Best Lunch in Hong Kong

Indian food is quite popular in Hong Kong, given the city's substantial Indian population, so purveyors of the piquant cuisine are a dime a dozen. Bombay Dreams earns high marks, though, for its exceptional cooking. A wide variety of appetizers includes several soups not ordinarily found on Indian restaurant menus, such as Murg Shorba (chicken) and Tamatar Ka Shorba (tomato based). The selection of main courses is extensive as well, with numerous fish and seafood dishes along with vegetable, chicken and lamb based favorites. The buffet lunch is quite popular with local office workers, and really very reasonably priced. MTR: Central.

In operation for decades, the Jumbo has become something of a landmark. Renovated to create a modern and stylish interior, expansions over the years include a tea garden, banquet and party facilities and a museum exhibit of bronzeware. The restaurant offers an extensive menu and is a popular dim sum spot on Sunday morning, when it opens early. For lunch and dinner, you can choose from a la carte options, or select from one of about a half dozen set menus in varying degrees of opulence. Opinions differ on the overall quality of the experience, but one thing is for certain: the Jumbo Floating Restaurant is quintessential Hong Kong.

22 Ships, a project by Michelin star chef Jason Atherton, has a hip ambiance and comfortable neighborhood attitude. It is set to bring a unique flavor and vibe to Hong Kong, complementing Ship Street's casual and easy-going nature. The buzz focuses on Atherton's modern tapas menu, created especially for 22 Ships, representing the modern face of dining - outstanding food that is reasonably priced. The team at 22 Ships also provide a friendly experience, going the extra mile to suggest choices and explain dishes. The 1,500 square foot eatery adds a fresh and convivial atmosphere to the metropolitan culinary scene, intimately seating 35. Blending into the neighborhood with a balance of vintage touches and modern charm, the venue offers inside table and communal bar seating, as well as relaxed al fresco dining and drinking.

Hutong's stunning space is a clever play of faux rustic decor against the backdrop of uber-modern Hong Kong seen from floor to ceiling windows. Much of the food, traditional northern Chinese with a modern bent, may not appeal to meat-and-potatoes types. That said, there are still a few dishes that even the most Western of palates will appreciate, such as crispy de-boned lamb ribs, wok-fried beef tenderloin with scallions and pan-fried sole. Otherwise, expect to find unusual but wonderful dishes such as shark's lips marinated with ginger and black fungi, stewed fish head, sea cucumber salad or poached frog legs with sponge cucumber. MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui.

Hong Kong is not lacking when it comes to restaurants with a view, so a venue needs to be truly exceptional in some other way to distinguish itself from the pack. Isola's floor-to-ceiling windows and huge outdoor terrace do indeed offer stunning panoramas, and its tastefully monochromatic decor is stylish and clean. But the food is stellar from appetizer to dessert. Start with baked mozzarella in walnut bread with sweet cherry tomatoes, a layering of flavors and textures that is simply brilliant. Main course dishes are just as impressive, grilled sirloin with red onion and anchovy sauce, and salt-crusted sea bass, in particular, stand out. The clientele here tends to be trendy and well-coiffed; reservations are strongly encouraged.

Helmed by Theo Randall, one of Britain's top chefs, this charmingly decorated Italian restaurant is located in the basement of the harbor-side Grand Stanford Hotel. Signature dishes include fresh pasta with slow cooked beef in Chianti and San Marzano tomatoes, and mixed green ravioli with Swiss chard, rocket, ricotta, butter and sage. An excellent wine list complements a very fine menu. Sunday brunch is a popular outing here, especially with families or groups of friends. Reservations are recommended. Celebrity chefs have been coming to Hong Kong in increasing numbers in recent years, and Mr Randall's debut in early 2018 was acclaimed with more than a little enthusiasm. MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

This Northern Italian restaurant offers some excellent views of the Hong Kong skyline. The restaurant's stylish interior is noteworthy for its Murano glass collection and organza screens. The antipasti and main dishes like the seasoned lobster are popular, as are the ravioli with spinach, cheese and mushroom sauce. The potato gnocchi with melted Castelmagno cheese is especially good, while many diners come here simply to feast on the line-caught sea bass steak, cooked in a tomato olives and capers. The wine list is quite extensive, and the desserts, especially Nicholini's signature souffle with choices of sauce, are difficult to resist. MTR: Admiralty.

This lively restaurant is located right in the middle of Central district. The decor - styled by award-winning New York designer Tony Chi - is crafty, yet sensible, with mustard and blue being the predominant colors. The artichoke appetizers are extremely popular, as are the veal dishes and the capellini al granchio. Two especially nice touches: the signature bread basket of home-baked grissini and herbed flatbread served with tomato and onion salad, olive oil and balsamico vinegar, and the home-made Italian biscotti served with freshly brewed Italian coffee. Reservations are strongly suggested. MTR: Central.

One of the Peninsuala Hotel's many culinary stars, Gaddi's has been a fixture of the Hong Kong restaurant scene for more than 50 years, during which time it has enjoyed a fine reputation for terrific service, ambiance, and food. Expect to see an older, more established crowd here, enjoying a meal accompanied by light piano music in the background. Among the restaurant's more popular dishes, the lobster bisque seems to rise above the rest, but the Scottish lamb is equally well prepared. Gaddi's comes with a smart dress code, so it's better to spruce up; reservations are highly recommended. MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

The Optimist is a Spanish restaurant and bar, spread over three levels, serving authentic cuisine in a space that is, unusually for Hong Kong, particularly relaxed and comfortable. The menu owes much to the asador, a grill where meat, seafood and vegetables are cooked rustically over hot coals or wood, following a centuries-old tradition. The staff are energetic, proactive and highly knowledgeable, and the rate at which the tables fill up, and stay filled, is testament to The Optimist's excellence. All in all, this is one of the most exciting restaurants in Wan Chai, and has very few rivals in the whole of Hong Kong.