Located in Southern Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui is one of the most popular and populated districts in Hong Kong. From chic restaurants in shopping malls to hole-in-the-wall eateries, there are so many dining options to choose from.

Tsim Sha Tsui has so many restaurants, eateries and cha chaan teng that it can be quite a headache to decide on where to dine at. For a start, here is a quick guide to the restaurants in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong that you can dine at.

ATUM RESTAURANT

Brought to you by the same people behind Atum Desserant, Atum Restaurant is the group’s first full-fledged restaurant. We highly recommend their ultra photogenic high tea set. Instead of the typical cake stand, Atum Restaurant uses a flat lay to display their bite-size canapés.

18 Hanoi Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 3586 1959
Sun to Thu: 10.30am – 10pm
Fri and Sat: 10.30am – 12am
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

AQUA

Aqua’s floor-to-ceiling glass windows span across two levels of One Peking Building and they unveil an extraordinary view of Hong Kong’s cityscape. Reputable presses such as Travel & Leisure and Condé Nast Travel have coined it as ‘Hong Kong’s Sexiest Cocktail Bar’ and ‘One of the World’s Most Exciting Restaurants & Bars’ respectively.

29/30F 1 Peking Road
Tsim Tsa Tsui, Hong Kong
Daily: 12pm – 2am, +852 3427 2288
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 3427 2288

BUTAO RAMEN

Founded in 2010, Butao Ramen started with its original shop at Wo On Lane and it has since expanded six more outlets across Hong Kong.

Specialising in Japanese Hakata Ramen, Butao Ramen offers ramen in four options: the signature Butao; Black King (tonkotsu base with black garlic and squid ink): Red King (tonkotsu base with chilli powder and miso); and Green King (tonkotsu base with olive oil and fresh basil leaves).

We tried both the Red King Ramen and Butao Ramen. While the former was kick-ass spicy, we preferred the latter for its rich and full-bodied

Shop A & B, G/F, Kam Wing Commercial Bldg,
28 Minden Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Tel: +852 2316 2878
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

BUTLER BAR

Butler Bar is an exclusive 20-seater watering hole and cocktail lovers should make a special trip for their Japanese-style premium cocktails. Their Classic Gin Martini (HKS$128) and Old Fashioned (HK$128) are highly recommended; the former is a concoction of chilled Tanqueray gin and Japanese perilla liqueur, while the latter is expertly prepared with Buffalo Trace Bourbon.

5/F, Mody House, 30 Mody Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2724 3828
Mon to Fri: 6:30pm to 2am
Sat: 6:30pm to 1am
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

CAFFEE HABITU

Cafe Habitu first started out in 2003 and today is a successful coffee chain with various outlets across Hong Kong. The cafe provides free wifi and coffees with consistent quality—which is no surprise why the brand has won itself a strong following over the past decade.

Shop L608, The ONE
100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 3572 0622
Mon to Thu: 11am – 9.30pm
Fri: 11am – 11pm
Sat: 10.30am – 11pm
Sun & PH: 10.30am – 10pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

CHUK YUEN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Talk about a family-friendly seafood restaurant in Hong Kong, and locals would probably direct you to Chuk Yuen Seafood Restaurant.

That old establishment has been around for decades and today, it remains a popular haunt for locals when they want an unpretentious and good meal with family and friends.

Chuk Yuen Seafood Restaurant has a menu of dim sum items and seafood. And in particular, the famous Cheese Lobster deserves a special mention. Be prepared to wait in line for a table no matter what time of the day you go; their popularity is simply undeniable.

28 Hankow Rd, Hong Kong Pacific Centre
Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2722 0633
Mon to Sat: 11am – 12midnight
Sun & PH: 10am – 12midnight
Nearest Station: Tsim Sha Shui

DIM SUM ICON

You must have seen pictures of Dim Sum Icon at some point in time on your Instagram explore feed. There were adorable Little Twin Stars, puking Gudetama and more. Dim Sum Icon changes their character themes every three months and it sure is a brilliant marketing strategy to keep your customers coming back for more.

