11 Westside

Headed by Mexican native Chef Esdras Ochoa, aka the ‘Taco King’ from Netflix’s cooking show The Final Table, 11 Westside serves up authentic tacos and tortillas that will satisfy all your Mexican food cravings. 

The latest taco addition is the camote (sweet potato) and kale taco and quesadilla deluxe featuring a variety of mushrooms and sliced avocado laid on golden parmesan cheese crust—11 Westside’s answer to the increasing demand for vegetarian options. Of course, the classics stay classic, including the Carne Asada (grilled beef short rib taco) and the Al Pastor (achiote and pineapple roasted pork) tacos.

Dough Bros

Since the success of the original Dough Bros Happy Valley location, in late 2020, the takeaway pizza joint opened up shop in Kennedy––and has proved to be nothing but success.

Lovers of cheesey, doughey crusts go wild for toppings such as The Sophisticated, with tomato, mozzarella, goats cheese, caramelised onions, pickled peppers and sweet peppers; and The Works with tomato, mozzarella chorizo, pepperoni, pork meatballs and jalapeños. All pizzas come with a serving of Dough Bros’ own garlic and herb dip––plus, be sure not to be miss the freshly filled doughnuts, with fillings of jam, custard and Nutella.

Dough Bros, 4-8 North Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong; +852 2345 3589, doughbroshk.com

Aziza 

While its second branch has just opened in Sai Ying Pun, Aziza in Kennedy Town is the original eatery that brought the unique flavours of Egyptian cuisine to the neighbourhood. 

Authentic dishes such as hummus with harissa and besara, a flavourful puree made with broad beans and caramelised onions that is best enjoyed with pita bread. The restaurant also champions homemade couscous, a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, which is served alongside hearty mains such as the “Mooza Danny” lamb shank and tagines with meat, fish and vegetable options.

Aziza, Shop D, 28 Hau Wo Street, Kennedy Town, +852 3462 2844; Shop 1B, G/F, Upton Tower, 345 Des Voeux Road West, Sai Ying Pun, +852 2886 4889, aziza.com.hk

Chino

A family style, neighbourhood restaurant that focuses on Latin American staples made from fresh, seasonal ingredients, Chino combines Japanese cooking technique and Mexican street food culture in its creative dishes. 

You can expect nothing less than good vibes and satisfaction here, whether it’s the succulent Wagyu beef taco made with guacamole and shishito, or the scallop and uni tostada finished off with salsa fresca and a flurry of toasted nori.

Kefi

Previously featured in our July 2021 cafe roundup, Kefi is a health-focused spot that serves low-carb, low-sugar and low-calorie treats.

From a Thai style green curry with slow-cooked chicken breast served on top of cauliflower rice, to protein waffles that are perfect as a post-workout treat, this welcoming cafe offers healthy meals without sacrificing any taste. 

Kefi, 165-175 Belcher's Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, instagram.com/kefi.hk

Sheung Hei 

This no-frills neighbourhood restaurant is famous for its charcoal-grilled claypot rice, and it's not difficult to see why. The charcoal stove, which is a rare find in Hong Kong these days, is key to give the claypot rice a distinctive smokiness and a crispy crust at the bottom. 

Choose from a wide selection of clay pot rice toppings, from white eel and pork ribs to waxed meat, which are all prepared in a traditional manner. 

Tatler tip: Ask for some soup to be added to the crusty rice base at the end, which softens the rice to give the dish a different texture and flavour. 

Sheung Hei, 25 North Street, Western District, Hong Kong, +85228196190

Sun Hing Restaurant

Open from 3am to 4pm daily, Sun Hing is a local hidden gem frequented by Kennedy town’s residents, university students and night owls, as well as Hong Kong celebrities whose pictures are proudly hung on the wall. 

As one of the few dim sum restaurants that insists on handmade, fresh dim sum, Sun Hing champions dim sum classics such as steamed custard buns, har gow (shrimp dumplings) and crispy fried milk, which are all executed in a traditional method passed down from generation to generation.

Sun Hing Restaurant, Shop C, G/F, 8 Smithfield Road, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong

Yuan is Here

Moving from Sai Ying Pun in 2019, Yuan is Here is a buzzy takeaway shop serving up Taiwanese street food dishes. Holding a Bib Gourman award by the Michelin guide, cheap eats here include the signature braised minced pork rice, along with the deluxe seafood omelette and the deep-fried crispy chicken.

