Valentine's Day is just around the corner and we have got the list for you so that you and your hubby can treat yourself to a memorable meal at one of these fabulous new and all-time favorite dining spots in Hong Kong! Regardless of what you’re in the mood for, we’ve got something for everyone, including some great alternatives if you're just 'looking for something special'.
Little Steps has wined and dined to seek out 2020's newcomers for top date night occasions. From Italian to European and seafood joint, check out our top romantic hot spots to hit Hong Kong.
The Pizza Project - Pirata Group and the Pici team are teaming up to continue their streak of creative, trendy, and friendly restaurant concepts that thrive on simple, delicious, and affordable dishes. The Pizza Project is the first one of its kind for the Pirata Group and is set to serve handmade pizzas made quickly, masterfully, and with love by the experienced Pici chefs.
G/F, 26 Peel Street, Central Hong Kong, [email protected], piratagroup.hk
Amelia - Opening in Harbour City, guests can expect an innovative array of modern European cuisine with Italian finesse in a relaxed yet elegant ambiance.
Fortnum’s 181 - the first-ever Fortnum & Mason restaurant to hit Hong Kong. Situated inside K11 Musea, Fortnum’s 181 provides sensational views over Victoria Harbour in an elegant and refined setting.
Shop 022, G/F, K11 Atelier, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.181fortnums.com.hk
Ink Seafood Bar - This casual seafood joint is located on the newly revamped Avenue of the Stars. The fun seafood spot is an excellent place to park yourself for a few hours on a fine day, slurping fresh oysters and indulging in succulent seafood platters, as well as lobster rolls and more! Make sure to check out their Valentine's menu.
G/F, Hong Kong Museum of Art, 10 Salisbury Road, TST, Kowloon, Hong Kong, inkcafe.com.hk
If getting a babysitter is a struggle or you want to stay close to home and away from the Corona Virus this Valentine’s Day, not to worry. Getting out of the house for a date is fun, but you can still have a delightful date night from home with a little creativity. So, tuck those kids in, put your face masks away and get ready for a memorable Valentine’s Day from the comfort of your own home.
Have A Theme Night – With this at-home date, you and your significant other get to be creative and enjoy a variety of activities together. Just decide on a theme and plan your night around it. Here are a couple of ideas to get your creative juices flowing… Always wanted to go to Italy? Bring Italy to you with a homecooked Italian meal (or just order grab food J) and eat it under candlelight while Italian music (from YouTube) serenades you. Then finish off the night with gelato while you watch The Italian Job or The Godfather. Or maybe you love a good mystery. Play a game of clue, then watch your favorite mystery movie or show. For dessert, you could feed each other sweets while blindfolded and try to guess what it is. The sky is the limit with this date. Be creative and have fun!
Create A Time Capsule - Sometimes, it feels like time is flying by too fast, but with this date night, you can freeze time for a night by creating a time capsule! All you need to do is find a container (shoeboxes or old food containers work well), and then you and your sweetie get to choose what to fill it with. Here are some ideas to get you started; a list of your current favorites/current happenings, a bucket list of things or places you want to do/go together, a recent photo, a cd with your favorite songs, or love letters you write to each other. When you’re finished adding items to your capsule, seal it up and tuck it away someplace safe. Then set a day to open it up with your honey in one or two or five years for another fun date.
Spa Night - Pamper yourself and your valentine with this effortless at-home spa date. First, create a spa-like ambiance with low lights, soft music, and lightly scented candles. Slip into some comfy robes and slippers and then take turns giving each other spa treatments such as massages or facials. You could also make your own body scrubs using essential oils and either sugar or Epsom salt. Finish off the night with a hot bath or shower and feel all the distractions and stresses of life melt away.
There is nothing quite as romantic as dining by the sea, watching the sun go down in the glistening ocean, breathing in the salty air, it is truly something else. And, as we live in Hong Kong, we are in luck being surrounded by sea. Giving us plenty of coastal dining options, here are our top 3:
Limewood - With a location overlooking the beautiful Repulse Bay Beach, Limewood is the perfect setting to enjoy a delicious Southeast Asian, Hawaiian, South American and Caribbean-inspired menu against the beautiful backdrop of the moon, sand and sounds of the ocean.
The Pulse, Shop 103&104, G/F, 28 Beach Rd, Repulse Bay, +852 2866 8668, www.limewood.hk
Ming Kee @ Po Toi Island - Why not do something different than your standard sit-down dinner and get on a sampan from Stanley to the secluded island of Po Toi, where you’ll find flip-fresh seafood, made in classic Cantonese-style. Settle on a plastic chair, feel the ocean breeze and munch on some scrumptious deep-fried squid, perfect with an ice-cold beer.
Click here for Po Toi inspiration!
Sip Song - Located in Repulse Bay, is inspired by the beach culture along the southern Thai coast and of course, serves Thai food. Some of the highlights on the menu are roti pancakes with BBQ pork, ube ice cream with coconut and whole steamed mullet fish for the seafood fans!
