Quaint but in the heart of the city, the Star Street Precinct nestled in between Admiralty and Wan Chai is the best area to explore on a lazy weekend afternoon. Between Wing Fung Street, Star Street, Moon Street, Sun Street, and St. Francis Yard, you’ll find the best of Hong Kong’s independent eats and boutiques.
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Roots Eatery
Founded by young local chef Stephanie Wong, Roots Eatery presents a beautiful menu of French meets Cantonese cuisine. Creatively fusing familiar local ingredients with French cooking techniques, you’ll find unique dishes like beef tartare Yu Kwan Yick Style, and lobster thermidor with Chinese egg noodles.
7 Sun Street, 2623-9983.
Brass Spoon
For a warm hug in a bowl, head to Brass Spoon for delicious pho just as good as the ones you find in Vietnam, if not better. Recognised by the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand since 2017, their soup base is cooked for more than 16-hours with beef shank bone.
Shop B, GF, 1-3 Moon Street. (walk-ins only)
Tak Yu Cha Chan Teng
For a true taste of Hong Kong, pull up a plastic chair and enjoy the city’s own version of al-fresco dining on the street at Tak Yu. On the menu, you’ll find classic dishes like char siu fried rice or Singapore Noodles — perfect with a cup of milk tea with condensed milk.
2 Kwong Ming Street, 2528-0713.
Rokkaku
A true hidden gem for omakase and Japanese seafood, Rokkaku is a small izakaya serving seasonal picks in limited quantities. You’ll get a truly Japanese experience where the menu changes from day to day, and the fresh ingredients speak for themselves in taste and quality. Tables are usually hard to come by, so make sure you book ahead.
6 Kwong Ming Street, 2866-8166.
Artemis & Apollo
Head to Artemis & Apollo for a rare taste of Greek food in Hong Kong. Founded by the Blacksheep Restaurants team, this taverna serves classic Athenian sharing plates perfect for big groups and long, relaxed meals.
9-11 Moon Street, 2818-8681.
MANA!
The brand new and bigger branch of the well-loved plant-based eatery also sees longer opening hours, a bigger menu, and a happy hour serving organic wines, beers and spirits. Whether you’re vegetarian or not, MANA! will win you over with their flatbread wraps and salads.
8-10 Queen’s Road East, 5501-7591.
Francis
For some bold Middle Eastern flavors, Francis is the place to be. Casual, cosy and always with a crowd, this eatery serves up some delicious sharing plates and great affordable wines. Perfect for group dinners, casual weekend brunches and intimate drinks.
4 & 6 St. Francis Street, 3101-9521.
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APT. Coffee
Both a popular brunch spot and a coffee place, APT. stands for A Personal Tailor — showcasing their made to order ethos. You’ll be greeted with a decision map where you can customize your coffee down to milk, temperature and strength.
BASAO
As more and more people get into the fine tea culture, we are seeing more teahouse specializing in fine tea in Hong Kong, including the beautiful BASAO. They source and create their own tea blends, and also stock their own branded teaware. The space is minimal and warm, perfect for a quiet afternoon break with a book in hand. (Plug from our editor: for serious tea enthusiasts, check out our parent company Man Mo Media’s new book “Tea is for Everyone: Making Chinese Tea Accessible”)
17 Moon Street, 2952-3313.
Blend & Grind
Brand new to the area, Blend & Grind does more than coffee (beans roasted by Redback!). The airy corner spot offers fresh smoothies, brunch, and even cocktails for those inclined! Founded by an ex-rugby player and a keen health enthusiast, their offerings are created with taste and nutrition in mind.
1 Sun Street.
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Odd One Out
Being the first gallery of its kind in Hong Kong, Odd One Out is a heaven for art lovers wanting to get a taste of local art. Supporting local artists since 2012, you’ll find a beautiful and eclectic curation of prints, cards and books you can’t wait to take home.
G/F, 14 St. Francis Street, 2529-3955.
Monocle Shop
Magazine lovers will be familiar with this international news and lifestyle publication, and its location in Hong Kong acts as both a bureau as well as a retail shop. Take home a few issues, and check out their collection of curated lifestyle goods designed in collaboration with known designer brands.
1-4 St. Francis Yard, 2804-2323.
Edgar
Edgar is a zero-waste and sustainability-focused lifestyle shop that stocks everything from kitchenware to eco-friendly beauty items, as well as healthy snacks and pantry items with zero packaging.
5 Moon Street, 3484-2088.
Kapok
Airy and bright, Kapok’s revamped and bigger location on Sun Street is an almost gallery-like boutique that stocks a curation of beautifully designed lifestyle products for both men, women and the home. Perfect for gift-hunting for yourself or someone else!
8 Sun Street, 2520-0114.
La Petite Maison XXII
La Petite Maison XXII is a curated European lifestyle store stocking everything from fresh flowers and bouquets to candles, gourmet chocolates and soaps. Perfect for those looking for a gift for themselves or loved ones!
15 St Francis Street, 2809-3123.
Map of Star Street Precinct