Restaurants and Bars That Are Worth the Queue in Hong Kong

Let’s face it: no one loves waiting in line. But when the food is next level, the drinks hit just right, or the vibes are unmatched, even the most impatient of us get it.
Explore our picks of restaurants, bars, dessert shops, and drink stops that are worth queuing up for- whether you're a local or tourist, once you’ve had a taste, it'll be hard to resist coming back for more! So, if you see a line at these places, don’t walk away. Join it!
Gokan

Founded by renowned Japanese mixologist, Shingo Gokan, Gokan is his first Hong Kong venture which opened in July 2024. The name “Gokan” directly translates to “five senses” in Japanese – sight, taste, smell, touch, and hearing - a concept that the bar is deeply inspired by and is reflected on its menu and ambiance.
Gokan’s cocktail menu boasts 24 drinks with 19 cocktails and 5 non-alcoholic beverages and over 20 food items – all centered around the five senses. Some of our favorites include their Watermelon Koffeezz, Tomatoberry Tree, and Grilled Corn Colada cocktails, along with small bites like the Mango Coconut Yogurt Kakigori (Japanese shaved ice) and Premium Hamkatsu.
Hot tip: Make a reservation beforehand so you don't have to queue (be quick, as reservations also get booked out fast!).
Location: Gokan, 30 Ice House St, Central
Sofi PASTA Co.

If you’re based around Sheung Wan, you should have heard about the newly opened Sofi PASTA Co. that has taken over Bonham Strand. The two-story pasta store features a European vintage-inspired interior with warm wooden accents.
Their menu offers a variety of pasta, desserts, and specialty drinks. Highlights include their Classic Carbonara Casareccia, Spicy Prawns Bucatin, Pistachio Basque Cheesecake, and French Toast with lemon sorbet.
Hot tip: Go during dinner hours to beat the office lunch crowd!
Location: Sofi PASTA Co., Shop A, G/F, 6 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan
C Dessert


If you love Hong Kong-style desserts, C Dessert is one of the places to go. Formerly known as “Cong Sao Dessert,” the venue was rebranded to C Dessert post-pandemic.
The dessert venue is known for blending traditional Cantonese desserts with modern twists with signature dishes including the Logan Sorbet with Nata de Coco, iconic Sweet Mango Soup, and Steamed Egg White custard.
Hot tip: Go with a bunch of friends so you can have a taste of everything- you'll find C Dessert's menu irresistible!
Location: C Dessert, Shop 1D, G/F, Newman House, 35-45 Johnston Rd, Wan Chai
Samsen

Legendary for its Wagyu Beef Noodle Soup and Wok Fried Rice of Crabmeat, Samsen still stands out as one of the city's must-visit Thai places for an authentic experience. Opened in 2016 in Wan Chai, Samsen has since expanded to Sheung Wan and Central.
Each branch offers dishes that are exclusive to its location; in Sheung Wan, they serve charcoal grilled skewers and Thai-style “Khao Soi” curries, and in Central, there are sharing dishes like stir fried flower clams, baby oyster crispy omelets, and baked tiger prawn glass noodles.
Hot tip: Go a little early before opening as Samsen's queue starts before they even open! Samsen Sheung Wan accepts reservations for 6 pax or above, while Wan Chai and Sheung Wan are walk-in only.
Location: Samsen, multiple locations across Hong Kong Island.
Sing Heung Yuen

Tucked away in an unassuming alleyway in Central, Sing Heung Yuen is an iconic dai pai dong (Hong Kong-style open-air food stall) that has been operating since 1957.
Sing Heung Yuen is known for its rich, classic Hong Kong breakfast-style tomato soup noodle. The dish is completely customizable from the type of noodles you order to your toppings! Another crowd favorite is their crispy bun, which are toasted to crispy perfection and topped with various spreads such as condensed milk, peanut butter, or their special lemon honey.
Hot tip: They don't open for dinner so make sure you show up before they close at around 3:30PM!
Location: Sing Heung Yuen, 2 Mee Lun Street, Central
Bakehouse

You can’t miss Bakehouse’s impressive array of Hong Kong and European-inspired pastries whether you live here or are stopping by the city. Founded by Gregoire Michaud, Bakehouse’s first shop opened in Wan Chai in 2018 and fast forward to 2025, they now have seven branches operating all around Hong Kong.
Bakehouse’s iconic flagship product is their viral Sourdough Egg Tart, with over 21 million of them being sold over the past years. They offer other pastries as well, such as scones, croissants, pretzels, and many more.
Hot tip: Go during their off-peak hours to avoid long lines! All of Bakehouse's branches open at 8AM.
Location: Bakehouse, multiple locations across Hong Kong.
ARTIFACT

Hidden away in Basehall 02 in Jardine House, ARTIFACT is an intimate speakeasy-style bar with subterranean, sci-fi-inspired vibes, and a boldly flavored menu. Opened in March 2023, ARTIFACT is the brainchild of renowned hospitality figures Beckaly Franks and Ezra Star.
The bar’s interior is designed by interior architect Nelson Chow, drawing inspiration from the architecture of underground water cisterns, creating a unique space allowing one to get lost in the space. Their menu focuses on one aged spirit at a time, creating cocktails based on the chosen spirit, which at the moment is Pierre Ferrand 10 Generations Cognac.
Hot tip: As ARTIFACT is an intimate bar, it would be more accessible if you come in a smaller group! For bigger groups, it's recommended to show up right when the bar opens.
Location: ARTIFACT, LG/F, Jardine House, No, 1 & 2, Shop 5 & 7, 1 Connaught Pl, Central
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