The best al fresco restaurants in Hong Kong

Settle into Arcane for an understated meal. The Tatler Best Spotlight awardee’s al fresco dining space sets an atmospheric tone for the modern European plates to come. The menu leans into clean, ingredient-led cooking, where the quality of fresh produce, meat and seafood does most of the talking.

While Duddell’s Cantonese mansion-inspired main dining room sets an elegant tone for any occasion, you can also enjoy the Tatler Best 20 Restaurant’s refined Cantonese cuisine on the sunny terrace. The social atmosphere of the interior extends outdoors, where chatter unfolds over classic sharing plates, cocktails and wine.

Tucked away in an unassuming corner in IFC Mall, La Rambla delivers classic Spanish plates with contemporary flair. The Tatler Best Spotlight honouree occupies an expansive venue anchored by sunset hues, plush banquettes and Mediterranean charm, complete with a sleek terrace overlooking Victoria Harbour. Whether you choose to settle in for cocktails or a meal, you’ll have Hong Kong’s best side as the backdrop.

La Terrace by Louise takes up the Tatler Best Spotlight restaurant’s ground-floor space and outdoor terrace. The main dining room is styled with an elegant, residential vibe, while the terrace exists almost in a world of its own, surrounded by lush greenery and anchored by wooden furnishings that bring to mind a sunny patio in the Riviera. The menu is confidently French, where rustic flavours arrive at the table with contemporary flair and distinctive Asian touches.

Tucked away inside Tatler Best Spotlight restaurant Grand Majestic Sichuan, The Majestic Garden is something of a gem. The transition from the retro glamour of the main dining room almost feels like stepping into another world, where minimalism and urban aesthetics take hold. The food and beverage menus remain Sichuan-inspired, where cocktails are crafted with ingredients such as ginger and grapefruit and spirits like Baiju, while bar bites lean into the cuisine’s representative bold flavours and numbing spices.

Ninetta exudes retro charm with a dining room styled with 80s and 90s memorabilia, creating a lively and inviting setting for the straightforward, classic Italian plates to come. This energy extends towards the outdoor terrace, where terracotta tones, wooden accents and deck umbrellas create the ideal atmosphere for aperitifs and long evenings.

Set above East Hong Kong, Sugar is a rooftop bar and restaurant designed for laid-back tipples and flowing bites. The main dining area is styled with homey sophistication, setting a warm tone for any occasion. The terrace is kept intentionally sleek and minimalist, directing your attention towards the craft cocktails and European-inspired plates served, as well as the sweeping skyline views beyond.

Set above Central’s bustle, Terrace Boulud might just have one of the most expansive terraces in town. The restaurant’s al fresco dining area wraps around the restaurant, offering prime spots to enjoy skyline and harbour views. Savour contemporary French fare at one of the plush booths on the terrace, or grab a seat at the sleek terrace bar for cocktails.

This Lamma Island restaurant has an al fresco space designed for island dining. Stepping through Terracotta Lamma’s main dining room with wooden accents and oceanic touches, you’ll arrive at a shaded al fresco area that looks out to the sea, where deck furnishings and marine elements set a cosy tone for its Mediterranean-inspired plates and tropical cocktails.

A spacious terrace enveloped by luscious greenery connects to Terrible Baby’s indoor bar area, where guests can enjoy shisha and inventive cocktails poured by the Tatler Best Spotlight awardee. The menu nods to local elements, whether it be Hong Kong’s food culture, history or current trends.

As one of the few poolside restaurants in town, The Grill at Grand Hyatt is a particularly charming spot for al fresco dining. Palm trees, wooden accents and white linen define the space, which wraps dynamically around the hotel’s pool. The menu centres on charcoal-grilled specialities, whether it be fresh, line-caught seafood or premium cuts.