Lamma Island guide – where to eat and drink
Lamma Island is known for its beaches and villages, but it’s also a haven for foodies who want to explore outside the city.
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Just a short ferry ride from Hong Kong Island, Lamma Island offers a peaceful waterfront escape from the city's hustle and bustle, with plenty of draws for everyone – from nature lovers to photographers and history buffs wanting to learn more about this island's local culture. But, while Lamma Island is well-known for its beaches and fishing villages, it’s also a haven for foodies exploring outside the city. From fresh seafood to international cuisine, we've handpicked the best restaurants, bars and cafes on the island. So, whether you're just coming ashore from a swim, on a lunch break during a cultural tour or recharging post-hike, these eateries have something to fit the bill.
Bookworm Cafe
Don’t be deceived by its name – this isn't just a cafe for book lovers. Bookworm Cafe, with its walls of bookshelves and warm wood accents, is known to be cozy and warm inside. But it's also a favorite among locals looking for comfort food with a focus on locally grown and organic fruits and veggies. Start with a refreshing option from their range of fresh juices, shakes and coffee. They serve a selection of Western dishes like Thick Cut Fries with Truffle Mayo, Smoked Salmon Spaghetti in Alioli and fresh Shrimp Pasta with Bisque Sauce. But they're veggie and vegan-friendly, too, with veggie pizza, pastas and salads on the menu. Weekend brunch is a big hit among locals, so make sure to plan ahead.
Quick facts
- Where – 79 Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island
- When – Thursday to Tuesday (except Saturday), 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturday, noon - 7 p.m.; Closed on Wednesday
- Price – $$
- Phone – +852 2982 4838
- Menu
Sampan Seafood Restaurant
Your journey on Lamma Island won’t be complete without seafood. This area is known for its fishing culture, and Sampan Seafood Restaurant serves up fresh local catches right on the waterfront. With its iconic red-and-white checkered tablecloths, it's easy to spot on Yung Shue Wan's main street. Drop in (even super early—it opens at 6 a.m.!) for everything from scallops and clams to shrimp to freshly steamed Cantonese dim sum served up in traditional bamboo baskets.
Quick facts
- Where – 16 Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island
- When – Monday to Sunday, 6 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
- Price – $$$
- Phone – +852 2982 2388
- Menu
Dale Candela
Also on the main street in Yung Shue Wan, Dale Candela is a restaurant and bar known for its authentic Spanish cuisine and expansive selection of drinks. The chef recommends fave dishes like the Burrata Salad, Croquetter, Grilled Clams or Beef Cheeks. To wash it down, they have an extensive drinks list that includes Spanish beers, like Estrella Galicia and a Spanish dry cider, as well as Spanish wines, a long list of spirits, fresh juices and hot coffees and teas. Stop in on weekdays from noon - 2 p.m. for their daily three-course set lunch. And swing by on weekends for live music to go with your tapas.
Quick facts
- Where – 23 Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island
- When – Monday to Sunday, noon - midnight
- Price – $$
- Menu
- Website
The Beer Shack
The Beer Shack is a testament to the story of Yardley Brothers, the popular and award-winning craft brewery from Hong Kong. What started as a humble shack serving hand-bottled craft beer and a couple of draft options has now grown into Lamma Island's best craft beer taproom. With nine taps at their disposal, The Beer Shack showcases a selection of core and limited-release Yardley Brothers craft brews as well as guest features from local and international breweries. They also serve an American-style menu all day (don't miss out on their smash burgers and mac & cheese), with brunch specials on the weekends.
Quick facts
- Where – 10 Sha Po New Village, Lamma Island Family Walk, Lamma Island
- When – Monday to Tuesday, 4 - 11 p.m.; Wednesday to Friday, noon - 11 p.m.; Saturday to Sunday, 10:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
- Price – $$$
- Phone – +852 6896 7856
- Menu
- Website
Lamma Rainbow
Formerly known as Rainbow Seafood Restaurant, Cantonese restaurant Lamma Rainbow has been a legendary family-run seafood joint since 1984. They also run the Lamma Rainbow Guest Special Boat, which operates regularly between Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Aberdeen and Sok Kwu Wan. Once you settle in, choose standouts on their menu, like the Rainbow Fish or Fried Lobster with Butter Sauce, or handpick live seafood from the fish tank yourself.
Quick facts
- Where – 23-27 Sok Kwu Wan First Street, Lamma Island
- When – Monday to Sunday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
- Price – $$$
- Phone – +852 2982 8100
- Menu
- Website
The Bay
The Bay is a Mediterranean restaurant on the coast of Mo Tat Wan Beach, and it's a hidden gem – literally. The only way to get there is by a ferry from Aberdeen’s Fish Market, sampan or a 20-minute hike to their private beach. But the Bay is not just about food; it’s also about the vibes. A lot of diners come early in the evening when the sun casts a golden glow on the beach, and the weather is at its finest for sunset dining. But, if you come during the day, stroll over after your lunch to nearby Tung O, the village where Chow Yun-Fat comes from. Standouts include the Fish & Chips, Seafood Risotto and the Sea Bream, poached in saffron with Herbes de Provence.
Quick facts
- Where – 7 Beach Front, Mo Tat Wan, Lamma Island
- When – Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Closed on Monday.
- Price – $$$
- Phone – +852 2982 8186
- Menu
- Website
Spicy Island
It may seem unlikely to find an authentic Indian Restaurant on Lamma Island, but Spicy Island is located conveniently around the corner just after arriving from the Yung Shue Wan Ferry. They serve genuine Indian favorites like samosas, tikka masalas, vindaloos, kormas and more. One dish that stands out is the tenderized Lamb Shank Curry, prepared with spices and white wine. Another must-try is their classic Biryani, featuring fluffy rice infused with aromatic spices and curry with your protein of choice – chicken, mutton, prawn or chicken tikka. On weekdays from noon - 3 p.m., you can snag their Thali Set Lunches for only HK$89.
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