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Family-Friendly Neighborhood Guide To Central, Hong Kong

Where To Eat, Stay, Shop & Play In The Heart Of The City

Guide To Central HK

Central is the heartbeat of Hong Kong, offering an electrifying mix of attractions for both locals and visitors. From its iconic skyscrapers and the world’s longest escalator to high-end shopping, vibrant nightlife, Michelin-starred restaurants, and historic landmarks like Tai Kwun, Central perfectly blends modernity with the city’s rich traditions. Whether you’re looking for things to do, places to eat, unique shops, or hidden gems, Central has it all. Come and experience the energy of this iconic district!

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    WHERE TO GO FOR LUNCH IN CENTRAL

    Things To Do In Central, Hong Kong

    Central district is the core location for business and financial hubs; it gets BUSY during lunchtime. Here are some of our top picks for lunch spots.

    • BÊP - For a fresh, 2-course Vietnamese set lunch starting from HK$108.
    • Fini's (Pictured) - Serving classic Italian-American favorites from pizza to their famous chicken parm.
    • Flat Iron Steak - Order either their famous steak or juicy, mouth-watering burgers, making this an awesome lunch spot.
      • G/F, Al Aqmar House, 30 Hollywood Road, Central, +852 5607 4860
      • Shop 4010, 4/F, Podium, IFC, Finance Street, Central, +852 6582 0350, https://www.flatironhk.com/
    • Francis West - The place to be if you're craving for aromatic, Middle-Eastern flavors.
    • La Parilla Xpress - Indulge in the juiciest Argentinian steak at an incredible price.
    • Mr. Wolf - From all-day breakfast choices to delicious roasts.
    • Oolaa - Offers a very diverse lunch menu serving from Asian to Western favorites.
    • Pici - Pasta is always a good idea! Head over to one of Central's favorite spots for a two to three-course pasta special.
    • The Monogamous Chinese - Affordable, 3-course Chinese set lunch!

    Want More? Read our guide to The Best Restaurants For Lunch in Central and Sheung Wan

  • Buenos Aires Polo Club HK

    SPLURGE: DELICIOUS, FINE-DINING RESTAURANTS IN CENTRAL

    Neighborhood Guide To Central, Hong Kong

    Central is filled with diverse cuisines that can satisfy your cravings at any time of the day. From budget-friendly to a "treat-yourselves" kinda evening, we've got you covered!

    • Buenos Aires Polo Club (Pictured) - One of the city's best steakhouses.
    • Carbone - An Italian-American hotspot featuring exceptional pasta and grilled meats.
    • Grand Majestic Sichuan - Taste their spicy Sichuan flavors whilst seated on their theatre-style tables and chairs.
    • Louise - A beautiful, French restaurant set in a heritage building where you can order amazing dishes that pair with delicious cocktails.
    • Magistracy Dining Room - Head over to Tai Kwun and dine in a gorgeous space that's inspired by London's oldest restaurants and powerful dining rooms.
  • Burger Circus HK

    KID-FRIENDLY EATS IN CENTRAL

    Things To Do In Central, Hong Kong

    Families that are exploring the city or that live around the area and are looking for that cozy, family-friendly spot check out our picks:

    • BaseHall & BaseHall 2 - If you have kids that want different cuisines and dishes, head over to this food court that has all kinds of choices!
    • Burger Circus (Pictured) - Have a juicy burger in this cozy All-American diner. Kids will love their milkshakes and parents can also have a cheeky, spiked shake too!
    • Falcone - Neo-Napolitan pizzas we can't get enough of!
    • Fini's - Kids under 8 eat for free with each adult meal purchased.
    • Garden Lounge, The Murray Hotel - A perfect spot for Sunday brunch with the whole family!
    • La Vache! - Enjoy high-quality steaks and fries. For kids, they come in smaller portions.
    • Madame Fu - Kids can dive into their innovative dim sum offers.
      • 3/F, Barrack Block, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2114 2118,  www.madamefu.com.hk
    • The Pizza Project - A family-favorite where you can get hold of pizzas that come in delicious flavors!
    • Zuma - Head over to Zuma on the weekends, and your kids can get a hold of their Shūmatsu brunch. It includes kid-friendly Japanese dishes from sushi to noodles.
  • Lan Fong Yuen HK

    BUDGET-FRIENDLY EATS IN CENTRAL

    Things To Do In Central, Hong Kong

    Head over to one of these locations for a quick, affordable lunch fix!

