Hong Kong’s culinary landscape is a thrilling mosaic of flavor and tradition — and the annual HK Eats dining awards series (formerly 30 Best Eats) proudly honors this comprehensive dining experience, celebrating the establishments and experiences that define our city’s vibrant appetite.
This year’s amazing winners paint a delicious picture of Hong Kong’s democratic and diverse tastes, showcasing everything from innovative plant-based cuisine and trendy talk-of-the-towns, to heritage-inspired dim sum and world-class drinks. They are simultaneously the trendsetters and the classicists, the humble and the glamorous.
Without further ado, we proudly present the HK Eats 2025 Winners’ List (in no particular order whatsoever)!
Years (素年)
Years is a minimalist, Japan-inspired café that has become a beloved spot for contemporary Western-style vegan cuisine. With a strong emphasis on plant-based options, its menu is both creative and satisfying. Patrons can enjoy a range of dishes, from its famous “Impossible” plant-based meat burgers to imaginative pasta creations. The relaxed, cozy atmosphere makes it a perfect place to enjoy a healthy, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared meal.
Various spin-offs, including Shop 1, G/F, Fook Lung Building, 191-199 Fuk Wah Street, Sham Shui Po
Mother Pearl
Mother Pearl offers a fresh take on healthy beverage options, specializing in plant-based and nutrient-rich pearl drinks. Their menu features creative concoctions like the “Black Sesame Paste,” which blends rich black sesame milk with pearls and cheese foam, presenting a visually striking and delicious drink. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing fruit tea or a creamy, satisfying treat, Mother Pearl provides a wholesome and modern pearl drink experience.
Various locations, including Shop M31, MOKO, 193 Prince Edward Road West
Calle Ocho
A vibrant Spanish tapas restaurant at Fashion Walk, Calle Ocho transports guests to Madrid with its immersive Iberian ambiance and convivial spirit. Split across two floors, the eponymous “ocho” (Spanish for eight) offers a visual journey with architectural nods to Spain’s spacious squares and narrow streets. The menu is a celebration of Spanish flavors, with the standouts Oxtail Caldoso and Suckling Pig (Cochinillo) by Executive Chef Frederico De Andrade Sistelo being must-tries.
Fashion Walk, 8 Cleveland Street, Causeway Bay
The Cakery
The Cakery has carved out a unique space in Hong Kong’s dessert scene by championing health-conscious indulgence. This bakery specializes in creating exquisite bespoke cakes and a variety of desserts that cater to modern dietary preferences, offering options that are gluten-free, dairy-free, and made with reduced fat and organic ingredients. It skillfully incorporates superfoods like chia seeds, goji berries, and coconut oil into its offerings, proving that wellness and flavor can go hand-in-hand. Its popularity is also driven by innovative collaborations, such as the “MAYA x The Cakery” outlet at ifc mall, which is celebrated for its amazing vegan pastries, including pistachio croissants and eggless egg tarts.
Various locations, including Shop 1105A, Podium Level 1, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central
Carna By Dario Cecchini
Located atop the Mondrian Hong Kong, Carna is a sophisticated Italian steakhouse guided by the legendary butcher Dario Cecchini’s “Nose-to-Tail” philosophy. This approach ensures every part of the animal is honored, dramatically reducing waste with dishes like the iconic Polpette Ripiene di Midollo (beef belly and bone marrow meatballs). Carna’s sustainability is core to its identity, featuring seasonal and local sourcing, a comprehensive zero-waste plan, and sustainable supplier partnerships. This is exemplified in innovative offerings like its zero-waste “Carna” cocktail made with beef fat-washed bourbon.
39/F, Mondrian Hong Kong, 8A Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui
Taste of Veg / Lisa’s Veggie (蓮子麗姐健康素食館)
Nestled within the historic Blue House cluster, Taste of Veg / Lisa’s Veggie brings homestyle Cantonese vegetarian cuisine to Wan Chai. This cozy spot is known for its wholesome, flavorful set meals and à la carte dishes made fresh to order. The restaurant’s commitment to simple, delicious food is matched by its unique character, with decor that reflects the vibrant heritage of its surroundings, offering a truly local and satisfying plant-based experience.
