Home to a myriad of great restaurants and cool boutique shops, Star Street Precinct is one of the city’s hippest neighbourhoods for a fun-filled weekend getaway

Nestled between Admiralty and Wan Chai, Star Street Precinct has transformed over the years from a quaint, historic landmark to a lively hub for Hong Kong’s more laid back set of movers and shakers hipsters.

Comprising just a few streets, including the charmingly named Star Street, Moon Street, Sun Street and St. Francis Yard, this area has a completely different vibe compared to the rest of buzzing Wan Chai with quieter footpaths and a much more leisurely pace that makes it a perfect spot for a weekend afternoon of wandering.

Interested in paying a visit to this trendy neighbourhood? Follow our guide to discover all the best things to eat, drink and see in Star Street Precinct. 

See also: Neighbourhood Guide: What to Eat, Drink and Do in Mid-Levels

Francis

Wan Chai may seem like an unlikely place to find good Middle Eastern food, but Francis’s vibrant street food of Tel Aviv certainly stands up to the best of those found on Hong Kong island—if not across the city.

Paying homage to the chef’s hometown of Tel Aviv in Israel, the culinary team here has a knack for crafting exotic dishes with modern twists on traditional Middle Eastern recipes. Their grilled octopus, stuffed mussels and hummus are some of the top picks, but for carnivores, make sure you enjoy the chicken schnitzel, lamb ribs and beef short rib shawarma.

Their house special dessert kanafeh is also a must-try, which is made of mozzarella, orange blossom and pistachio to offer a distinctly rich flavour profile.

Francis, G/F, 4-6 St. Francis Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 3101 9521 

The Pizza Project

The Pizza Project is one of Star Street's most popular eateries. Its thin-crust pizzas boast generous helpings of toppings.

Everyone comes here for the signature carbonara pizza—a tomato sauce based pie with fior di latte cheese, pancetta and quail eggs. That said, you shouldn’t sleep on the other impressive options, like the nduja with spicy salami and smoked scamorza or The Pizza Project's signature tiramisu.

The Pizza Project, G/F, 5 Star Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 2577 7227 

See also: Where To Find The Best Pizzas In Hong Kong

Maison ES

Opened by Model-turned-chef Esther Sham, Maison ES serves sophisticated French-inspired cuisine made using the premium seasonal ingredients and refined cooking techniques. There are nods to the Asian palate, like in its signature tartare made from chuck-rib, oscietra, soft-boiled quail egg and a Hong Kong-classic style satay emulsion served on a flaxseed rice cracker. 

Its ethereal French-themed dining room imbued with romance, radiating instant date-night vibes with its antiques, vintage paintings and floral displays. 

Maison ES, G/F, 1A Star Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 2521 8011 

Giando Italian Restaurant & Bar

Overseen by reputed chef Gianni Caprioli, this Italian gem is delivers consistently high quality, authentic Italian cuisine. The menu, which offers diners the options for either a three- or four-course meal are all hits and no misses, featuring classic dishes with contemporary updates that made for memorable bites.

Must-orders of the menu include the starter feta cheese salad, which comes with premium Osiblue prawn and peach; as well as main dishes including orecchiette pasta with fresh mixed seafood, and grilled sirloin steak with roasted potatoes. For dessert, opt for the classic tiramisu, gelato or goat cheesecake to round off your meal.

Giando Italian Restaurant & Bar, Shop 1, G/F Tower 1, Starcrest, 9 Star Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 2511 8912 

See also: The Best Italian Restaurants In Hong Kong

TMK Rap & Rolls

TMK’s signature temaki handrolls and nori bowls, fresh sashimi and sake continues to lure hordes of Japanese food lovers.

We highly recommend ordering the soft-shell crab with wasabi mayo and cucumber handroll, salmon taco, as well as nori bowls including the West Coast that features marinated salmon, avocado and the restaurant's "crack tofu".

TMK Rap & Rolls, 17A Moon Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong; rap.tmk.hk

See also: The Best Cafes And Coffee Shops In Sheung Wan 

Pici

Pici's simple and deeply satisfying homemade pastas have held a special place in Hongkongers' hearts since it opened in 2017. And though it may have outlets around Hong Kong now, but it was here in Wan Chai where it all started. 

