Michelin-starred restaurants in Hong Kong

Reimagined with intimate new interiors by acclaimed New York designer Adam Tihany, Amber’s bold new philosophy has Chef Richard Ekkebus presents nuanced, nourishing flavours and dishes that are sublime in their subtlety. Culinary Director Richard Ekkebus draws inspiration from around the world, celebrating exquisite ingredients with finely constructed flavours and meticulous presentation.

Amner has been given a well-deserved upgrade to two stars by the Michelin Guide, after the one star that was earned just eight months after opening. Serving up innovative dishes in forest themed surroundings, this French fine-dining restaurant makes for a perfect tranquil getaway in the heart of Central. You can also wind down with a brunch every weekend before checking out the art galleries downstairs.

Trading its previous three stars to two this year, The dishes at Bo Innovation are intelligent, playful and thoroughly thought out. Helmed by the 'Demon Chef' Alvin Leung, the chefs here masterfully marry traditional and new world Chinese cuisine. The minimalist decor allows the food to shine and diners have a choice of the Red Menu or Blue Menu. Red features dishes like Classic Upgrade – wild black cod, iberico ham, shimeji mushroom, dried mandarin peel and yuzu. The Blue sports dishes like Green Eggs and Magnolia Ham – century egg, magnolia ham, pickled ginger and chocolate.

Ecriture at H Queen’s continues its winning streak in its second year of opening. A French fine-dining venue named after renowned Korean artist Park Seo-Bo’s groundbreaking abstract expressionist series, Ecriture attempts to emulate Park’s art through bold colours and designs relying heavily on shapes and lines. With an open kitchen in the centre and floor-to-ceiling windows, diners can experience the best views and French culinary art.

Originating from Osaka, Japan, the Hong Kong branch of Kashiwaya serves kaiseki cuisine, using seasonal ingredients flown in from Japan – even the soft water used to cook the rice. The food is served on crockery made by artisans with more than four centuries of collective history and experience. Upon said crockery, expect to be served dishes including sashimi, brine boiled clams and snow crab, served four ways.

Pierre Gagnaire is a culinary artist who whips up fantastic creations for diners to savour, all while you enjoy the view from the top floor of the Mandarin Oriental. While the food here is described as modern French, it’s still deeply rooted in traditional Gallic cooking. The menu changes regularly to reflect the seasonal produce available but expect dishes like John Dory with tamarillo, cucumber, fresh mint and chorizo as well as excellent cheeses from the master refiner Bernard Anthony.

Founded in 1969 by the Yuen family, the restaurant was first recognised by Michelin in 2011. Seasonal dim sum offerings include steamed shrimp with mugwort and vegetable dumplings, steamed crab and pork dumplings with supreme soup. À la carte delights include jelly fish with spring onion and sesame oil, as well as braised chicken feet in abalone sauce.

This three Michelin-starred restaurant from Tokyo’s fancy Roppongi neighbourhood made its Hong Kong debut in March of 2018 and has won two stars for the second time. Overseeing the Hong Kong venture is revered sushi master Takashi Saito, who is hand-selecting the freshest cuts of fish every morning to be flown same-day from Tsukiji Market.

Helmed by acclaimed chef Hideaki Sato (previously of Tenku Ryugin), Ta Vie marries French techniques and Asian ingredients. Housed in the Pottinger hotel, the tasting menu at Ta Vie changes based on seasonal ingredients, but you can expect excellent dishes like poached oyster wrapped in wagyu beef with grated celeriac jelly and desserts such as caramelised baby banana with a crepe alongside a passion fruit and black truffle sauce.

Another restaurant originating from Roppongi, RyuGin’s Hong Kong branch is perched on the 101st floor of the ICC building. The menu is a 10-course kaiseki meal of seasonal dishes that can include dishes such as monkfish liver and akagai arc, or Japanese spring vegetables, simmered in shallow broth with abalone and hotaru squid. The quality ingredients really shine at RyuGin.

For excellent dim sum served sky high, head to the 102nd floor of the ICC to dine at the most elevated Chinese restaurant in the city. Tin Lung Heen's Michelin degustation menu can be paired with wine and features combos such as double-boiled fresh abalone with chicken broth, barbecued iberian pork, honey and chilled white asparagus with caviar, paired with NV Lallier Grand Cru Grande Réserve.

