With the weather warming and the sun beaming it's a good time to get out to Sai Kung, which is brimming with adorable cafes, restaurants and quirky bars. Whether you're in the mood for a light brunch, a balmy seafood dinner by the water or sunset drinks, a day out in Sai Kung is always worth the schlep

Where to eat

Little Cove Espresso 

Located close to Sai Kung's vibrant seafront, Little Cove Espresso will steal your heart with its sun-drenched dining room, chic Scandinavian design and beautifully plated - and totally photogenic - dishes.

Brunch here is always a hit, whether it's a colourful smoothie bowl, smoked salmon with labneh, za'atar and lemon on sourdough or their famous french toasted artisanal brioche topped with pistachio, mascarpone, cinnamon and honey. 

Little Cove Espresso, Sai Kung Town Villa Block A, Siu Yat Building Block A, Shop 1+2, Sai Kung Hoi Pong Square, Sai Kung, New Territories, +852 9572 8560; facebook.com/littlecoveespresso

The Conservatory

White walls adorned with banana leaf patterned panels, wooden ceiling fans and a window front that floods the dining room with natural light, The Conservatory sets a beautiful scene for long, lazy lunches.

The menu features Mediterranean dishes, like flash fried lemon squid with harissa aioli and Moroccan spiced lamb cutlets with coriander hummus, as well as homemade pizzas, all intended to share. 

The Conservatory, G/F, 26 Wan King Path, Sai Kung, New Territories, +852 2792 1105; enotecagroup.com

2084

For plant-based cuisine that really hits the spot, you can't go past 2084's vegan and vegetarian Asian-inspired dishes. Think peking oyster mushroom wraps, highly addictive chili momos and dairy-free desserts. 

2084, 5 Sha Tsui Path, Sai Kung, New Territories, +852 5246 4622; 2084.casa 

See also: 15 Hong Kong Vegan Accounts To Follow On Instagram

One Thirty One 

A meal at this converted three-storey village house, which sits on a lush plot of land overlooking the water, will have you feeling like you're dining at a country retreat in Europe. If you're feeling extra and want to make a grand entrance, the front lawn can can accommodate a small helicopter landing or there's a private dock where you can arrive via yacht.

They have a no walk-ins policy, so make sure you book ahead of time. 

One Thirty One, 131 Tseng Tau Village, ShapSze Heung, New Territories, +852 2791 2684; one-thirtyone.com

St Barts

Ok so technically this is in Clear Water Bay, but it still deserves a mention. This bright and beautiful al fresco restaurant serves a little bit of everything with a people-pleasing menu with dishes ranging from Korean cauliflower fritters and Thai chicken and mango salad, to a solid selection of pizzas and pasta. Great for families. 

St Barts, Shop 1, G/F, Retail Block of Mount Pavilia, 663 Clearwater Bay Road, New Territories, +852 2791 1189; casteloconcepts.com

See also: Neighbourhood Guide: Where To Eat, Drink And Shop In Sai Ying Pun

Padstow

Each of Padstow's three floors tell a different story; the ground floor serves as a beach club, perfect for enjoying a casual cold beer and snacks. The first floor is a dining room with a terrace, where comfort like fish and chips, grilled whole lobster, pies and pasties are served, with a focus on using sustainable and environmentally friendly ingredients. Finally, there's the rooftop terrace which offers beautiful sea views. 

Padstow, 112 Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung, New Territories, +852 2335 5515; padstow.hk

WA-Theater

Storytelling meets sophisticated Japanese cuisine at WA-Theater. Located at The Pier hotel - which, by the way, is a great option for a seaside staycation - this intimate, high-end restaurant serves a seasonal 12-course dinner featuring stellar Japanese ingredients prepared using French techniques. Each dish is thoughtfully presented with a story about the ingredients' origins.

WA-Theater, G/F, The Pier Hotel, Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung, New Territories, +852 2779 7797; thepierhotel.com.hk

See also: Neighbourhood Guide: Where To Eat, Drink And Shop In Kennedy Town

Loaf On 

It may be Sai Kung's first Michelin star restaurant, but Loaf On has remained the humble neighbourhood restaurant it's known and loved for. Located in Sai Kung old town, it serves exceptional Cantonese cuisine. Don't leave without trying their famous deep-fried tofu and crispy chicken that's served with a stunning fermented sauce. Seafood lovers must try the mantis shrimp with chilli and garlic and the steamed fish with sea salt. 

Loaf On, 49 See Cheung St., Sai Kung, New Territories, +852 2792 9966

Saigon Pho 

It might not look like much, but this cheap and cheerful local gem is arguably one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Hong Kong. Just ask Chow Yun Fat, who's known to pop by now and then for a hearty bowl of pho - the broth is simmered for 10 to 12 hours, resulting in a rich, moreish and comforting bowl. The spring rolls and garlic butter chicken wings are also to die for. 

Saigon Pho, 16 Sai Kung Mansion, 42-56 Fuk Man Rd, Sai Kung, New Territories, +852 2788 2028

Where To Drink

Momentai

With a name that translates to "no worries", you already know that this is somewhere you can kick your feet up. Striking the perfect balance between laid back and lively, this open-air bar and restaurant is located right on the waterfront so you can enjoy sea views and a cool breeze with a drink or two. 

Momentai, Kiosk 1, Sai Kung Waterfront, Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, New Territories, +852 2792 8991; momentai-la.com

Tikitiki Bowling Bar

Unapologetically kitsch and over the top - just the way a tiki bar should be. As well as a bar, Tikitiki Bowling Bar has 10 bowling lanes, a live music lounge, dining area and a large terrace.

Tikitiki Bowling Bar, 4/F Centro, 1A Chui Tong Road, Sai Kung, New Territories, +852 2657 8488; tikitiki.hk

Bacco

This Sai Kung staple dates back to1985, and has been the go-to watering hole for locals and visitors ever since. Friendly and unpretentious, it's that "just-right" bar for a casual tipple and catch up with your mates. Bacco also serves as a sports bar, regularly screening live games. 

Bacco, 21 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, New Territories, +852 2574 7477

Where to shop

Live Zero

Live Zero is a haven for bulk goods that are free from harmful packaging. They stock a large selection of organic pantry staples including a variety flours, lentils and nut butters, as well as a delightful selection of sweet treats ranging from dried fruits to chocolate-covered goodies - and eco-friendly containers to transport and store them in. You'll also find a plethora of eco-friendly self-care items, like shampoo and conditioner bars. 

Live Zero, 5 Tak Lung Back St, Sai Kung, New Territories, +852 2567 6696; livezero.hk

Le Magasin 

If you like cheese and wine - and let's be real, who doesn't? - this quaint and cosy deli is the spot. Here you'll find a beautifully curated selection of wines, quality cheeses imported from France, as well as other little indulgences like handmade soaps and saucisson. Go ahead, treat yourself. 

Le Magasin, 12 Hoi Pong Street, Sai Kung, New Territories, +852 2791 0292; lemagasin21.com

The Bottle Shop 

Tired of the same old? You're sure to find your new favourite wine, spirit or beer in The Bottle Shop's eclectic collection, which features some beautiful bottles and unique pours that you won't find elsewhere else in Hong Kong. They also have a solid selection of snacks and glassware. 

The Bottle Shop, 114 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, New Territories, +852 2791 1600; thebottleshop.hk

See also: These Alcohol Delivery Services In Hong Kong Will Bring The Bar To You 

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