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When the sun is shining and the weather is fine, there’s no better way to soak in the day than by sitting down to a great meal on a cosy outdoor dining terrace. The ambience of an al fresco restaurant is always more relaxed and makes for an enjoyable meal, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner or a midday snack! We’ve rounded up the ultimate list of family-friendly outdoor dining options, so take your pick!
Duddell’s
We can’t get enough of one of Hong Kong’s hippest restaurants for its arty feel, delicious Cantonese cuisine and its lovely outdoor terrace. While away the hours at this relaxing al fresco area that’s filled with a mix of cool and comfy furniture and lush green plants… you’ll start to feel as though you’re not even in HK! And when you get to that stage, just order some of the delicious dim sum on offer to bring you back to the city. The char siu is an absolute must, worth the rather steep prices. Alternatively, pop by on the weekend to try out their brunch and enjoy a chilled glass of champagne on the terrace.
Duddell’s, 3-4/F, Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2525 9191, www.duddells.co
Cafe Roma
If you’re in the New Territories, Cafe Roma is a prime destination for family-friendly dining right on the beach! This restaurant and café on Park Island serves up casual European cuisine, and customers can even bring their furry companions to accompany them on the wooden deck. We love their varied selection of pizzas, pastas and burgers, and know the kids will too!
Cafe Roma, L1, Shop 7&8, Beach Commercial Complex, Park Island, Hong Kong, 3446 1226, www.caferoma.com.hk
Gaia
One of Sheung Wan’s top Italian restaurants, Gaia is part of the same group that owns modern Italian joints such as Isola and Va Bene. Expect to be wowed by delicious Italian fare and make sure you try their awesome anti-pasti buffet. This is the ideal place to come for a long, leisurely lunch, and you can people watch from the terrace that overlooks Grand Millennium Plaza. We’re craving a glass of vino already…
Gaia, 181 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2167 8200, www.gaiagroup.com.hk/gaia
Classified
This favourite restaurant has several Hong Kong locations and is the ideal brunch or lunch spot. On a summer’s day, some of their locations are known for setting up outdoor seating and dining. If you’re centrally located, Classified on Hollywood Road has a couple of seating spaces outside for when the sun is shining. If you’re further East near Causeway Bay, the Tai Hang resto will also put out extra seating on a summer’s day. Both spots are perfect for people watching and we can’t resist a glass of wine and some of their delicious cheeses. Find out where your closest Classified is here for some outdoor dining relaxation.
Classified, 108 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2525 3454, www.classifiedfood.com
Classified, 1-9 Lin Fa Kung Street West, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, 2857 3454, www.classifiedfood.com
Rainbow Seafood
Visiting Lamma for the day? Don’t miss stopping by one of our favourite restaurants on the island, Rainbow Seafood, and spend an afternoon soaking in the sun on their great outdoor terrace. This famous spot celebrates the history and culture of the island while serving up a delicious array of fresh seafood options from prawns to lobster to squid.
Rainbow Seafood, Sok Kwu Wan, First Street, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, 2982 8100, www.rainbowrest.com.hk
Lupa
Lupa has one of the only outdoor spaces that’s bang in the heart of Central, so it’s definitely one for convenience! The 2,500 square-foot terrace is the perfect place to relax, and you know it won’t feel crowded with all that space. The restaurant serves tasty Italian fare, although you’ll get a limited menu if you dine on the terrace. If you do dine outside though, you can try the delicious pizzas that are cooked in a traditional pizza oven… yum. This is one Central spot you’ve got to try for outdoor space, so head up to Lupa for some food or even just a cocktail. They also offer a great family-friendly Sunday brunch.
Lupa, 3/F, LHT Tower, 31 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong, 2796 6500, www.diningconcepts.com/lupa
Glasshouse
Gaia Group’s newest Hong Kong resto sits on IFC roof, and boasts a cute, potting-shed themed interior and a lovely outdoor terrace. The terrace overlooks the harbour and is the ideal setting for sipping on a glass of good Italian wine while enjoying the delicious food. The Western-style dishes with an Asian twist use fresh ingredients, including fresh herbs that are grown on the terrace. Take in the sea breeze and stop by this new, ‘upscale casual’ restaurant.
Glasshouse, Shop 4009, Level 4, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2383 4008, www.gaiagroup.com.hk/glasshouse
Life Café
If you’re trying to maintain that bikini body and you’re looking for a healthy, light meal, stop by Life Café. This is a Soho staple for healthy, happy food that makes you feel good too! Life Café’s terrace is the perfect place to indulge in a wholesome salad and their amazing organic cookies. There’s nothing like a fresh salad loaded with superfoods on a summer’s day!
Life Café, 38 Shelley Street, Soho, Hong Kong, 2810 9777, www.lifecafe.com.hk
Brick Lane
If you’re looking for a little slice of London in Hong Kong, head to Brick Lane. The Admiralty branch of Brick Lane is the sleeker sister of their initial TST resto, and it offers up great British grub with breath-taking views of the harbour. Tuck into some seriously good fish and chips or try one of their beautifully decorated cupcakes… comfort food at it’s best! It’s perfect for a chilled out al fresco dinner.
Brick Lane, Shop 404, 4/F, Citic Tower, 1 Tim Mei Avenue, Admiralty, Hong Kong, 2363 2500, www.bricklane.com.hk
Koh Tai – Wan Chai
Spicy, sour, sweet and salty – Thai food has got to be one of the most flavourful of cuisines! If you’re in the mood for Thai food, don’t miss the tasty dishes that Koh Thai has on offer. The huge outdoor terrace and open kitchen make for an exciting evening that will make you feel like you’re back on holiday in Thailand. Bring on the Pad Thai…
Koh Tai, 1/F, J-Residence, 60 Johnston Road, Wan Chai (entrance by 18 Ship Street), Hong Kong, 3160 8535, www.kohthai.com.hk
Assaggio Trattoria Italiana
Hidden in the Hong Kong Arts Centre, Assaggio has an incredible outdoor terrace which overlooks the harbour. The best thing about this secret spot is that surprisingly few people know of it, making it an intimate dinner destination. With a range of delicious dishes hailing from various regions of Italy – we’re talking delicate platters of cold cuts and rustic pizzas and pastas, all made with fresh ingredients – Assaggio is an unpretentious and relaxed dining destination. Enjoy looking out onto the harbour whilst you sample their scrumptious desserts. It’s also great value for money, with pastas and pizzas coming in at the $80-$150 mark. And if you just can’t decide, the iPad menu with food shots makes ordering a breeze.
Assaggio Trattoria Italiana, 6/F, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road Wan Chai, Hong Kong, www.miradining.com/assaggio-wanchai
Hooray
When you see the view from the top of this place, you’ll fall in love with our city’s skyline once again. Hooray boasts a fabulous view of the harbour, with a huge outdoor terrace in Causeway Bay. This enormous space includes an Italian-Asian fusion restaurant and bar where you can grab something to eat and a couple of drinks too! The main draw here is the view, and it’s the ideal place to come in the summer to soak up some rays.
Hooray, P502, World Trade Centre, 280 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 2895 0885, www.jcgroup.hk/restaurants/hooray
WHISK
Located on the 5th floor of The Mira Hong Kong, WHISK is more of a date-night spot on the weekdays, but feel free to bring along the little ones on Sundays for their great family-friendly brunch. Guests can feast on a selection of carved meats, salads, barbecue, seafood and soup while enjoying the view from WHISK’s adjoining outdoor terrace-lounge area, Vibes.
WHISK, 118-130 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 2315 9995; www.themirahotel.com/portfolios/whisk
Chez Patrick Deli
With views of the beautiful Stanley gulf, Chez Patrick Deli offers the perfect place to laze and lounge about on warm weather days with their expansive outdoor terrace. The whole family will love indulging in hearty French cuisine while soaking in the sun and enjoying the relaxed vibe of Stanley.