Tatler's top picks at Pici include their signature cacio e pepe using pici (a thick, hand-rolled spaghetti) with black pepper and pecorino cheese, an indulgent tagliolini with fresh shaved black truffle, and pappardelle with a rich, slow-cooked beef cheek ragu. 

Pici, G/F, 16 St. Francis Yard, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 2755 5523; pici.hk

Le Garçon Saigon 

Elevatied Vietnamese cuisine finds its home at Black Sheep’s Le Garçon Saigon. Welcoming guests with lush interiors and a warm ambience, the Star Street restaurant is known for its extensive menu featuring dishes inspired by the aromatic flavours that fill the streets of Saigon, or Ho Chi Minh City.  

It can be dizzying for first-timers deciding what to try, but we can’t recommend the 333 Saigon beer can chicken enough. Their rice paper rolls, salt and pepper chicken wings and banh xeo, a crispy pancake stuffed with prawns, bean sprouts and herbs, are other impressive must-try dishes.  

Le Garçon Saigon, G/F, 12-18 Wing Fung Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 2455 2499

See also: 13 Best Vietnamese Restaurants In Hong Kong

Blend & Grind

Tucked away in a quiet leafy corner, Blend & Grind offers an airy respite for diners to take a pause and enjoy a break from the city life. As well as light bites with classic and specialty coffees, they also serve a premium selection of teas, fresh juices and smoothies. Settle in and pair your brew with the café's signature avocado toast.

In the evenings, it turns into a quaint neighbourhood bar serving a nice selection of wines by the glass and classic cocktails. 

Blend & Grind, G/F, Shun Ho Building, 1 Sun Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 6361 2711

See also: 9 Hong Kong Cafes That Turn Into Bars At Night

Artemis & Apollo

Artemis & Apollo offers a taste of languid Mediterranean life in an effortlessly elegant setting. The staff are warm and welcoming, creating an intimate environment like a friend’s dining room, only with higher ceilings. There is a constant buzz of chat and laughter: diners to staff, table to table.

Everyone orders the saganaki, which is flambéed with ouzo at the table, and other elevated Greek classics—spanakopita, a crispy flaky pastry filled with feta and spinach; a delectable chicken souvlaki and some of the best pita with dips in Hong Kong. The taramasalata is to die for. 

Artemis & Apollo, G/F, 9-11 Moon Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 2818 8681, artemisandapollo.com

APT. Coffee

An acronym for “A Personal Tailor”, the creative brains behind APT. Coffee strives to provide a cosy space for people to unwind and enjoy a top-notch personalised coffee experience. The baristas here are some of the most professional and friendliest in the city, and will definitely give their advice on what to drink and curate that perfect cup of coffee based on your preferences. 

Using Australian-roasted coffee beans by Seven Seeds, guests can choose between nutty and fruity flavours, milk volume and milk foam volume to customise their drinks. Food wise, their toasts are not to be missed, where a great variety of toppings are available for guests to create their own dish.  

APT. Coffee, Shop A&B, G/F, 2-12 Moon Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 3619 4393; apt-coffee.com

What to do and where to shop

Spa L'OCCITANE 

After a long day exploring the charming neighbourhood, treat yourself to some pampering at Spa L’OCCITANE. This beautiful sanctuary offers a wide array of rejuvenating and results-oriented treatments, ranging from facials to body massages that look after your every beauty and wellness goal.

Spa L'OCCITANE, Shop 3, Star Crest, 9 Star Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 2143 6288; hk.loccitane.com 

See also: The Best Hotel Spas In Hong Kong—Plus Top Spa Treatments To Try

WOAW Gallery

Established by Kevin Poon in 2019, WOAW Gallery’s first location on Sun Street has previously hosted shows by such acclaimed international artists as Charlie Roberts, Koichi Sato and Sam Friedman as well as product launches by American artist Kaws, becoming a hotspot for the city’s cool kids and in-the-know art aficionados. 

WOAW Gallery, 5 Sun Street, Starstreet Precinct, Hong Kong, instagram.com/woawstore 

45R

A stylish boutique stocking Japanese clothing that’s both comfortable and stylish, 45R is a must-visit for fashion lovers looking to add some fresh twists to their wardrobes. As well as basic essentials including white shirts and jeans, you’ll also find a unique collection of jackets and capes with sophisticated prints in bold colours and more. 

45R, Vincent Mansion, 7 Star Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 2861 1145

Topics