Hong Kong’s skyline provides the ultimate backdrop to a fine meal. Crave picks out some of the city’s best rooms with a view.
Text by Jason Spotts
For the inhabitants of Hong Kong, it’s easy to forget that the city’s landscape is so stunning. The buildings, many of which are shiny and new, seem to be beckoning onlookers to gawk. Yet, daily commuters may have become dulled to the thrill of the architecture, neon and lights. After all, even the most glorious diamonds can seem commonplace in a jewellery store.
As with everything in life, it is just a matter of perspective. For Hongkongers, the right view might just serve as a reminder that the city is, in fact, a wonder. After all, this might be one of the most photographed skylines in the world, and for good reason. Seen from the right angle, Hong Kong’s breathtaking beauty can be reborn for even the most jaded city dwellers. There are endless ways to appreciate the glittering views and vistas, especially over a magnificent meal paired perfectly with a bottle of wine.
Although Hong Kong is known primarily for its urban panorama, it has its fair share of natural beauty. Just ask any avid hiker – there is lush greenery and stunning heights just a train or ferry ride away that will satisfy any nature enthusiast. Though these vistas may take longer to reach, they’re definitely worth the trip. The contrast of the islands or the countryside only serves to highlight the beauty of the urban landscape, while providing a tranquil escape from the pollution and the crowds.
Here, Crave reintroduces the smashing views of the Pearl of the Orient. Book a table and get a little change in perspective, while gazing upon the city’s trove of architectural eye candy and natural wonders.
Breathe in and relax, it is a stunning scene. Not only is the famous Island nightscape on show, The Kowloon Peninsula is in full view across the harbour. The hotel’s top floor has an angle of the city that connects both sides of the harbour divide, making for an unforgettable view. Complementing the modern European fare at Le 188°, a fresh oyster bar and elegant high tea are also culinary highlights. Le 188°, surrounded on three sides by floor-to-ceiling windows, was made for the skyline voyeur.Harbour Grand Hong Kong 41/F, 23 Oil Street, North Point
Tel: 2121 2693
Stanley Main Street may be where the action is, but Mijas has the edge for its surrounding scenery. Serving a contemporary brand of Spanish favourites, the restaurant is located in the Victorian-era building Murray House which sits along the shore. The curving arms of Stanley Bay come to life from this perspective, stretching away into the distance. In addition to the ocean, from another spot it is possible to look back across town to enjoy views of the market. Al fresco seating on the restaurant’s terrace is key to the dining experience. There it is possible to sip sangria while bathing in the glow of a golden sunset.Shop 102, Murray House, Stanley Plaza, 7 Carmel Road, Stanley
Tel: 2899 0858
We dedicate this selection to the forgotten side of Hong Kong, and we don’t mean Kowloon. On the hotel’s 27th floor is RIVA, a fine dining restaurant with a seamless view of Tin Hau and the rest of Island East. By day, fresh appetisers and desserts are laid out buffet-style to go with a choice of à la carte entrée. By night, a modern French fine dining experience emerges while looking over Victoria Park and Victoria Harbour. The views at RIVA remind us that not all that glitters in Hong Kong scrapes the sky. Below, the daily lives of people unfold, giving the diner a little perspective and enough distance to relax. It is a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle without having to travel too far.27/F, The Park Lane Hong Kong, 310 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay
Tel: 2839 3327
Though the new Star Ferry terminal location at Central Piers was not a popular decision, it allowed one good thing to happen: Watermark. The Star Ferry is a nostalgic mode of transport, and seeing the ferries bob back and forth is a soothing sight. Hong Kong has always been about the harbour as much as the skyscrapers, and the 270-degree view right on the water’s edge is calming. An added bonus is the 30-foot skylight above, giving the space the illusion of being open air. With a dry-aging cabinet on the premis¬es, premium steaks are clearly the specialty of Watermark. Other notable creations include red snapper carpaccio with young ginger and lime olive oil, seared sea bream and the luscious baked baby pork.Central Pier 7, Top Level, Star Ferry, Central
Tel: 2167 7251
Our only selection in Tsim Sha Tsui might raise an eyebrow given the plethora of new malls in the area, but visit Wooloomooloo Prime and you will agree. Located on the top floor of Nathan Road’s THE ONE, Wooloomooloo Prime commands a spectacular view of Hong Kong Island. The real gem, however, is the distance from the harbour front. Surrounding TST feels intimate while the rest of the city glistens in the distance. In particular, the vantage point from the terrace provides a novel perspective of the neighbourhood. As the name implies, the menu at Wooloomooloo Prime is more high-end than other branches of the steakhouse. A greater variety of premium ocean fare such as their fresh seafood platters accompany a rich selection of beef, now including dry and wet-aged steaks from the US.THE ONE, 100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: 2870 0087
Zak’s sits comfortably next to the beach, in front of an ocean promenade, commanding clear views of the idyllic surroundings. It is a great place for people-watching, provided you can take your eyes off the ocean. From a casual breakfast to late-night cocktails, the all-day menu is a diverse mix of Eastern and Western favourites. Highlights include fresh seafood platters, New Zealand mussels in alio olio pepperocino, Singapore fried noodles, rack of lamb and a list of tropical cocktails that contribute to the restaurant’s relaxed resort vibe. A key feature is the large outdoor terrace –a rarity in Hong Kong – that affords a chance to relax and gives the illusion that the city is days, rather than merely an hour away.Shop 04, G/F, D Deck, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island
Tel: 2987 6232
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