Step Inside The New Cardinal Point: Hong Kong’s Highest Rooftop Bar Is Back

Some views never get old — and Cardinal Point has one of the best in the city. Perched on the 45th floor of Gloucester Tower at Landmark in Central, Hong Kong Island’s highest rooftop bar has just reopened after a full neo-retro refurbishment, and it’s better than ever. Think 180 degrees of unobstructed Victoria Harbour, an Art Deco-inspired glow-up, a serious sound system and an elevated Italian-American menu made for sharing.

Whether you’re rounding up the crew for after-work drinks, planning a proper night out, or you’ve got out-of-towners to impress, this is the one to book.

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Cardinal Point has built its whole reopening around sunset — specifically Magic Hour, that fleeting window between 5pm and 6pm when the skyline turns iridescent. The venue has always had the vantage point; now the space is designed so you can actually settle in and soak it up.

The redesign runs on a palette of dusky amber, peach and rose light, echoing the shifting hues of the evening sky. Inside, expect deep burgundy and wine-toned velvet, warm walnut veneer, terracotta tile and honeyed amber glass, balanced with brushed steel, black lacquer and polished travertine. There’s a new sunburst emblem and compass star in the branding too, nodding to the venue’s focus on light and direction.

Practical upgrades matter just as much: the new furniture features large, comfortable seating and wide tables built for lingering over dinner rather than perching awkwardly, while the outdoor bar has been finished in blasted stainless steel that catches the light beautifully.

The Soundtrack

Music director Patrice Escalante has curated a year-round programme of residencies from Hong Kong’s top DJs, plus exclusive sets from international acts. The revamped sound system builds on the original installation by Devon Turnbull’s OJAS NYC — the Brooklyn audio artist behind installations for Virgil Abloh, Supreme and Ace Hotel New York — powered by McIntosh amplifiers with their signature glowing blue meters. There’s also a newly lit outdoor DJ booth, which makes the shift from long, lazy dinner to late-night dancing feel effortless.

What To Eat

The menu is an elevated Italian-American brasserie with playful, well-travelled touches, designed for sharing and cocktail pairing. Start with the “Always Truffling” section — Skinny Fries (HK$130), Chorizo Cheese Bikini (HK$150) and Mushroom Croquettes (HK$160). Homemade pastas include Squid Ink Linguine (HK$200) and Beef Cheek Pappardelle (HK$220), while signatures run to Reuben Sliders on Hawaiian sweet rolls (HK$240), Chicken Parm (HK$200) and a Tostada Trio (HK$220).

For the table, order the wood-fired pizzas — The Antinori and Adam & Eve (both HK$220) — plus Steak & Fries (HK$300) and Wagyu Sliders made with Ozaki beef (HK$180). Save room for the Tiramisu (HK$120) or the Five-Layer Chocolate Cake (HK$140).

What To Drink

The cocktail list follows the Magic Hour theme with amber-lit serves and spirit-forward classics, split into Refreshing & Bubbly, Sexy Tropical and High Spirited. Standouts include Larry Bird (HK$160), Not So Naughty Root Beer (HK$150) and West Face Killa (HK$150).

Highlights At Cardinal Point

• Unobstructed 180-degree Victoria Harbour views from Hong Kong Island’s highest rooftop bar
• Magic Hour seating from 5pm-6pm in a room tuned to amber, peach, and rose light
• Sharing plates and spirit-forward cocktails sized for a two-hour sunset sit-down

Little Steps Insider Tips: Book the terrace for a clear weekday at 5pm, not Friday after 7pm. Ask for a wide table near the glass so you can share sliders without blocking the view. If clouds roll in, move inside; the new amber glass still frames the skyline.