L308, 3/F, The ONE, 100 Nathan Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

ICHIRAN RAMEN

Now, what else do we need to say about Ichiran Ramen? Ask any foodie traveller what you must not miss out when visiting Japan and most of the answers will definitely include the popular chain Ichiran Ramen.

The famous eatery sells only tonkotsu ramen and after sampling endless bowls of ramen across Asia, the verdict is out – it is indeed the best rendition we ever had!

Ichiran Ramen currently has two outlets in Hong Kong—Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui.

8 Minden Ave, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2369 4218
Daily: 24 Hours
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

KIMBERLEY CHINESE RESTAURANT

Kimberley Chinese Restaurant is best known for its Roasted Suckling Pig (HK$1,288). What makes Kimberley’s Roasted Suckling Pig so special is that the whole pig is stuffed with glutinous rice. The skin of the suckling pig is crispy while the glutinous rice retains its moist and sticky texture.

Before you make a trip there, do note that you need to pre-order the Roasted Suckling Pig and pay a deposit one day in advance. And one more thing, the suckling pig can easily feed 10 persons, so make sure you go in a big group.

Other than the iconic Roasted Suckling Pig, the old-school restaurant also offers a range of the classic Chinese dishes—go for the Beef Ribs Stew, Stewed Pig’s Lung with Cabbage—and dim sum.

28 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2369 8212
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

M&C.DUCK

Offering a modern twist to traditional Peking and Shanghainese cuisine, M&C.Duck is not quite what you would expect of a typical Hong Kong restaurant. The familiarity of a Chinese outlet is comforting yet reveals hints of sexiness; the list of dishes is what tugs your heartstrings yet surprises with the unexpected.

Well, we would go there especially for the very good Peking duck, but there is much more to love, and we say them with a passion.

Shop 3319, level 3, Gateway Arcade
Harbour City, 17 Canton Road
Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2347 6898
Daily: 11.30am – 4pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

N1 COFFEE & CO

N1 Coffee & Co is a stone’s throw away from Tsim Sha Tsui Station and is owned by two prominent figures in the competitive cafe industry, namely award-winning barista El Au and Cafe Corridor founder Felix Wong. The menu is simple but concise and features a list of breakfast items, salads and sandwiches ranging from HK$40 to HK$65.

34 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Tel: +852 3568 4726
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

RELAX FOR AWHILE

Conveniently positioned along Kimberly Road and in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, Relax For Awhile cha chaan teng’s exhaustive menu ensures that all visitors will definitely find at least one item that suits his/her fancy. And here’s the best part—everything is incredibly affordable!

G/F, Cheung Lee Commercial Building
25 Kimberley Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 3113 6388
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

SUSHI TOKAMI

Established in 2013, Sushi Tokami is a popular sushi restaurant in Tokyo which is known for its tuna dishes. The 18-seater restaurant earned its Michelin star status in 2014 and opened its first overseas outpost in Hong Kong in 2015.

Sushi Tokami Hong Kong—located at level 2 of Ocean Centre at Harbour City—offers three lunch menus priced at HK$800, HK$1,000 and HK$1,200. If you feel like splurging, go for the Omakase (HK$2,200) and leave everything to the chefs.

Shop 216A, Level 2, Ocean Centre
Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel:  +852 2771 3938
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

STAR CAFE

Hunting for underground cha chaan teng Star Cafe might be quite a challenge, but your efforts will be paid off once you have arrived. The native Hong Kongers frequent this casual eatery for its tomato soup noodles with egg and luncheon meat. Here’s a tip on finding this hidden local gem: Enter Champagne Court B at 16 Kimberly Road, walk to the end and head down the stairs.

Shop 36, Basement
16 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2721 2908
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

THE STEAK HOUSE WINEBAR + GRILL

Located at the basement of InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong, THE STEAK HOUSE winebar + grill is a 1-Michelin star in Hong Kong that specialises in charcoal grilled steaks.