Helmed by chef Siu Hin-chi, previously of T’ang Court and Duddell’s – both the recipient of Michelin stars – Ying Jee Club debuted with high expectations. Awarded a Michelin star at the first time of asking and now with two stars under its best for two years, this restaurant hasn’t disappointed. The upmarket Canto fare doesn’t come cheap but it is of suitably high quality and the portions are generous for this kind of establishment.

Among the newly crowned one-stars is acclaimed chef David Thompson's Aaharn – best known for opening Nahm in London and Bangkok, which opened in Tai Kwun late last year. Aaharn showcases Thompson’s passion for and knowledge of Thai cuisine with its new Thai head chef, Dtoy Pariyasakul. The 32-year-old talent trained under Thai cuisine experts such as Kobkaew Najpinjj and David Thompson, and was instrumental in helping Nham nab Michelin accolades.

With amazing city views, Ah Yat Harbour View Restaurant's menu is filled with delectable dishes from Guangdong Province. Savoury buns, vegetarian duck and dim sum items are served along side more hearty offerings such as stewed oxtail with home-made sauce, red wine in casserole and golden, fried crispy chicken.

Meaning 'mysterious' or 'understood by only a few’, the word ‘arcane’ conjures up images of magicians, secret societies and fantasy lands. This may be apt when it comes to modern European restaurant Arcane, as the food is being lauded by some as magical and owner and chef Shane Osborn is full of fantastical culinary secrets, all learned at some of the best restaurants in London and Hong Kong. Having helped Pied à Terre and L’Autre Pied earn Michelin stars in the English capital, Australian-born chef Osborn has done it again here in Hong Kong.

Beefbar, originating from Monaco, was founded by European meat importer, Riccardo Giraudi. The restaurant is renowned as a place to see and be seen and has incarnations around the globe, in locations including Moscow and the Greek island of Mykonos. As expected, the beef here is of phenomenal quality, but it's not all steak here. At Beefbar, you can also expect tacos, tostadas, ceviches, fish, pastas and outrageously good mashed potatoes of different flavours too. 

The sleek yet minimal interior of Belon is intentional, allowing the dishes to really do the talking. Helmed by British chef Daniel Calvert, dishes include a wonderfully fresh oyster tartare, chickpea falafel with hummus, pigeon pie, whole roasted chicken and much more besides.

Dine on luxury Cantonese food in the fairly unassuming Lan Kwai Fong Hotel on quiet Kau U Fong. With celebrity admirers and an eye for A-list ingredients, chef Cheng Kam-fu nods to nostalgia, serving dishes such as Hakka braised pork belly with preserved vegetables or crispy baby pigeon. With only six tables, it’s an intimate affair with a long waiting list.

A heady mix of fine art and fine dining. This expansive Cantonese restaurant boasts a spacious terrace and elegant interiors. Duddell's menu features Cantonese staples such as baked abalone, crispy suckling pig, fried lobster and kumquat puffs, many with innovative twists. They also serve great Chinese-inspired cocktails at their trendy ‘Salon’ bar and the events here attract a well-heeled crowd.

Enchanting Épure, housed in Tsim Sha Tsui's Harbour City, serves contemporary French fare and boasts a gorgeous terrace overlooking the harbour. The wine list is robust and can be paired with decadent dishes that change seasonally, including blue lobster, souffle, foie gras and a fantastic range of French cheeses. 

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and Fook Lam Mon is such a place. While new on the Michelin list, loyalists have been coming here for years and many of these patrons have their own table. Fabulous dim sum is served daily, standouts include deep-fried crispy chicken, baked stuffed crab shell and gourmet soup in whole winter melon.

Authentic Cantonese restaurant Fu Ho has been tucked up in the Miramar shopping centre for over a decade. Signature dishes include abalone such as braised Yoshihama dried abalone, bird’s nest with almond cream and the fried noodles 'Fu Ho' style in clay pot. 

Dining at Gaddi’s has been an unforgettable experience for more than 60 years now, due to its classic posh interior and impeccable service combined with modern interpretations of traditional French dishes. Don’t miss such signatures as the creamy lobster soup, roast Vendéen pigeon with Muscovado sugar, and ginger soufflé.

Boasting a celebrity clientele, Guo Fu Lou serves a range of fresh and dried seafood dishes as well as goodies such as steamed crab claw with egg white and Huadio wine, tea smoked chicken, and duck's tongue with XO chilli sauce. 

Founded in 1946, Ho Hung Kee has featured in the Michelin Guide since 2008, earning its first star in 2010. The wonton noodle soup is the star dish here as well as congee with toppings like sliced fish, sliced beef, meatballs, pork liver, salted lean pork, pork intestines, egg and preserved egg on offer. If you prefer something fried, try the stir-fried rice noodles with beef.

