7 new bars and restaurants to check out in Wan Chai in 2024

Wan Chai’s dining scene is buzzing with fresh new cafes and restaurants worth checking out in 2024.

7 new bars and restaurants to check out in Wan Chai in 2024
Source: Pexels/Marcus Herzberg

Wan Chai’s dining scene is buzzing with fresh new cafes and restaurants worth checking out in 2024. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect corner to sip your morning coffee or a lively spot for evening cocktails, these new venues are making their presence known in the neighborhood. Why stick to the same old when you can explore these fabulous new finds? Read on for our recommendations on Wan Chai’s seven latest hotspots that are perfect for any mood or moment.

HANU

Hanu, which opened on July 8, is your newest go-to for top-notch Korean beef. Their name comes from "Hanwoo," a famous Korean beef known for its tenderness and gorgeous marbling. Specializing in 1++ Hanwoo cuts like sirloin, ribeye and chateaubriand, this spot serves quality meat on the same level as A5 wagyu. For HK$298, the Premium K-Steak Set offers a choice of two top-grade beef cuts, soup, unlimited banchan and seaweed rice. Not into beef? Go for the Korean pork belly set, crispy fried chicken, tteokbokki and more. Don't forget to pair it with one of their many Soju offerings on the menu.

Quick facts

  • Where – Shop 1 & 2, G/F, The Oakhill, 16 & 18 Wood Road, Wan Chai
  • When – Monday to Saturday, 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. and 5:30 - 10 p.m.; Closed on Sunday
  • Price – $$$
  • Phone –  +852 5599 8133
  • Menu 
  • Website

Lips Cocktail and Theatre

In the mood for a night out that combines top-notch cocktails with a bit of flair? At Lips Cocktail and Theatre, nestled within the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, you can sip on drinks like the Morning Mist, a refreshing gin-based cocktail, while watching magic tricks unfold right before your eyes. With a menu that features playful bites like Foie Gras Lollipops with Port Wine Jelly and Turkish cigars stuffed with cheese and herbs, there's no shortage of goodies here. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the mini eclair platter and lip-shaped chocolates will hit the spot. This spot isn’t just about the drinks – you'll find entertainment from live bands, DJs, stand-up comics and interactive performances under a ceiling adorned with digital art.

Quick facts

  • Where – G/F, Grand Hyatt 1, Harbour Road, Wan Chai
  • When – Tuesday to Thursday, 6 p.m. - 1 a.m.; Friday to Saturday, 6 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Closed on Sunday and Monday
  • Price – $$$ 
  • Phone – +852 6119 1632
  • Menu
  • Website

In:joi

In:joi is a new artsy café making waves with its chic pink and blue oval storefront on Queen’s Road East. Concrete steps lead you to trendy window seats where you can watch the world go by. Sip on a bold, dirty matcha or try one of their playful vodka-infused drinks while indulging in freshly baked treats. The sourdough bagels, packed with peanut butter and chocolate, are a standout, as are the nutty green tea mochi cookies. In:joi is the perfect place to recharge whether you’re just starting your day or winding down after work.

Quick facts

  • Where – G/F, Heng Shan Centre, 141-145 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai
  • When – Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Saturday to Sunday, 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  • Price – $$ - $$$ 
  • Phone – +852 9879 2527
  • Menu

Wakaran

On Ship Street in Wan Chai, Wakaran offers an eclectic blend of Japanese, Chinese and Western flavors. Start with their Truffle Sesame Doughnuts or the crispy Potato Crab Mille-Feuille, then dive into the Baby Squid Lap Cheong Fried Rice or the show-stopping Whole Roasted Dry Ma Yau (threadfin) for your main. After dinner, try the spicy ginger soup wrapped in delicate dumpling skins or the Mango Pomelo Sago Cocktail with a touch of coconut foam. Wash it all down with a unique cocktail like the sake-based Kyuri Cooler or the zesty Calamansi Hi. With its fusion of flavors and playful presentation, Wakaran is set to become a new favorite among the locals in the neighborhood.

Quick facts

  • Where – Shop B, G/F, Pinnacle Building, 9 Ship Street, Wan Chai
  • When – Monday to Sunday, noon - 3 p.m. and 6 - 11 p.m.
  • Price – $$$ 
  • Phone – +852 2866 3681
  • Menu

Sophia Loren House

Sophia Loren House has taken over the historic Woo Cheong Pawn Shop in Wan Chai, transforming it into a cinematic dream with four distinct venues. Check out Sophia Loren Pizzeria for a taste of classic Neapolitan pizza. Next door, Casa Sophia Loren offers refined Italian seafood that includes standout dishes like their Creamy Seafood Risotto and perfectly grilled calamari. Head upstairs to The Stage, where you can enjoy live performances and a vibrant 1970s vibe, or unwind at the Pellicola Rooftop. It’s the perfect spot for evening cocktails with a view of Wan Chai’s lively streets and tramways.

Quick facts

  • Where –  G/F, The Heritage Woo Cheong Pawn Shop, 60-66 Johnston Road, Wan Chai
  • When – Monday to Sunday, noon - 3 p.m. and 6 - 10:30 p.m.
  • Price – $$$ 
  • Phone – +852 3594 6199
  • Menu
  • Website

Seoul Noodles

If you’re craving a hearty Korean noodle fix, Seoul Noodles is the latest buzz in Wan Chai. This spot is making waves with its hand-cut Korean knife noodles served in rich, flavorful broths. You can dive into their comforting bowls of chicken, clam, bone broth or spicy yukgaejang noodles, starting at just HK$68 and accompanied by three tasty side dishes. If you’re after something extra nourishing, their rice soup options come with a variety of toppings like Naju beef and Busan pork. The secret to the noodles' amazing texture is the dough, which is fermented for 24 hours before being cut. And don’t miss out on their sides, from bossam (boiled pork with green onions) to delicious hand-wrapped dumplings.

Quick facts

  • Where – G/F, Sun Hey Mansion, 68 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai
  • When – Monday to Sunday, 11 a.m. - 10 a.m. 
  • Phone – +852 3691 8008
  • Price – $$ - $$$ 
  • Menu

Nadagogo

At Nadagogo, you can dive into a trio of Japanese cooking styles all under one roof. This izakaya brings together Tokyo-style yakitori with perfectly grilled chicken skewers, Hakata-style skewers featuring savory pork rolls and beef tongue and robatayaki dishes like M7 Australian wagyu steak and salt-grilled kinki fish. But that’s not all – Nadagogo also serves up traditional washoku fare, including fresh daily sashimi and flavorful noodles like chicken ramen in a salt-based supreme soup or mentaiko cream udon. Pair your meal with a selection of draft beers, refreshing shochu highballs or explore their extensive sake list for the perfect complement to your meal.

Quick facts

  • Where – G/F, 18 Ship Street, Wan Chai
  • When – Monday to Sunday, noon - 3 p.m. and 5:30 - 11 p.m.
  • Price – $$$ 
  • Phone – +852 5968 0586
  • Menu
  • Website