Prices can be quite cut-throat, but they run on a full house almost every night.

The steakhouse offers a great selection of the finest cuts – from USDA prime beef to Australian Wagyu to Japan Hida A5 Wagyu. Well, let’s just say the options are mind-boggling – even for non-steak lovers.

LG, InterContinental Hong Kong
18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2313 2323
Mon to Fri: 6pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

TSUI WAH RESTAURANT

Yes, Tsui Wah Restaurant may be touristy, but we love it all the same.

Locals and tourists alike flock to Tsui Wah Restaurant for their signature Hainanese chicken rice, fishball noodles, and Bo Luo Yiu.

2 Carnarvon Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2366 8250
Daily: 7am – 2am
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

YAN TOH HEEN

Known for its refined Cantonese cuisine, Yan Toh Heen is a 2-Michelin Starred restaurant at Intercontinental Hong Kong.

Yah Toh Heen has one of the best Peking Ducks in Hong Kong. What makes the Peking Duck here different is the condiments and sauces. It is served with six condiments that include green papaya, cucumber, red chilli, pineapple, yuzu and spring onion; as well as three different sauces – traditional sweet sauce, osmanthus plum sauce, and black garlic chilli sauce.

G/F, InterContinental Hong Kong
18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2721 1211
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sun & PH: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

YUM CHA

Yum Cha—situated on the third floor of Attitude Hotel in Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui—is a spacious and elegant 130-seater dim sum restaurant. If you are looking for a great yum cha meal without the scruffiness, Yum Cha is the place to go. Furthermore, they specialise in irresistibly adorable cartoon-themed dim sums that taste as good as they look.

3/F, 20-22 Granville Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2751 1666
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

For more recommendations, read our Hong Kong food & travel guides to find out the best places to go to.

Former Australian miner Ashley Sutton is renowned for his outrageous bars in Bangkok and the influential tastemaker has recently opened a whimsical nightlife playground in the heart of up-and-coming Hong Kong district Wan Chai.

The fantastical concept bar is none other than Ophelia – a peacock-themed cocktail speakeasy that is unlike anything we have ever seen.

Located on the first level of new development Lee Tung Avenue, Ophelia’s entrance is a mysterious-looking manmade bird shop that perfectly fits the setting of a dark fairytale.

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Unveil the thick velvet curtain and a magical realm awaits; waitresses are donned in traditional cheongsam costumes and dancers perform inside life-size bird cages on iron swings.

Ophelia’s out-of-the-world design has been inspired by the lavish opium dens of the 19th century and no expenses have been spared to create this dreamy fantasyland.

The aviary-style venue boasts 600,000 ceramic hand-painted tiles, lavish couches, elaborate metalwork and of course, actual peacock feathers!

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The bizarrely captivating watering hole showcases an impressive cocktail list and popular drinks include the Cheongsam (HK$130++) and Ophelia Negroni (HK$125++). The former is a concoction of artisanal pomegranate cordial, cinnamon mint, lemon, lime, Ocho Tequila and vermouth, while the latter is a mix of Tanqueray Gin, La Quintinye vermouth and campari.

Unsurprisingly, Ophelia is currently the most sought after bar in the Pearl of the Orient.

And here’s a piece of good news to all fans of Ashley Sutton – he will soon be opening two more concepts in Hong Kong.

Ophelia
Shop 39A-41A, 1/F, The Avenue
Lee Tung Avenue, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2520 1117
Tue to Thu: 6pm – 2am
Fri and Sat: 6pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor

Looking for a watering hole to unwind after business meetings, a romantic bar with impressive cocktails or a wild night of debauchery? Regardless of what you are actually looking for, Hong Kong’s vibrant nightlife is something that should not be missed.

