If you’re not lucky enough to reside in this scenic seaside village on Hong Kong Island, it’s likely that you’ve been to Stanley on a weekend day trip to soak up the laid-back vibes, pay a visit to one of its splendid beaches, or pick up a bargain or two at the tourist-famous Stanley Market.
Stanley’s waterfront promenade is lined with a litany of bars and restaurants, many of which are recommended solely for their ambience, but we’ve unearthed several dining gems that serve to amplify this Southside village’s charm.
The best restaurants in Stanley
Bubbles & Wines
Nestled just off Stanley Market is Bubbles & Wines, a cosy, homey wine bistro starring dozens of bottles by boutique, small-batch wineries, premium charcuterie imported from Italy and Spain, and more than 30 varieties of cheese presented on a tailor-made cheese table; the Vacherin Mont d’Or (HKD280) is a must-order. This spot is perfect for a relaxed date night, especially sat outside on the atmospheric terrace space.
Bubbles & Wines, Shop B1, G/F, 28 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, WhatsApp 5721 6161, book here
Mamie Yvonne
Another tucked-away favourite, Mamie Yvonne is a spot for savouring authentic French crepes and galettes in Stanley. There’s a menu page each dedicated to sweet and savoury options; on the sweet side, the homemade salted butter caramel (HKD64) is our pick, whilst the ham, egg, crème fraîche, and chives (HKD82) is a savoury winner. Mamie Yvonne’s pizza selection is also worth writing home about.
Mamie Yvonne, Shop A & B, G/F, Princeton Court, 118 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 9430 3008
Beef & Liberty
This Stanley outlet of Beef & Liberty is the only one remaining of this once-burgeoning burger chain. In addition to top-notch beef, pork, and chicken burgers, the restaurant dishes out a range of vegetarian burgers courtesy of plant-based sister brand Leaves & Liberty. Also on board are hearty salads, main dishes like BBQ ribs (HKD79/HKD148) and organic grass-fed Australian sirloin steak (HKD238), and comfort-food starters that include awesome mac & cheese bites (HK68).
Beef & Liberty, Shop G04, G/F, Stanley Plaza, 23 Carmel Road, Stanley, 2563 2085, book here
Pane e Latte
Pirata Group’s Pane e Latte continues to draw the weekend crowds in Stanley. This spot was seemingly made for the ‘gram, and the dreamy space truly does feel like an elegant seaside café in Italy, after which it was modelled. The café’s marble counters and glass display cases showcase a beautiful bounty of Italian baked goods, whilst the food menus run the gamut from all-day brunchy plates, to set lunch (HKD168 pp) and weekday afternoon tea (HKD198 for 2), even to a dinner tasting menu (HKD288 pp). If we had to pick just one dish to order, it would be the incredible truffle croissant (HKD158), filled with creamy truffle scrambled egg and anointed with even more freshly shaved black truffle.
Pane e Latte, G/F, U-C Court, 25 Stanley Market Road, Stanley, 2337 7221, book here
Surf & Turf Grill and Bar
Given Surf & Turf’s moniker, it’s a given that the Stanley Plaza eatery’s globally inspired seafood dishes stand out from the pack, including the seafood paella (HKD178) and seafood spaghettini chitarra (HKD168). On the surf side, the Indian offerings are the surprising standouts here, especially the butter chicken (HKD148) and lamb biryani (HKD168), but we also crave the signature surf & turf (HKD488) plate, pairing whole lobster with Angus rib-eye. Bonus points go to the restaurant’s trio of outdoor terrace, pool table, and live music.
Surf & Turf Grill and Bar, Shop 302, 3/F, Stanley Plaza, 23 Carmel Road, Stanley, 2291 4138, WhatsApp 4679 9850, book here
Si Yik 泗益
This down-and-dirty dai pai dong located within the twists and turns of Stanley Market serves up what many say is the best HK-style French toast (HKD30) in town, puffy, cloud-like, filled with kaya, and crowned with a generous slab of butter. The pork chop bun (HKD20) is another classic local staple to devour. Note that Si Yik is open daily except Tuesday from 6:30AM, closing at 12:30PM on weekdays and 4:30PM at the weekend.
Si Yik, G/F, 2 Stanley Market Road, Stanley, 2813 0507
Beesy Bay
The former location of long-standing restaurant The Boathouse, now with a bright yellow façade, Beesy Bay is a recommended all-rounder in Stanley, offering three floors for dining on solid international eats (there’s even a rooftop terrace in this historic Grade III building). The eatery’s fish and chips (HKD228), beer battered and served traditionally with green peas and tartare sauce, is our go-to on the wide-ranging à-la-carte menu.
Beesy Bay, G/F, 86–88 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, WhatsApp 6053 0809
