Cover We're letting you know the best p;laces to visit in Happy Valley. (Photo: instagram.com/_.fatguide._)

We're letting you know the best places to visit, eat and drink in Happy Valley

Happy Valley, the affluent residential area where many Tatler friends and local celebrities call home may be quieter than bustling Causeway Bay, which is just a stone’s throw away. but the family-friendly neighbourhood offers plenty of quaint charms for those who want a break from the city’s frenetic pace. Here, we highlight the best restaurants in Happy Valley and other hot spots worth knowing.

See also: The Tatler Guide To Hong Kong's Neighbourhoods

Where to eat

Locanda Dell'Angelo

Located on a nondescript street, this hidden gem offers some of the city’s best Italian cuisine, earning its title as one of T. Dining’s Best Restaurants. Locanda Dell'Angelo's burrata with tomatoes, uni risotto and tiramisu are some of Chef Angelo Agliano’s best offerings. If you want to try the famed Boston lobster linguini, make sure to order in advance as supply is limited.

Locanda Dell'Angelo, G/F, 12 Yuen Yuen Street, Happy Valley, Hong Kong +852 3709 2788

See also: The Tatler Guide To Art Galleries In Wong Chuk Hang

Amigo

Overlooking the racecourse, this French restaurant has retained its rustic Gallic decor since opening in 1976. It has been a go-to spot for special occasions—and for good reason. Hospitality knows no bounds bounds at Amigo, as the highly attentive staff take polaroids of birthday celebrants, and women leave meals with red roses. The food is just as excellent. We highly recommend the beef tenderloin with goose liver dipped in truffle sauce and the stewed ox-tail with noodles.

Amigo, Amigo Mansion, 79A Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley +852 2577 2202; amigo.com.hk

Pang's Kitchen

It’s best to make reservations at this cosy Cantonese eatery, which can get packed on any given evening since it earned a Michelin Star in 2013. Service is solid and dishes are efficiently prepared. Favourites include the sweet and sour pork with strawberries and the crispy garlic chicken.

Pang's Kitchen, 25 Yik Yam Street, Happy Valley, Hong Kong +852 2838 5462

Dough Bros 

It’s exactly as its name suggests. Just a couple of bros making dough – specifically, handmade sourdough pizzas and fat, fluffy doughnuts filled with Nutella, custard or strawberry jam. Keeping things simple, the pizza menu features favourites done exceptionally well including margherita, pepperoni, parma ham with rocket and black truffle if you're feeling fancy. 

Shop 5, G/F, 38-42 Yik Yam St, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, +852 2760 4555; doughbroshk.com

Zagin Soba

Sometimes, you just need a hearty bowl of noodles. Zagin Soba serves a small but satisfying menu of ramen and tsukemen, and though pork is usually the go-to for these Japanese staples, it's the chicken broth that steals the show here. Flavourful yet wonderfully light, we wouldn't blame you for ordering seconds. 

Zagin Soba, G/F, 13A King Kwong Street, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, +852 2818 0322

Banh Mi Pate

Feed your hankering for authentic Vietnamese food at Banh Mi Pate, an unassuming takeaway shop with a handful of seats for dining in. On the menu are Hanoi-style pho, traditional banh mi and moreish starters including butter chicken wings and rice paper rolls.

Banh Mi Pate, G/F, 65 Sing Woo Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, +852 3460 4070

Coffeelin

Everything is made with love and attention at this charming corner cafe. Homemade gelato in seasonal flavours, their single origin coffee and brunch dishes that taste as good as they look. Some of our favourites include the salami and fig crostini, truffle and mozzarella panini and the hummus mushroom crostini, made with homemade hummus, of course. 

Coffeelin, 8 Cheong Ming Street, Cheong Ming St, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, +852 6012 6242

Proof

This Australian-owned bakery prides itself on its eco-friendly baked goods, which contain no preservatives or additives. Daily offerings are inscribed on a chalkboard in front of the eatery, and its cinnamon rolls and sourdough are the menu’s crowd pleasers. Their coffee is pretty great, too.

Proof, 14 Tsun Yuen Street, Happy Valley, Hong Kong +852 6542 9788; proofhk.com

See also: My Neighbourhood: Bakehouse's Gregoire Michaud On Wan Chai

Where to drink

Alabar 

This neighbourhood hangout is slicker than your average wine bar. Housed behind a distinctive entrance made of wooden slats, Alabar serves a great selection of wine, premium liquors and beautifully crafted cocktails. The multi-level is minimal and inviting, creating an atmosphere that will surely make you want to stay a while.

Alabar G/F, 38 King Kwong Street, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, +852 2838 0533

What to do

F11 Foto Museum

In 2014, a three-storey Art Deco row house was transformed into the city’s first private photo gallery. The first two floors are dedicated to exhibitions, and past shows have featured works by renowned photographers Bob Willoughby, Jacques Henri Lartigue and Sergey Ponomarev. Meanwhile the third level contains vintage cameras and over 1,500 photo books. F11 Owner Douglas So occasionally hosts film screenings on the rooftop.

F11 Foto Museum, 11 Yuk Sau Street, Happy Valley, Hong Kong +852 6516 1122; f11.com

Happy Valley Race Course

A trip to the Valley isn’t complete without checking out this landmark, which was built in 1845. While its horse racing season doesn’t start until September, visitors can still watch intramural sports held inside the venue’s leisure facilities, which feature a running track, football and hockey fields and an outdoor gymnasium.

The second floor of the racesource is home to the ultra-exclusive Hong Kong Jockey Club, which counts Eleanor Kwok and Matthew Lam amongst its members. Come race season, friends of the club’s Priority Black and Gold members should dine at the Hong Kong Kitchen, which provides panoramic views of the tracks.

Happy Valley Race Course, Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong; hkjc.com

See also: Neighbourhood Guide: 11 Spots You Should Know In Tai Hang


This article was originally published on August 13, 2019, and was updated on March 26, 2021.

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