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Header image courtesy of @theshadyacres (via Instagram)
Originally published by Annette Chan. Last updated by Celia Lee.
Despite being relatively short, Peel Street is one of the most recognisable parts of Soho, comprising many of the neighbourhood’s livelier nightlife and dining options. Once a quiet street home to metalworking shops, a local poetry collective, and tucked-away antique stores, Peel Street (or simply “Peel” to regulars) has become increasingly known for its alfresco drinking scene in recent years.
The lack of vehicular traffic has allowed petite pubs, wine bars, and bottle shops to cater to outsize crowds, creating a (slightly) more grown-up version of the street drinking that used to dominate Lockhart Road, with craft beers replacing jello shots and bottled Jack and Cokes.
Nowadays, good food and drink can be found throughout Peel Street, particularly in the mid-section bound by Gage Street and Caine Road—from authentic Italian aperitivo to hidden shabu-shabu restaurants and unpretentious craft beer watering holes, here are the best places to eat and drink on Peel Street in Hong Kong.
This second venture by the Francis team is a new addition to the most populous stretch of Peel, taking the spot formerly occupied by Awa Awa. This Peel Street location showcases the varied dishes of Maghrebi cuisine, featuring staples such as sourdough frena with hummus, red zhug, and matbucha; baby cuttlefish; and the restaurant’s signature sweet and savoury dessert, knafeh, made with mozzarella, vanilla, and pistachio.
As for drinks, a selection of spiced cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks are on offer, such as the Rickey, a refreshing infusion of hibiscus gin, elderflower liqueur, and lime, while the Pink Dragon Fruit, with orange, and mint is as photogenic as it is appetising.
Francis West, 42–44 Peel Street, Central
One of the newer establishments on this list, Honey Hot is a cocktail bar that does away with pretence and stuffiness—just take a look at the peanut shells strewn across the floor, or the skateboard decks that are there for no apparent reason. Despite its no-frills atmosphere, co-founder and F&B veteran Suman Gurung has crafted a menu of top-notch cocktails, from their excellent espresso martini to the deceptively strong Forest & Meadow, which features a lethal combination of rum, Blue Curaçao, and Fernet-Branca, fragranced with citrus and rosemary.
Honey Hot, 57 Peel Street, Soho, Central
This casual restaurant and bar on the corner of Peel and Staunton has not been around for long, but it’s already won fans with its funky, playful vibe—where else can you find a stained glass portrait of DJ Patrick Topping?—and modern Thai fare. Come by during your lunch break to try their set meals, or after work for a catch-up with friends over grilled pineapple and spicy cocktails—we like the Tom Yum, a vodka- and tequila-based concoction spiked with lemongrass, chilli, galangal, and plenty of citrus.
Vegetarians, vegans, and flexitarians alike will be pleased to find that there is a dedicated vegan menu featuring meat-free versions of dishes like the Thai larb lettuce wrap and chicken skewers. Live DJing sets the mood on Friday and Saturday evenings, when revellers spill out from the semi-open space at the front and onto the street.
House on Peel, 63 Peel Street, Soho, Central | (+852) 3489 2348
Soho regulars will need no introduction to Shady, which has established itself as a Peel Street institution in just two short years. Billed as a “natural wine bar,” The Shady Acres is a neighbourhood hangout and bartender’s bar all in one, with a palpably passionate team that clearly knows their stuff (just read their long, exhaustive Instagram captions if you don’t know what we mean).
There’s always something new to check out, whether that’s a new flavour of slushie, a coveted Beaujoulais from a rising winemaker, or a brand-new food menu. And that’s before we even get to their killer happy hours. Yes, happy hours—evenings at Shady are bookended by two happy hour sessions, allowing everyone from office workers to F&B industry folks to enjoy discounted beers and cocktails. Need we say more?
Shady Acres, 46 Peel Street, Soho, Central | (+852) 9176 7500
Craft beer enthusiasts will likely know this friendly neighbourhood bar and bottle shop, whose glowing neon light can be seen from all the way down the hill at the junction of Peel and Hollywood. Despite being barely larger than a postage stamp, the beer selection here is wide and globe-trotting, with six options on draught and a good deal more in the well-stocked fridges.
As a bar that prides itself on having affordable prices all the time, 99 Bottles doesn’t “do” happy hour, you can ask about their Saturday night free-flow deal if that’s something that appeals to you, though. Not much of a beer drinker? Ask about their craft cocktails—we’re big fans of the guava gin and tonic.
99 Bottles, 59A Peel Street, Soho, Central
Despite being marketed by Black Sheep Restaurants as a “Canadian dive bar,” The Last Resort is much more polished than its branding suggests, with crispy fried chicken made according to former Ho Lee Fook chef Jowett Yu’s recipe and a well-thought-out drinks menu.
