Best art-inspired restaurants you need to visit in Hong Kong

If classy is the name of the game, then a trip to Junon is in order. As Hong Kong’s very first revolving restaurant, Junon opened back in 1966 in the heart of bustling Mong Kok. The restaurant eventually closed down in the 1980s, and it was not until early 2018 that it reopened in Wan Chai, in collaboration with Cantopop singer Hins Cheung.

Located in Wu Chung House, the restaurant façade alone screams “classic European,” and of course, the inside is just as grand. From its stained glass ceiling and giant chandelier to delicate pieces of antique and vintage-style photography, the restaurant is fabulously over the top, to say the least—and we love it. There is even a small theatre stage in the restaurant where diners can expect a series of piano and singing performances throughout the night. Great food, amazing artwork, and live music—it’s the perfect equation for a fantastic night out!

Junon, 2/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai | (+852) 2808 0882

There are many quirky themed restaurants in Hong Kong, but how does a tattoo-centric one sound? Setting out to break the stereotype that “tatted guys are bad guys,” Holy Eats has all the edginess of a tattoo parlour but none of the ink and needles (thankfully). Everything in the eatery—from the walls to the placemats—is covered in tattoo-style illustrations and paintings, giving it a counterculture kick that makes the place all the more alluring. Of course, the menu is just as, if not more, attractive. Offering a diverse menu of international foods, sprinkled with an urban mix of music and arts, Holy Eats is a must-go.

Holy Eats, 23 Elgin Street, Central | (+852) 2890 2892

Created by Japan’s national ramen noodle champion, Hayashi Takao, and iconic ramen chef, Matsumura Takahiro, Ramen Cubism is the culinary duo’s first international store outside of Japan. As well as serving delicious ramen and flavourful soup bases made famous by Hayashi’s unique handcraft, diners can also view the restaurant’s stunning graffiti mural, painted by renowned Russian artist Sergei Rozhnow. Inspired by the parallels between Pablo Picasso’s vibrant creativity and the simplicity of Japan’s minimalist culture, the artwork merges historic ramen masters, as well as the two creators, with Japanese anime characters. In contrast to the authentic and sleek Japanese interior, the restaurant’s shopfront mural is a standout amongst other wall art in the area.

Ramen Cubism, B/F, Yuen Yick Building, 27–29 Wellington Street, Central | (+852) 2399 0811

Hidden behind an antique shopfront on Hollywood Road lies Maggie Choo’s, a colonial-style, intimate cabaret bar inspired by the fictional story of Shanghainese magnate Maggie Choo. The Hong Kong branch of this Bangkok bar has its own legend, one where Choo inherited her parents’ antique shop after they passed away in a tragic accident. Amongst the shop’s curiosities, Choo discovered a door that led into an abandoned branch of the East India Company bank. Daring and business-minded, Choo decided to turn it into a cabaret and bar. Thus began the vibrant “history” of Choo’s speakeasy as the establishment quickly rose to fame in the post-World War II era.

Designed by the award-winning Ashley Sutton, Maggie Choo’s welcomes patrons into a nineteenth-century oriental interior. It’s decorated with ornate plaster moulding, pendant ceiling lamps, hand-crafted wooden tables, and an antique-style bank vault door. Drinks are ordered from the bank teller counter-turned-cocktail bar, and enjoyed lounging back on one of the green velvet chesterfields.

Maggie Choo’s, Shop 1, G/F, Chinachem Hollywood Centre, 1–13 Hollywood Road, Central

Inside The Luxe Manor is Dada Bar and Lounge, a cosy establishment offering delicious drinks, food, and exceptional live music. Inspired by Dadaism, an early-twentieth century art movement known for its satirical and nonsensical portrayals of human and nature, patrons are invited into a vibrant yet bizarre space. Seemingly mismatched, over-the-top furniture occupies the lounge, which is decorated with opulent drapes and flashy chandeliers. A number of themed private rooms are also available for hire. Dada offers light bites and cocktails inspired by famous works of art.

Dada Bar and Lounge, 2/F, The Luxe Manor, 39 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | (+852) 3763 8778

Imagine dimmed lights, a blood-red interior accented with touches of gold, and an affinity for creativity and art, and you get The Mansion. Located in the heart of Central, The Mansion is a retro-style cabaret bar that weaves together entertainment, artistic appreciation, and gastronomy. Golden art frames line the walls of the bar, where rotating collaborations with artists are on display. Patrons can enjoy live performances every Thursday and Saturday nights as they enjoy The Mansion’s speciality cocktails and pintxos-inspired menu.

The Mansion, G/F, 77 Wyndham Street, Central | (+852) 5464 0002

Foxglove captures the tale of Frank Minza, a fictional English aristocrat, and his love for Mrs Pound, a Eurasian adventurer-performer. Driven by her love of food, Pound left her flourishing burlesque dancing career to travel the world with a companion. She crossed paths with Minza while attending a party in Shanghai and the two began a brief yet passionate affair. While she never fell for Minza, Mrs Pound left such an impression on the man that he later opened Foxglove, a jazz lounge named after his amour’s favourite flower.

Sporting a sleek interior, Foxglove offers a comfortable venue for audiences to gather and mingle before an ornate stage at the front of the establishment. Since opening its doors in 2015, Foxglove has become one of the most popular spots for jazz lovers and cocktail enthusiasts in town. Patrons can enjoy regular live music performances in the intimate lounge whilst enjoying themed and seasonal drinks and dishes.

Foxglove, 2/F, Printing House, 6 Duddell Street, Central | (+852) 2116 8949