The Best Restaurants in Causeway Bay

Pak Loh Chiu Chow has been around for over 40 years and is perhaps one of the best places in the city for traditional Chaozhou fare. Lo sui sauce is their speciality and you can sample everything marinated in it, from goose slices to liver. You should also try the decadent and fresh cold crab, the baby oyster omelette and the steamed bean curd with minced pork. This spot is great for family-style dining in a chic yet traditional venue.

Hidden in an unassuming old local building, Sijie Sichuan Restaurant is one of Hong Kong’s most popular private kitchens. It’s a firm favourite among locals, who come for homemade Sichuan dishes served in a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere – it’s the perfect restaurant to sample the greatest hits of Sichuanese cuisine at an affordable price. Prices are per head – the more people you have in your group, the more dishes you get to try. They don’t have a corkage charge, so bring your own booze.

The long lines that snaked out of Ichiran when it first opened in Causeway Bay are a testament to how delicious these bowls of ramen are. The wait is shorter nowadays, but the mouthwatering taste is still the same. Order from the vending machine, just as you would at its Japanese locations, and savour the food in silence in your own personal booth. It’s open 24 hours a day, so to shorten the wait time still further, why not come here for breakfast or in the early hours after a night out?

Located in a karaoke building in a dark alley is a Japanese izakaya restaurant that will transport you to Tokyo’s infamous Piss Alley. Sumi serves yakitori, an extensive sake selection and ice-cold draft beers, for those who want to experience authentic Japanese bar food in the heart of Hong Kong. The moody ambiance makes this an ideal date-night choice, and the juicy, fragrant charcoal grilled skewers will delight any foodie.

If you haven’t tried this brand’s famous xiao long bao, you are in for a true treat. The indulgent soup dumplings are world-renowned and always live up to the hype. The ingredients are sourced from the same suppliers as at the original restaurant, and quality is a priority. Other highlights include the double-boiled chicken soup, the braised beef brisket noodle soup and anything of the dumpling or wonton variety.

Sit down for a traditional Japanese omakase menu at Kishoku and be treated to fresh sushi and sashimi while dining at the lively sushi bar. The menu is seasonal and ingredients are flown in fresh from Japan every day. There’s no need to order as the the succession of courses will be the chef’s choice; all you have to do is choose a sake, sit back and indulge.

Instagram-worthy decor, elevated Chinese fare and tempting cocktails are what make John Anthony one of Causeway Bay’s most popular restaurants. The prices aren’t exactly budget-friendly, but the high quality will make it worth every penny. The menu comprises succulent roast meats, an extensive dim sum collection and spicy Sichuan dishes. The Australian wagyu beef char siu is in a league of its own. Make sure to try a gin and tonic from the collection of house-infused gins, too. A big emphasis is placed on sustainable methods and being environmentally friendly, so not only is the food delicious, it’s good for the earth too.

If you are a fan of spicy food, Sichuan cuisine should be high on your list when staying in Hong Kong. San Xi Lou is a local favourite and has just opened its second location in Causeway Bay. Delve into the famously addictive chilli-stewed catfish or the indulgent marinated cold shredded chicken in spicy peanut sauce. If you are visiting during the winter months, San Xi Lou’s Sichuan-style hotpot is a cockle-warming feast. Don’t let the abundance of fragrant chillis put you off, and if the spices get too much, finish your meal with some tofu pudding to cool those taste buds.