By: Cristina Carpio, Editor-in-Chief
Let’s talk about where to stay first. My home away from home in Hong Kong is the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong. I’ve stayed at some of the finest hotels in the world, and this flagship property is everything I dreamed of — and more. From the moment I arrived, I was impressed by the impeccable service, attention to detail, and sheer elegance of the property.
The rooms are luxurious, thoughtfully designed, and equipped with everything you could need — plus, my room offered spectacular views of Hong Kong’s downtown skyline and Victoria Harbour. Location is everything in this city, and the hotel couldn’t be more perfectly situated, with easy access to shopping, dining, and the best cultural hotspots.
I even had the chance to take a private tour of the hotel and learn about its fascinating history. Opened in 1963, the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong has long been an icon of luxury and sophistication, setting the standard for hospitality in the city. Over the decades, it has welcomed dignitaries, celebrities, and world travelers from across the globe. Their facilities are nothing short of world-class — from the spa and fitness center to their own barber shop, and even a private Krug room for exclusive events. Every detail, every touch, reflects a commitment to excellence.
Each morning, I was treated to breakfast that was a true highlight. You have the choice of an elevated buffet or the à la carte restaurant. I’m usually not a fan of buffets, but this one is different — it’s refined, with healthy options, fresh seasonal ingredients, and authentic Cantonese dishes that feel like a special experience. The service is phenomenal, and every dish feels carefully curated.
The à la carte breakfast is just as exceptional, with incredible selections and a bakery that truly impressed me. Their pastries are some of the best I’ve ever had, and the famous 1963 Cheesecake is a must-try — and it’s available for purchase in the bakery so you can take a piece of Hong Kong home with you.
For pre- or post-dinner drinks, The Captain’s Bar is the perfect spot. The live entertainment sets the mood, and the cocktail selection is thoughtful and expertly crafted — a wonderful place to unwind and soak in the ambience.
And speaking of dinner, Man Wah, located inside the hotel, is an unforgettable experience. Known as one of the most beautiful dining rooms in Hong Kong, this Michelin-starred restaurant has been serving exceptional Cantonese cuisine since 1968 and has proudly maintained its star for twelve consecutive years. From the 25th floor, the skyline and Victoria Harbour views are breathtaking, making every bite of your meal feel like part of a larger celebration.
Some exciting news for food enthusiasts: World-renowned chef Daniel Boulud is officially making his way to Hong Kong. In partnership with the legendary Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong and LANDMARK, he’s set to open his first-ever Hong Kong restaurant, Terrace Boulud, in January 2026. Located on the 25th floor of LANDMARK PRINCE’S, this new dining destination will bring Boulud’s signature French flair to the heart of the city, blending classic bistro comfort with the bold, energetic spirit of Hong Kong. With a rooftop terrace overlooking the skyline and a menu inspired by his iconic culinary philosophy, Terrace Boulud is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated openings of 2026. Another beautiful new chapter for Hong Kong’s dining scene.
Staying at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong isn’t just about luxury — it’s about being part of a storied legacy of hospitality, elegance, and impeccable taste. It’s the perfect home base for exploring the city while enjoying the very best in comfort, service, and culinary experiences.
I got to visit Louise inside a beautiful two-storey heritage building. This one-Michelin-star restaurant serves comforting French dishes with incredible hospitality. Chef Loïc Portalier brings traditional French flavours to life with creative touches and seasonal ingredients sourced from around the world. Louise is also a Michelin-star dining partner of Cathay Pacific, so if you’re flying First or Business Class out of Hong Kong, you might even get a taste of their menu onboard. My favorite dish at this restaurant was the roasted chicken and fried rice — such a great combination of flavours and a perfect first dinner in Hong Kong that got me excited for what was to come.
I went bar hopping, and these are some of the spots that stood out. I got an exclusive look at the city’s newest hotspot just before it opened. Peridot, located at The Henderson, Hong Kong’s stunning new landmark designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, sits on the 38th floor at 2 Murray Road in Central. The design was breathtaking. From the walls to the ceiling, you’re surrounded by 18,000 light fixtures, and the skyline view is stunning. The grand piano was a beautiful touch and complemented the awe-inspiring views. Their terroir-driven cocktails and bold plant-based dishes were unique and tasty. Their durian cocktail was a standout and probably the best I’ve ever had! They have live entertainment available and the space feels both refined and futuristic. The interiors, designed by Studio Paolo Ferrari, glow with sculptural marble, soft light, and the bar’s signature light-green palette. It’s a unique concept in Hong Kong and will be for sure an instant hit.
