For many Hong Kongers, Sai Kung, sometimes referred to as the “back garden of Hong Kong,” is a popular spot for weekend getaways. We love its fishing-village vibe, lush scenery, pristine beaches, and countless hiking trails. Whilst Sai Kung might not be as well known for its dining options (barring the myriad of seafood restaurants along the waterfront), this New Territories town actually boasts plenty of F&B treasures, from laid-back cafés to fancy fine-diners.
The next time you plan a weekend trip to Sai Kung (or if you’re lucky enough to live there), check out our list of the top restaurants to be found in this beautiful neck of the Hong Kong woods.
The best restaurants in Sai Kung
Momentai
To our joy, Sai Kung waterfront favourite Momentai reopened in June 2023, this time in a smaller space with a focus on laid-back comfort-food faves like chicken wings, burgers, and Tex-Mex munchies – the jalapeño poppers (HKD98) and loaded nachos (HKD158) deserve special shout-outs. If you’re familiar with Taco Bell, you’ll understand our obsession with the crunch wrap supreme (HKD168), though Momentai’s version of this flour tortilla wrapped around a crunchy fried taco shell is heads and tails above the chain version, particularly if you opt for the pork carnitas or slow-cooked beef brisket filling. The restaurant’s drinks selection is just as enticing, offering interesting house and guest taps, tropical cocktails, fresh lemonade, and more. Opened by the same team, Southern-inspired Graceland in Mong Kok and new BBQ joint Big Pink in Sheung Wan are Momentai’s siblings.
Momentai, G/F, 43–45 Sai Kung Hoi Pong Street, Sai Kung, 6154 4350, book here
The Conservatory
Enoteca Group is one of Hong Kong’s most established hospitality groups, and in Sai Kung, they run both The Conservatory and nearby pub The Picture House (that’s a story for another day). The Conservatory’s relaxed vibe and consistently warm service continue to pack in the punters, as does the bright and airy restaurant’s solid Mediterranean menu. The stone-baked thin-crust pizzas (from HKD128) are always popular choices. Another menu favourite is the “Pasta Mio” option, which allows diners to choose their preferred type of pasta and toppings, from the humble aglio olio with roasted garlic, chilli, and Parmesan (HK108) to the seafood-rich tiger prawn and lobster bisque (HKD198). For meat lovers, we recommend the Moroccan spiced lamb cutlets (HKD176).
The Conservatory, G/F, 26 Wan King Path, Sai Kung, 2792 1105, book here
The Square
Just a few doors down from The Conservatory, The Square is a two-storey all-day-dining spot offering several cute al-fresco areas for dining and drinking. The full English breakfast (HKD128) is a must-order at the weekend, along with the rib-eye weekend roast (HKD218) with all the trimmings. The Square’s à-la-carte menu has a distinct Mediterranean slant. The Mediterranean mezze platter (HKD150) is a top choice that features hummus, baba ganoush, mushroom skewers, marinated olives, salad, and pita – perfect for grazing.
The Square, G/F & 1/F, 22 Wan King Path, Sai Kung, 9193 6036, book here
one-thirtyone
For fine-dining in New Territories, it’s hard to beat one-thirtyone. The dreamy three-storey restaurant, Mediterranean in style and tucked away in the stunning bay of Three Fathoms Cove, has been serving diners contemporary European cuisine since being opened by Kim Chung nearly a quarter of a century ago. The lunch (HKD680 pp) and dinner (HKD1,380 pp) tasting menus star locally sourced produce in dishes like pan-seared Hokkaido scallop with fregula and lemongrass emulsion and duck consommé with duck ravioli, shimeji mushroom, and parsley. Romance incarnate, this is the place to book when you want to woo that special someone.
one-thirtyone, 131 Tseng Tau Village, Shap Sze Heung, Sai Kung, 2791 2684, book here
Little Cove Espresso
Aussie-style café culture is the name of the game at the OG Little Cove Espresso, which sees long lines of locals and tourists come the weekend. Favourites on the brunchy all-day menu – Little Cove opens bright and early daily at 7:30AM, closing at 6PM – include the French toast (HKD112), made with buttery, fluffy brioche loaded with an aromatic array of pistachio, mascarpone, rose, cinnamon, and honey, and pulled pork Benedict (HKD145) on sourdough. As expected, Little Cove’s flat white (HKD40) is Melbourne-perfect.
Little Cove Espresso, Shop 1 & 2, G/F, Block A, Siu Yat Building, Sai Kung Hoi Pong Square, Sai Kung, 6397 0875
Rossi Pizza & Smoked Meats
Rossi Pizza & Smoked Meats delivers the best of both worlds – low-and-slow applewood-smoked meats and authentic Neapolitan pizza pies. The 48-hour-fermented pizza, with pies ranging from the margherita (HKD150) to the Italian sausage (HKD180), is crafted using only the best ingredients from Italy, including San Marzano DOP tomato sauce, Parmigiano-Reggiano DOP, fior di latte mozzarella, and extra-virgin olive oil. Beef brisket, pork neck, and pulled pork are amongst the smoked meat options, available in meat boxes (from HKD70), mini tacos (HKD75), and baps (from HKD85). The shop itself is tiny, with just a handful of cramped seats, so go for takeaway or delivery.
