Central

This izakaya-style dining bar comes from the owners of wildly successful Japanese chicken-centric restaurant Yardbird, Matt Abergel and Lindsay Jang. Specialized in fish (tiger fish, market fish karaage, sardines), seafood (shigoku oysters uni panko, flower crab, unagi chirashi), and Japanese spirits, Ronin has a more intimate, sophisticated attitude than your average izakaya. The daily changing menu responds to what’s freshest and best at the market; if you’re not in a seafood mood, the Kogoshima Beef, udon, and quail are all incredible alternatives.

Established in 1942, this dim sum institution is on the touristy side, but it’s an experience you’d be remiss to skip. Go for the roast goose—it’s world-famous for a reason. Other signature dishes include sauteed frog's leg with bamboo shoots, steamed live fish in soya sauce, and charcoal-grilled barbecue meats prepared with longstanding family recipes: all in all, an elevated adventure in classic Cantonese cuisine.

With two Michelin stars, Duddell’s—helmed by Executive Chef Siu Hin-Chi—is an arts-devoted restaurant stylishly merging Hong Kong’s joint British and Chinese heritage to great success, serving contemporary spins on traditional Cantonese cuisine—especially dim sum—in a cool setting reminiscent of a country estate. On any given day they also host lectures, talks, screenings, and guest curated exhibitions of international modern and contemporary art, including some local to Hong Kong, and some on loan from private collectors—while the food is exceptional, the art in and of itself makes it a must. As an added bonus, their garden terrace is a welcome escape from the city streets.

Shopping at minimally, yet thoughtfully, stocked EDIT is kind of like having an in-the-know fashion editor as a best friend. The team here hand-picks their favorite items—everything from familiar prints and classic A-line silhouettes from New York-based designer Tibi to colorful athletic-inspired separates from London label (and goop fave) Mother of Pearl—and presents it via simple, easy to shop displays. Look for special collaborations, including denim culottes from HK cult store WOAW.

If there’s one thing we—and the rest of the world—can’t get enough of, it’s tailored shirting. And in a city known for its renowned tailors, no one was up to the task of creating a store devoted entirely to the perfect button down more than up-and-coming entrepreneur Dee Poon. Located in Pacific Place mall in Hong Kong, this minimalist, wood-accented space features a dozen ready-made, predominantly white shirts in everything from classic poplin to twill. (See also: some great striped and checked options.) For those who are still craving a wholly bespoke shirt experience, Poon’s tailors can deliver one to you in ten days. There is also a location in Admiralty.

When you've maxed out on dim sum and just want a simple café where you can tuck into the paper, and maybe a bagel and lox or some avocado toast, Classified is a nice choice. So welcome, in fact, that there are something like nine outposts scattered across the region. They do a reliably great English and Irish breakfast and the coffee is better than what you'll find in most joints. Other locations include Stanley, Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Repulse Bay, Sheung Wan, and Happy Valley.

The KEE Club is another worthwhile members-only club to visit. Try to go with a friend who is a member, or twist a concierge’s arm. The space is set up like an elegant old house with a lounge, game room, library, dining room, and salon.

This is the kind of teeny club you end up stumbling into late at night and end up having a great time. The vibe is great and the list of cocktails long and fun, and the dance floor is always packed.

The sprawling and always bustling Sevva takes up the entire top floor of the Landmark Prince building (which is, incidentally, a great spot for shopping—the three-floor flagship Chanel China store is there). The terrace wraps around the entire building, so you get a pretty epic view of the Hong Kong skyline in every direction. The signature cocktails are great on their own, but if dinner is wrapped, supplement with a slice of one of Ms. B's famous cakes.

Kids go absolutely nuts in this place. And even if you're traveling sans kids, check out this toy stores for a little memento to bring back. The Toys Club is the local mega-store in Hong Kong—absolutely everything a child would ever wish for. It also has a huge book department.