Hong Kong’s restaurant culture is experiencing a distinctive surge of energy in 2026, driven by a blend of high-profile international openings and the sustained prominence of intimate neighborhood hotspots. The city’s status as a global culinary hub will be unequivocally solidified in March when it hosts the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards for the first time, gathering top chefs, critics, and industry tastemakers. This landmark event underscores a vibrant period of innovation, requiring a fresh look at the essential tables shaping the territory’s dining future.
The Culinary Spotlight Shines on Hong Kong
The decision to bring Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants to Hong Kong for its March gala marks a crucial moment, positioning the city directly at the center of the region’s gastronomic discourse. Beyond the awards ceremony, the packed schedule will feature collaborative chef dinners and insightful talks, seamlessly blending local flavors with the peak of Asian fine dining. This energy is palpable across the cityscape, influencing everything from refreshed classics to daring new concepts.
Here are the essential dining destinations capturing the spirit of Hong Kong’s energized culinary year:
Destination Dining: Grand Openings and Revitalized Classics
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Terrace Boulud by Mandarin Oriental: Set to open imminently atop LANDMARK PRINCE’S, this debut marks celebrated chef Daniel Boulud’s first Hong Kong venture. Occupying the revered spot once held by Sevva, the restaurant is a partnership with Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, and represents the hotel group’s first off-site dining project. The menu promises a sophisticated blend of brasserie tradition—organized around muses like La Tradition and Le Voyage—alongside delicate Asian-inspired creations. Guests can anticipate assured classics, vegetable-forward dishes, and unparalleled Central views from this iconic rooftop. (Scheduled opening: March 2026 at 25 F, LANDMARK PRINCE’S, Central.)
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Mandarin Grill + Bar Evolution: A legendary dining institution is set for a thoughtful evolution. Mandarin Grill + Bar will temporarily close in February 2026 for a full renovation before reopening in early Q2 with a distinct new direction. Under the leadership of newly appointed Chef de Cuisine Junior Nadje, whose resume includes celebrated Michelin kitchens across Europe, the focus will shift toward cooking defined by fire, precision, and restraint, balancing smoke and freshness. Until the closure, diners can sample a new Discovery Menu for a preview of the modernized cuisine or enjoy the Grill’s beloved classics.
New Concepts and Cult Favorites
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JIJA by Vicky Lau: Since its November opening, JIJA has rapidly become one of the city’s most sought-after bookings. Located within the highly praised Kimpton Hong Kong, Chef Vicky Lau (known for her fine-dining excellence) steps into a more informal, expressive space. The kitchen masterfully merges bold influences from Yunnan and Southwest China with refined French techniques, yielding comforting yet precise, rustic dishes. Lunch offers an approachable introduction, while dinner expands into a vibrant, share-led experience centered on connection and craft. (15/F, Kimpton Hotel, Tsim Sha Tsui.)
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Jean-Pierre: Quickly established since its opening last year, Jean-Pierre on Bridges Street offers an authentic slice of Parisian bistro life. Created by Black Sheep Restaurants’ Marc Hofmann, this highly regarded neighborhood spot celebrates the unforced hospitality and generous plating of classic French dining. The room hums with energy, serving everything from impeccable steak frites to classic onion soup. The lively atmosphere and assured classics make it a French community favorite and a must-visit for classic European flavors.
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Bar Leone: Crowned The World’s Best Bar in 2025, Bar Leone is recognized globally for its excellence in both cocktails and food. Roman-born bartender Lorenzo Antinori champions the philosophy of cocktail popolari, extending this approach to the kitchen with unfussy, high-quality plates. Beyond the globally famous negronis, simple dishes like the smoked olives and the generous mortadella sandwich have earned their own fanatical following, cementing the bar’s reputation as an effortless, world-class destination.
Skyline Views and Casual Comfort
- Swim Club: Perched on the 50th floor of the new Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui, Swim Club provides wide-open harbor views and a distinctive West Coast aesthetic. The rooftop bar captures a relaxed Hollywood Hills atmosphere with playful design, sharp cocktails, and a menu built around California-leaning comfort food designed for sharing. Dishes, including the gourmet Wagyu smash burger and the Gold Medal hot dog, are perfectly paired with one of the most compelling backdrops in the world, making this spot an instant staple in the city’s rooftop rotation.
As the international culinary community converges on Hong Kong in March, these highlighted establishments exemplify the current energy. From high-octane luxury debuts to expertly executed neighborhood gems, they are defining the trajectory of one of the world’s most dynamic food cities.