    • Sing Kee - Order some of their delicious instant noodles topped up with eggs or spam. A classic dai pai dong experience!
    • Sing Heung Yuen - Another local favorite where they are famous for their tomato macaroni soup.
    • Chopsticks Kee - A delicious spot that still has its old retro charm. They are famous for for dry noodles, affordable and delicious!
    • Lan Fong Yuen (Pictured) - Hong Kong's oldest pantyhose signature milk tea cha chaan teng.
    • Tai Ping Koon - Feast on their famous Swiss chicken wings and stir-fried beef noodles.

    Want More? Read more for The Best Cha Chaan Teng Restaurants in Hong Kong

  • MICHELIN-STARRED RESTAURANTS IN CENTRAL

    Things To Do In Central, Hong Kong

    Michelin-Starred Restaurants:

    • 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana - Their chef is hailed as "The King of Truffles" which means you'll get a lot of exceptional flavor in your Italian dishes.
    • Amber - A sustainable, contemporary French restaurant with creative items on the menu.
    • Ando - Led by chef Augustin Ferrando Balbi, who pays tribute to his life experiences in both Spain and Japan in his food.
    • Bo Innovation - A whimsical dining experience where you can try deconstructed, modern Chinese cuisine. Unique, and an experience!
    • Caprice - One of Hong Kong's most glamorous and elegant restaurants, where you can dine with impressive harbour views that adds to the most amazing dining experience.
    • Duddell's - An immersive, Cantonese dining experience. Find innovative takes on traditional dim sum.
    • Ho Lee Fook - A fun, contemporary spot that serves Chinese and Asian fusion dishes.
    • Lung King Keen - Taste exquisite dim sum, seafood and hearty soup at The Four Seasons.
    • Mono - Find a tasting menu that reinterprets LatAm cuisine that includes colourful dishes that deliver bold flavours.
    • Ryota Kappou Modern - Fans of Japanese cuisine can order from its Kappo-style set menu is offered and the courses feature the best ingredients in season.
    • The Chairman (Pictured) - Currently Asia's number one restaurant in 2026 that serves traditional Cantonese food using locally sourced, organic ingredients.
    • Yat Lok - A renowned roast meat shop and proud holder of a Michelin Star. Famous for its high-quality Cantonese barbecue, it’s best known for its perfectly crispy-skinned roast goose, tender Char Siu, and flavorful soy chicken.

    Want More? Click on to read our guide to the Best Affordable Michelin Restaurants in Hong Kong

  • Bar Leone HK

    WHERE TO DRINK

    Things To Do In Central, Hong Kong

    With a diverse selection of award-winning drinking spots and guest shifts in town, Hong Kong’s bar and cocktail scene is BOOMING, use this list for your next bar crawl.

