Each year, discerning residents of Hong Kong weigh in to honor the city’s top establishments, providing an insider’s guide to dining, nightlife, shopping, and entertainment. This curated selection, part of a broader list of approved venues, spotlights five destinations that resonate most with locals, distinguishing themselves through quality, execution, and a deep appreciation for Hong Kong culture.
The annual assessment, spearheaded by the city’s leading lifestyle critics, compiles recommendations across various categories—from restaurants and bars to unique activities. While expert editors selected 300 top venues, identifiable by a characteristic red sticker, a separate survey of Hong Kong citizens highlighted particularly beloved spots. These reader-backed choices offer a vital perspective, ensuring that both critical acclaim and local sentiment are represented in the ultimate guide for navigating the dynamic metropolis.
Culinary Excellence: Readers Crown Amber Top Restaurant
The highly competitive dining scene saw Amber in The Landmark Mandarin Oriental emerge as the clear winner for Restaurants. For dedicated local food enthusiasts, this choice is hardly a surprise. Under the direction of Chef Richard Ekkebus, Amber transcends conventional regional or cuisine boundaries, focusing instead on exceptional produce, meticulous flavor profiles, and flawless execution. The recognition comes on the heels of another significant achievement: after maintaining two Michelin stars for 16 consecutive years, Amber recently earned a coveted three-star rating, solidifying its position among the world’s elite dining establishments.
Cocktails and Culture: Kinsman Takes Bar Honors
In the vibrant nightlife category, Kinsman was selected as the city’s favorite bar. This venue serves as a heartfelt tribute to Hong Kong itself, celebrating local traditions and heritage while placing a special emphasis on Cantonese and Chinese spirits. With a retro, evocative atmosphere reminiscent of Wong Kar-wai films, Kinsman provides an immersive experience into regional flavors. Its latest menu notably widens the focus to incorporate inspirations drawn from global Chinatowns, further emphasizing its commitment to cultural exploration through mixology.
Unmissable Activities and Sweets
For top Things to Do, residents pointed to Ryze Hong Kong, the city’s largest trampoline park. With wall-to-wall interconnected trampolines, foam pits, and rope swings, Ryze offers visitors an energetic outlet for jumping, parkouring, and flipping. It is equally popular as a surprisingly effective fitness destination.
The highly contested landscape of baked goods saw Bakehouse win the reader vote for Cafés and Bakeries by a significant margin. Known for its wide array of fresh pastries, including sourdough loaves, savory croissants, and famous flaky egg tarts, Bakehouse maintains a strong connection to local ingredients. The Causeway Bay location, for instance, offers an exclusive shio pan salt bread made using salt sourced from Hong Kong’s historic Yim Tin Tsai saltpans.
Sustainable Practices at Slowood
In Shopping, the nod went to Slowood, a sustainable lifestyle grocery popular among locals seeking environmentally friendly products. This establishment, easily accessible in locations like Kennedy Town and Central Market, encourages customers to bring their own containers to stock up on bulk items such as grains, nuts, spices, and dried fruits. Slowood acts as a crucial community hub, facilitating the reuse and recycling movement within Hong Kong’s consumer culture.
These five reader-selected venues complement the extensive list of 300 expert-approved destinations, which also feature categories like “Cheap Eats” and “Beauty and Wellness.” Together, these recommendations offer a definitive, locally informed itinerary for anyone seeking to explore the best of Hong Kong in the coming year.
