10 Must-Visit New Restaurants in Hong Kong for 2018

For both tourists and locals, one of Hong Kong’s biggest attractions is its wide variety of dining experiences.

The city's restaurant scene is ever-changing, with a constant influx of new openings and closures at an incredible pace.

2018 continues this trend, with a fresh wave of exciting restaurant openings that are sure to attract food lovers from around the globe.

Here are 10 of the most exciting new dining spots to check out when visiting Hong Kong:

1. Popinjays at The Murray

One of the year's most highly anticipated restaurant openings is located within a new hotel that blends modern luxury with classic charm.

While the venue hosts a variety of dining and drinking establishments, Popinjays, perched on the top floor, is set to outshine them all.

The rooftop restaurant boasts sweeping views of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline and the lush greenery of Hong Kong Park below.

Opening in July, Popinjays will offer seasonal menus and shareable platters inspired by culinary traditions from around the globe.

Additional features include an impressive cocktail menu and The Aviary, an exclusive private dining room for 14 guests, enclosed in glass.

Popinjays, The Murray, 22 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong; +852 3141 8888

2. Yardbird

Yardbird, renowned for its beak-to-tail yakitori (skewered chicken) and exceptional cocktails, has been a favorite of both locals and visitors since it opened in Soho in 2011.

At the end of last year, the team relocated the beloved restaurant to Sheung Wan, offering a much larger space and an expanded menu.

This move is a welcome change for those hoping for a seat, though it may be a bit of a loss for regulars who miss the cozy, vibrant atmosphere of the original spot, located near Hong Kong's nightlife center.

That said, the menu remains as mouthwatering as ever, the Japanese-inspired drinks are as strong as before, and the friendly vibe continues to make it one of the city's most welcoming venues.

New dishes, like fried rice with rich bacon XO sauce and grilled seasonal vegetables, have been introduced to complement the skewer-focused offerings, but the crowd-pleasing KFC (Korean Fried Cauliflower) and sweetcorn tempura are still firmly on the menu.

Yardbird, 154-158 Wing Lok St, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong; +852 2547 9273

3. Big Sur

If you're craving a taste of California while in Hong Kong, Big Sur is one of the best places to satisfy that longing.

With its name inspired by the iconic coastline, rustic interiors, and spacious outdoor seating, Big Sur offers a true West Coast vibe.

The menu features classic barbecue favorites such as Santa Maria Tri Tip (slow-cooked over an open flame), whole seabass, and pulled pork burgers.

Latin American influences shine through at Big Sur: “Baja” tacos are generously filled with shrimp and house-made “Big Sur-izo” sausage, while a hearty piece of halloumi sits atop a traditional Salvadorean pupusa (a black bean-filled tortilla pancake).

The bar is a major highlight, offering 14 craft beers from Hong Kong's Young Master Brewery, along with 20 varieties of tequila and 8 types of mezcal.

For the health-conscious, there's no need to worry: fresh salads, smoothies, and juices (which turn into cocktails at night) are all available.

Big Sur, 22 Staunton St, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2529 3001

4. Forbidden Duck

Hong Kong diners are no strangers to Alvin Leung, the self-proclaimed “Demon Chef”.

Known for his three-Michelin-starred Bo Innovation and the high-end Bib n Hops Korean restaurants, Leung now brings his bold twist to traditional Chinese dishes with his latest venture: Forbidden Duck.

Located in the renowned Times Square tower, this Chinese restaurant serves Cantonese classics like dim sum, char siu (barbecued pork), roasted pork, and duck prepared in a variety of styles.

Signature dishes include the classic Peking duck with pancakes and all the trimmings, as well as a more modern slow-cooked duck option.

For the slow-cooked duck, Leung pairs it with orange-infused bao (steamed buns), creating duck sandwiches that are best savored with the chef's homemade sauce.

To fully enjoy the duck dishes, it's best to call ahead and reserve either a half or whole portion, as the restaurant only serves a limited number each day.

Forbidden Duck, Shop 1001B, 10/F, Times Square, 1 Matheson St, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong; +852 2882 8600

5. Beet

Nestled in the vibrant Gough Street area – a trendy dining and shopping district on the western edge of Central – Beet is a welcome new addition to Hong Kong's food scene.

Diners can expect visually stunning dishes crafted by Chef Barry Quek and his talented, young international team.

Chef Quek brings a wealth of culinary expertise to Beet, having honed his skills at renowned restaurants such as Joël Robuchon in Singapore, Attica in Melbourne, and Portland in London.

At Beet, you’ll experience a blend of classic and innovative techniques through the set menu, with standout dishes like Te Mana lamb from New Zealand paired with eggplant, and a beautifully plated raw hamachi (Japanese yellowtail) with cream.

