Rooftop & Outdoor Bars: The Best Places To Drink And Dine With A View

Want to live the high life? We’ve rounded up the best rooftop and outdoor bars in Hong Kong.

One of the things this city owns is a great view. Whether you’re showing visiting guests the finest in town, or looking for a spot to sit and watch the world go by, these rooftop and terrace bars are here to get the job done. Whatever you’re after (location, ambience or quality tipples), there really is something for everyone, and we’ve rounded up the very best. Now all that’s left to do is settle on a barstool and overlook the million-dollar harbour view. We’ll cheers to that!

We’ve listed extra rooftop bars in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island at the end of the slideshow. Click through to check out all our favourites….

With two prime locations (in Wan Chai and TST), Wooloomooloo offers up some of the best views in the city and is always a top choice for visiting guests, both locally and globally. Wooloomooloo Prime in TST features an open-air balcony at the lounge for soaking in the view of Victoria Harbour and is the perfect spot to enjoy the nightly Symphony of Lights show. While Wooloomooloo Steakhouse (Wan Chai), has its own rooftop terrace, offering a 270-degree view of the Happy Valley Racecourse, Victoria Harbour and the bustling district of Wan Chai.

Top Tip: Heading for a drink in TST? Complimentary canapés are served daily from 5pm to 7:30pm.

Wooloomooloo Steakhouse (Wan Chai): 31/F & Rooftop The Hennessy, 256 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2893 6960, www.woo-steakhouse.com

Wooloomooloo Prime (TST): Level 21 The ONE, 100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2870 0087, www.woo-prime.com

Modern Peruvian restaurant ICHU opened in September, 2018, but has just recently opened its own outdoor space: Terraza. The “urban-jungle” inspired rooftop terrace is open daily from 3pm until late, and the al fresco spot hosts weekly DJ performances and themed parties, along with regular happy hours, right in the heart of Central.

Top Tip: The happy hour can be enjoyed on weekdays from 3pm to 7pm, and includes house beers and wines from $40, and cocktails from $50!

ICHU Terraza, 3F, H Queen, 80 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, www.ichu.com.hk/terraza

Red Sugar is located in the Kerry Hotel (part of the Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts group) and offers one of the best angles of the city skyline. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or an upscale event, the 270-degree view is a welcome backdrop. It’s home to an impressive collection of craft beers, an extensive wine selection, oak barrel-aged cocktails and innovative bar snacks. Happy hour runs daily from 4pm to 7pm.

Top Tip: Looking to take away? The barrel-aged cocktails can be packed in bespoke glass bottles with hand-written labels. A perfect personalised present for visiting guests!

Red Sugar, 8 Hung Luen Road, Hung Hom Bay, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.shangri-la.com/hongkong/kerry/dining/bars-lounges/red-sugar

Popinjays is a rooftop dining destination in The Murray. Set on the top floor of the hotel, the restaurant serves a modern European-inspired menu, along with an impressive beverage selection (we love The Aviary Collection cocktails!). While the restaurant has stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, a must-visit is the 420 square metre wrap around terrace, complete with inviting lounge chairs, comfortable couches and unparalleled views of The Peak, Central Hong Kong and its surrounding parks.

Top Tip: The bar and terrace area is open from 5pm, and is perfect for sundowners. But to catch the views during the day, we recommend trying out the newly launched afternoon tea, which is served from 2:30pm.

Popinjays, 26/F, The Murray, Hong Kong, 22 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong, www.niccolohotels.com

Found in the heart of LKF, CÉ LA VI has a buzzing Club Lounge, a relaxed restaurant and a Sky Deck with 270-degree views of the city. Perfect for taking visiting guests, head over for the Sundowners Happy Hour (from 3pm to 9pm, daily) and make the most of the two-for-one drinks offer. The downstairs restaurant also features a spacious terrace, perfect for open-air dining when the weather’s right.

