The best restaurants in Wan Chai

Samsen is a cut above some of the other excellent Thai restaurants in the neighbourhood. Former Chachawan head chef Adam Cliff’s take on Thai street food hits the spot with standout dishes such as huge bowls of wagyu beef boat noodles with crispy shallots and fried Thai noodles with juicy tiger prawns. No reservations are taken here, but you can pop to 7-Eleven next door – for a pre-dinner drink, and the restaurant staff will call you when there’s a free table.

Bengal Brothers in Wan Chai previously operated as a grab-and-go spot for their crispy kathi rolls. The establishment has now transformed their venue to hold a canteen, where diners can sit in and enjoy a bountiful selection of Indian street food classics. Bengal Brothers’ menu pays homage to India’s diverse culinary scene by offering delectable plates from all over the Indian peninsula, such as Chettinad-style lamb curry, Kolkata beetroot chops, Parsi keema pav with spiced minced lamb, and plenty more. Additionally, the restaurant has also rolled out an all-new beverage programme full of Indian flavour-inspired cocktails like the Sugarcane Smash with sugarcane juice or Pallonji’s Fizz made with gin and raspberry-rose shrub, as well as beers, wines, and non-alcoholic drinks.

For a breezy Italian dining affair, Osteria Marzia is the ideal joint in the Wan Chai neighbourhood. Specialising in coastal Italian flavours from the Mediterranean, this restaurant is casual and homey in the best way possible. Menu highlights include their daily market fish selections, which can be prepared grilled, acqua patza, a la Siciliana, or salt-baked. Other standout dishes include homemade pasta in sensational sauces like Brontë pistachio pesto or date tomato confit with a medley of seafood, as well as their refreshing lemon-misu to conclude.

Craving for contemporary bites, freshly baked goods, and good wine? Head to Lee Tung Avenue and check out Roganic’s sister restaurant, The Baker & The Bottleman. The cafe, bakery, and wine bar recently opened as a fully operational restaurant offering a full menu for dinner. Sip on natural and biodynamic wines and pair them with hearty dishes from the à la carte menu, created by executive chef Oli Marlow together with restaurant head chef Ollie Eisendhardt and bakery head chef Benjamin Lee. Aside from light appetisers like flash-grilled cuttlefish ($180) in XO sauce with a light fennel salad or Hokkaido scallop ($140) with garlic and parsley butter, the restaurant also has filling main dishes that are great for sharing. Dig into roasted local duck breast ($300), dry-aged for two weeks, or enjoy Rhug Estate Lamb ($350) featuring braised shoulder and cured, pressed lamb belly.

Alice Pizza, a trailblazer in crafting Roman teglia pizza and recognised as one of Italy’s top pizzerias, has opened their first Hong Kong branch – and also their first store in Asia – on Queen’s Road East in Wan Chai. Teglia translates to 'tray or pan’, compared to how Neapolitan pizza is made, instead of baking individually on the floor of the oven, Roman teglia pizza is baked in trays which results in a crispy and thin crust. 

The pizzas here are baked in rectangular shape and sold ‘al taglio’, meaning they are sliced according to your preferred size and sold by weight. So, whether you have a big or small appetite, your expectations will be met. Almost two dozen pizza toppings will be available daily from Alice’s menu, which encompasses beloved classic pizza varieties, vegetarian and vegan-friendly offerings, as well as more than 10 innovative flavour combinations that delight taste buds.

One of the best Vietnamese restaurants in town, Black Sheep Restaurants' Le Garcon Saigon, shows off the diversity of Vietnamese food – without a bowl of pho in sight. Instead, you can enjoy smoky meat and fish dishes served with mountains of fresh herbs and fully-flavoured sauces. Be sure to wash all of these down with a Saigon beer or two. 

Hidden away on the second floor of Chung Wui Mansion (you know, that pink, blue, and yellow building in the middle of Wan Chai), 1963 Treee serves up some of the authentic Taiwanese fare in town. Everything screams vintage here. Floral wallpapers, vinyl player, vintage cameras, vases, lampshades, tableware, mailboxes, and an old wooden cabinet of movable type, a traditional printing and typography technique. 1963 Treee's venue is also available for rent and has been the backdrop to many photoshoots, movies, and music videos.

The St. Regis hotel offers a variety of dining options, and L'Envol is one of two restaurants that have Michelin stars. They specialise in fancy French cuisine prepared with the finest seasonal ingredients. The chef, Olivier Elzer, is a French culinary expert who was recently honoured with the distinction of Knight in the Order of Agricultural Merit of the French Republic in 2022 for his outstanding contributions to French gastronomy and his prominent role in promoting French products in Hong Kong. Whether you're looking for an elegant French meal with friends, a special celebration, or a business dinner, L'Envol is the top choice for elevated dining in the neighbourhood.

Introducing a contrast to The St. Regis Hong Kong's elegant French fine dining establishment, Rùn is the hotel's renowned two-Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant. This is where the heat gets turned up, thanks to the incredible creations of acclaimed executive Chinese chef Hung Chi-Kwong. Indulge in a mouthwatering selection of Cantonese delights, expertly prepared with the freshest seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking techniques but with a modern twist. Whether you're a wine aficionado or a tea lover, their skilled sommeliers have got you covered with carefully chosen pairings to enhance your dining experience.  

