1 July marks the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s establishment as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China, and there’s going to be a HUUUUGE celebration.
Photo credit: GIPHY
While there are a ton of celebratory events and commemorative exhibitions planned, the highlight of our Saturday night will no doubt be the highly anticipated $12 million fireworks display over Victoria Harbour – the city’s most expensive fireworks event since 1997.
You can certainly catch the fireworks from various public spaces/restaurants/hotels/offices (the show starts at 8pm), but if you’re thinking of enjoying the stunning spectacle in style, you might want to try bagging a last-minute table at one of these dining destinations:
Photo credit: Aqua
One Peking
Situated in TST, One Peking offers two swanky dining options with panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and the fireworks display. Head to Aqua if you’re looking to pair your light show with floor-to-ceiling windows and a five-course menu ($1,495/person) featuring dishes such as sustainable bluefin tuna sashimi and calamarata (pasta) with Mediterranean mussels, wild clams and shrimp. If you prefer Chinese food, check out Hutong, which will offer six- and eight-course dinners (from $1,488) serving dishes such as lightly seared Hokkaido scallops and items inspired by Hong Kong’s iconic bauhinia flower.
Aqua: 29–30F, One Peking, 1 Peking Road, TST, 3427 2288
Hutong: 28/F, One Peking, 1 Peking Road, TST, 3428 8342
InterContinental
Always a go-to for fabulous views and fine food, the InterContinental offers several dining options for fireworks-loving foodies. Rech by Alain Ducasse offers a five-course French-inspired seafood set from $1,588; NOBU offers an eight-course Japanese dinner from $1,488; two-Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant Yan Toh Heen offers an eight-course set from $1,888 or enjoy charcoal-grilled steaks at THE STEAK HOUSE Winebar + Grill, where a four-course fireworks dinner starts at $1,488.
18 Salisbury Road, TST, 2313 2323
The Peninsula
Often regarded as the grand dame of Hong Kong hotels, The Peninsula’s prime location also boasts spectacular skyline views. Head to Felix on the 28th floor for modern European cuisine set amidst contemporary, cushy interiors designed by Philippe Starck. The five-course fireworks set dinner costs $2,088.
28/F, The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, TST, 2696 6778
The Ritz-Carlton
Towering over Victoria Harbour at the top of the International Commerce Centre, The Ritz-Carlton promises showstopping views of the fireworks from its elegant eateries on the 102nd floor. Enjoy Italian cuisine at Tosca (from $1,580 for four courses) or Chinese at Ting Lung Heen ($1,888 for six courses). If you prefer a buffet spread, head to The Lounge & Bar ($988 with free-flow Veuve Clicquot champagne).
102/F, ICC, 1 Austin Road West, TST, 2263 2270
Photo credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong
Seafood Room
Prefer watching the fireworks from Hong Kong Island? Take in the panoramic views at Seafood Room with a decadent dinner set (from $788 for four courses) featuring items such as roasted king crab, miso black cod and Australian Wagyu beef. There will also be live DJ sets, so you can keep on partying after all the pyrotechnics.
26/F, Tower 535, 535 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay, 3708 9668
Mandarin Oriental
If you’re craving Michelin-starred Cantonese cuisine with views to match, look no further than Man Wah at the Mandarin Oriental. Their fireworks dinner menu ($1,688 for eight courses) features a host of Chinese delicacies such as braised bird’s nest soup, wok-fried lobster, stewed abalone and stir-fried Wagyu beef tenderloin.
25/F, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central, 2825 4003