CÉ LA VI, 25/F California Tower, 36, 30 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong, hk.celavi.com

Located on the 32nd floor of the EAST Hotel, this spacious outdoor terrace has a view from every angle. Sugar’s drinks menu features an extensive selection of martinis and mojitos, amongst all sorts of summery cocktails and draft beers. Settle under the umbrella-covered sofas on the patio (with an order of Truffle French Fries!) for a perfect lazy evening.

Top Tip: The accommodating staff here even provide blankets when it gets chilly!

Sugar (Bar.Deck.Lounge),32/F, East Hotel, 29 Tai Koo Shing Road, Tai Koo, Hong Kong, www.sugar-hongkong.com

Set in Ovolo Hotel, Komune and ABOVE by Komune are the go-to alfresco drinks spots in Wong Chuk Hang. Komune is an all-day-dining destination, with a focus on cocktails and fresh flavours. With drinks and views being the highlights, you can expect creative cocktails and generous sharing plates at this spacious venue. Found on the 23rd floor, the rooftop bar ABOVE offers the same food and drinks as Komune, but with panoramic views of Wong Chuk Hang and beyond. The outdoor area can seat just under 50 people and can cater to everything from corporate seminars to big birthday bashes.

Komune, 4/F, Ovolo Southside, 64 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong, www.komune.com.hk

Found in the JC Contemporary building in Tai Kwun, Old Bailey showcases the cuisine and hospitality of the Jiangnan region, focusing on time-honoured techniques and subtle flavours. The indoor space is chic and spacious, but it’s the wrap-around terrace that has us going back for more. Decked out with rattan chairs and subtle pops of colour, the space combines the best of both worlds, with views of both Tai Kwun’s courtyard and city skyscrapers. Whether you’re joining for lunch, brunch, tea or happy hour, it’s the perfect afternoon spot.

Old Bailey, 2/F, JC Contemporary, Tai Kwun, Old Bailey Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.oldbailey.hk

KYTALY‘s outdoor terrace may overlook bustling Wyndham Street and have views of Tai Kwun, but you’re sure to feel miles away from Hong Kong here. Not only does the restaurant and bar serve some of the best pizzas in the 852, along with classic cocktails and aperitivos, but the al fresco space offers up a little slice of Italy– it even features its own Capri lemon tree!

Top Tip: The restaurant is open Monday to Saturday, from 12pm to 2:30pm for lunch, and from 7pm for dinner, but if you head here between 2:30pm and 7pm you can still enjoy drinks on the terrace! The perfect way to while away a sunny afternoon.

KYTALY, 77 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.kytaly.hk

Looking for sky-high sophistication? This place is well-known for a reason. With a 360-degree balcony, Sevva offers a front and centre view of surrounding skyscrapers and the Hong Kong harbour. The convenient location (slap bang in the middle of Central) offers a chic lounge area and award-winning cocktails.

Top Tip: The 25th floor perspective is a great spot for visiting guests to check out, but this place is pretty much always packed. Opt for the afternoon tea if you’re looking for something quieter.

Sevva, Princes Building, 25/F, 10 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong, www.sevva.hk

Though this isn’t technically a rooftop bar, it has quickly become one of our favourite outdoor spots in Hong Kong. The relaxed ambience and desirable location (right by Central MTR, Exit D) provide Portico with a winning combination.

Top Tip: Ask for the cosy hanging chairs on the far left, pair your drink with a hot pizza, and your night is set for success.

Portico at Spiga, LHT Tower Podium, 3/F, Central, Hong Kong, www.diningconcepts.co

Another top spot for sunny days can be round at the rooftop of H Queens in Central. Opened by popular restaurant group Le Comptoir, PIQNIQ features a colourful and relaxed space, with killer views and an ever-buzzing atmosphere. The perfect place for a casual catch up with friends, or even a low-key first date.

Top Tip: PIQNIQ is also home to Yayoi Kusama’s iconic pumpkin, which takes pride of place in the bar, and is sure to be a hit with savvy Instagrammers.

PIQNIQ, Rooftop, H Queens, 80 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, www.lecomptoir.hk/piqniq

Maison Libanaise
Head to the rooftop of this top Middle-Eastern restaurant for al fresco drinks and dining on its fairylight-lit rooftop.

10 Shelley Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.maisonlibanaise.com.hk

Shake Shack
It might not be a bar, but this beloved burger joint is still one of the best places in the city to enjoy a view, just be prepared to swap out your cocktail for a milkshake!

ifc Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, www.ifc.com.hk/en/mall

SHÈ
Newly opened SHÈ serves up contemporary Chinese cuisine and cocktails, and features a spacious outdoor terrace with stunning harbour views.

Portion A of Shop 3025-3026 & 3031-3066, Level 3, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.sherestaurant.com.hk

La Rambla By Catalunya
This sprawling space is complete with a relaxed outdoor area that feels miles away from the ifc mall. Expect imported Spanish furnishings, a tapas menu, Jamón Ibérico and classic paella.

3071-73 level 3, IFC mall, Central, Hong Kong, www.larambla.hk

The Pawn
Overlooking Wan Chai’s bustling Johnson Road, head to The Pawn’s cute balcony for a range of cocktails, spirits, wines and beers.

The Pawn,62 Johnston Road Wan Chai, Hong Kong, www.thepawn.com.hk

The Envoy
British colonial-themed restaurant and bar, set in the boutique hotel, The Pottinger.

3/F, The Pottinger Hong Kong, 74 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, www.theenvoy.hk

ON DINING, Kitchen & Lounge
Set above the fine dining restaurant, offering a view of Victoria Harbour.

29/F,18 On Lan Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.ontop.hk

FoFo by el Willy
Casual Spanish joint delivering a modern take on classic tapas, with an outdoor panoramic view of Central and Mid-Levels.

20/F, M88, 2-8 Wellington Street, Central, Central, Hong Kong, www.fofo.hk

Skye
Revamped modern bar with sleek interiors and a wraparound view of the city.

27/F, The Park Lane Hong Kong, a Pullman Hotel – 310 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, www.parklane.com.hk

Beefbar
The one-Michelin star restaurant features a spacious outdoor terrace, along with 30% off drinks between 6pm and 9pm daily.

Club Lusitano, 2/F, 16 Ice House Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.hk.beefbar.com

Xi – Nine Dragons
Providing unrivalled views of Hong Kong island from the 20th floor restaurant, and the al fresco rooftop bar.

20/F & Rooftop, Prince Tower, 12A Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.qi-ninedragons.hk

Eyebar
Marine-themed, with an expansive outdoor patio offering 30th floor views.

30F, iSquare, 63 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.elite-concepts.com

The Garage Bar
Food trucks and craft beer make up for the lack of view at this outdoor bar.

Level L, Langham Place Hotel, 555 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.cordishotels.com

Vibes
Open-air cocktail and shisha lounge, featuring private cabanas and live DJ music.

5/F, The Mira, 118 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.themirahotel.com/dining/vibes

ÉPURE
Fine French food, foliage and flowers meet to overlook Victoria Harbour.

Shop 403, 4/F, Ocean Centre, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, www.epure.hk

Aqua
Breathtaking floor-to-ceiling views make this buzzing spot a go-to location for visiting guests (no outdoor option).

29/F and 30/F, 1 Peking Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, www.aqua.com.hk

Ozone
Located on the 118th floor of the Ritz Carlton, this is officially the highest sky bar in Hong Kong. Opt for a seat on the terrace to soak in the sights.

118/F, The Ritz Carlton Hong Kong, 1 Austin Ave, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/china/hong-kong/dining/ozone

Harland’s Bar and Restaurant
Indoor and outdoor Italian restaurant, featuring VIP rooms, a sprawling balcony and it’s very own “Secret Truffle Dressing”.

19/F, The One, 100 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, www.jcgroup.hk/restaurants/harlans

Editor’s Note: This article was originally written and published on Sassy Hong Kong by Tania Shroff on 31, May 2017 and updated by Annie Simpson on 8, March 2019.