From sipping Chinese-herbs infused cocktails at Chinoiserie bar Sohofama, partying at high-end nightclub Zentral till the wee hours to admiring bedazzling city views from the world’s highest bar Ozone, check out our guide to Hong Kong’s nightlife featuring 15 popular bars and clubs.

#1 AL’S DINER

Al’s Diner is an American diner in the day but when daylight wanes away, they are best remembered for their tasty yet lethal vodka jello shots (HK$38 / S$6.60 each) that comes in a variety of flavours – choose from blackcurrant, orange, lime or mango.

The bar-cum-restaurant is also a favourite destination amongst sporting fans to catch their favourite team in action on live broadcast.

G/F, 27-30 D’Aguilar Street
Tel: +852 2521 8714
Mon to Wed: 11.30am – 1am
Thu: 11.30am – 2am
Fri to Sat: 11.30am – 4am
Sun: 11.30am – 1am
Nearest Station: Central

There is always something to look forward to at Hong Kong, and there is always something to keep us returning. Here are 29 reasons why we love Hong Kong.

#2 BOBA BEAR

Boba Bear Soho is hands down Hong Kong’s best shisha lounge. One can choose to smoke their hookah from the traditional Egyptian Khail Mamoon shisha (HK$270 / S$46.90) or from the modern Russian glass glowing art shisha (HK$350 / S$60.80) which changes colour with its built-in LED lights.

Prices are way steeper when compared to other shisa bars as Boba Bear Soho uses coconut coal instead of the typical quick-light hookah charcoal. Coconut charcoal is odorless, tasteless and can burn significantly longer, whereas instant-lights are actually a lot more toxic.

From white gummy bear to sex on the beach, the hipster hookah bar offers over 40 interesting shisha flavours. You can even choose to mix the flavours! Bubble tea cocktails are sold here at HK$110 / S$19.10 each. Do note that there is no signboard at Boba Bear Soho’s entrance and reservations are not allowed.

31 Elgin Street
Tel: +852 2468 1525
Daily: 8pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Central

#3 CHOCOLATE

Chocolate Bar is the brainchild of well-established Hong Kong Prive Restaurant Group. The bartenders at Chocolate Bar have successfully infused chocolate into their alcoholic drinks, hence combining a diet’s two greatest enemies into one ultimate sin.

Start your night with chocolate martinis, chocolate shots and everything else chocolatey. A handful of bar snacks such as cheese fries and nachos are also up for grabs in this cozy place.

G/F, 2 Lan Kwai Fong, Central
Tel: +852 2810 1788
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 3am
Fri to Sat: 5pm – 4am
Sun: 5pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Central

Best known as a city for the best shopping and dining, we dug through into the streets to score you the top five cocktail bars in Hong Kong so you can hit the ground running.

#4 DRAGON-I

A contemporary dim sum restaurant by the day and an ultra sleek nightclub by the night, Dragon-I has effortlessly merged gourmet dining and nightlife entertainment into one destination. The interesting concept has won over the expat community, with expatriates making up more than 80% of Dragon-I’s clientele.

The lavish nightclub is also renowned as a hangout place for international models and celebrities. Even staff members themselves are drop-dead gorgeous! Resident DJ spins a different genre of music every night i.e. hip-hop on Mondays and house music on Saturdays.

Celebrity guests DJs are also invited to spin at Dragon-I from time to time and past gigs include Afrojack, Avicii and Laidback Luke.

60 Wyndham Street
Tel: +852 3110 1222
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 5 pm – 4am
Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Central

#5 FOFO BY EL WILLY

First-timers to FoFo by El Willy’s Rooftop Bar might face some challenges finding it. Visitors have to walk through an unassuming tiny walkway of M88 Shopping Mall and past the concierge to get to the lift lobby (you are on the right track when your friends start questioning if M88 is a residential building instead).

The rooftop bar is located right above the fancy Spanish restaurant. Instead of walking into the fine dining establishment, head straight for the adjacent stairwell and an urban sanctuary awaits upstairs. Do note that both the bar and restaurant are under the same company, hence you would be making your payment at the restaurant below after.

