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 canapé 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

 

Home Comforts: Gaia Group introduces fine-dining delivery service

While staying indoors and eating home food is the safest option – especially in times of a virus outbreak like the Coronavirus – our choices can get pretty repetitive. Fortunately, fine-dining fare can still be had in the comforts of your own home thanks to Gaia Group, with the restaurant company having just introduced its delivery service to bring you their tastiest cuisines to your doorstep.

Gaia Group

Allowing you to enjoy a great gastronomic experience without the need to venture forth outdoors, you can order from restaurants including the bastion of contemporary Chinese cuisine, Shè, the authentic Italian choice Velo and all the other outlets under the group. Best of all, you can place an order from different restaurants at the same time, just in case your family can’t agree on just one eatery.

Gaia Group

Since debuting in 2000, Gaia Group has seen continuous, significant success across the years – not just in Hong Kong but in Shanghai, Beijing, and Bangkok too. Known for strategically planning, keen awareness of consumer tastes and adapting to the market, the launch of this new service shows the way the group successfully keeps up with the changing time and scenario.

Gaia Group

Fill in the form to place your order or WhatsApp (852) 9877 2635 or (852) 6056 8505. Moreover, you can get a free delivery when you purchase for HK$1,000 or more.

If you have any further queries please contact Gaia Group via email – contactus@gaiagroup.com.hk

Gaia Group unveils a new and exciting phase

Hong Kong​-based Gaia Group has emerged as one of the Asia’s leading independent restaurant groups. As of now, Gaia manages 11 most-sought-after restaurants ranging from fine-dining hotspots such as Gaia Ristorante, Isola Bar & Grill and Joia to causal eateries such as Greyhound Cafe, Glasshouse, Townhouse, Greenhouse, Petite House, etc. Check out the video for some of the most exquisite culinary moments at Gaia Group.

Glasshouse Cityplaza: A winning combination of home comforts and contemporary dishes

Glasshouse Cityplaza

The exciting new arrival of Glasshouse at Cityplaza, offers Hong Konger’s a second home when it comes to casual fine dining. It is here, that diners can enjoy a distinctive combination of Asian and Western flavours combined with a mixture of ingredients and cooking styles from diverse cuisines.

To whet your appetite, begin with Up To You (HK$138), the perfect dish for sharing with friends or family. Using the palette of beautifully presented ingredients before you, create your very own bespoke sushi rolls. Complete with salmon tartare, tuna tartare, soft shell crab, spices, seaweed and more, this fun DIY dish is sure to be a hit for kids and adults alike.

Glasshouse Cityplaza
Up To You

For the main course, opt for the signature Iberico Pork Belly Rice (HK$98), served with crispy puffed rice, adding a pop of texture to the dish. This hearty dish would not be complete without a serving of roasted duck soup. Pour a generous helping over the juicy cuts of Iberico pork belly and allow it to soak into the rice before devouring. This delectable dish will leave you feeling satisfied for hours. 

Glasshouse Cityplaza
Iberico Pork Belly Rice

To wash down the delightful dishes, opt for a beverage from the Summer Cooler menu, including an Espresso Coconut, as the perfect pick-me-up. For an alcohol-free option, the refreshing Golden Pina Colada (HK$52) blended with pineapple puree and a touch of rosemary is sure to quench your thirst. 

To end your culinary adventure, indulge in the decadent signature Glasshouse Banana Crème Brulee (HK$88). The welcome addition of banana is flambéed with a dash of rum to create a delicious medley of flavours. For an indulgent twist, pour a serving of espresso sauce on top and experience a delicious combination of sweet and bitter flavours. For those looking to share a dessert, dip some home-made egg waffles, marshmallows, coco crunch and mixed berries into a Butter Custard Fondue Set (HK$88) or satisfy your sweet tooth with Candy Crush Ice Cream (HK$118), a mixture of sweet treats served in a pestle and mortar, ready to be blended into a heavenly treat.

Glasshouse Cityplaza
Glasshouse Banana Crème Brulee

With its relaxed ambience, comfortable furniture and beautifully decorated floral ceilings, it would be easy to consider Glasshouse a second home. Uniting the carefully curated feeling of comfort with an extensive menu of beautifully presented home-cooked specialties, Glasshouse has perfected a winning formula that will confidently have diners returning, time and time again.

 

Address: Shop 101A, Cityplaza, 18 Tai Koo Shing Rd, Quarry Bay
For more information, visit www.gaiagroup.com.hk or call (852) 2114 0063

 

Text: Hira Desai