Yuan is Here, G/F, 31 North Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong; +852 3579 2460

Cheuk Kee Congee 

Dubbed one of the “three treasures” of the Western district (the other ones being Cheung Heung Yuen restaurant and the already closed-down Sun Chung Wah dim sum restaurant), Cheuk Kee is tucked away inside the Smithfield Cooked Food Centre, serving up smooth, hearty Cantonese-style congees that capture the essence of Hong Kong flavours. 

Classic congees such as thousand-year-old egg with pork and other varieties with chicken, fish and beef can be enjoyed the local way with steamed rice rolls, youtiao (Chinese fried breadstick) or turnip cake on the side.

Cheuk Kee Congee, 2/F, Smithfield Municipal Services Building, 12K Smithfield, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong

Pici

Hong Kong's favourite pasta spot, Pici, opened in Kennedy Town back in May 2021, bringing favourites such as truffle tagliolini, cacio e pepe, and the famed Pici tiramisu into the neighbourhood. With the familiar open windows and great Italian hospitality, it's the to-go spot if you're craving a hearty carb-filled meal. 

Pici, Cadogan Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, pici.hk

Bistro du Vin 

Previously located on Cadogan Street, Bistro du Vin has recently moved to a new location down the road on Davis Street. Its new space is a lot more spacious, featuring red exteriors with wide windows. Inside, you'll find checkered floors with shiny red booths and tall wine shelves. Try the signature lobster linguine and order a side of snails to share, or get something heavier by ordering the roast chicken. 

Bistro du Vin, Shop 1D,1 Davis Street, 852 Kennedy Town, Western District, Hong Kong, +852 2824 3010, piccoloconcepts.com/bistro-du-vin

Grain 

Taking over Little Creature's old spot, Grain is a gastropub in Kennedy Town opened by the team behind Woolly Pig and Gweilo Beer. The spacious restaurant can comfortably fit 150 guests, hosting pub quiz nights as well as other community events that gather a lively crowd. Expect plenty of your favourite brews, hot food such as pizzas, pastas, cured salmon and more. 

Grain, Shop 1, G/F, New Fortune House, 3-5 New Praya, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, grain.com.hk

Smash'd 

Newly opened, Smash'd Burgers is a burger restaurant with gorgeous greenery paired with monochrome details throughout the space. Try The Beast if you're in for a challenge—it comes with five layers of beef and cheese. Other normal-sized burgers are on the menu as well, including three beef patty burgers, two plant-based burgers, and two seafood burgers. 

Smash'd, G/F, 21 Catchick Street, Kenndy Town, Hong Kong

Winstons Coffee

Located just a stone's throw away from the Kennedy Town MTR station, Winstons Coffee delivers chill-out neighbourhood vibes and a dog-friendly environment. 

Apart from seriously good coffees, the coffee shop also serves delicious homemade banana bread, cookie sandwiches and lamingtons to go with your favourite drink. When night falls, Winstons turns into a bar where you can kick back and enjoy craft beer, a glass of wine or the signature espresso martini.

Winstons Coffee, Shop 8, 11 Davis Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, winstonscoffee.com

The Cofftea Shop

An unassuming coffee joint sitting at the junction of Catchick and Davis Street, The Cofftea Shop is a firm favourite in the neighbourhood. 

Whether you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up or a place to sit down and enjoy a good coffee, the coffee selections are great and each cup is expertly brewed from Italian-roasted Musetti beans. Don’t miss the freshly-baked pastries, muffins and cakes, which make for the perfect midday treat.

The Cofftea Shop, Shop H, 78-86 Catchick Street, Kennedy Town, +852 9104 2404

% Arabica 

Boasting a prime location facing the Kennedy Town waterfront, % Arabica is a specialty coffee brand known for its minimalist interior design and quality coffee. 

Whether it’s a milk-based coffee or a shot of espresso that you desire, % Arabica has got you covered with a dose of caffeine that is meticulously crafted to perfection.

% Arabica, Shop 4, G/F, Grand Fortune Mansion, 1 Davis Street, Kennedy Town, +852 2326 4578

For Single 

For Single soft opened at the end of 2020 for those who are serious about their coffee––and whisky. Celebrating single-origin coffee and single malt whisky, the concept store cafe features a paired back aesthetic to match its overall ethos.

