Where to Eat in Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong

Once a former British military camp, Sai Ying Pun has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years, emerging as one of the trendiest ‘hoods in Hong Kong and a haven for food enthusiasts. This charming district seamlessly blends traditional Chinese dried seafood stores, wet markets brimming with fresh produce and buildings from a bygone era with cool artsy boutiques, cute cafes, and bustling restaurants. Read on as we share the best eateries in this vibrant little neighbourhood, where old meets new and taste reigns supreme.

Image courtesy of Jasmin Woolf | CSP Times

CATCH.

Long-time neighbourhood favourite CATCH. is the perfect spot for a long weekend brunch or casual dinner and drinks with friends. The chic, spacious venue has a mix of indoor and outdoor seating where you can enjoy Lebanese-influenced, Australian-style food. It was love at first bite when we tried their signature Chili Crab Pasta, a simple yet super flavourful dish that highlights and elevates a few high-quality ingredients.

Dara

If you’re in the mood for authentic Filipino food and delicious cocktails with a twist, come check out Dara. This family-run Filipino restaurant and bar first opened in Art Lane in Sai Ying Pun in late 2022 with the aim of sharing delicacies from the Philippines’ culinary capital, Pampanga, and has recently moved to a bigger location a few blocks away tucked behind La Paloma. For drinks, Dara offers a range of cocktails with Filipino flavours, such as the Chocnutini, Dara’s take on an espresso martini, with the addition of Choc Nut-infused syrup. For food, start with the yellowtail kinilaw, a raw seafood dish similar to ceviche, and get a generous portion of garlic rice to enjoy alongside a sizzling plate of sisig (diced pig head, chicken liver and pig ear).

Address: Shop 3, 5-6, G/F, Soho 189, 189 Queen's Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong | Website: linktr.ee/dara_hkg | Phone (Whatsapp): +852 5107 4474 | Instagram: @Dara_hkg | Facebook: @Hkg.dara

House of Culture

Newcomer to the Sai Ying Pun neighbourhood, House of Culture, only opened in late 2023 but is already making waves with its unique aesthetic and creative fusion dishes. We love the bold interiors with its curved concrete walls and unique apricot and salmon colour palettes, reminiscent of being in a cosy cave. The menu is an interesting blend of cuisines inspired by head chef Gavin’s Malaysian roots and Australian upbringing. The beef rendang is a must-try, the succulent meat falls off the bone and pairs beautifully with the coconutty sauce.

Address: G/F, Shop B, Kenbo Commercial Building, 335-339 Queen's Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong | Website: Linktr.ee/houseofculturehongkong | Phone: +852 2886 9689 | Email: Restculturehk@gmail.com | Instagram: @HouseOfCultureHK | Facebook: @HouseOfCultureHK

Kwan Kee Claypot Rice

For a taste of local Hong Kong cuisine, make your way to Kwan Kee Claypot Rice, but prepare to queue! This humble eatery has earned a reputation amongst locals and tourists alike for its charcoal-cooked claypot rice, cooked to perfection with a crispy bottom layer, and a wide variety of local classics.

Address: Shop 1, Wo Yick Mansion, 263 Queen's Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong | Phone: +852 2803 7209

Kome Kushi

This popular Sai Ying Pun izakaya specialises in seasonal Japanese food with a touch of Western influence, from fun casual bites to hot plates, skewers, mains and desserts. As you walk in, you’re immersed in a warm and low-key atmosphere, the ideal spot for a casual dinner with friends or family. The Avocado Tuna Tartare is a bestseller for a reason – the layers of minced fatty tuna and creamy avocado topped with fresh crab roe and Kome Kushi’s secret crispy soy sauce recipe, wrapped up in a crisp nori sheet, is wonderfully light and utterly moreish.

Images courtesy of Jasmin Woolf | CSP Times

La Paloma

Looking for somewhere new to go for date night or a fun dinner with friends? Head to La Paloma for an incredible Spanish feast. It’s a fun space with bright pop-art colours and a sizeable terrace to enjoy a late afternoon drink and tapas. This vibrant restaurant serves up authentic tapas and delicious Spanish dishes that will tickle your tastebuds. From a classic paella perfect for sharing to mouth-watering 52-month Iberian ham, you'll find a range of flavours that will transport you straight to the streets of Barcelona.

Shop B

Inspired by Hong Kong’s quintessential dai pai dongs (open air cooked food stalls), Shop B is a hidden gem in Sai Ying Pun serving up modernized wok based dishes and Cantonese classics. The space is small yet intimate, it's the perfect spot to go with friends and indulge in great food and fun drinks inspired by your childhood favourites such as the Ribena Highball and the Vitasoy Milkpunch.

The Praya

Situated on the third floor of the One-Eight-One Hotel & Serviced Residences, The Praya offers stunning views of Victoria Harbour while serving up delicious contemporary Chinese dishes. The restaurant interior is an elegant blend of subtle Chinese elements and modern aesthetics such as reclaimed wood accents, while the menu emphasises fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients.