In recent years, Wanchai’s undergone a bit of a renaissance. There’s been a lot of gentrification, some flashy new hotels and apartments, and much more. As part of this, the neighborhood’s received a huge infusion of exciting new dining options, especially around the Star Street precinct and Ship Street areas. In other words, there are plenty of fantastic options for lunch in Wanchai, and without any further ado, here they are!
The Drawing Room
The chic all-day dining destination at The St. Regis Hong Kong, The Drawing Room is known for its exquisite afternoon tea and comprehensive a la carte menu. With the recent arrival of Chef Julien Ombredane, those menus are getting a bit of a shake-up—and oh, what a shake-up it is. The current set menu can be enjoyed as two ($348) or three courses ($408), and you can’t really go wrong with what you pick. To begin the meal, you’ll find it hard to choose between a super-fresh Norwegian salmon confit and classic French Onion Soup. As for mains, the Braised Beef Cheek in Red Wine Sauce—which comes with bacon, mushrooms, and mashed potatoes—is a can’t miss. Save room for dessert—a Cacao Crème Brulée or Citrus Bar.
6/F, The St. Regis Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Drive, Wanchai, 2138-6800, marriottbonvoyasia.com/restaurants-bars/The-St-Regis-Hong-Kong-The-Drawing-Room
Mr Brown
This popular neighborhood smokehouse and grill is a Wanchai go-to for delicious smoked meats. and its weekday set menu makes it a top choice for lunch in Wanchai. Diners have two choices, a 3-course meal ($168) or an “all-in” option that includes four chef’s choice starters, a main, and dessert ($288). Highlights include the grilled avocado (with cucumber and goat’s cheese) and whipped mackerel; for mains, you’ll want to try the jerk chicken, chili glazed cobia, or sirloin.
G/F, 9 Ship Street, Wanchai, 3101-1081, mrbrownhk.com
Kam’s Roast Goose
If you’re in the mood for Chinese-style roasted meats, you can’t go wrong with this award-winning spot (it has previously been awarded a Michelin star). Although it doesn’t have a lunch menu per se, you can create your own meaty meal with the signature roast goose and Prince Kinsen noodles or perhaps the roast suckling pig on rice. Of course, the char siu is always a solid winner, too.
G/F, 226 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, 2520-1110, krg.com.hk
The Pizza Project
When it comes to pizza, few places in Wanchai offer as good a lunch deal as this Pirata Group-owned spot. Occupying prime position in the Star Street precinct, The Pizza Project offers a delicious, affordable option for lunch in Wanchai. First, you’ll have to decide whether you want two courses and a drink ($98) or three courses plus a drink ($118). Then, you’ll need to get down to business by choosing an antipasti (we’d suggest the burrata, but the tuna salad’s great, too), and a pizza main (you can’t go wrong with the ‘nduja, but the Margherita and Regina are solid). You’ll be in and out in an hour, and your appetite will be fully satiated.
G/F, 5 Star Street, Wanchai, 2577-7227, thepizzaproject.hk
Artemis & Apollo
The Mediterranean diet is supposed to be good for you, so if you’re looking for a decadent, affordable lunch in Wanchai that skews towards the healthy side, then head straight for this Greek taverna when hunger strikes. The Lunch Feast ($178) includes a mezze plate (like hummus, tzatziki or roasted eggplant) and a Cypriot salad; you’ll then choose a main—go for souvlaki to keep it easy. If you want to finish on a sweet note (and you definitely should), pay the extra to have the signature labneh cheesecake ($68).
9-11 Moon Street, Wanchai, 2818-8681, artemisandapollo.com
XUÂN
Since opening last year, Xuân has garnered acclaim for its carefully crafted northern Vietnamese dishes created by chef John Nguyen. Its full a la carte menu, is, of course, available through lunch, but their Lunch Set Meal ($168)—which includes a salad, a starter, a main, and a drink—is popular for its value-for-money proposition and deliciousness. Expect to start with a chicken cabbage or papaya watercress salad, enjoy starters like spring rolls or chicken wings, then dive into mains like beef prime rib pho or a classic bun cha. Round out your meal with a hot “Panda” tea or lime iced tea.
G/F, 18 Lun Fat Street, Wanchai, 2891-1177, xuan.com.hk
Morty’s
Another joint specializing in meat, Morty’s is a bit of an institution in Hong Kong—and its Wanchai outlet in Star Street certainly delivers the goods. There’s a wide range of American deli sandwiches available, including a classic pastrami or Reuben, a club sandwich, and even a bagel with the house lox. If sandwiches aren’t your thing, you can also opt for burgers or a hot dog loaded with toppings. The best part? All options can be customized with add-ons, and come with a side of fries or poutine. One thing’s for sure—this is one lunch in Wanchai that’ll leave you feeling thoroughly satisfied.
Shop 8-10, Wing Fung Street, Wanchai, 3665-0890, mortys.hk
TMK Rap & Rolls
The latest opening by Pirata Group, this is the second TMK outlet, but this one is focused on 90s rap and hip-hop—and nori bowls. And, it’s another very delicious and affordable choice for lunch in Wanchai—the two-course menu is $148 while the three-course set is $168. For starters, we recommend the Salmon Tataki or Edamame Hummus; for the main, you’ll have a selection of nori bowls—you can’t go wrong with the super-fresh West Coast or meaty B.I.G (which uses M7 Wagyu tartare). Finish with the Fried Banana dessert for a cheeky treat.
17A Moon Street, Wanchai, 2779-9002, rap.tmk.hk
Pici
This Pirata Group pasta joint has garnered such acclaim since its opening that it now boasts locations across Hong Kong. The Wanchai branch serves up the same top-notch handmade pasta and affordable lunch sets ($158) as the others, so it’s worth popping in for a decadent Italian lunch. Kick things off with a starter, then select a pasta for mains and finish on a sweet note with dessert. The menu changes every week, but if the burrata, meatballs, orecchiette, or amatriciana are available, jump on it quick-smart. End with the signature tiramisu for the perfect mid-week Italian meal.
G/F, No. 16 St. Francis Yard, Wanchai, 2755-5523, pici.hk
Mirage Bar & Restaurant
Tucked away in the mezzanine of the Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View Hotel, Mirage Bar & Restaurant is a bit of a hidden gem for lunch in Wanchai—as long as you have a bit of time to spare. There’s an a la carte menu full of exquisite dishes prepared with sustainability at the forefront. While you’re here be sure to indulge in the Tartare of Beef, Sustainable Yellowfin Tuna Tartare Tacos, and Snake River Farms Wagyu Flat Iron.
Mezzanine, Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View Hotel, 1 Harbour Road, Wanchai, 2802-8888, marriottbonvoyasia.com/restaurants-bars/renaissance-harbour-view-hotel-hong-kong-Mirage-Bar-Restaurant
La Moo Moo’s
If you’re after a hearty steak frites meal, you won’t get a better lunch in Wanchai than right here. Tucked away in a commercial building far above the crowded streets of Wanchai, this hidden gem keeps it pretty simple with a set menu ($328). To start, you’ll enjoy the soup of the day and a bread basket served with the homemade cinnamon butter. For mains, the go-to is a 10oz Premium NZ Ribeye Steak cooked to your satisfaction. But, if steak’s not your thing, you can opt for a full rack of barbequed baby back ribs, the signature pulled pork burger, the Norwegian seared salmon, or even a vego black truffle cream pasta. All fo this is, of course, served with unlimited crispy golden fries.
18/F, 239 Hennessey Road, Wanchai, 6133-5835, moomoossteak.com
The Pawn
Make your way to the 2nd floor kitchen of The Pawn—a Hong Kong institution—for modern British gastropub fare. The set menu ($168) is short and sweet—you’ll have just two starters and two mains to choose from—but it’s done with aplomb. Think a soup or salad to start, then braised short ribs or seafood risotto to fill up on. Should you want to add on a dessert and coffee, just throw in an extra $30. Of course, the more extensive a la carte menu is available, too.
2/F, The Pawn, 62 Johnston Road, Wanchai, 2866-3444, thepawn.com.hk
Ruam
Few Thai restaurants in Hong Kong present the same level of authenticity as Ruam. Add to that a rather spacious terrace, and you’ve got the perfect spot for a lingering midweek meal. Kick things off with a selection of classic bites like skewers, spring rolls, and fish cakes, then pick your choice of curries (we recommend the duck leg red curry or free-range chicken thigh green curry) fried rice and noodles, and meat and seafood plates. Be sure to finish with a classic dessert—try the mango sticky rice or coconut ice-cream topped with peanuts and sweet corn.
1/F, J Senses, 60 Johnston Road, Wanchai, 3160-8535, ruam-thai.com
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