For Single, Shop D, G/F, Full Harvest Building, 6-18 Hau Wo Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong; +852 9384 4491, forsinglehk.com

The Wilshire Bar

A speakeasy-inspired bar tucked inside 11 Westside, The Wilshire Bar—an ode to the boulevard that connects Beverly Hills with LA’s major business districts—is envisioned by Daniel Eun, former head bartender of PDT New York. 

The drinks menu is a good mix of classic and creative cocktails, while the newest additions include Outro (Acapella), a dessert-like cocktail made with Beefeater gin, banana, cream, green cardamom and chocolate bitters—the perfect way to round off a taco-filled meal.

To Be Frank

For live music, delicious cocktails and bar bites, head over to Kennedy Town's neighbourhood bar, To Be Frank. The bar offers special promotions during weekdays, from ladies' night every Wednesday, happy hour (5pm-7pm Tuesday to Sunday), to occasional acoustic performances on Friday, come here to unwind after a long day of exploring. 

To Be Frank, 56 Forbes Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, tobefrank.hk

Belcher Bay Promenade

Officially unveiled in October last year, Belcher Bay Promenade is a public open space by the water that spans over 5000 square metres. With a boardwalk of 172 metres, children-friendly playground facilities and an open community leisure farm and garden that's open to the public, this park is filled with people on a regular basis. From skateboarders to dog walkers and even picnickers, come for a stroll, or an evening of people-watching. 

Belcher Bay Promenade, Shing Sai Road, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong

Sai Wan Swimming Shed

This swimming shed may take a bit of walking to get to, but the view it offers is well worth the short hike. Located down Victoria Road in Kennedy Town, the Sai Wan Swimming Shed was originally built for swimmers to change into swimsuits.

While you can still take a dive into Hong Kong's sparkling waters from the shed today, the boat-induced waves and large rocks nearby make it a bit more challenging. It's better known as a popular Instagram spot that draws in crowds over the weekend—so come early to avoid waiting in line for a photo. 

Sai Wan Swimming Shed, Victoria Road, Mount Davis, Hong Kong
 

Golden Scene Cinema

Opened in February 2021, Golden Scene Cinema is a Hong Kong-focused movie theatre that aims to reignite Hong Kongers' interest in local filmmaking. As the only cinema in Western District, the cinema has four houses with different screen sizes, seating a total of 283 movie-goers. You'll find films of old and new playing here, from the newest Marvel film, to old Hong Kong movies. 

Golden Scene Cinema, 2 Catchick Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong

Read also: Golden Scene Founder Winnie Tsang Lai-fun Talks Opening A New Cinema In Kennedy Town

Slowood

A one-stop-shop for eco-friendly lifestyle products, Slowood supplies an extensive range of organic food, skincare, cleaning supplies and dishware products—all sold in bulk and without packaging. 

While it’s a grocery store, every corner is Instagrammable here. The minimalist decor, floor-to-ceiling windows and wood accents also create a calming ambience for shoppers to take it slow in a fast-paced city. 

Slowood, Shop 1-3, G/F, The Hudson 11 Davis Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, +852 2818 0203, slowood.hk

See also: 5 Ways To Live More Sustainably In Hong Kong

Tramline Liquor Co.

Located just opposite to The CoffteaShop, Tramline Liquor Co. is a distributor and wholesaler of premium spirits, craft beer, wine and tonic. 

You can expect to find an exciting selection of liquor here, from local craft beer to organic Swedish gin, there’s something to suit every taste.

Tramline Liquor Co, 78 Catchick Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, +852 6908 4844

Shing Fat Coconut & Spices

Opened in the 1950s and moved from Wan Chai to Kennedy Town in 2017, Shing Fat Coconut & Spices is a tiny neighbourhood spice store with a loyal following of the city’s in-the-know gourmands. 

Whether you’re looking for high-quality herbs and spices, fresh coconut, coconut milk or coconut water, Shing Fat is well stocked with hard-to-find food products for your kitchen.

Shing Fat Coconut & Spices, G/F, 48-49 Praya Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, +852 2572 7725

Wheat and Wood

This board game café is the perfect choice if you’re looking for an alternative activity to keep you and your friends busy. Ideal for a rainy day, Wheat and Wood has a host of classic board games for you to choose from––including several variants of its namesake Catan. The menu ranges from snacks and cakes to beers, teas and coffees, with food and drink credit included in the two-hours of gameplay pricing.

Wheat and Wood, Shop 6, Ground Floor, Brilliant Court, 28 Praya, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong; +852 2399 0433, wheatandwood.com

This article was originally published on February 21, 2020, and was updated on January 17, 2022.

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