    • 001 - Finding it can be a bit confusing but a part of the fun! 001 is Hong Kong's first OG speakeasy that serves artisanal cocktails.
    • AER - This music lounge all about aesthetic music, gorgeous cocktails, and yes.. there's food (we LOVE their smash burgers).
    • Argo - Head over to the Four Seasons Hotel for some innovative cocktails, gummy bears, amazing service with views of the harbour.
    • Bar Leone (Pictured) - Currently #1 both on Asia's Best and World's Best Bars list is this Italian neighborhood bar co-founded by Lorenzo Antinori that serves our favorite Olive Oil Sour and Mortadella Foccacia Sandwiches. Make sure to get there early to avoid long queues!
    • Bella Lee - Head over for some chill Italian hospitality and an amazing happy hour that runs til 8:30pm.
    • Bobby's Rabble - This is the best bar to hit for that post-work night cap with colleagues. No fuss, just that pint or G&T to end that busy day.
    • Bourke's - Peel Street's favorite Aussie watering hole that's always filled with fun, good vibes, delicious eats and amazing drinks!
    • Cardinal Point - If you're looking for that special rooftop bar, where you can impress visitors in town, this is the one to check out!
    • COA - Also once held the top spot on Asia's Best list for 3 straight years is this intimate bar, perfect for those that love mezcal and agave spirits crafted by legendary mixologist, Jay Khan.
    • Dead Poets - A very unique, aesthetic bar where you can find drinks paying homage to fallen artists.
    • Frank's Records - Come for the music and vinyl, stay for the drinks. Make sure to grab that drink and head over to their roof for some al fresco vibes.
    • Honky Tonks Tavern - Central's favorite tavern that's always packed with fun people, great food and drinks. Head over on a Wednesday night for their all-night happy hour on drinks and snacks!
    • Kinsman - A Cantonese cocktail salon that serves elevated cocktails all set in a nostalgic, setting making you feel like you're in a romantic, Wong Kar-Wai film!
    • Montana - If you can't get a spot at Bar Leone, head over to Hollywood Road for some Cuban-inspired cocktails led by Lorenzo Antinori and Simone Caporale. Come for the daquiris, stick around for some Ritmo!
    • Penicillin - Hong Kong's first "scrap-less" bar where their mission is to leave minimal waste at the end of the night! And yes, the drinks are delicious.
    • Socio - Sip on sustainable drinks, in which they've collaborated with neighboring bars and restaurants. Indeed you'll be drinking for a good cause and for the environment!
    • Staunton's Bar & Kitchen - Central's favorite pub where you can enjoy pints while watching your favorite football or rugby team on large screens with your pals.
    • The Savoury Project - Another spot by Jay Khan and Ajit Gurung which features food-inspired cocktails that emphasize savoury tastes.
    • Staunton's Bar & Kitchen - Central's OG pub that usually attracts a large crowd that come for a football or rugby game on the big screen while sipping a pint.
    • Sugar King - John Nugent's latest hotspot where you can spot a bodeguita tucked away on the corner of Peel Street. Enjoy all things rum and make sure to have some of their legendary flan.
    • The Blind Spot - If you're a fan of Peaky Blinders, you'll love this hidden gem, and it comes with a classic, timeless drinks menu. And yes, it's hidden, which makes it even more fun to experience.
    • The Diplomat - A favorite hangout for American-style cocktails and only regulars know about the special VIP room in the back.
    • The Old Man - This cocktail bar pays homage to Ernest Hemingway, history and literature. Immerse yourselves with a menu filled with class and flavor.
    • The Pontiac - This dive bar is one where you can come in, be yourself, dance the night away with a drink in hand. The ultimate spot to come with a big group of friends.

    Want More? Keep updated with our list of Best New Bars In Hong Kong

  • IFC Apple Store HK

    WHERE TO SHOP

    Things To Do In Central, Hong Kong

    Central has a mix of luxurious malls, high-end names, lifestyle brands, boutique stores, souvenir shops and sports apparel. You can walk around the streets of Central and you'll most certainly find what you're looking for.

    • IFC (Pictured) - Find a great variety of shops and cosmetic stores. Don't forget to check out that huge Apple store! Visit their rooftop for views and restaurant bites.
    • Landmark - A luxury mall that has about 200 designer stores and restaurants. They've got an impressive Casetify shop found on their basement.
    • PMQ - A cultural, heritage building that's home to a lot of local businesses, premium goods, toy stores and restaurants.
    • Don Don Donki - Everybody's favorite megastore where you can shop for household items, cosmetics, toys, food, snacks and more.
    • Pottinger Street (Stone Slab Street) - A historical photo hotspot that was constructed in the 19th century, which is filled with stalls that sell items and decorations on a seasonal basis, including your next set of costumes for Halloween.
    • Central Market - A cultural and retail hub filled with boutique stores, a Toca Loca, a large Slowood shop, and a lot of food choices.
    • Wing On Department Store - An OG 100-year-old department store where you can find clothes, cosmetics, and even household items.
    • Graham Street Market - One of Hong Kong's last remaining open-air wet markets. Shop for veggies, fruit, flowers and even get a glimpse of some old shops that have been around for decades.
    • Decathlon - Your one-stop sports needs has an amazing space right in the heart of Central.
    • Goods Of Desire - Buy unique Hong Kong items, apparel, gifts and souvenirs.
      • 48 Hollywood Road, Central, +852 2805 1876
      • 6 D'Aguilar Street, +852 2890 5555, https://god.com.hk/
  • Mandarin Oriental HK

