salsa verde; and the popular soft shell crab burger with kewpie and and fermented chilli. The group’s Mid-Levels venue also has a great little patio wreathed with potted plants.
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HEXA
Another great alfresco spot at the Ocean Terminal Extension, Hexa delivers a contemporary take on traditional Chinese fare – think roasted Iberico pork with honey sauce, and stir-fried crab with chilli and golden garlic – amidst unapologetically modern interiors. The views across the harbour to Hong Kong Island are awesome from both the elegant dining room and the grassy terrace, but if you can stand the heat, the latter is the place to be simply because it offers an immersive Victoria Harbour experience like few others. Be sure to book ahead as the space transforms with the setting of the sun into one of TST’s sexiest alfresco haunts (it also does some great cocktails).
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La Rambla by Catalunya
Located at the IFC Mall and helmed by executive chef Ferran Tadeo, La Rambla by Catalunya is a chic Catalan joint specialising in classic Spanish dishes that can be paired with cocktails by John Nugent as well as with a host of wines and gins from Spain. The restaurant is massive by Hong Kong standards, but the gem in the crown is the outdoor terrace, which offers lounge seating and some pretty spectacular views. Highlights of the a la carte menu include churros and caviar with sour cream and dill; heritage beef tartare with toasted brioche; Segovian-style suckling pig with Catalan spinach; and oven-roasted milk-fed Aragonesa baby lamb with potato gratin.
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