Helmed by Lawrence Mok, former executive chef at Inakaya Hong Kong, this cosy Tai Hang restaurant boasts two massive grill tables. All chefs at IM Teppanyaki are classically trained in Japan and the menu features decadent items such as foie gras with teriyaki sauce and Hokkaido scallops. All food products are ordered daily according to the bookings for the night, ensuring fresh and top-notch dishes.

Originating from Singapore, Imperial Treasure's Shanghai branch was awarded two Michelin stars in 2017 and scored a place on Asia’s Best 50 Restaurants list. Now in Hong Kong, Imperial Treasure serves up fine dining Chinese cuisine from dim sum to baked lobster and suckling pig.

With a glamorous dining room featuring grand double-height ceilings, Jardin de Jade's menu is equally as beautiful, with photos of the restaurant's specialities. The food served here is regional Chinese with an emphasis on Shanghainese cuisine and specialities include smoked duck, smoked blue fish and Sichuan pepper-tainted beef slices with bean sheet noodles and cabbage.

As its name suggests, this high-end restaurant specialises in kaiseiki cuisine, which has won it a Michelin star for 10 consecutive years. Delight in seasonal dishes by executive chef Hiroyuki Saotome with dishes ranging from sea urchin truffle rice to charcoal-grilled wagyu beef.

Simple and effective Kam's Roast Goose specialises in roast goose, char siu, a variety of soy-marinated ‘lo shui’ meats and offals. Of course, roast goose is the must-try here but both the suckling pig rice plate or preserved egg with pickled ginger appetiser are worth a try too. 

Scoring a double win with the Kwun Tong and Mong Kok branches all earning a star each is Lei Garden. The Cantonese establishment serves up innovative Canton dishes and pricey seafood. The perfectly crispy Peking duck here is delicious.

One of three restaurants set in the St. Regis, L'Envol serves up high-end French dishes from inside an open kitchen. The restaurant brings Michelin firepower, too, as it's helmed by Olivier Elzer, formerly of Seasons and L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon.

Listed in every Hong Kong guide book, this much-loved Shanghainese diner is always filled with tourists, yet locals still brave the crowds to sample its specialties. Try the Shanghai crabs or the smoked eggs. The pan-fried pork buns are juicy, even without all that oil.

This Sai Kung seafood restaurant is the proud owner of a a Michelin star thanks to their excellent seafood. Crack into some mantis shrimps, crabs and scallops and make sure you try the salted fried chicken and seafood soup too.

Dining at Louise does feel like dining at a family member’s house – if your family owned a plantation and this was French Indochina. The food is hearty and approachable, the wine list long and exceptional, and the design, devised by architect André Fu, at once subtropical, opulent and playful.

Entering Man Wah is like stepping into 1920s Shanghai. The restaurant only seats a small number of diners each night so the chef and staff can take special care of each one. Must-try dishes include wok-fried dover sole with black bean sauce and pan-fried scallops with gravy.

This handsome restaurant is one of the best places in town to take food lovers. The menu is elegant and filled with indulgent dishes such as foie gras, tartare and burrata – and that's just for starters. Mains are split into a charcoal grill section with fantastic beef options and there's also plenty of fish and other choices. The desserts here are to die for, so save room.

This Michelin stalwart has featured in the guide since 2009. Besides the delectable dim sum, this elegant restaurant in bustling Mong Kok is known for its twist on a perennial classic – yeung chow fried rice with sea cucumber, which apparently was the way Chinese emperors preferred it. It's also earned a reputation for its fab wine pairings, with a cellar boasting 400 plus wines from over 100 regions.

Chef Umberto Bombana’s (the man behind three Michelin star 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana) second Hong Kong restaurant is a testing station for new ideas, operating much like a private kitchen. The menu is small and simple, featuring a daily dish and the interior has been designed by the man himself. Examples of changing dishes include homemade Sardinian gnocchi with traditional pork ragout and castelmagno cheese and grand cru chocolate soufflé with hazelnut gelato.

This restaurant has stood the test of time. With over 20 years in business, they are doing something right. Classical French fare with excellent service and a romantic atmosphere make this the quintessential spot for popping the question.

Cosy Pang's Kitchen is a hit with Happy Valley locals as well as Michelin. It's been packed out since it opened more than 15 years ago and serves up traditional Cantonese cuisine like baked fish intestines in a clay pot and whole superior abalone in oyster sauce. They also serve a mean snake soup, but only when it's in season. 