Chez Patrick Deli, G/F, Shops 05-06, Stanley Plaza, Stanley, Hong Kong, 2683 5115; www.chezpatrick.hk
Shelter Italian Bar and Restaurant
Head to Hysan Place in Causeway Bay to be wowed by this huge outdoor dining space. Shelter Italian Bar and Restaurant sits between a wind tunnel, so it’s sure to be breezy and beautiful in the open air. Sit under the twinkling lights hanging from the leaves on the wall and enjoy this truly spacious area while you tuck into yummy Italian dishes that use organic ingredients. It’s a little on the pricey side, with spending at $500-$1,000 per person, but the magical atmosphere and unique space make it perfect for a special summer night out.
Shelter Italian Bar and Restaurant, Shop No. 718-179, Hysan Place, 500 Hennessey Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 2778 8398, www.shelterhk.com
The Peak Lookout
Located in a heritage house on the top of Hong Kong Island is The Peak Lookout. Yes, it might be on every tourist’s hit list, but that doesn’t mean that we Hong Kongers should neglect it! When the weather is behaving, it’s a relaxing place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and the view over the south side of the island is spectacular. With a wide selection of delicious Western and Asian dishes (remember to order the Tandoori!), The Peak Lookout is the perfect spot to take the troop.
The Peak Lookout, 121 Peak Road, The Peak, Hong Kong, 2849 1000, www.peaklookout.com.hk
Tivo Kennedy Town
On the lookout for somewhere laid-back for your Friday night dinner? Then why not try out Tivo in Kennedy Town? Set on the corner of a road, the doors are left open so you can catch a bit of the sea breeze from the harbour. With ‘sharing’ plates of food that mix Western and Asian flavours together (try the tuna pizza… we can’t figure this one out!), low-lighting and a slick interior, Tivo brings a bit of sophistication to this sleepy suburban area! They’re also doing brunch on the weekend, so it’s great to be able to feel like you’re outside on a sunny day.
Tivo Kennedy Town, 33 Praya, Kennedy Town (corner of Holland Street), Hong Kong, 2543 1238, www.facebook.com/tivokt
Spices
If you’re looking for a restaurant with a killer view, you’ve got to head to Spices. This go-to restaurant in Repulse Bay has a refreshed, contemporary look and a gorgeous courtyard that over looks Repulse Bay (now that’s a restaurant with a view!). With a range of favourite Asian dishes on offer – we’re talking red duck and lychee curry, satay, tom yam gung and teriyaki – the menu is eclectic but the quality and presentation are excellent.
Spices, G/F, The Arcade, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong, 2292 2821, www.therepulsebay.com/en/dining_1.asp
Enoteca Quarry Bay
This popular Mediterranean eatery has been offering good wine and food to Hong Kongers for a couple of years now; you’re probably most familiar with the original Enoteca in Soho. If you’re looking to break out of the Central bubble though, you should check out Enoteca in Quarry Bay. They offer the same scrumptious tapas-style food in a more relaxed, al fresco setting. You’ll really get into the Mediterranean vibe with the piazza-style dining – great for watching people go by as you enjoy a glass of vino. They also offer some pretty good deals here too (try out a litre of beer or cocktail and gourmet pizza for only $175!) and it’s a great place to stop for brunch when you’re checking out Island East Markets on a Sunday.
Enoteca Quarry Bay, G/F, 35-41 Tong Chong Street, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong, 2744 6000, www.enoteca.hk/enotecaQB
The Backyard
The Backyard, situated in Langham Place, Mongkok, is a seriously cool venue. Think oversized bean bags, lounge furniture, a waterfall and water features! This amazing venue is truly atmospheric, with candles littering the garden-esque outdoor area at night and surrounding by contrasting old and new buildings on either side. The unexpected 6,000 square foot sprawling space is ideal for chilling out on. Order drinks by the glass or jug (if you’re feeling very relaxed!) and munch on their delicious bar snacks and pizzas. For the ultimate indulgence, try their lazy days drinks offer for $498 and enjoy three house of free-flow champagne, spirits, wine, beer and gourmet pizza… bottoms up!