The panoramic view of its surroundings is nothing short of spectacular and every angle poses yet another great photography opportunity. We love their refreshing signature mixed fruit Sangrias (HK$75 / S$13.80 per glass) that are available in the white, red and even pink! We actually love this rooftop bar so much that we are going to rate it five out of five.

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20/F M88, 2-8 Wellington St, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2900 2009
Daily: 6.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Central

#6 LEVELS

3-year-old nightclub LEVELS features two bars, 18 VIP tables and an enclosed private room. Spanning across 8000 square foot, the sleek nightclub is home to Hong Kong’s largest dance floor, hence attracting countless of eager partygoers nightly.

Ladies get to enjoy free admission and complimentary drinks before 1am every Thursday.

2/F, On Hing Building, 1 On Hing Terrace, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2811 1568
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 5am
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Central

#7 MAGNUM CLUB

Tastefully designed Magnum Club has long been regarded as an institution in Lan Kwai Fong ever since its inception in 2011. No expense has been spared in the 13,000-square-foot nightclub’s aesthetics; think expect crystal chandeliers, crystal staircases and even a crystal DJ booth! Well, we don’t blame you if you are too buzzed to notice the elaborate decors…

3-4/F, Silver Fortune Plaza, No.1 Wellington Street Central District
Tel: +852 2116 1602
Sun and Mon: Closed
Tue to Sat: 11pm – 5am
Nearest Station: Central

#8 NEO COCKTAIL CLUB

Neo Cocktail Club is an up-and-coming retro cocktail bar that is so camouflaged that you would not even know that you have walked past it. Located right beside dessert shop Munchies, the bar is not just well-known for its drinks but also equally famous for its old-school games. Unwind into the night with a round of foosball or a game at the vintage pinball machine.

10 Shin Hing Street,
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2812 2280
Mon: Closed
Tue to Sat: 5pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

#9 OZONE

Are the steep hills of chaotic party district Lan Kwai Fong too much for your stilettos to handle? You might want to strut through the night in your best outfit at Ozone instead. Located at the 118th floor of Ritz Carlton Hotel Hong Kong, Ozone’s terrace offers stunning panoramic views of Hong Kong. Ozone is not only one of the world’s best bars but is also the world’s tallest bar.

Indulge in tantalising light Asian tapas and end the night with a delectable variety of fruity cocktails. Prices of drinks (from HK$200 / S$34.70) may be off the charts for Southeast Asian standards but what you are paying for also includes the prime location and gorgeous ambience.

118/F, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West
Tel: +852 2263 2263
Mon to Wed: 5pm – 1am
Thu: 5pm – 2am
Fri: 5pm – 3am
Sat: 3pm – 3am
Sun: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Kowloon

#10 OZU

Non-pretentious Japanese bar Ozu left a lasting impression with its divine fusion cocktails and addictively tasty Jap bar nosh. The amazing creations were invented by talented mixologist Kit Cheung who has over a decade worth of bartending experience in various cosmopolitan cities.

We had the honour to sample his creations firsthand and were blown away by how he managed to integrate green tea and wasabi seamlessly into delicious cocktails.

1 Hollywood Road, Central
Tel: +852 6064 7428
Daily: 3pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Central

#11 QUINARY

If innovative cocktails are of your thing, then you are in for a treat. Ranked as #42 in the world’s best bars, Quinary is famous for their mindblowing creative cocktails. Do not miss out their signature creations Marshmallow Duo shots (HK$110 / S$19) and Earl Grey Caviar Martini (HK$130 / SG$22.60).

The former is a sweet milkshake cocktail served in two miniature bottles with roasted marshmallows on the side and is perfect for those with a sweet tooth. The latter is a stronger concoction of Absolut Vodka, Cointreau and citrus juices with foamy earl grey flavoured bubble foam.

