In a city as dense as Hong Kong, space is our most precious currency. As a former architect and current food lover, I’ve always been drawn to the both form and function. And in this case, flavour. For me, a dining experience is made even better when the spatial design matches the caliber of the plate. Whether it is light reflecting off a Baccarat crystal chandelier or a heritage building finding a second life, these spots represent the best of Hong Kong. So, I have put together my definitive “Hong Kong’s Top 10 most beautiful Restaurants (Designer’s Choice)” list with what-to-order recommendations too!
Peridot
Located within Zaha Hadid’s The Henderson, this gem-toned sanctuary was designed by Studio Paolo Ferrari. The lime-colored interior features 20,000 handmade lightbulbs. Furthermore, the interior curves mirror the building’s sculptural glass shell. This creates a high-altitude escape to the future with organic curves that strip away the stiff formality usually found in Central. While you are there, try the Durian Cocktail. It offers an avant-garde experience that tastes remarkably like lychee!
Argo
AB Concept framed the skyline to house one of the world’s most innovative bars. within the Four Seasons Hong Kong. Specifically, the centrepiece is the rotating kinetic structural column designed as a “gilded tree-like” structure or a “bar tower”. Which is clad with over 136 faux-shagreen wrapped cylinders, 72 of which are actually revolving. These cylinders hold and show Argo’s collection of rare spirits. Similarly, their Gummy Bear Cocktails bring a sense of play to this sophisticated space.
Baccarat Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic
In collaboration with Baccarat, Gilles & Boissier created this crystal-clad jewelry box. A “marble-fluted curvilinear banquette” meandering through the dining room. Which provides a soft contrast to the sharp lines of the crystal. At the entrance, a chandelier “engulfed in flames,” symbolises fire in glassmaking. Meanwhile, every surface of crystal refracts light, creating a stage for a Michelin-starred open kitchen experience. I recommend the Red Mullet, and the Marine Yuzu Symphony with a genmaicha cloud is complex in flavour and impressively light.
Swim Club
Perched on the Kimpton’s 50th floor, Swim Club feels like a 1950s Hollywood pool party. In fact, it even has that distinct Wes Anderson vibe! Which removes the pretension of a 50th-floor rooftop, leaning into a ‘vacation-mode’ nostalgia instead. The space is anchored by a circular bar under a giant vintage patio umbrella. Additionally, rippled glass ceilings and glowing orbs create an “underwater” feel. I enjoyed the Freedive Cocktail, which uses white chocolate to round out the botanical flavors. Don’t forget to look for High Dive, the speakeasy hidden behind a vintage vending machine!
Roganic
Roganic is a global winner at the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards, and for good reason! For this project, Atelier E worked with HK Timberbank to turn typhoon-felled trees into high-end joinery. This reflects Simon Rogan’s “farm-to-table” philosophy, making the dining experience feel incredibly grounded and honest. It’s rare to find a Michelin-starred space that feels this structurally connected to the local landscape in both design and dishes. I really recommend trying the duck – it perfectly demonstrates why Roganic holds both a Michelin Star and a Green Star.
The Aubrey
Located on the 25th floor of the Mandarin Oriental, The Aubrey feels like the home of a 19th-century art collector. Instead of just showing off the skyline, Silverfox Studios dialed back the windows to keep the vibe intimate. It’s a Japonisme fever dream. With an east-meets-west vibe showcasing the European fascination with Japanese art through deep greens, lush velvets, and Art Deco touches. Consequently, the whole izakaya setup feels high-end yet cozy.
The Magistracy Dining Room
Stepping into The Magistracy is like entering a 1900s London social club. Set in a historic courthouse at Tai Kwun, Joyce Wang Studio adapted this historic landmark while keeping it’s old-world glamour. The design features vaulted ceilings and oxblood leather booths. The menu is all about British summer, it’s a space that makes a Sunday Roast feel like a grand, historic event. I suggest the Royal Sunday Roast or the Lobster & Avocado Tart with a zing of yuzu.
Ming Pavilion
Ming Pavilion at Island Shangri-La is a lush, forest-green conservatory. Designed by Lázaro Rosa-Violán, it brings a modern teahouse vibe to traditional Fujian cuisine. The design is airy and elegant, and the lighting is inspired by traditional Fujian rice field tools – a beautiful nod to the heritage reflected in the East-meets-West decor. I highly recommend the Fujian Wrap (Popiah) with a tea pairing. It is the perfect dish to share with friends!
Duddell’s
Duddell’s is a two-Michelin-starred powerhouse designed as an art collector’s residence. Ilse Crawford created a space where a “lived-in art gallery meets fine dining.” The flow between travertine stone walls and the garden terrace creates a wonderful indoor-outdoor energy. It feels curated but never cold. For the food, you cannot miss the Duck Pie and Char Siu. These classic Cantonese dishes are elevated to perfection.
Louise
Designed by André Fu, Louise is a Grade II-listed heritage building transformed into a sun-drenched colonial home. The duplex features a downstairs Parlour and an upstairs Dining Room with plush velvets. The French cuisine here is incredible. For instance, the Squid is tenderized in shio-koji and served with a bright yuzu kosho leek fondue. Finally, finish with the Niigata Riz Au Lait for a light and creamy dessert.
Final thoughts
In a city defined by verticality and speed, these spaces prove that intentional design is king. Designing a restaurant isn’t just about choosing a colour palette; it’s about choreographing an experience from entering the space, to each dish, to leaving the room. Whether you’re sitting under 20,000 lightbulbs at Peridot or tucked into an oxblood booth at The Magistracy, you aren’t just eating a meal, you’re inhabiting a full orchestrated story.
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