The Backyard, Langham Hotel, Level 4, 555 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3552 3028, http://hongkong.langhamplacehotels.com/restaurants/the_backyard.htm
Al Molo
Dining Concepts group (Bistecca, Cecconi’s and Tango) and celebrity chef Michael White have paired up for the chef’s first overseas venture. Al Molo, which appropriately means The Pier, is an Italian restaurant with a fine pedigree – Michael won two Michelin stars at his NYC restaurant Marea. Protégée Jimmy Everett is looking after Al Molo (though Michael has promised he’ll be back a few times a year to check how things are going) and it’s a lovely, relaxed dining experience. The restaurant feels a bit like a Tuscan version of Lily and the outdoor terrace which looks over to Hong Kong side is people watching paradise.
Al Molo, Shop G63, G/F, Ocean Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2730 7900, www.diningconcepts.com/al_molo
Spasso
Spasso may have moved out of its Harbour City location but its new eatery still boasts stunning views of Hong Kong’s skyline. On a summer’s day, the Italian restaurant sets up tables that spill out onto the pavement, a great way to soak up some rays while sipping on a glass of rose and nibbling on some delicious bites. We checked out their new locale recently, and were overwhelmed with the tasty treats on offer.
Spasso, G5-8, 12-17, Empire Centre, 68 Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2730 8027, www.divinogroup.com/restaurants/spasso
OneThirtyOne
If you’re looking for somewhere beautiful and off the beaten track, look no further than OneThirtyOne in Sai Kung. This gorgeous three-storey, terracotta-coloured house has an amazing view of the sea beneath it, lush green lawns (with real grass!) and a completely different feel to any other restaurant in Hong Kong. In fact, it’s so special that people even get married here! The kitchen is headed up by Chef Brendon Chadwick and you can choose from either the four-course lunch at $600 or the six-course dinner at $1,200. Both use seasonal, fresh produce that’s beautifully presented as delicious French fare. OneThirtyOne is perfect for any special occasion, but reservations are a must!
OneThirtyOne, 131 Tseung Tau Village, Shap Sze Heung, Sai Kung, Hong Kong, 2791 2684, www.one-thirtyone.com
Red Penny
Al fresco dining isn’t restricted to Hong Kong Island, so if you’re keen to try somewhere a bit further afield then check out Red Penny in Kam Tin. Red Penny serves up tasty Thai cuisine with favourites such as pineapple fried rice, Pad Thai, curries and other comfort food delights on offer. This casual restaurant has a great outdoor area with a lovely, relaxed ambience that will really put you at ease. It’s not easy to get to, but worth it for a fun evening with friends or a casual, different date!
Trek out to Lantau for the ultimate beach dining spot. Mavericks on Pui O beach is the latest cool bar and resto set up by Chef Austin Fry (of Boomshack, Roundhouse, Salon 10 and Brickhouse) and Jay FC (of Flying Brats, Mr Bing, Linguini Fini, Stone Nullah, Homegrown Foods). With their credentials, you know it’s going to be good. Mavericks boasts a cool, chilled out environment right on the beach, the perfect place to spend your weekend with friends. By supporting the local community, Mavericks has developed a great inclusive atmosphere that is encouraged by their simplicity and fun. With amazing food, good beers and a killer sunset to match, Mavericks is definitely one to try when the weather picks up.
The Stoep
If you’re keen to get away from the buzz of the city, take the ferry out to Lantau and enjoy one of Hong Kong’s most beautiful beaches – Cheung Sha Beach. This is the perfect sunny day activity, made even better by a stop at The Stoep for a beach barbeque. Tuck into some reasonably priced South African dishes… we love the hummus with seeded bread, the boerewors and the fresh rainbow trout, all washed down with a jug of the ultimate summer drink, Pimms. Make sure you eat enough to send you into a comfortable food coma so you can enjoy a peaceful nap on the beach afterwards.
The Stoep, 32 Lower Cheung Sha Village, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, 2980 2699, www.thestoep.com
Ooh La La!
Another great Pui O option is Ooh La La, which offers up sandwiches, salads and other fail-safe dishes by the beach. This casual restaurant is a great easy option on a sunny beach day; you’ll feel like you’re on holiday as you watch the sun go down! Grab some beers and treat your family and friends to a barbecue this weekend.