Taking over the space in the InterContinental that once housed Spoon, Rech by Alain Ducasse is the first international outpost of Paris’s most famous seafood restaurant, Rech, which was founded in 1925 by Adrien Rech and reborn by Alain Ducasse in 2007. The menu showcases fresh fish, shellfish and oysters as well as a fantastic range of cheeses and indulgent desserts. 

Following the launch of its development kitchen, Aulis, in Causeway Bay, renowned British chef Simon Rogan unveils his second restaurant here on our shores with the opening of Roganic. Much like the original Roganic in London, which also holds one Michelin star, the Hong Kong outpost aims to be a farm-to-table destination for urban-dwellers by offering fresh ingredients and natural wines in a contemporary space. 

The foil to the hotel's French fine dining restaurant, Rùn turns up the heat with top dishes from award-winning chef Hung Chi-Kwong. Expect a variety of superb Cantonese fare.

This high-end Japanese restaurant is headed by chef Ryota Kanesawa, formerly of Zuma and the Michelin-starred La Frasca restaurant in Italy. The centerpiece here is the chef’s counter, from where Kanesawa and his team prepare and serve seasonal sashimi and sushi, as well as sophisticated cooked dishes.

Housed in the Kowloon Shangri-La, Shang Palace is the place to go for expertly curated food and wine pairings, as well as sweeping views of Victoria Harbour. Indulge in dim sum or more luxurious items such as crispy lobster with oatmeal, or baked filled crab shell with black truffle paste and cheese. If you're not so wine-inclined, the tea selection here is excellent too.

The art deco style of this Peninsula restaurant gives it a super-classy atmosphere and complements the top quality dim sum on the menu, like the steamed shrimp dumplings with bamboo shoots. Don't miss authentic Cantonese dishes such as the pan-fried garoupa fillet and the superior bird’s nest and shredded bean curd soup. Pair your meal with premium Chinese teas prepared by the expert tea master for a unique experience.

Nestled across the harbour from sister restaurant, Shang Palace, Summer Palace can be found in the Island Shangri-La. The kitchen is helmed by executive Chinese chef Leung Yu-king, who has been with the restaurant since it opened in 1991. Dine on decadent dim sum or go à la carte and try specialities such as marinated pig's trotter with spicy ginger and pigeon, marinated in hua diao wine.

Using fresh fish and seafood flown in daily from Tokyo’s Tsukiji market, the omakase menu is meticulously prepared. Expect perfectly marbled toro or creamy uni atop neat rice, depending on what produce is freshest that day. 

Helmed Daisuke Mori, Takumi by Daisuke Mori merges French culinary traditions with Japanese ingredients to create delicate and unique dishes. The restaurant seats only 13 diners in front of an open kitchen, creating an intimate environment. The set menu changes depending on seasonal ingredients which are mainly from Japan, France and elsewhere in Europe.

This Michelin-starred restaurant on the waterfront has an eye-catching crimson facade and a reputation for excellence. Catch anything that lives in water and this Cantonese restaurant will work its magic, from sautéed clams to braised fish. The signature deep-fried abalone is a fragrant and juicy must-try, while the crispy chicken deserves almost as much acclaim.

Helmed by chef Vicky Lau, at Tate it's not just about the food, it's about being eco-friendly too. Instead of using flowers as table decorations, staff plant sweet potato leaves to add some vibrancy. Tables are also covered with durable eco-leather tablecloths that can be wiped clean instead of laundered. The fantastic menu is an 'ode' to each ingredient, changing seasonally and there's a veggie option too.

Originating from Tokyo, the first Sushi Tokami was awarded a star within its first year, with the Hong Kong branch following in similar footsteps. Tokami boasts fantastic tuna and rice is from Niigata prefecture, known for its pristine mountains and for producing the best rice in Japan. The rice is prepared using red vinegar that’s fermented with sake yeast, which provides a unique aroma. Expect top-notch sushi from an omakase menu.

Tim Ho Wan is considered one of the best dim sums spots in Hong Kong and this local neighbourhood gem is your chance to dine at one of the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. Its most famous dish? The barbecue pork baked bun, otherwise known as char siu bao, are mouthwatering and addictive. There’s not a huge selection available on the menu but none of the dim sum disappoints.  

We’ve put our livers on the line to deliver you a definitive list of the 50 best Hong Kong bars to visit right now.