Hong Kong's best alfresco dining spots

As summer ends and the winds start ushering in a cooler time of year, it's the perfect excuse to head outdoors and enjoy the autumn sunshine, says Carolynne Dear

Duddell's, Central

Hong Kong's best alfresco dining spots - Duddell's in Central boasts a large outdoor terrace

This popular Cantonese restaurant has reopened following a full refurbishment. The new-look dining spot includes a third floor Main Dining Room offering Cantonese weekday lunch sets, dim sum, à la carte dishes and tasting menus. Meanwhile, the fourth floor has been transformed into The Upper Room at Duddell’s, a casual indoor space that leads onto an expansive outdoor terrace. The menu features all-day-and-night dim sum, heritage-inspired small plates and a wide-ranging cocktail menu, as well as a weekend brunch that can be taken indoors or alfresco on the terrace. Brunch at the Upper Room is available with regular and vegetarian all-you-can-eat dim sum menus; Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart and Krug champagne free-flow packages are also available.

Aqua Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui

Hong Kong's best alfresco dining spots - the perfect spot for city sundowners (image @aquahongkong on Instagram)

One of Hong Kong’s best-loved dining spots and renowned for its dramatic harbour views, Aqua moved to a new spot in 2022. However, the views at the new venue are possibly even better than before, with a breathtaking city and waterview panorama and two outdoor terraces. The interiors are stunning, with a mirrored ‘water world’ catwalk as you step out of the lift, sea shell panels and handmade brass ‘ripple lights’ positioned to mimic sunlight dancing on waves. Meanwhile, out on the terrace, enjoy a sensational 'golden hour' as the sun sinks over Victoria Harbour, with skyline views, sashimi and cocktails.

Aqua, 17/F H Zentre, 15 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; 3427 2288.

Harbourside Grill, Tsim Sha Tsui

Hong Kong's best alfresco dining spots - don't be put off by the shopping mall location

If ever there was an aptly-named restaurant, then it was this. Boasting some of the best wraparound harbour views in the city, Harbourside Grill is located rather incongruously inside a shopping centre. But don’t be fooled by the bland mall location, inside, the restaurant wows, with floor-to-ceiling glass fully maximising its waterfront location. And outside is an expansive terrace with views of the busy harbour eastwards, and across to Lantau and the outlying islands in the west. Sunset is particularly spectacular. Enjoy alfresco drinks and relaxed French brasserie-style dining.

Harbourside Grill, Shop OTE 401, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, 3-27 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong; +852 2619 9100

Aire, Causeway Bay

Hong Kong's best alfresco dining spots - casual Spanish dining amongst the high-rise (image @aire.hk on Instagram)

Aire in Hong Kong's busy Causeway Bay district is something of a surprise. Its generous outdoor space is backdropped by the district’s shiny high rises; it's a rather welcome - and delicious - escape from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong's busiest shopping district. Aire bills itself as a ‘Spanish dining sensation’, serving a relaxed, Iberian Peninsula-focused menu of Basque grill specialties alongside meats, seafood and tapas plates. Aire’s smart and spacious venue is located on the third floor of Lee Gardens One, the interior of the restaurant dominated by floor to ceiling glass with doors that lead out to the expansive terrace. With plenty of sangria, Spanish wines and sherries to wash down the bold, sharing dishes, Aire is without doubt a crowd-pleaser - perfect for lunch with the family.

Aire, Shop 301B, 302, 3/F, Lee Garden One, 33 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong; 2866 3286.

Read our review of Aire here

Fish Bar at JW Marriott, Admiralty

Hong Kong's best alfresco dining spots - dine by the pool at Fish Bar at JW Marriott

Located on level seven of the Admiralty hotel, Fish Bar at JW Marriott benefits from leafy green Peak views as well as the surrounding high-rise cityscape. It's also located right on the pool deck, a haven tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong city living. The cosy, scandi-style indoor restaurant has bi-fold doors that can be pulled back at cooler times of the year. For less humid, autumn dining, it makes a fabulous spot. JW Marriott's chefs have conjured up a menu with sustainable seafood at its heart, paired with plenty of local and organic produce - and plenty of cocktails. Whether you drop-in for lunch or dinner, Fish Bar at JW Marriott promises a tasty, laid-back vibe.

Fish Bar at JW Marriott, JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong; 2810 8366.

Read our review of Fish Bar at JW Marriott here

Terracotta Lamma, Lamma Island

Hong Kong's best alfresco dining spots - tuck in at this waterside gem (image @terracottalamma on Instagram)

The outlying islands are a great destination for relaxed outdoor dining and the seaside terrace at Terracotta Lamma is perfect for a relaxed afternoon by the water. Hop on a ferry from Central to Yung Shue Wan to enjoy this family-friendly eatery right on the waterfront. Tables spill from the back of the restaurant onto a covered terrace overlooking a small beach and Yung Shue Wan harbour. As you watch the boats bob, dig into a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired menu, starting with easy sharing plates and dips including hummus and labneh, warm pitta, Greek olives and grilled sardines. The chargrill menu offers meatier plates such as lamb picanha and roasted chicken, along with fish and plant-based options like grilled sea bass and roasted eggplant. And don't walk past the olive cake on the puds menu...

Terracotta Lamma, G/F 47 Yung Shue Wan Main Street, Lamma Island; 9176 7500.

Ink Seafood Bar, Tsim Sha Tsui

Hong Kong's best alfresco dining spots - Ink is back with perfect pick-you-up snacks on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront

Anther venue that has undergone a summer refurb, Ink Seafood Bar is back open and perfectly positioned on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront for a drink and a snack as you watch the boats sail by on the harbour. This alfresco dining spot takes its cue from the water views with a menu filled with seafood dishes, including a yummy seafood platter perfect for sharing. Other items include coffees, drinks and light snacks, as well as Western classics like burgers and fries and Asian-influenced noodle and fried rice dishes. Stop for a snack, stay for the views.

Ink Seafood Bar, G/F, Hong Kong Museum of Art, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; 3500 5881.