G/F, 74 Stone Nullan Lane, Wan Chai
Hoi King Heen
This refined Cantonese restaurant has been reimagined in a tranquil Siheyuan (courtyard)-inspired setting. Under the masterful direction of Executive Chef Yu Chiu Kwan, it serves authentic cuisine that blends heritage with modern flair using fresh, premium ingredients. Hoi King Heen is committed to conscious sourcing, procuring seasonal ingredients locally and regionally, supporting small-scale suppliers, minimizing disposable packaging, and recycling food scraps through a dedicated vendor system in line with ISO14001 standards, ensuring timeless craftsmanship that respects the environment.
Address: B2, InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong, 70 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
The Optimist
This Northern Spanish asador and grill house in Wan Chai is known for its authentic, generous dining experience spread over three floors. The Barcelona-chic design sets the stage for an interactive adventure where guests choose their steak or fish by weight from daily blackboards to be grilled to perfection on traditional Asador-style grills.
239 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai
Montana
Montana is the electrifying collaboration between two bar-world titans: Lorenzo Antinori of Hong Kong’s Bar Leone and Simone Caporale of Barcelona’s Sips. This Cuban-inspired venue is a “time machine” to the golden age of Cuban cocktails and the 1970s disco era, celebrated through a Miami lens. The bar brings the legacy of Cuba’s historic Club de los Cantineros to life with razor-sharp classics. Must-try signature drinks include the precise Montana Daiquiri, the tangy Hotel Nacional, and the savoury-smooth Café Havana, a gin-based twist on the espresso martini.
Address: G/F, 108 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan
Tung Po Kitchen (東寶小館)
Don’t be fooled by its location on the second floor of a Wan Chai building: Tung Po is a popular, longtime (but relocated) dai pai dong renowned for its boisterous, party-like atmosphere and delectable Hong Kong-style dishes. The charismatic owner often entertains the crowd, and beer is famously drunk from bowls. It’s the place to go for loud, shared fun and standout items like the “Wind Sand” chicken and crispy fried durian.
2/F, KONNECT, 303 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai
Bakehouse
Founded by Swiss-trained baker Grégoire Michaud, Bakehouse brings a genuine taste of European artisanal baking to Hong Kong. Built on a passion for craftsmanship and a strong sense of community, the bakery is as much about the friendly smiles as it is about the high-quality baked goods. It has gained a cult following for its perfect, wobbly Sourdough Egg Tarts and a wide array of fine pastries like croissants, almond danishes, and savory sausage rolls. The Wan Chai location offers a full cafe experience, serving a menu that extends from sourdough bread and pastries to substantial mains.
Various locations, including G/F, 14 Tai Wong Street East, Wan Chai
TokyoLima
Tucked away in Central, TokyoLima is a buzzing late-night (but also open during the day) izakaya serving Nikkei cuisine: a unique fusion of Japanese techniques and Peruvian heat dating back over a century. The menu features vibrant ceviches, including an Oyster Mushroom Ceviche, and delicate sashimi-style tiraditos. Another delectable favorite is the Arroz con Pato, a classic Peruvian duck and rice dish. For lunch, remember to go straight for the irresistible appetizer buffet that comes with maki options, a ceviche bar, and a salad and dips section.
G/F, Car Po Commercial Building, 18-20 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central
Jean-Pierre
Step into a jubilant homage to the charming bistros of Paris at Jean-Pierre. This restaurant revives the romance and revelry of France’s golden age, inviting guests into a nightly celebration where glasses clink and laughter erupts. The menu is filled with French bistro classics prepared with confidence and flair, such as steak tartare and the roasted “Poulet de Simone”. The elegant dining space, decorated with plush red velvet and dark mahogany, creates a sophisticated yet vibrant atmosphere. For a different experience, their bar menu offers classic cocktails with a French twist and snacks like the limited-quantity JP Burger.
G/F, 9 Bridges Street, Central
Treehouse
Treehouse is a fast-casual restaurant dedicated to whole plant-based dining, creating all its food completely free from preservatives, refined sugars, and artificial additives. The menu is a global fusion of vibrant and healthy flavors. Signature items include the “Banyan” sourdough flatbread wrap with grilled tempeh and fried eggplant, the “Forest” beet and mushroom burger on a sourdough bun, and a classic Margherita Pizza with vegan cheese.
Multiple locations, including 7 Sharp Street East, Causeway Bay
Silk.
A modern innovator on the Hong Kong tea scene, Silk revitalizes the classic Hong Kong Milk Tea with a contemporary twist using a 50-year-old family recipe. Its creative offerings, like the “Triple Tea King,” combine a rich silk-stocking milk tea base with toppings such as brown sugar pearls, a thick cheese foam, and caramel crunch.