Given the exceptional quality of BBB – or Barry’s Bread and Butter – it’s easy to see why Chef Quek is proud to lend his name to the dishes served here.

The atmosphere is as laid-back and unpretentious as the cuisine, with large windows offering views of the street outside.

Beet, 6 Kau U Fong, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2824 389

6. La Rambla

Few locations in Hong Kong are as coveted as the International Finance Centre, which overlooks the iconic Victoria Harbour.

New Spanish restaurant La Rambla has secured a prime spot inside IFC, featuring a spacious 100-seat terrace with stunning views.

From its prime harborside location, Chef Ferran Tadeo presents Catalan-inspired cuisine alongside one of the city's most extensive Spanish wine collections.

A native of Catalonia and a former elBulli chef, Tadeo’s dishes and ingredients stay true to the rich traditions of Spanish cooking.

On the menu, you’ll find premium items like 120-day aged Galician beef from Barcelona’s famed Carles Tejedor steakhouse, massive red carabinero shrimp, and hearty paellas.

Be sure to save room for dessert – the indulgent dulce de leche is a must-try.

La Rambla, 3/F, Shop 3071, IFC Mall, 8 Finance St, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2661 1161

7. La Vache!

While La Vache is no newcomer to Hong Kong – with an existing location in Soho – the newly opened Tsim Sha Tsui branch brings the indulgence of bottomless steak frites to Kowloon.

The steakhouse keeps things simple, focusing on one dish, but they do it exceptionally well.

The straightforward yet satisfying set menu starts with a hearty salad topped with walnuts and a classic French vinaigrette, followed by a perfectly cooked steak prepared just the way you like it.

What really makes the meal special are the unlimited fries, paired with a secret sauce that's so delicious, it’s dangerously addictive.

After you've had your fill of savory dishes, a tempting array of desserts awaits, including French classics like Paris-Brest – a choux pastry filled with praline cream and caramelized hazelnuts.

To complete the experience, pitchers of wine, warm service, and a great soundtrack create a lively and inviting atmosphere.

La Vache!, 12 Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong; +852 2666 6818

8. New Punjab Club

Historically, Hong Kong has lacked high-quality South Asian restaurants, which makes the arrival of New Punjab Club a significant addition.

Led by Michelin-starred chef Palash Mitra (formerly of London’s Gymkhana), this chic 40-seat tandoor grill house highlights the rich flavors of Punjabi cuisine.

Originating from the Indian and Pakistani region, Punjabi cuisine is known for its hearty shared dishes and smoky, tandoor-cooked meats.

A roaming gin and tonic cart will awaken your senses as you choose from mouthwatering options like seekh kebab (spiced lamb), keema pau (milk buns with spiced mutton), lentil dumplings, slow-roasted shrimp, lamb shank, and tandoori chicken.

The roti and naan flatbreads are equally exceptional, as are the colonial-era inspired desserts.

New Punjab Club, 34 Wyndham St, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2368 1223

9. Sushi Saito

The Four Seasons Hotel in Hong Kong already boasts five Michelin stars, and the upcoming arrival of the renowned Sushi Saito is another prestigious addition to its legacy.

Set to open this March, the Hong Kong outpost will be Chef Takashi Saito's first international venture, expanding on his acclaimed three-Michelin-starred Tokyo restaurant of the same name.

Saito is known for his unwavering commitment to perfection, a keen eye for detail, and an exceptional ability to harmonize flavor, temperature, and texture.

At the new Hong Kong location, every piece of sushi will be meticulously hand-crafted using only the finest fish from Tokyo's Tsukiji market, delivered fresh daily.

Every ingredient, from soy sauce to vinegar, will be sourced directly from Tokyo, ensuring an authentic experience that’s true to its roots.

Sushi Saito, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Finance St, Central, Hong Kong; +852 3196 8888

10. FUMI

Another Japanese gem, FUMI has recently opened in the vibrant Lan Kwai Fong nightlife district in Central.

Perched on the sixth floor of California Tower, the restaurant offers a culinary journey across Japan’s rich food traditions.

The menu features a variety of delights, from yakitori skewers and ramen to full kaiseki set menus, sushi, sashimi, and premium wagyu beef, much of it prepared at an open chef's counter.

Additionally, FUMI plans to host celebrity guest chefs from Japan, showcasing seasonal ingredients in exclusive pop-up events.

The name FUMI, meaning 'culture' in Japanese, is reflected in the restaurant’s carefully selected art, textiles, furniture, and even sake glassware, all chosen by the attentive owners.

In celebration of Japanese culture, the restaurant will host immersive cultural experiences, including traditional dance performances, calligraphy workshops, sake tasting sessions, and more.

FUMI, 6/F, California Tower, Lan Kwai Fong, 30-36 D’Aguilar St, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2328 3302