    WHERE TO STAY

    Hotels In Central, Hong Kong

    Whether you're visiting Hong Kong or looking for your next staycation will be a piece of cake if you're looking to stay around Central. There are many choices to choose from - if you're looking for a beautiful hotel to splurge on or even a place to stay that won't eat the bank.

    • Mandarin Oriental (Pictured) - A luxurious, award-winning hotel. It's been the beating heart of Hong Kong since 1963, with spacious rooms and absolutely magnificent views of the city and of Kowloon.
    • Landmark Mandarin Oriental - If you can't secure a booking at The Mandarin Oriental, head over to their sister hotel which is a 5-minute walk away.
    • Four Seasons Hotel - A proper centralized location located right next to Hong Kong station and the Central ferry pier where you can experience luxury at its finest.
    • The Murray - A former government office that's now a lovely aesthetic hotel, making this a super convenient spot and easy access to The Peak and The Hong Kong Botanical Gardens.
    • The Pottinger - A boutique hotel located between historical landmarks, where you can explore restaurants and bars in Central.
    • Bishop Lei International House - Head over here if you're looking to stay on the less-busy side of Central, yet still a walk away from restaurants, cafes, and bars.
    • Butterfly On Wellington - Another affordable option with comfortable, spacious rooms that's even closer to a lot of the locations in Central.
  • AIA Observation Wheel HK

    FUN, KID-FRIENDLY SPOTS

    Things To Do In Central, Hong Kong

    Even Hong Kong's busy financial district also has a lot of family-friendly activities.

    • Central Pier Waterfront - Before taking the ferry over to outlying islands or Kowloon, take a beautiful stroll around the harbour. There are many picturesque spots, and food stalls at the piers if you get hungry. If you come to Hong Kong at a specific time, there's can either be a music festival, a carnival or a big event happening.
    • AIA Observatory Wheel (pictured) - Located right next to the Central ferry piers is this beautiful observatory wheel. Relax and bask in the views, and don't forget to take the kids for an ice-cream at Hong Kong's famous Mister Softee ice cream truck located right at the bottom of the wheel.
    • Maritime Museum - If you're looking for even more things to do at Central pier, this fun, immersive museum is where the kids can learn more about marine life and corals.
    • Mid-Levels Escalator - The LONGEST Escalator in the whole world that can take you to the top of mid-levels or to delicious restaurants and cafes.
      • Start from Jubilee Street, Central
    • The Peak Tram & The Peak - Standing atop mid-levels is Victoria Peak, where you can find absolutely breathtaking views of the city. Head up via Peak Tram, making this a fun experience. Read our guide for more details!
    • Hong Kong Park - Right next to the Peak Tram terminus is this beautiful park with stunning lakes, a waterfall and a fun playground with slides and a sandpit. Explore the park and check out the greenhouse and aviary.
    • Tai Kwun - What was once a police compound is now a beautiful historical, heritage space with open courtyards for kids to run around, exhibits and seasonal interactive experiences. Read our guide for more details!
    • PMQ (Police Married Quarters) - A creative hub where you can find shops, creative workshops, and community events. They sometimes host events and exhibits. Read our guide for more details!
  • Maggie Choos HK

    WHERE TO GO FOR LIVE MUSIC

    Things To Do In Central, Hong Kong

    For music-lovers looking for a vibrant evening or an idea for the next date night. Read our hotspots on where to go for live music in Central!

