Take shelter in such open-air spaces for a break from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong, from rooftop terraces to cozy patios.
The need to drink and dine out in the heat is the perfect distraction now that the weather is getting colder. Diners can be whisked away to Beirut’s quaint alleys or catch themselves in casual conversation with a wineglass in hand as if they were in the midst of Florence, thanks to the creative concepts honed by Black Sheep Restaurants.
Black Sheep Restaurants, a Hong Kong-based hospitality team formed in 2012 by Syed Asim Hussain and Christopher Mark, creates dining experiences that are unique, thought-provoking and story-driven. They have generations of combined experience as well as a passion for tourism and exploring new culinary subcultures. What better way to enjoy the outdoors than these perfect spots for dining al fresco in Hong Kong?
La Buvette at Maison Libanaise offers an escape above the city
To experience a modern rooftop, visit their all-day Lebanese canteen. Maison Libanaise in SoHo is perfect for relaxed chats and happening social affairs. La Buvette is a vibrant rooftop terrace that pays tribute to 1960s Beirut’s (known as the “Paris of the Middle East”) traditional rooftop bars. Visitors will be immersed in Lebanese heritage and flavors from acclaimed chef Jad Youssef, including Hummus Bil Tahini (HK$68) and Shish Taouk (HK$168), a list of classic char grilled meats, while sipping on a few of the city’s best Lebanese wines.
Address: 10 Shelley St, SoHo
Happy hour at Chom Chôm
Chôm Chôm invites visitors to drive over, pop open a cold drink and indulge into a Vietnamese meal delivering bia hoi vibes to Peel Street. Drop by everyday from 5-7 p.m. for Hanoi Happy Hour and drink on ice-cold Vietnamese beers (HK$38) or glasses of house wine (HK$48). Just have a hankering for something to eat? Tubs of VFC Wings, the restaurant’s signature dish, are just HK$88. Lemongrass & Kaffir Chicken Skewers will take your palate on a voyage and traditional preparations like the Shaking Beef or Caramel Black Cod are sure to satisfy.
Address: 58 Peel St
At Artemis & Apollo’s kipos, you’ll feel like you’re in Athens
Artemis & Apollo, also described as Wan Chai’s Moon Street’s Greek taverna for the citizens, provides a glimpse of laid-back Mediterranean culture. Visitors will lounge in the Athenian patio, recognized as Kipos, when eating housemade mezze such as Tzatziki Theodoros (HK$48), Hummus (HK$58), and Roasted Eggplant (HK$58) dips as well as summer salads and spit-roasted meats. This is a spot where family and friends can enjoy unrivaled Greek warmth and get a taste of Greece while staying in the core of Hong Kong.
Address: 9 & 11 Moon Street, Wan Chai
Stazione Novella offers a spritz
Hop into a bustling streetside classic Florence wine bar in SoHo, where Aperitivo and positive energy are a regular occurrence. This wine bar embraces the nostalgia of Italian boltholes near Florence train stations of yore. Take in Stazione Novella’s welcoming and vibrant Italian environment while munching on bites of antipasti, ranging from imported cheeses to olives and panini snacks, from 5-7 p.m. along with the purchase of any beverage.
Address: 52-56 Staunton Street, SoHo
Rajasthan Rifles celebrates the better parts of history
Rajasthan Rifles calls back the time of the British-Indiam Army during the 1920s, where mess halls were community hubs. Soldiers and civilians alike break bread together at an elegant table on the expansive veranda, enjoying the vista of Hong Kong’s magnificent skyline. Visitors may order a variety of Anglo-Indian foods, such as Samosa Chutney (HK$78), Shashlik Paneer (HK$228), and the signature Rajasthan Rifles Club Sandwich (HK$198) served with refreshing beverages.
Address: G/F, The Peak Galleria
Le Garçon Saigon is a great place to celebrate
Loosen up on the balcony at Le Garçon Saigon and avoid the summer sun with soothing cocktails. Head chef Theign has a solid understanding of traditional Saigonese ingredients and explores their potential with new techniques and flavor profiles. Customers can enjoy the medley of Vietnamese meals on the colorful terrace that spreads out onto Wing Fung Street as the temperature warms. Wind down with a specialty Saigonese beer or a bottle of French wine while wolfing down elegantly rolled DIY rice paper rolls with Okinawa Pork Collar (HK$248) and signature dishes from Le Wok, such as the Snow Crab Fried Rice (HK$188).
Address: 12-18 Wing Fung Street, Wan Chai
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