Hong Kong’s top al fresco restaurants for summer dining

There’s just something magical about summer days, breezy evenings and outdoor dining. And with a low threat of local COVID-19 cases these days (fingers crossed!), relaxed social restriction norms, there’s no better time to enjoy a gourmet meal of al fresco excellence than now.

Book yourself a table and make the most of your sunny weekend at one of Gafencu’s handpicked al fresco restaurants. Beachside to skyline or a garden view, whatever’s your vibe, we got you covered…

For a French garden lunch: 
Michelin-starred Louise, serves heartwarming traditional French cuisine in a two-storeyed heritage house within the gardens of PMQ. Steeped in the ideas of authentic traditions and home cooking, it bridges the gap between fine dining and a relaxed all-day fare with an intimately chic backyard garden vibe.
Where: Louise, PMQ, Central
Cuisine: French
Contact: (852) 2866 0300

For a chic al fresco meal
A chic al fresco venue framed by the iconic arches that The Murray is known for, Cotton Tree Terrace serves discerning diners looking for an easy and casual dine-in location for cocktails and lunch. Offering international dishes and grilled specialties from The Tai Pan kitchen, gourmands can enjoy the quaint atmosphere of the space over an enticing meal.
Where: The Murray, Central
Cuisine: Continental
Contact: (852) 3141 8888

For Asian cuisine by the sea:
What’s the upside to the Southside of Hong Kong Island? A whole lot of open-air, pristine beaches and mouth-watering food options. Spices is our top choice for a contemporary, eclectic meal at Repulse Bay. Book a table at the restaurant’s courtyard and enjoy a slew of Asian flavours that range from Thai, Indonesian, Vietnamese and Indian with a breathtaking view of the sea. 
Where: The Repulse Bay, Repulse Bay
Cuisine: Mixed-Asian
Contact: (852) 2292 2821

For a fun vegetarian meal on the lawn
The huge, vibrant, and contemporary terrace space of Komune makes for a unique dining space for the southern Staunton Valley of Wong Chuk Hang. Patrons can bask in the warmth of the sun while sipping on some deliciously creative cocktails and enjoy generously portioned vegetarian sharing plates with cool tunes to set the tone. 
Where: Ovolo Southside Hotel, Wong Chuk Hang
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Contact: (852) 3460 8157

For a laid-back beachside meal
Enjoy a long road trip down to the less frequented South Lantau for a relaxing day at the beach and end it with an even more chill modern British beachside lunch at Bather’s. With a close focus on fresh seafood but also stocking well-loved favorites such as burgers and fish and chips, all with the sweeping panoramic views of the long stretch of Cheng Sha Beach in the background.
Where: Lower Cheung Sha, South Lantau
Cuisine: Modern British
Contact: (852) 2504 4788

For an art-driven dining space
If you or your dining companion enjoys appreciating art, the leafy terrace at Duddell’s doubles up as an art gallery, restaurant and lounge bar. We are fans of the green foliage on the terrace, the mis-matched furniture contrasted with the brass-patterned windows and the amazing selection of cocktails here! Make sure to enjoy their exquisite weekend brunch – it’s an all-you-can-eat dim sum spread with free-flow Champagne. Do we say more?
Where: Shanghai Tang Mansion, Central
Cuisine: Chinese
Contact: (852) 2525 9191

For a romantic classic Italian fare
Classic Italian situated within a close distance of Central’s many commercial and financial centers, Gaia regularly draws a huge crowd for its classic Roman charm, regional Italian classics, and its al fresco front that makes for a sophisticated yet relaxed dining space for both romantic and familial meals. Let the nearby water fountain to set the dreamy mood.   
Where: Grand Millenium Plaza, Sheung Wan
Cuisine: Italian
Contact: (852) 2167 8200

For a colonial vibe with a view:
Housed in a 19th-century Grade II Historic Building at the summit of Victoria Peak,  The Peak Lookout (formerly known as the Peak Cafe) is a perfect spot for an intimate dinner or a relaxed afternoon with with the gang. It’s warm, colonial, cabin-esque interiors are inviting and make us nostalgic for an era gone by. Go there for the majestic Peak view and stay for the grub. The place is a winner!
Where: The Peak Lookout, The Peak, Central
Cuisine: Intercontinental 
Contact: (852) 2849 1000

For a casual break from art viewing
Not your everyday Thai eatery, this one. Earning a Michelin star just last year, Aaharn boasts of an authentic cuisine using only the best quality ingredients that are directly flown from Thailand. Patrons can expect to experience the real deal of kup kao in historical surroundings, meaning a meal eaten with rice underneath a mango tree. Grab front row tickets to live art performances on the main grounds of Tai Kwun whilst savouring a canapĂ© of crispy noodles with crab – the restaurant is a crowd-pleaser for a reason! 
Where: Tai Kwun, Central
Cuisine: Thai
Contact: (852) 2703 9111

For a secluded and intimate group gathering
Situated in the bay of Three Fathoms Cove, One-Thirtyone is the perfect location for a private lunch outdoors. Serving a European menu that features beloved favourites such as amuse bouche, seafood, and Italian staples, all cooked with locally sourced produce. The three-storey Mediterranean-style building in Sai Kung provides a mesmerizing backdrop for all occasions, from dates to weddings. 
Where: Sai Kung
Cuisine: European / Mediterranean
Contact: (852) 2791 2684

 

Thai excellence to be found at fine-dining restaurant Aaharn

Nestled on top of the two-storey Armory Building inside the walls of Tai Kwun, Thai restaurant Aaharn has arguably one of the finest locations inside the cultural district.

aaharn

Opened by Australian Chef David Thompson, formerly of London’s Michelin-star restaurant Nahm, Thompson has led the crusade in bringing Hong Kong its very first Thai fine-dining establishment. As the story goes, the Aussie culinary artist fell in love with Thai cuisine on a visit to the country and has never looked back, opening branches of his restaurant Long Chim in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth and publishing two Thai cookbooks.

aaharn
Chef David Thompson

However, no longer enough for Thompson he has brought his talents here to Hong Kong much to the delight of Honkies. Upstairs inside Aaharn’s dining area, it’s not hard to feel at immediate ease with the walls carefully decorated with colourful artwork and dimly lit lights.

Mindful to our dietary restrictions, Aaharn’s staff was able to combine dishes from both the regular and vegetarian menu, giving us the best of both world’s.

Eager to begin we started with the Ginger, peanuts, toasted coconut and lime on betel leaves. A dish that proved to be refreshing as the mixture of flavours blended to create a memorable start.

Grilled silken eggplant salad with mint and long leaf coriander continued the trend of the night of providing us with refreshing plates that fused spicy with sweet.

ahharn

Next to come was the heavier dish of Mussaman curry of duck with sweet potato and shallots which proved to be a heavenly serving for meat lovers, and a curry that would be appropriate for even the most novice of spice-goers.

Lychee in perfumed syrup and shaved ice

The final dish to appear was the Lychee in perfumed syrup and shaved ice, a perfect dessert for any Hong Konger looking to chill-out during the hot summer months, and a real treat for anyone with an unashamed sweet tooth.

Indeed, long overdue in a city with such a rich palette as Hong Kong, Aaharn certainly delights as it masterfully fuses rich ingredients with each dish leaving you with a craving for just one more bite.

Aaharn 1/F Armoury Building, 02 Tai Kwun Centre, 10 Hollywood Rd, Central