Unless you're familiar with it, you might overlook this hidden Italian restaurant located on the 25th floor of the 208 Johnston building in Wan Chai. From this elevated spot, you can enjoy both Roman and Italian cuisine while taking in the city views of the district. The menu offers a wide range of options, including small plates for sharing, salads, pasta, grilled meats, and fish. Some of our personal favourites include the crispy Southern Italian red shrimp fritti and the raw marinated Mediterranean anchovies with chilli pepper and garlic, both perfect as appetisers. For main courses, we recommend trying the homemade spaghetti with jumbo garlic, artichokes, and chilli sauce, as well as the Grigliata di pesce, a plate featuring chargrilled scallops, octopus, squid, scampi, and fish. Whether you're looking for a casual dining experience with friends or family or planning a larger gathering, this restaurant is an ideal choice due to its spacious layout, which can accommodate large groups of people.

Looking for some fantastic flavours close to home? Yixin Restaurant is the place to be. This popular Cantonese joint is popular for its soya chicken and roasted duck – the tenderest we've ever had! And don't even get us started on their pan-fried pork patties with minced salted fish – so darn tasty! Plus, they've got a killer selection of seafood. Prices ain't dirt cheap, but hey, it's totally worth the splurge for the quality you get.

The restaurant has been a beloved spot in the neighbourhood since it opened in 2012. After a few months of renovation in 2020, the popular tapas bar returned better than ever. They've got a fresh new look and an exciting menu of traditional-meets-modern tapas dishes crafted by chef Antonio Oviedo. The best part? You can enjoy their delicious bites while sitting at their cool u-shaped bar, soaking up the lively ambience. And don't forget to check out their menu of Spanish wines, sangrias, and cocktails to complete your dining experience. 

Looking to impress your important clients or have a romantic evening with your special someone? Look no further than Auor (pronounced 'hour'), the new restaurant of renowned Singaporean chef Edward Voon. Formerly of Le Pan and Singapore's first ​​molecular gastronomy restaurant Aurum, Voon brings his culinary expertise to this refined establishment. Indulge in a six-course menu that revolves around the concept of life and time, reflecting Voon's own gastronomic adventures. Secure a table or private room for an unforgettable dining experience.

Tung Po Kitchen is a somewhat rite of passage for tourists and new arrivals in Hong Kong. It has been entertaining crowds for 30 years with its down-to-earth service that includes singing, dancing, and even popping beer bottles with chopsticks. Last year, Hongkongers were devastated to know that the iconic dai pai dong closed its doors, but the legendary eatery soon relocated to Wan Chai to serve its patrons. Come here for Cantonese classics fresh out of the wok, a random but always booming and belt-worthy playlist, and of course, the famous tradition of drinking beer from their signature porcelain 'fighter bowls'. 

Aera is located just across AKI Hong Kong - MGallery hotel, and is one of the few restaurants in the area serving contemporary Nordic cuisine. Their 10-course dinner tasting menu showcases Nordic-inspired dishes with rustic and refined plating. Our favourites include the starter of soft-boiled egg yolk with Japanese scallops, corn, and spring onion foam, as well as locally sourced three-yellow chicken feet using locally sourced San Huang chicken that has been prepared over three days before serving it on a plate with a drizzle of lemon juice. Save room for dessert – a refreshing passion fruit sorbet with lime leaf oil and mango-infused kombucha. 

Craving for fresh, hand-rolled pasta dishes? Book a seat at Pici, the pasta joint from the Pirata Group (the dudes behind up (Pirata, The Optimist and TokyoLima). It's a cosy eatery serving up delicious handmade pasta dishes. From classic pici cacio e pepe to mouthwatering meatballs and ravioli, they've got you covered with delicious and satisfying eats.  

Zoku is located inside The Hari Hong Kong hotel. This restaurant specializes in innovative dishes that showcase Japanese ingredients and the season's freshest produce. Customers can dig into a wide range of options, including sushi, sashimi, tempura, kushiyaki (grilled meat skewers), hot main dishes, and desserts. For a luxurious weekend affair, Zoku provides diners with a brunch menu full of delightful sushi starters; hearty mains like spicy lamb chops, miso-glazed salmon, or grilled A5 Wagyu steaks, as well as desserts with Asian flavours like tofu strawberry panna cotta. 

Cat's Eye is a cosy 18-seater neighbourhood eatery specialising in Japanese comfort food. Dig into the demi-glace burger and traditional omurice served with uniquely flavourful homemade sauces. While the renowned Wagyu burger attracts crowds, it's the delightful combination of creamy omelette and perfectly-cooked rice that keeps patrons coming back for more. 

Danji is a contemporary Korean eatery named after the traditional pottery used to preserve sauces and ferment kimchi. Created by Jennifer Kim, the mastermind behind the Korean food concept Seoul Recipe, this inviting bistro serves up comforting Korean fare. Indulge in satisfying offerings such as tender braised pork belly or bossam, spicy tofu seafood stew, and the moreish soy sauce-marinated crabs. Enhance your dining experience with Danji's assortment of makgeolli rice wines and Korean spirits.

Going beyond stereotypical Italian fare, Pirata’s homely family-style dishes are the perfect comfort food. Spread out across two sky-high floors, the industrial rustic interiors will have you feeling like you’re dining in a New York penthouse. The dishes here are built to share with price tags that won’t break the bank. Have a go at the MMM (My Mama’s Meatballs), tagliatelle with black truffle, and roasted suckling pig with apple sauce.