For a completely different, more casual vibe, check out Bar Leone, currently ranked #1 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. It’s an Italian-style bar inspired by classic Roman neighbourhood spots. Opened in 2023 by award-winning bartender Lorenzo Antinori, Bar Leone quickly became known for its cocktails — but be ready for long line-ups, even on weeknights. The highlight for me was getting to try their “world’s best smoked olives,” and it really was that good! They focus on classic techniques, high-quality ingredients, and reviving iconic drinks like the Bellini. And yes, their mortadella sandwiches are worth the hype. This is a great place to go for a pre-dinner drink.
If you’re craving modern European flavours, Arcane is a must. This Michelin-starred restaurant is led by Chef Shane Osborn, the first Australian chef to earn Michelin stars at Pied-à-Terre. Arcane’s seasonal menu, contemporary art-filled space, and cozy terrace make it perfect for a relaxed yet elegant meal. What made it even more special was the playlist setting the tone for the experience, which we later found out was curated by the chef himself. In November 2024, Chef Shane reunited with Canadian Chef Darren MacLean for a special collaboration, bringing a fun energy to the restaurant that longtime fans loved. His Wagyu dish was my favourite of all the courses — it just melts in your mouth.
For Northern Chinese dishes with an atmosphere you won’t forget, book a table at Hutong. This award-winning restaurant offers a modern take on traditional flavours, all inside an interior inspired by Beijing’s old hutongs. Think carved wooden screens, a red rickshaw, and dramatic views of Victoria Harbour that light up the entire dining room. Hands down, the show stopper here was the tableside fire-roasted duck — perfectly sliced, cooked, and flavoured. Their dim sum was also unforgettable.
A good bar to hit after dinner is Aqua in Tsim Sha Tsui for rooftop drinks with some of the best skyline views in the city. Aqua serves Italian and Japanese cuisine, but the real highlight here is the atmosphere, especially in the evening.
For lunch, Duddell’s in Central is a beautiful choice. I can’t recommend this restaurant enough. This Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant blends art and food seamlessly. The service was spot-on. They recently reopened after a renovation led by designer Andre Fu, and the refreshed space is stunning and inviting. Duddell’s is also a Michelin-star dining partner of Cathay Pacific, with dishes featured on select First and Business Class flights.
Finally, if you have time to dine for four hours and want one serious culinary experience, you have to go to Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant, One-Michelin-starred VEA. The owner, Chef Vicky Cheng, who has Canadian roots, blew me away when I first met him at a dinner collaboration at Langdon Hall in Cambridge — and I couldn’t wait to visit his place in Hong Kong. VEA delivers a creative Chinese-French tasting menu that blends Hong Kong’s food culture with Chef Vicky’s childhood memories. Watching the open kitchen in action is part of the experience, and every dish feels like a story told through flavour. Each dish was thoughtfully created, and the cocktails paired with each course were carefully crafted. I noticed every detail — down to the silverware and glassware — and this place truly has it all. The gift at the end was a surprise because after such a rich evening, it was completely unexpected. This year, his highly acclaimed and world-renowned restaurant, WING, is a more casual version of VEA, ranked #3 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and #11 in World’s Best Restaurants.
Hong Kong is truly one of the world’s greatest food meccas. From Michelin-starred dining rooms to hidden bar gems, every meal tells a story of culture, creativity, and unparalleled craftsmanship. The city effortlessly blends tradition with innovation, offering experiences that delight all the senses. Whether you’re savoring classic Cantonese dishes, indulging in modern European cuisine, or sipping cocktails high above the skyline, Hong Kong leaves an indelible mark on your palate and your memory. This city isn’t just a destination for food lovers — it’s a place where every bite is an invitation to explore, celebrate, and fall in love with the art of dining all over again.