G/F, 56-58 Hollywood Road, Central
Tel: +852 2851 3223
Mon to Sat: 5pm – 2am
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Central

#12 SEVVA

Highly raved about Sevva is one of the most reputable roof top bars in Hong Kong. Located on the 25th storey of Prince’s Building, the extravagant bar is the place to be and to be seen – with an unsurprisingly hefty price tag. Patrons get to enjoy a spellbindingly beautiful panoramic view of the glitzy city centre that will have you scurrying for your camera.

With the HSBC Building and Bank of China Tower in unbelievably close proximity, Sevva is a favourite haunt amongst those in the banking sector. Sevva is a great business meeting venue and also a perfect location for a romantic date. You can admire a bird’s eye view of the Old Supreme Court Building and admire the Hong Kong Ferris Wheel from afar.

Do be reminded that you would have to adhere to Sevva’s smart casual dress code; avoid wearing flip flops, shorts and singlets or risk being refused entry. From Cucumber Starfruit Martini (HK$195 / S$35.95) to Dark Chocolate Martini (HK$195 / S$35.95), you are a bound to find a drink you fancy from the comprehensive alcoholic beverage menu.

Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Rd, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2537 1388
Mon to Wed: 6pm – 12am
Thu to Fri: 10.30pm – 2am
Sat: 10.30pm – 2am
Sun: Closed

#13 SOHOFAMA

Located in PMQ Cultural Hub, Sohofama is a modern organic Chinese restaurant with an impressive in-house bar. Their drinks menu boasts a list of exotic Chinese herbs infused cocktails, whereby the key ingredients are mainly sourced from their hydroponic farm located right outside the restaurant.

For an unforgettable drink, order the Smoking Chamomile (HK$168 / S$29.10), Orange Peel Porridge (HK$168 / S$29.10) and Drunken Monk (HK$138 / $23.90).

Kit Cheung is the creator behind these unique drinks. He has once again pushed the boundaries of cocktails and this time round with the incorporation of traditional Chinese flavours. Watching the bartenders – who are disciples of cocktail master Kit Cheung – in action is as exciting as following a Hong Kong TVB drama.

Unit SG09-SG14, G/F, Block A, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street
Tel: +852 2858 8238
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat to Sun: 12pm – 3.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

#14 THE WOODS

Tucked away in a basement along Hollywood Road is specialty cocktail bar The Woods. The intimate 54-seater is a dark, mysterious-looking and romantic bar that serves brilliant seasonal concoctions. The ingredients used to prepare these sinful alcoholic beverages are sourced daily, hence ensuring the highest quality attainable.

If your budget permits, we say go for the reservations-only Prix-Fixe menu (HK$488 / S$88.45), which consists of a sensational 4-course meal completed with four cocktails.

17 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2522 0281
Mon to Sat: 6pm to 2am
Nearest Station: Central

#15 ZENTRAL

Situated within Central’s California Tower, Zentral Club is the latest business venture of Magnum Entertainment Group. The premium establishment is opened daily till 5am and is the go-to place for epic party animals that cannot get enough of the degenerate lifestyle.

4-5/F, California Tower, 32 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2111 8110
Sun to Wed: 9pm – 5am
Thu to Sat: 10pm – 5am
Nearest Station: Central

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She was previously a marketing executive and freelance photographer in the food industry. Her work has been published on Epicure, Lifestyle Asia and Meld Magazine etc.

Best known as a city for the best shopping and dining, we dug through into the streets of Hong Kong to score you the top five cocktail bars so you can hit the ground running.

ABERDEEN STREET SOCIAL

Like its name suggests, Aberdeen Street Social is the place to see and be seen, coupled with a cool tipple in hand, and perhaps Neil in the other? We kid—but we know you’ll want to. The eye candy we speak of is the man behind these cool concoctions; Neil Rivington, head bartender of Aberdeen Street Social, with a cheeky personality to boot.