    • Maggie Choos (Pictured) - It has a beautiful 1930's Shanghai-themed atmosphere with hidden speakeasy entrances, innovative cocktails and jazz performances.
    • Iron Fairies - Known for its beautiful, whimsical decor by designer Ashley Sutton, where you can immerse yourselves in another fairytale land and listen to live performances by some of the best jazz groups in town.
    • Captain's Bar, Mandarin Oriental - A Hong Kong institution that's been around for decades. It gives a nostalgic, executive lounge atmosphere where you can go for the ultimate after-work drink while listening to hotel lounge jazz music.
    • Dragonfly - Another Ashley Sutton hidden gem located in historical Tai Kwun that offers bespoke cocktails and live music!
    • The Aftermath - A classic, basement entertainment spot is an arts and cultural community where you can go for comedy nights, open mics and of course some good ol' live band music (we love their themed nights)!
    • The Fringe Club - Set in a beautiful 1913 Victorian-era building, that has distinct areas such as The Fringe Dairy that hosts intimate music events from jazz, cabaret, classical, rock, to fun swing nights.

    Want More? Read our guide on Hong Kong's Best Live Music Venues

  • Bakehouse

    BAKERIES

    Things To Do In Central, Hong Kong

    Eating in Hong Kong just hits differently! Central is surrounded by bakeries where you can find both local and trending delights. Make sure to hit these spots!

    • Bakehouse (Pictured) - Every visitor must first head over to this buzzing bakery to secure some of its iconic sourdough egg tarts. Their croissants are also another favorite. Make sure to head early to beat the line.
    • Vission Bakery - A few steps away from Bakehouse, where you must get your hands on their famous Matcha Mochi Danish, Pistacchio Custard Danish, their cakes and cookies are also a must-try! Head over to their cakery, Vission Nine, in the later hours of the day, where you can get slices of cake at discounted prices.
    • Butter - Hong Kong's beloved American bake shop where you can score some baked pies, cakes and cookies.
    • Social Goods Modern Bakery - Central's latest bakery is a modern bakery and cafe concept.
    • Pâtisserie Millefeuille - Indulge in French pastries and cakes.
    • Frenchies - An artisanal bakery that is popular for its espresso cinnamon rolls, croissants, and specialty coffee.
    • Tai Cheong Bakery - A legendary, nostalgic local bakery that has been around since 1954, known for its shortcrust egg tarts.
    • Amo-Ago - Get yourselves some premium pastries, brioche, sourdough dishes, coffee, and cocktails. This place is often described as a cozy, "hidden" getaway in SoHo.
    • Maria's Bakery - A legendary local bakery chain that has been around for over 50 years, is famous for its in-house produced, high-quality pastries. It is particularly celebrated for its large, rich-flavored egg tarts, cheese tarts, and pineapple buns, serving locals and tourists.
    • Homebake - A European-Japanese style bakery that is known for freshly baked breads, pastries, Basque burnt cheesecakes, and artisanal loaves using high-quality Japanese flour.
  • Messina HK

    WHERE TO GO FOR DESSERT

    Things To Do In Central, Hong Kong

    For those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth cravings or simply love to snack on sweet treats, Central has a great selection of dessert choices.

    • Messina (Pictured) - Known for its high-quality, freshly churned gelato, it offers 40 flavors, including 30+ staples, weekly rotating specials, along with gelato cakes and indoor seating.
    • Shari Shari Kakigori House - A popular Japanese dessert shop that specializes in fluffy, artisan shaved ice that comes in different flavors.
    • Snack Baby Gelato - A trendy gelateria featuring a wide range of unique flavors like roasted coconut, piña colada, and yuzu ginger.
    • The Ice-Cream & Cookie Co. - A popular Singaporean dessert brand that specializes in customizable, premium ice cream sandwiches, unique Asian-inspired flavors, and plant-based, dairy-free, and healthier options.
    • L'antico Gelato - Italian gelato that comes in unique Italian and Asian-inspired flavors.
    • All Day Parfait - A French dessert shop that specializes in layered, high-quality parfaits.
    • Cafè Crèpe - A fun, French-style cafe where you can order some heavenly sweet and savory crèpes. Their Nutella-banana crèpes are a classic and a hit with the kids!
    • Hole Foods - Donut lovers can find unique flavors such as their pandan coconut, matcha mochi, and many more, or stick to their traditional glazed.
    • J.Co Donuts & Coffee - They've got light, fluffy donuts with unique flavors like Oreo, Japanese matcha, white chocolate coconut, and the popular Alcapone (white chocolate with almonds).
  • Urban Coffee Roaster HK

