The Best Restaurants With Sip-Worthy Cocktails to Try in Hong Kong

There's more to a meal than just good food. Location, ambience, service and even interior design can affect how much you enjoy a dining experience—and that's before any liquid accompaniments come into play. As for the libation that you choose to sip before, during or after your meal, this is (for some at least) the alcoholic icing on the cake. While some prefer wine pairings on the dinner table, others are choosing cocktails over chardonnay. With that in mind, we've pulled together some of our top places to dine and enjoy a cocktail in Hong Kong.

For those that do gush over the most inventive concoctions behind the bar, don't forget to stop by at Tatler Dining's Hong Kong Cocktail Festival (30 June–3 July 2022) and join us for some great food, fun workshops and, of course, some seriously good cocktails. Purchase your tickets here, and stay tuned for more updates by following Tatler Dining on Facebook and Instagram.

LPM

Offering classic French Mediterranean dishes for sustenance, LPM's drink menu features a more whimsical list of cocktails including some that pay tribute to the life of influential French poet and artist Jean Cocteau to enjoy at the bar or with your meal. Named after the room that Cocteau regularly stayed in at Hotel Welcome—where he hosted parties for the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Coco Chanel—Room 22 is a cocktail made for sharing and features a flowing absinthe fountain.

As one of Hong Kong's most celebrated Italian restaurants, Otto e Mezzo often tops the culinary charts but the drinks don't fall short either. The bar offers meticulously crafted cocktails including their 8½ negroni and refreshing Italian aperitifs such as the telefonino.

The Aubrey, a rather swish Japanese izakaya inspired restaurant and bar inside the Mandarin Oriental, offers a drinking experience filled to the brim with Japanese spirits including shochu; but also offers a cocktail "omakase", an extensive sake collection, champagne masterclasses and a chess-inspired cocktail menu that features the gin based Archer’s Rokh mixed with awamori, honey, citrus and lavender, among others.

VEA's cuisine combines the very best of Asian ingredients with French finesse, all of which can be paired with cocktails created by Hong Kong mixologist Antonio Lai which make use of Chinese ingredients such as salted plums, baijiu, celtuce and oolong tea. There are also mocktails or wines, including the Chinese variety, to sip on during you meal. These are carefully selected to complement the tasting menu in both flavour and aromatics.

The ever-changing menu at Roganic features both seasonal and local produce in exceptionally well-executed dishes. These can be paired with glasses of wine, including some British labels such as their own English sparkling, very well-considered non-alcoholic drinks, and cocktails that are just as seasonal as their food menu.

If you're looking to wine and dine in a gorgeous setting in Central then Louise may become your top spot—if it isn't already. Their modern take on French classics is best savoured in the main dining room or on the outdoor terrace which will likely persuade you to have a refreshing cocktail or a chilled glass of wine. One such cocktail is their Hong Kong Tea which is made with sous vide jasmine tea, tapioca, and pineapple rum.

Duddell's stylish interior and outdoor space is ideal for food with a side of drinks. Pair refined Cantonese classics with classic or decidedly "fancy" cocktails from their menu or opt for something stronger from their absinthe selection. Try the Eastern Cooler cocktail which is made with Porcelain Shanghai Dry Mandarin Gin and will add floral and citrus notes to your meal.

Berry cocktail

Vegetal mocktail

The contemporary European menu at Margo, which has a distinct German influence, matches well with their thirst-quenching selection of cocktails. Pairing options include the Berry cocktail, which is made with Aquavit and a refreshing mix of orange and cranberry, or non-alcoholic drinks such as Vegetal, a garden distillate with leeks and sage. What's more, you can also head upstairs for a classic martini at their adjoining cocktail bar Kyle & Bain if you should be so inclined.

Salisterra's food menu features flavours that take you from the south of France to Italy and is complemented by a drink programme that goes down well with the sky high views. Here, the unique cocktails are crafted with homemade pickles, infusions, and seasonal garnishes including the Salisterra Martini which injects the flavour of the Mediterranean with a homemade tomato tincture.

The Continental received a major facelift last year, resulting in a brand new look as well as food and drink offering. Expect modern European style cuisine and solid bar snacks to pair with the refreshing cocktails. An intriguing concoction to sample here is the kelp infused gin cocktail, Village by the Sea, which is mixed with vermouth, rose Earl Grey syrup, fruits and foam made of Hong Kong shrimp paste.

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