Let him tingle your palates with Bloody English (HK$120), a twist on the classic Bloody Mary that we prefer. Sipsmith gin takes the place of vodka with a dash of ‘full English’ spice mix that adds character, while the original Bristol cream sherry gels individual flavors into a creamy, velvety texture with fresh and tangy aromas of dried fruit.

While you’re at it, (decide to) call in sick and let him give you just What The Doctor Ordered (HK$140)—a light, lemony and milky concoction filled with woody, herbaceous notes of botanicals that end in a mildly dry, honeyed bitterness of ginger. Sending us into a cocktail frenzy is Down Mexico Way (HK$140), leading you down the path where you might never see the light at the end of the tunnel.

One sip coats the mouth with a bitter smokiness of roasted wood, layered with deep citrus flavors of blood orange and lemon juice, laced with gentle touches of Auchentoshan whiskey. It’s all too good to stop at one—you understand now why the light is dim at the end of the tunnel.

PMQ, Ground Fl, JPC, 35 Aberdeen Street,
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2866 0300
Mon to Sun: 11:30am to 11pm
Nearest MTR: Sheung Wan

BUTLER BAR

Step into this exclusive 20-seater Japanese-style bar and be welcomed in like a king. A gentleman, smartly dressed in a vest and tie will bow and offer to take your coat, one will pull up a chair, while another (behind the bar) greets you with genuine warmth. Welcome to Butler Bar.

The star of the show is owner-bartender Masayuki Uchida, head barkeep behind the extensive list of divine Japanese cocktails who earned his stripes at cocktail bars Bar Tokyo and Little Smith at the Ginza in Tokyo. Bartending for 15 years, it’s no wonder Uchida is known in the industry as the Japanese cocktail master.

Here, he transforms a classic gin martini (HK$128) by stirring Japanese dover perilla liqueur into chilled Tanqueray gin, resulting in unique notes of bittersweet herbs. Executed with finesse is the smooth drinking (yet complexly layered) High West double rye whiskey sour (HK$118), garnished simply with a Cointreau griottunis cherry and lemon that highlights its full, uncompromised flavour.

Showcasing his true mastery is the old fashioned (HK$128), concocted with incredible precision and skill—three different bitters and house-made liqueur with Buffalo Trace bourbon (The Fifty Best Bourbon Whiskeys 2015), thoughtfully garnished with a slice of orange, lime, lemon and Cointreau cherries that allows you to tamper with the flavour profile to your personal preference. Such is the Japanese touch.

5/F, Mody House, 30 Mody Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2724 3828
Mon to Fri: 6:30pm to 2am
Sat: 6:30pm to 1am
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui/East Tsim Sha Tsui

HAM & SHERRY

The name itself says it all; house-cured meats and sherry is the name of the game. Be spoilt for choice with their bounty of sherry from finos to rossos, and tasting flights to cocktails that we daresay will satisfy any palate. Sherry novices, try your hand at their tasting flights (HK$295) for a sampling portion of your preference of four sherries, with four categories to choose from; manzanilla, amontillado, palo cortado, and pedro ximénez & palomino.

Incredibly sexy is the don Jose Maria very old amontillado, jose de soto (HK$92) whose smoky aroma extends to surround the palate, taking one on an exquisite journey that heightens the senses, finished with a subtle honeyed sweetness that lingers on the tip of one’s tongue. More complex is the apostles, Gonzalez byass (HK$158) that tastes exactly like its aroma of sweet cherry wood and aged oak, with a smooth finish. Pair this with a jamon board (HK$264) of house-cured meats.

Also recommended are the sherry cocktails concocted by head bartender, Ryan Nightingale. In No One Expects the Spanish Inquisition (HK$110), a manzanilla (Pasada Pastrana) sherry holds fort with Grand Marnier, sweetened by raspberry syrup, and citrus notes of lemon and orange. The result is a subtly sweet, light and refreshing tipple reminiscent of an autumn breeze.

