10 spots to take out-of-towners in Hong Kong
With its dazzling, dense tapestry of neon-lit streets and soaring skyscrapers, Hong Kong can be an overwhelming place for first-time visitors. If you’ve got out-of-town friends coming to visit and aren’t sure where to begin, fear not – we’ve curated a list of the top spots to show them, ranging from Cathay Members Choice Awards 2025 award winners to hidden gems frequented by residents, ensuring your guests experience the full, thrilling spectrum of the city.
Where to eat
T’ang Court
For the zenith of refined Cantonese cuisine, book a table at T'ang Court in The Langham Hotel. Recently named Hong Kong’s must-book dining gem at the Cathay Members Choice Awards 2025, T’ang Court lives up to its reputation as one of the city’s best Chinese restaurants with an exquisite procession of classic Cantonese dishes executed with peerless finesse. Specialties include the double-boiled chicken soup, signature Peking duck and baked stuffed crab shell.
Ho Lee Fook
Concealed in a basement in the heart of Central, the playful, retro-chic Ho Lee Fook reimagines classic Chinese flavours with bold, contemporary flair. The name, a cheeky phonetic joke that means “good fortune for your mouth”, sets the tone for a lively night of shared plates like the famous “Mum’s mostly cabbage, a little bit of pork” dumplings or the kurabuta pork char siu. It’s incredibly fun, deeply delicious, and shows your guests the modern, edgy side to the city’s culinary landscape.
Ta Vie
If you want to impress your friends or are celebrating a special occasion, take them to Ta Vie . Chef-owner Hideaki Sato weaves a unique narrative that connects Japanese technique with premium French and Asian ingredients. The result is a seasonal tasting menu that will astound and delight – think housemade fresh pasta topped with Hokkaido uni or a Japanese winter turnip salad paired with aged Parma ham and grilled Hokki clam.
Wing
There’s no restaurant that so consistently wins over out-of-towners and Hongkongers alike. Hidden away in an unassuming building in Sheung Wan is modern Cantonese restaurant Wing . Here, superstar chef Vicky Cheng adds a playful twist to Chinese cuisine – taking a local favourite like cheung fun, or steamed rice rolls, and elevating it with the use of Alaskan king crab in a fragrant chili sauce. The innovative food menu is matched perfectly by the elegant interiors and warm service.
Amber
While Hong Kong is famed for Cantonese food, the city is also home to some of the finest French restaurants in the region. Leading the way is Amber at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental , the brainchild of renowned chef Richard Ekkebus. Eschewing the butter- and cream-heavy traditions of classic French cuisine, Amber’s seasonal tasting menu is entirely dairy-free, focusing on local organic produce and sustainably harvested seafood, while implementing a strict “no waste, full taste” philosophy that utilises every part of each ingredient.
The Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong
Afternoon tea at The Peninsula Hotel – voted by Cathay members to be Hong Kong’s most unmissable hotel – is more than just a meal; it’s a rite of passage that takes place in the hotel’s glorious, white-columned lobby, with live jazz music thrown in for good measure. Once you’re seated, tiered stands laden with delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones, and patisserie delights appear before you. It’s a transportive experience that channels the romance of old-school hospitality and offers a genteel, delicious pause in the afternoon.
Where to drink
Cardinal Point
As dusk falls, make your way to Hong Kong’s hippest new nightlife spot: Cardinal Point . This sleek, open-air rooftop bar serves up beach club vibes and one of the best views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s skyline. Settle into a plush sofa with an expertly crafted cocktail in hand as the sun dips below the ocean – it’s the ideal sophisticated spot in which to toast to your guests’ first Hong Kong evening.
Bar Leone
Since opening in 2023, this neighbourhood cocktail bar by Lorenzo Antinori has quickly become a global sensation. Nowadays, there’s a queue that goes down the street, but we promise it’s worth the wait. As soon as you step inside, you’re transported to the heart of Rome, thanks to charming interiors inspired by Italian pop culture and the Trastevere bars Antinori frequented in his youth. The cocktails and food are equally as enticing – those mortadella focaccia sandwiches are venerated for good reason.
What to do
Asaya, Rosewood Hong Kong
After the buzz and bustle of the city, Asaya Spa by Guerlain – located within the luxurious Rosewood Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui – provides a hidden sanctuary for the weary traveller. With its sumptuous treatment rooms and tailored wellness programmes focusing on immersive healing and advanced therapies, Asaya Spa has come to be known as Asia’s best spa among Cathay members. Spend a few hours here enjoying the wide range of treatments, from private yoga classes to high-tech facials.
Kai Tai Sports Park
Finally, check the calendar for special events being held at Hong Kong’s must-see attraction – Kai Tak Sports Park . This colossal new development on the former site of Hong Kong’s historic airport is a major hub for world-class events. If a concert, rugby sevens tournament, or community festival is taking place during your visitors’ stay, experiencing this staggering venue is a must.
Want more ideas on unmissable spots in Hong Kong to take your guests? Discover other incredible restaurants and establishments in this year’s Cathay Members’ Choice Awards 2025.