Daniella Wu and Sasha Huang

Nov 23, 2022

The Best Fancy Restaurants in Central, Hong Kong

HONG KONG

Last updated: November 23, 2022

Fine diners are at no shortage of options when it comes to eating in the big city, but some days we prefer an in-betweener – not too pricey but with the same quality and service you'd expect from some higher-end picks. Here are our top spots for fancy restaurants in Central, Hong Kong right now:

Fireside

Cuisine: Traditional Open-Fire Grill | Chef(s): Miguel Gallo | Best For: Smoked Meats

Esteemed Venezuelan chef Miguel Gallo showcases the choicest of ingredients and the most authentic of recipes hailing all the way from his South American heritage to the eastern secrets of Japan on an exciting stage of open roaring flames in wooden ovens, proper Basque-style grills and Japanese charcoal. Fireside sets itself apart as Hong Kong's most unique authentic and traditional grillhouse using strictly charcoal, wood and open fire with no electric cooking equipment at all in order to cultivate and extract their protein's most exquisitely genuine flavours and aromas. Prepare yourself for a spectacular show of sparky surf and turf and sublime smoky flavours set in rustic yet contemporary interiors inspired by the experiences of countryside grill culture and outdoor camping with gorgeous exposed brick, dark woods and marble-top counters wrapping around the main culinary stage. We recommend ordering the 'carabinero' prawn flamabdou for a flaming spectacle and one of their signature seafood dishes or their choice cut of steak, the Rubia Gallega Vaca Vieja, a succulent 13-year old cow wrapped indulgently in Jamon de Iberico. Fireside is a unique and impressive dining experience that will be best enjoyed by friends or pairs who appreciate authentic smokehouse methods and front row dining seats to their dinner production.

Percy's

Cuisine: Seafood | Chef(s): Braden Reardon | Best For: Progressive Seafood Dishes

Located right next to the Central Mid-Levels escalators in the heart of Soho, Percy's promise to deliver seasonal produce in innovative fish-forward recipes at affordable prices is one they're sure to deliver on. Whether it's an intimate date, a dinner among friends or a work lunch, Percy's enjoys a remarkably versatile and open space flooded with warm light and bright neutral tones as well as thoughtfully thematic artistic touches to their interiors. Led by the former Buenos Aires Polo Club executive chef himself, Braden Reardon presents creative spins on all-things seafood, fusing a fascinating variety of ingredients and tastes from East to West, bringing about signature standout Percy concoctions like the buttery and decadent Lobster Bao, the gorgeous Razor Clams dish packed with complex, zesty flavours and textures, and the delightfully tender Dry Aged Tuna Steak – tantalising with blood orange sauce and fresh, crisp bok choy. Be sure to grab some drinks from their varied, choice selection of cocktails, beers, wines and spirits as they come at a temptingly reasonable price.

121BC

Cuisine: Italian | Best For: Pasta and Wine

121BC has for years been a long-reigning authentic Italian staple in the streets of Soho and the only thing about the establishment and its commendable reputation that has changed is simply the location: a couple of streets down from its previous spot! The restaurant's space is relatively intimate and cosy as well as simple and understated making it the ideal place for a friendly congregation over glasses of pinot grigio, pizza and pasta. For those seeking the irreplaceable nostalgic taste of homemade Italian cooking, look no further. The menu is seasonal,breads are handmade, the produce is sourced locally and organically and the seafood sustainable. In keeping with Italian dining customs, the menu is recommended for group sharing and we encourage you to take up the sommelier's recommendations for wines to pair up perfectly with whichever dishes you pick, as 121bc boasts a selection of over 100 choice wines from all over the vineyards of Italy.

Roji

Cuisine: Modern Izakaya | Best For: Late Night Izakaya

Tucked away in the alleyway from the bustling Lan Kwai Fong, Roji recreates the vibrant atmosphere of Tokyo's night food scene in Hong Kong. Its modern izakaya menu draws on seasonal highlights with favourites from the fresh scallops to A4 Wagyu Beef. Dinner is best served with drinks and the iconic highball is a must.