From the street, it appears to simply be a gleaming white kitchen with a handful of counter seats, but take a right and you’ll find the bar proper, a cosy nook with portraits of Canadian celebrities and hockey sticks lining the wall. Try the whiskey apple for something refreshing and a little tart, or ask for the whimsical shotski if you can find two friends to join you.
The Last Resort, 52B Peel Street, Soho, Central | (+852) 2442 2440
With its black wood-panelled entrance and diminutive sign, it’s easy to miss Sukiyaki Mori Kyuu. Nestled between a live music bar and a rowdy izakaya, this elegant sukiyaki and shabu-shabu restaurant is somewhat incongruous with its surroundings. Accordingly, the prices are steeper than other Peel Street establishments. Pop in at lunchtime to try the mini sukiyaki and mini shabu-shabu sets for a taste of their refined hotpot-style dishes.
Sukiyaki Mori Kyuu, 51 Peel Street, Soho, Central | (+852) 2322 0800
With its scruffy DIY aesthetic and independent ownership, Le Moment tends to get overlooked in favour of its flashier neighbours. However, the steak at Le Moment is as good as any Parisian bistro—especially if you get it cooked “juicy juicy,” as its idiosyncratic owner Bob would suggest.
Bob’s warm and energetic manner is as integral to the Le Moment experience as its signature three-course dinner set menu or fine selection of wines, and he’s just as likely to dig out bottle after bottle to match your exact requirements as he is to start serenading you with his electric guitar.
Le Moment, 55 Peel Street, Central | (+852) 6238 9222
For a proper taste of Milan in Hong Kong, nobody does it better than Bella Lee. This friendly Italian bar on the lower slopes of Peel Street is best known for its delicious Aperol Spritz—so much so that its motto is “Love. Life. Spritz.”—and aperitivo buffet. This Italian pastime combines the convivial drinks and post-work chit-chat of happy hour with nibbles like olives, ham, and cheese, which are designed to whet your appetite for dinner. To get the most bang for your buck, come by on Thursdays to get a supersized Spritz of your choice at no extra cost.
Bella Lee, 37 Peel Street, Soho, Central | (+852) 6708 7068
Inspired by São Paolo’s Japanese neighbourhood, Liberdade, Uma Nota serves Nipo-Brasileiro cuisine, a unique fusion of Japanese and Latin American flavours. Expect coxinhas de frango, a conical finger food eaten everywhere in Brazil, skewers dusted with togarashi made from Brazilian peppers, and Japanese-style ceviche from the à la carte menu, as well as occasional limited menus.
As a Brazilian establishment, there is an abundance of cachaça on the drinks menu, from the classic caipirinha to the Piña Colada-inspired Rosutō made with pepper-infused cachaça, dark rum, roasted coconut milk, pineapple, and ginger syrup—all of which is best enjoyed from their front patio on a temperate day.
Uma Nota, 38 Peel Street, Soho, Central | (+852) 2889 7576
In case its name didn’t give it away, this popular restaurant from Pirata Group specialises in handmade pizzas. The concise menu of antipasti and nine pizzas is great for groups, with vegetarian and pescatarian options that will suit a variety of diners. For classic flavours, you can’t go wrong with the margherita, but we’re also big fans of the salsiccia e funghi, which comes topped with spicy sausage, portobello mushrooms, and tomino and fior di latte cheese.
The Pizza Project, 26 Peel Street, Soho, Central | (+852) 2311 1815
Recently opened, Uncle Miguel is a lively Mexican restaurant and bar adding to the varied range of cuisines on Peel. Showcasing authentic flavours from the region, diners can expect quesadillas, fajitas, enchiladas rojas, ceviche, and an irresistible taco platter on the menu. For drinks, tequila- and mezcal-based concoctions are featured alongside a vibrant selection of non-alcoholic blends, such as the refreshing Agua de Piña.
Uncle Miguel, G/F, 49 Peel Street, Central
A relatively new addition to the colourful selection on Peel, Vitis is the place to be for wine lovers. This hidden wine bar features a rotating selection of high-quality bottles from around the world, complete with small bites and snacks to pair with your glasses, including Japanese smoked chicken ham and quail legs.
Vitis: For Wine Lovers, G/F, 35 Peel Street, Central
The red neon logo of this steakhouse is hard to miss when you’re strolling along Peel. Paying homage to the iconic entrecôte steakhouses of Paris, La Vache! serves up quality steak frites with a side of organic salad. While the choices for mains are limited, variety can be found in the desserts on offer, from lemon meringue pie and black forest cake to a classy crème brûlée. As for drinks, choose from a stylish list filled with everything from cocktails and mocktails to reds and whites, by the glass or by bottle.
La Vache!, G/F, 48 Peel Street, Central
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