Tease the palate with Stormy Skye (HK$110)—Talisker whiskey and Tio Mateo fino sherry come together with salted pineapple cordial for an incredibly unique sweet-salty cocktail with a bittersweet finish. Tip: don’t limit yourself to one.

1-7 Ship Street, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2555 0628
Mon to Sat: 12pm to 3pm; 6pm to 12am
Nearest MTR: Wanchai

LITTLE LAB

Asian-inspired cocktails reign in this cosy bar cobbled along Staunton Street. Don’t be fooled by its nondescript manner, these bartenders will soon show you a thing or two. Here, bar consultant Alex Ng runs the show, adjusting the cocktails every few weeks to suit the season.

Step out of the cold and be warmed up with an oriented mulled wine (HK$108) where rum is spiced with a mix of Chinese herbs, cinnamon, star anise and cloves. Inspiration is stemmed from the Chinese vinegar pork knuckle dish (believed to improve blood circulation), this cocktail uses a house-made sweetened Chinese ginger vinaigrette steeped together in red wine for two to three hours to obtain a robust sweetness of red date and spice.

Turning the famous Hong Kong drink of 30% coffee and 70% tea into a tipple is yuan yang (HK$120), made with Jose Cuervo reposado, espresso, evaporated milk, house-made dai pai dong tea syrup and pale ale to form a smooth and well-balanced cocktail, garnished with coffee beans and tea leaves.

If you’re hankering for something sweet, easy-drinking Oriented Ramos (HK$120) is a twist on popular 1970-80s local beverage Ramey’s gin fizz previously commonly found at cha chaan tengs. This “modernised” version combines yuzu and lime with milk to birth a sweet and dry, almost yogurty finish. If such concoctions are what this lab offers, we sure wouldn’t mind being a lab rat.

Shop B, G/F 48-50 Staunton Street,
852 Central District, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2858 8580
Mon to Thu: 5pm to 1am
Fri to Sat: 5pm to 2am
Sun: 4pm to 12am
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

THE WOODS

Tucked away in the basement along Hollywood Road lies a magical forest—no, we’re not talking about mushrooms. We’re talking exquisite cocktails that evoke the senses, paired with edible works of art that evolve around a ‘woods’ theme. Highly recommended is the four-course pairing menu (HK$788) that starts with an amuse bouche of St. George Terrior Gin, lemon juice and simple syrup, topped up with sparkling wine and served in a test tube with a rosemary sprig; setting the stage for visually stunning alcoholic libations.

We’re especially impressed with Grass—a Holland vodka distilled with spiced grass, muddled with cucumber and tarragon before being mixed into fresh apple and lemon juice, served with balls of ice infused with coriander and cilantro to enhance its flavor of fresh herbs and botanicals. Equally impressive is its pairing dish of French Bayonne ham with Australian jumbo asparagus, Spanish olive oil caviar, and micro greens drizzled with a port wine and balsamico reduction.

Speak to head barman, Freddrick Ma, and it’s evident the passion and care that goes into his creations. In Earth, an oyster mushroom is infused in Makers bourbon, combined with dry vermouth, artichoke liqueur and black walnut bitters to exude oaky and uniquely bittersweet notes.

Taking it up a notch is its garnish of dehydrated mushrooms and enoki on a thin crisp of house-made biscuit, micro greens dancing along the biscuit plateau; drawing the earthiness out of the cocktail. Charcoal breadcrumbs, dried dark olives and fennel pollen fall lightly around the pairing dish of herb butter escargots and mash that further accentuates its earthiness. Let the night take you deeper into this magical “forest”. Getting lost in the woods might not be such a bad idea after all.

17 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2522 0281
Mon to Sat: 6pm to 2am
Nearest Station: Central

About the writer
Mandy Lynn is a former I-S Magazine writer and current columnist at Nookmag; her dining and nightlife features are published in Men’s Folio, Singapore Tatler Dining and The Drinks Business, amongst others. For bite-sized food recommendations, follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or join her Gourmet Adventures to keep up with the latest dining and nightlife news.