Rossi Pizza & Smoked Meats, Shop 22, G/F, Ko Fu Building, 58–72 Fuk Man Road, Sai Kung, 9158 9750
Sumi Yakitori
We think some of the best yakitori in Hong Kong can be found at Sumi Yakitori. The skewers at this lively hidden gem are grilled and seasoned to perfection. Of the grilled items, the chicken neck (HKD45), ox tongue (HKD78), and lamb chop (HKD108) are standouts. But there’s a lot more to Sumi’s all-encompassing Japanese menu; we also rate the homemade deep-fried chicken (HKD78) and indulgent foie gras and egg rice (HKD208). Adding to its appeal, the eatery’s prices are good value and the vibe is authentically on point.
Sumi Yakitori, G/F, 51 See Cheung Street, Sai Kung, WhatsApp 9166 2139, book here
Loaf On Cuisine
Although it might not be a household name for seafood compared to all those waterfront eateries with their flashy fish tanks, Loaf On – next door to Sumi Yakitori – is our pick for the best seafood restaurant in Sai Kung, having been crowned with a Michelin star for the past 15 years and counting. Loaf On’s seafood is as fresh as can be, stealing the show in signature dishes like stir-fried razor clams with black bean sauce (HKD288) and fish broth with tomato and potato (HKD248). We also can’t get enough of Loaf On’s homey, Hakka-style crispy fried tofu (HKD120) and fried noodles with soya sauce (HKD168) as accompaniments to our under-the-sea feast.
Loaf On Cuisine, G/F, 49 See Cheung Street, Sai Kung, 2792 9966, book here
28 Restaurant
The humdrum name of 28 Restaurant doesn’t do justice to this fab fusion eatery, located “a joss-stick waft” away from Sai Kung’s landmark Tin Hau Temple. The restaurant is run by long-time Sai Kung residents Chris Skinner and Ralf Weiss, and it’s Chris’ wife, Anit, who is responsible for the Indonesian side of the menu, which stars dishes the likes of beef rendang (HKD108) and nasi goreng (HKD68). On the Western front, there are Mediterranean tapas plates including gambas pil-pil (HKD88) and bruschetta (HKD58), as well as hearty mains of roast stuffed pork belly (HKD178) and beef bourguignon (HKD168).
28 Restaurant, G/F, 28 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung, WhatsApp 5402 8263
Sawaddee Thailand
If you’re craving Thai food in Sai Kung, we recommend Sawaddee Thailand, which has two branches in the neighbourhood. These simple, welcoming spots serve up reasonably priced, authentic plates that keep us coming back for more of their addictive sweet, sour, and spicy flavours. It’s difficult to choose, but some of our go-tos include the Thai papaya salad (HKD58), tom yum kung (HKD98/HKD168), fried seafood with penang curry (HKD108), and Thai-style stir-fried morning glory (HKD58).
Sawaddee Thailand, Shop 5, G/F, Sai Kung Garden, 16 Chan Man Street, Sai Kung, 2791 6399
Sawaddee Thailand, Shop 15, G/F, Ko Fu Building, 58–72 Fuk Man Road, Sai Kung, 2791 6500
CUÍT
CUÍT is Sai Kung’s most beloved sourdough bakery, recently opening a small offshoot at Central’s BaseHall that’s proving to be just as popular. This textbook-perfect sourdough – crunchy, caramelised crust and chewy centre – is used to craft the café’s top-notch sandwiches. We think CUÍT’s market fish karaage sando (HKD150) is the best fried fish sandwich in town, with the humbly named ham and cheese sandwich (HKD150), made with top-quality mortadella and stracciatella, a very worthy runner-up. Book early – this place is tiny and there’s always a queue for a table.
CUÍT, G/F, 3A Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 9104 8937, book here
Bakso
Recently relocated to Sai Kung’s boutique WM Hotel, chilled, Balinese-inspired Bakso centres on the Indonesian beef meatball known as bakso, a street-food fave in that nation. These firm meatballs are showcased in the eatery’s Indonesian beef ball noodles (HKD74). Another traditional Indonesian contender is Bakso’s chicken soup soto ayam with noodles or rice (HKD72/HKD78). As they do it in Bali, the smoothie bowls are all the rage here; we like the White Pine (HKD93), made with pineapple, banana, coconut milk and chips, and granola.
Bakso, Shop B3, LG/F, WM Hotel, 28 Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, 2720 3168