The Pulse, 28 Beach Rd, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/sipsonghk
Coconut Thai Bar & Grill - A long been a favorite among Southside dwellers, with it being open all day and serving modern Thai cuisine with a killer view!
West Block, Island Road, Deep Water Bay, Hong Kong, Facebook Page
French is a classic cuisine when it comes to dining romantically. Pairing delicate dishes with gorgeous French wines are always a winner. Hong Kong has a fair few great French restaurants, here is our top three:
Belon - this lovely Neo-Parisian bistro located in trendy Soho. It has been awarded one star in the 2019 Michelin Guide and a place on Asia's 50 Best Restaurant List for good reason. Make sure to go to their "hidden" speakeasy upstairs for beautiful cocktails. (featured in photo)
41 Elgin Street, Soho, Hong Kong, + 852 2152 2872, [email protected], belonsoho.com
Le 39V - French dining has reached new heights with this gem, located on the 101st floor in ICC. Be prepared for stunning panoramic views, this Michelin star restaurant started in 2010 and has not lost its vision for food.
14/F, TAL Building, 45-53 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Hong Kong, +852 3618 6749, [email protected]
Maison ES - it wouldn't be hard to pass by this romantic restaurant as it looks more like a florist than a French-themed bistro. Their main focus is on simple ingredients done well and they succeed with flying colors.
1A Start Street (Entrance on Electric Street), Wanchai, Hong Kong, +852 2521 8011, [email protected], www.maison-es.com
When you think about romance, Italy comes to mind rather quickly. Italian food has made its way into everyone's lives, whether its cooking pasta or pizza at home or going for a lovely meal, Hong Kong has a fair few amazing Italian restaurants but for this list, we picked out 3:
Sabatini - this HK Italian classic has been around for a quarter of century, but as the saying goes "if it ain't broke, why fix it?". This Hong Kong staple serves Roman-style comfort food, ideal if wish to have a fancy dinner but with big portions. (featured in photo)
69 Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Hong Kong, +852 2733 2000, [email protected], www.rghk.com.hk/en/dining/sabatini
Grissini - has panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and is perfect for date night with great Italian wine and food. Its contemporary interior design and modern Tony Delapp paintings conjure up the feeling of a stylish New York restaurant. This is a fantastic restaurant for vegetarians as they have dedicated menus, which is an unusual treat for Southern European restaurants.
Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Hong Kong, +852 2584 7722, www.hongkong.grand.hyattrestaurants.com/restaurants-and-bars/grissini
8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana - it would be hard to mention Italian food in Hong Kong without mentioning the recipient of three Michelin stars for the past seven years and being ranked 13th in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2018. 8½ is one of the best Italian restaurants in Hong Kong without a doubt.
Shop 202, 2/F, Alexandra House, Central, +852 2537 8859, www.ottoemezzobombana.com
Who could say no to tapas, delightful small Spanish plates which pack a tonne of flavor. Spanish menus will satisfy even the pickiest palate as there is a dish for everyone, here are our top 3 for date night:
Iberico & Co - this stunning restaurant, with its vibrant turquoise velvet seats and dark brown metallics, is a great choice for date night in central. Conveniently located right next to the midlevel escalators, make sure to check out their amazing cocktail list! (featured in photo)
18 Shelley St, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2752 8811, iberico-co-soho.business.site
Chico/Chica - this intimate little hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Sai Ying Pun creates some amazing authentic Spanish dishes that make the mouth water. It does get a little tight in there, so don't order too many tapas at the same time.
G/F 70, Third Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, +852 2517 9777, [email protected], chico-chicahk.com
The Optimist - this lovely restaurant owned by the Pirata Group offers fantastic Northern Spanish dishes, perfect for the colder period. Their booths are intimate and comfortable, ideal for a romantic night out.
239 Hennessy Rd, Wanchai, Hong Kong, +852 2433 3324, [email protected], theoptimist.hk
Prefer something different than the European classics why not opt for Middle Eastern, great cuisine for sharing plates and discovering new food together. Check out these top 3 Middle Eastern restaurants:
La Maison Libanaise - this vibrantly colorful restaurant spans over three floors which is unique for Hong Kong. Make sure to try their amazing roasted cauliflower and to finish the night off, you absolutely must try their olive cake with stunning pale pink rose infused icing. OMG! They only allow walk-ins but the turnover is quick. (featured in photo)
10 Shelley Street, SoHo, Hong Kong, +852 2111 2284, [email protected], www.maisonlibanaise.com.hk
Sumac - this restaurant has been around for years but only known by a few. It is rather hidden yet very central and also has two lovely outside tables if you prefer to take your romantic dinner al fresco. The staff are super friendly and helpful!
8 Glenealy, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2147 9191, [email protected], www.sumac.com.hk
Francis - Chef Asher Goldstein draws upon childhood memories of the rotating selection of meze and hearty grilled plates on the vibrant streets of Tel Aviv, Israel to bring Hong Kong this Middle Eastern restaurant.
