And breathe! In Hong Kong December is the balmiest of months as the Celsius drops, the notoriously wretched humidity wanes and windows are thrown wide open. Better still, this year there’s a slew of new alfresco bars from which to enjoy the milder climes; from heritage-housed diners to sceney rooftops, pull up a pew at one of these outdoor watering holes.
Psst… for our editors’ curated list of where to eat and drink in Hong Kong, nab a copy of the LUXE Hong Kong guide.
Ichu Terrazza
Come for the casual Peruvian sips/sups and stay for the scene at this funky-jungle deck perched atop art house H Queens. Younger sib to Ichu proper – the Joyce Wang designed restaurant steered by superstar Virgilio Martinez – the terrace kicks off mid-afternoon with Peruvian light bites and rocks on late with Dj-spun sounds every Tue, Fri and Sat. Peepers (and ears) peeled for seasonal fiestas – Olé!
Ichu Terraza, 3F, H Queen, 80 Queen’s Rd, Central, ichu.com.hk/terraza
Kytaly
What could be more heavenly than pizza and tipples overlooking Tai Kwun, washed down with the seductive sounds of a live sax? Say ‘buona sera’ to Kytaly, the first Asian outpost by pizza legend Franco Pepe – famous for scooping the title of Italy’s numero uno pizza master in 2018. Sample his divine dough and artisanal pies inside, or better still, on the terrace with birds-eye views of the action below.
Kytaly, Bar 77 Wyndham Street, Central kytaly.hk/
Piqniq
An Instagram star within days of opening, Piqniq is the art-endowed pleasure perch at H Queens. Helmed by the French folk behind award-winning Bibo, The Ocean and Tri, this pic-perfect deck has a relaxed gardeny vibe, albeit one with a Yayoi Kusama polka-dot pumpkin slap-bang in the middle. Recline on beanbags and comfy sofas as you graze on craft pours, fromage, charcuterie and quiche, all served in chic wicker baskets with red gingham details, but natch.
Piqniq, R/F (Rooftop), H Queen’s, 80 Queens Rd, Central lecomptoir.hk/piqniq/
Popinjays
Biz suits and socialites flock together at The Murray’s sleek n’ sprawling balcony, which has one of the best views in the city – the sweeping vista spans from the jungle-clad Peak to Central’s heritage buildings and contemporary architectural marvel the HSBC building, peeking through to the Harbour beyond. Inside, Didier Quenouelle’s seasonal degustations await, but you’re really here for the views. Come at sunset, order a cocktail off the expansive menu or bespoke and simply soak it up.
Popinjays, 26/F The Murray Hong Kong, 22 Cotton Tree Drive, popinjayshk.com
Chinese Library
One of several terrific food and drink options at Tai Kwun, the Aqua group’s mod-Sino dolly marries sumptuous colonial-riffing interiors with the option of two balconies – one overlooking Hollywood Rd, the other has a Frow view of the compound’s courtyard. It gets packed in the evenings and weekends, so consider nabbing a perch for lunch instead – their Southeast-Asian inflected Chinese set menu is a steal. Wanting more? Both British neighbour Statement and grande-dame Madame Fu in the Barrack Block have balcony seating.
Chinese Library, Shop 01-1/F, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Rd, chineselibrary.com.hk
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