Castellana

Cuisine: Piedmont Cuisine | Chef(s): Romeo Morelli | Best For: Italian Home Comforts

Castellana is a unique restaurant that'll take you on an unforgettable gastronomic journey. The fine dining restaurant serves authentic piedmont cuisine, bringing beautiful flavours from the region's neighbouring countries, France and Switzerland, and the exquisite cuisine of its homeland, Italy. Cheese, truffle and wine are the name of the game here, taking guests on an all-encompassing experience.

ICHU

Cuisine: Contemporary Peruvian Cuisine | Chef(s): Jose Manuel Sabrera Meza | Best For: South American Delights

For a taste of Peru's traditional ingredients and culture, ICHU Hong Kong serves up South American dishes in an upbeat setting. With its colourful palette, exotic flavours and cosy interiors, ICHU will take you on a delightful journey through Peruvian flavours and classic dishes.

Mott 32

Cuisine: Contemporary Chinese Cuisine | Chef(s): Lee Man Sing | Best For: Contemporary Chinese

Named after the street that housed New York City's first Chinese convenience store, Mott 32 is a celebration of Hong Kong culture and cuisine. The multi-award-winning restaurant is helmed together by the Micheline-awarded Group Chinese Executive Chef Lee Man Sing, bringing authentic gourmet Cantonese, Beijing and a few Szechuan dishes to Central Hong Kong.

Carbone

Cuisine: New York-Italian Restaurant | Chef(s): Jack Carson | Best For: Birthday Celebrations

Founded by Chef Mario Carbone in 2013, Carbone Hong Kong harmoniously bridges the flavours and cultures of America and Italy. Inspired by New York's Italian restaurants of the mid-twentieth century, Carbone elegantly presents a balance of the two beloved cultures of the eras in its dishes.

Chaiwala

Cuisine: Modern Indian | Chef(s): Prabir Banerjee | Best For: Brunch

Serving a wide range of Indian dishes with a contemporary twist, Chaiwala embraces the philosophy of 'Life is Chai' and acts as the stage for exploring creativity and vibrancy within the culinary bubble of Hong Kong.

Duddell's

Cuisine: Cantonese Cuisine | Chef(s): Yip Kar On | Best For: Fancy Dim Sum

Designed by the celebrated London-based Ilse Crawford, the interior of this Michelin-starred restaurant is chic and elegant, projecting an art collector's home, for it is the stylish backdrop for gastronomy and art exhibitions. It is a cultural and social exchange for art lovers and appreciators, as well as food lovers and casual diners looking for a good time!

Aaharn

Cuisine: Thai Cuisine | Chef(s): David Thompson | Best For: Authentic Thai with a Modern Twist

Thanks to the delicate craftsmanship of chef David Thompson at Aaharn, the Thai restaurant has maintained its Michelin star for its consecutive third year. Here, you can taste fresh herbs and vegetables imported from Thailand merged with traditional cooking methods for a true Thai fine dining experience in Hong Kong. The experience will be in keeping with the Thai tradition of 'kup kao', meaning eaten with rice.

Ma...and The Seeds of Life

Cuisine: French Vegan Restaurant | Chef(s): Tina Barrat Best For: Vegan

The inspiration and creativity behind Ma... and The Seeds of Life came from Chef Tina Barrat's family and nature. Rooted in appreciation for nature, Chef Barrat carefully crafts colourful dishes from plant-based culinary philosophy to take you on a healthy, ethical and luxurious gastronomic journey.

The Chinese Library

Cuisine: Chinese Cuisine | Chef(s): Junno Li | Best For: Modern Chinese

The Chinese Library is a fanciful treat. Nestled within the historical building, the restaurant poses as a library for traditional Chinese cuisine with a modern spin and is a favourite among lunching ladies and those looking for a refined dim sum experience with a contemporary touch.

Address: Police Headquarters Block 01, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong | Website: chineselibrary.com.hk | Phone: +852 2848 3088 | Email: chineselibrary@aqua.com.hk | Instagram: @thechineselibrary | Facebook: @thechineselibrary