G/F, 4 & 6, St. Francis Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, www.francis.com.hk
For something more sophisticated and light, why not go for Japanese? Whether you want classic sushi, hectic teppanyaki or casual yakitori, this cuisine is ideal if you wish to stick to new year resolutions, and they aren't known for their desserts, so you can stick to a 2-course meal easily!
Inakaya - located on the 101st floor of ICC, you will have a memorable evening here! From the jaw-dropping views to the traditional setup of the robatayaki room and the orders being shouted in Japanese, you’re in for quite the experience. (featured in photo)
1 Austin Rd W, West Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2972 2666, www.jcgroup.hk/restaurants/ inakaya
Sagano - for couples who prefer a more minimalistic style restaurant and wish to dine without all the romantic frills, then look no further than Sagano. Seasonal ingredients are crucial to this restaurant, so the menu changes often.
1/F New World Millennium Hong Kong Hotel, 72 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, +852 2313 4222, newworldmillenniumhotel.com/en/dining/sagano
Sushi Hana - if you wish to have amazing Japanese dishes without breaking the bank, go here! Sushi Hana was established by one of the top teppanyaki chefs in Hong Kong, whose other venture, IM Teppanyaki & Wine was awarded a Michelin Star two years in a row.
142 Tung Lo Wan Rd, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, +852 2679 8038, www.sushihana.com.hk
Speakeasy aka "hidden bar", comes from the era of Prohibition in America, where these bars were a necessity to not be caught drinking. They were just as vital for the creation of cocktails, all part of the ruse to distract authorities in America during their forced "dry period". Luckily for Hong Kong, there are fair few of cool bars in the city, you just need to know where they are and how to get in:
001 - make sure to call ahead to book a table for this old fashioned yet glamorous bar. The bar is hidden in plain sight like every good speakeasy should be. Just ring the illuminated doorbell behind the market stall.
Shop 1, L/F, Welley Building, 97 Wellington Street, Hong Kong, +852 2810 6969, www.facebook.com/001
Foxglove - is a hidden Jazz bar on Duddell Street. From outside you would think it would be an old-fashioned umbrella shop, but inside is a fabulous watering hole with sultry live music. To get in, look out for a certain umbrella handle to push down.
2/F, 6 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2116 8948, mingfathouse.com/restaurants/foxglove
Room 309 - this hidden bar serves "invisible" drinks (the invisibility consists of processing ingredients such as whiskey or fruit juice to remove the color) from an "invisible menu" (you have to hold a transparent panel against a dark surface to read the list). To get in, you need to ask for a key card at Lai’s other third-floor bar, The Envoy, and use it as you would for a normal room. (featured in photo)
3/F, The Pottinger Hong Kong, 74 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong, www.room309.hk
A little low on money this month, or saving up for something special, why not be ultra romantic and go for a picnic instead of spending all your hard earned cash at dinner. Here are some the top places to bring your loved one for a super cute picnic:
Gate Lodge @ Victoria Peak Garden - there is a secret lawn tucked behind the historic Gate Lodge, the groundskeeper’s residence for Mountain Lodge (once the Governor’s summer residence). The Lodge is a little stone Renaissance-style house with blue windows. Go down the stairs beside it and you’ll reach the garden...
Opposite at No. 40 Mount Austin Road, The Peak, Hong Kong (20-minute walk from The Peak Tram), Website
Disneyland Inspiration Lake - this huge man-made lake and surrounding grasslands doesn't require admission. Simply sneak into the Mickey Maze at the Hotel for some classic romantic strolling. (featured in photo)
Inspiration Lake, Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau, Hong Kong
Dragon's Back @ Shek O - in the Shek O Country Park section of Dragon’s Back, there are designated picnic areas that overlook the rolling hills of Hong Kong island’s south side, and the water in the distance. A great date for avid hikers!
Shek O Park, Shek O, Hong Kong
Why not go all out this Valentines, or any other date night and have a mini staycation in your own city, wake up with room service instead of the kids asking a thousand questions at 6am. Luckily there are dozens of charming boutique hotels in Hong Kong where you can check in for a night of romance, here are our top 3:
Little Tai Hang - the charming neighborhood of Tai Hang, just east of Causeway Bay, has a little hidden design-centric boutique hotel tucked away on a quaint corner on the road of Tung Lo Wan. Rooms on the first phase offer incredible views over the Hong Kong Harbour and Victoria Park, and each room has bespoke artisanal touches that make this enchanting hotel rather unique.
98 Tung Lo Wan Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, +852 3899 8888, Website
99 Bonham - created by the same developer as The Putman and The Jervois, it displays the same sophistication as the other boutique hotels. 99 Bonham is located in the convenient and dynamic Sheung Wan, which provides easy access into Central. There are three stunning suites with phenomenal views on each floor of the striking glass tower. (featured in photo)
99 Bonham Strand, Hong Kong, +852 3940 1111, Website
Tuve - Tin Hau has an achingly cool boutique hotel, known as Tuve. The rooms have a somewhat futuristic feel to them, with themes of metal, pristine white, and precise lines flowing through the entire hotel and creating a soothing effect.
16 Tsing Fung Street, Tin Hau, Hong Kong, +852 3995 8800, Website
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