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Hong Kong is at no shortage of Japanese dining spots, but night owls are keen for the later clock dining dens—izakaya venues. Merging a mix of sake, beer and snacks, izakaya in Japan is traditionally used as a spot for late-night workers. With the constant overtime at city offices, it’s no surprise that modern izakaya makes a popular trip for urbanites looking for a post-work retreat. Here are Hong Kong’s best modern izakaya spots to get boozy—with snacks to fill you up.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
Silencio
Japanese izakaya meets jazz at Silencio, a one-floor restaurant occupying part of the space of what previously housed the two-floor Lily & Bloom. There was a lot of hype around the new opening back in 2019, and it’s since been a popular joint amongst locals and tourists looking for a modern take on the traditional dishes. Beer and sake are all the same—one can even opt for free-flow sake to keep the fluids going. Highlights include the Awkwafina rolls and the Wagyu Tataki, sure to impress guests from near and far.
Silencio, 6/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2480 6569, silencio.hk
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
Uoharu
Nestled within the M88 building in Central, Uoharu is conveniently located near Lan Kwai Fong and the district’s shopping and dining areas. Imported from Tokyo, the brand’s first international location is set right here in Hong Kong. Uoharu offers appetisers, drinking snacks, salads, robatayaki, à la carte, and desserts. Although it’s menu features predominantly Japanese food, there are notable touches of Western influences in the cuisine, including the recently-launched Impossible dishes.
Uoharu, Wellington Place, 7/F M88, 2-8 Wellington St, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2217 8880, facebook.com/uoharuhk
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
Amazake
Amazake boasts a buzzing atmosphere, nestled in between clubs, for a pre-or post-night out vibe. Drinkers can stop by to play a round of beer pong during the late nights or indulge in the scrumptious modern izakaya dishes. Take a trip to Tokyo at this hidden drinking and eating den. Highlights include the Minced Chicken Stuffed with Lotus Root and the Hamachi.
Amazake, G/F, On Hing Building, 1 On Hing Terrace, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2537 7787, amazake.hk
Image courtesy of Aiden Bradley | Cha Siu Papers Times
Chi Chi Cham
Merging a Japanese-meets-Chinese concept, Chi Chi Cham is perched on bustling Peel Street—where drinking is a ritual at its lineup of bars and restaurants. Chi Chi Cham is no exception, providing a drinking den while capturing the essence of two cultures in one dish is a challenge in itself—only the most well-heeled, experienced chefs are able to do so. Serving a menu of izakaya dishes in its ‘Emperor Menu’ with innovative curations in its sashimi, donburi and yakitori dishes.
Chi Chi Cham, 53 Peel St, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2386 9718, chichicham.com
Image courtesy of Shannon Dawson | Cha Siu Papers Times
Missy Ho’s
In trendy K-Town, Missy Ho’s provides tasty fusion Japanese food in a fun, eclectic setting. Popular for its abundance of daily deals (including a HK$10 charity ladies night on Thursdays), the restaurant and bar welcomes hip crowds looking for a sushi and yakitori feast—plus, it’s open late.
Missy Ho’s, 48 Forbes St, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, +852 2817 3808, casteloconcepts.com/our-venues/missy-ho039s
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
Chako
Chef Takeshi Suzuzi previously worked with Pirata’s Honjo and TMK before opening his own restaurant, Chako, a new dining venture perched in the heart of Wan Chai. The Japanese yakitori restaurant is decked with an open bar and kitchen, with a sophisticated al-fresco space. Don’t forget to order a Peroni beer to complement the feasty sharing dishes.
Chako, J SENSES, 60 Johnston Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 3590 2465, chakohk.com
Image courtesy of Sake Central
Sake Central
Celebrating the best of Japanese food and drink, Sake Central is nestled within PMQ, curated by Elliot Faber of Yardbird and Ken Nagai and Takashi Endo. There are vegetarian-friendly dishes and classics to pick from the food menu. Grab a seat at one of the 16 stools at the bar for an up-close experience—don’t forget to order the sake, it is what they’re most famous for and specialise in, after all.
Sake Central, PMQ – Showcase, S109 – S113, Block A, 35 Aberdeen St, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2656 6552, sake-central.com
Image courtesy of Zuma
Zuma Hong Kong
Discover a modern update on Japanese izakaya at Zuma, which takes an upscale approach to the traditional drinking den concept. Set within a sleek, sophisticated two-floor space, the restaurant is Hong Kong’s local outpost of the eponymous Japanese bar and restaurant brand. Located within LANDMARK shopping mall, gourmands can feast on premium sushi selections and top off the experience with a glass of bubbly. Be sure to end the evening with drinks on the terrace—the cosy ambience and pretty view will have you staying all night long.
Zuma, Level 5&6 Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, +852 3657 6388, zumarestaurant.com
Image courtesy of Honjo
Honjo
Part of Pirata Group, Honjo is an eclectic dining venue for izakaya and sake seekers. Designed by local design firm Charlie & Rose, the upscale, retro-futuristic venue brings sushi dining to new highs with its modern bar and seating area. Expect enthusiastic staff and out-of-this-world dishes—and top-notch sake to match.
Image courtesy of Fukuro
Fukuro
Ahead of the Hong Kong izakaya scene, Fukuro pays tribute to the traditional drinking dens with its dim-lit setting and hidden venue. Tucked away down a basement on Elgin Street, gourmands really have to look out to find this gem—although, it’s not too much of a secret any more thanks to its stellar dishes and word-of-mouth appeal. Inside, favourites include sashimi platters and the iconic caramel butter corn. Take a glass of sake while you’re there to feel the energetic Japanese vibe.
Fukuro, The Soho, Winly Building, Elgin St, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2333 8841, fukuro.com.hk