    WHERE TO GO FOR COFFEE & MATCHA

    Things To Do In Central, Hong Kong

    Fueling on coffee is an important part of the day and Central has some of the best in town.

    • Urban Coffee Roaster (pictured) - A Hong Kong brand that's been around for more than a decade serving delicious coffee and eats. Make sure to order some of their famous DIY option (all-up-to-you breakfast) where you can order 4 items or more. Stick around later in the day and have some of their coffee-infused cocktails!
    • On The Hill Coffee Bar - If you're in Tai Kwun make sure to check their unique, prison-themed cafe that's located in a former jail cell itself! Have some of their special coffee, coffee cocktails and desserts.
    • Café 8 - Run by The Nesbitt Centre is this lovely social enterprise cafe that has learning-disabled and neurodivergent staff making this an inclusive cafe. The cafe is also set on the rooftop of pier 8 with a lot of outdoor seating where you can enjoy coffee, sandwiches, cakes and views!
    • Barcode - A café, bar and dessert venue by Tell Camellia co-founder Gagan Gurung. Visit during the day for some insane coffee choices or if you head over in the evening you can have some of their with coffee dessert-inspired cocktails at night. Make sure to have some eats from their food menu!
    • Fineprint - Every local knows Fineprint and can't get enough of it. A popular Australian-style café and coffee roaster known for their specialty coffee, house-roasted beans and their fresh sourdough items.
      • 38 Peel Street, Central
      • 1/F, Three Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Central
      • Shop G6, Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street, Central, https://fineprint.hk/
    • Cupping Room - This coffee brand has been an institution in the city since 2011 with its home-grown coffee roastery serving us delicious cuppas daily. Their Central branch is an amazing location as its perfect for people-watching and a delicious coffee and food menu to go with it.
    • Detour - The newest branch is now open in Central! Have some of their brand-roasted beans (perfect if you need a fresh cup on the way to work) and make sure to have some of their delicious food while chilling in this cozy corner café located on the busy street of Queen's Road Central.
    • E N - Head over to this minimalist café that's just on the borderline of Central and Sheung Wan and you'll be impressed with the cafés knowledgeable baristas as they'll serve you something delicious.
    • Elephant Grounds - No stranger to the café scene is this beloved coffee chain. With a spacious location, making it the ultimate spot for a study session or a little meeting.
    • Blue Bottle Coffee - A popular, California-born coffee roaster pouring high-quality, sustainable pour-over coffees and espressos.
    • Matchali - A homegrown modern matcha café that specializes in traditional, ceremonial-grade matcha sourced from Uji, Kyoto.
    • Soul Coffee & Matcha by IDFC - Is a brand-new Korean-inspired café where you can taste some amazing matcha and artisanal coffee. A perfect spot for matcha lovers!
    • Mono Lab - It's got coffee and for matcha lovers, a matcha tiramisu bagel!

    Want More? Check out our list of our guide to The Best Family-Friendly Coffee Shops In Hong Kong

Marya Saidi
Marya Saidi

Marya is the Regional Editor for Little Steps Asia. Originally from Lebanon and raised in London, she moved to Hong Kong with her husband in 2014 and now calls it home. With a background in mental health research and experience working with NGOs, she brings a thoughtful perspective to her writing. When she’s not exploring the latest restaurant openings or events, you’ll find her building sandcastles with her son on Repulse Bay Beach or strength training at her favorite gym.

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