Various locations, including 9A Sharp Street East, Causeway Bay
Chaiwala
An immersive modern Indian destination in Central, Chaiwala takes diners on a colorful journey through the breadth and depth of India’s culinary landscape. Accessed through the secretive British salon Hugger Mugger, the venue consists of three distinct spaces: a Chai Bar, Kitchen, and Dining Hall — each brimming with creative energy and intrigue. Be sure to dig into the lipsmacking Tandoori Chicken, an easy favorite for regular patrons.
Basement, 43-55, Wyndham Street, Central
Sing Kee (盛記)
Nestled on a Central side street, Sing Kee is one of the few remaining licensed dai pai dong in Central (and Hong Kong, period), offering a rare, authentic street-side dining experience amidst the city’s modern skyline. It’s a fantastic spot to savor classic “wok hei” dishes like the signature pepper-salt squid or fried shrimp with eggs, all while immersed in the sounds and sights of Hong Kong.
G/F, 82 Stanley Street, Central
Avoca
Avoca literally translates to “The Meeting of Waters” — and this cocktail bar aims to bring global influences together with Hong Kong traditions. Its innovative cocktail program, featuring creations like the 3:15PM Martini (a spirited twist on the local Yuen Yeung), is a collaborative masterpiece. Avoca is a leader in sustainability, with an extensive program that includes partnering with ecoSPIRITS to eliminate single-use glass, a strict zero-waste policy with ingredient repurposing, sourcing locally, supporting diverse and underprivileged groups in hiring, and active community engagement with NGOs. Its commitment is deeply woven into every aspect of the business.
Mondrian Hong Kong, 8A Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui
WING
WING is Chef Vicky Cheng’s visionary approach to Chinese cuisine, located high above Central. The experience reflects an evolution of Chinese culinary traditions, emphasizing quality ingredients and refined finesse to create dishes that are inventive yet rooted in tradition. The restaurant offers a contemporary tasting menu that reinterprets classic recipes with creative twists, underpinned by European techniques. Dining at WING is an immersive experience, requiring reservations for its seasonal tasting menus.
29/F, The Wellington, 198 Wellington Street, Central
LockCha Teahouse (樂茶軒)
Step into a serene oasis of Chinese tea culture at LockCha Teahouse. This traditional teahouse is dedicated to the art of tea, offering a curated selection of over a hundred varieties of fine Chinese teas. The experience is complemented by a menu of delicate, fully vegetarian dim sum and snacks. For a modern twist, it also serves innovative tea-based beverages like tea beer and tea cocktails, beautifully bridging tradition and contemporary taste.
Various locations, including Shops 06-07, G/F, Barrack Block, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central
Honjo
In Sheung Wan, Honjo offers a modern Japanese dining experience within a retro-contemporary, art-filled space designed like a dreamer’s inner sanctum. The themed rooms, each with a unique ambiance, provide the perfect backdrop for its classic yet forward-looking cuisine, driven by a passion for experimenting with global flavors and traditional techniques. Don’t miss its Hot Stone series, consisting of scrumptious steaming bowls of meaty or veggie goodness paired with rice.
1/F, 77-91 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan
Veggie Kingdom
Veggie Kingdom is an absolute must-try for an authentic, entirely vegetarian yum cha experience, offering a creative interpretation of Cantonese vegetarian cuisine. This popular spot serves high-quality, traditional dim sum during the daytime, with a menu that includes all the classic staples crafted to showcase vibrant flavours and textures. Must-try dishes include the mushroom siu mai, veggie BBQ pork buns (char siu bao), and pan-fried turnip cakes.
Various locations, including 7/F, VIP Commercial Centre, 120 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Roganic
Simon Rogan’s restaurant champions a modern British, farm-to-table concept with a deep commitment to sustainability. In early 2025, the restaurant moved to a stunning new home in Causeway Bay, featuring a sustainability-focused design with recycled marble floors and reclaimed wood. The menu celebrates local, organic produce—some even grown at a nearby urban farm—and is designed as a flexible, sharing-style set menu. Roganic offers a truly innovative dining experience that brings the freshest local ingredients to the table while striving for a zero-waste kitchen.
Shop 402-403, 4/F, Lee Garden One, 33 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay