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CAFE DECO Map International $$

2849 5111; www.cafedecogroup.com; Levels 1 & 2, Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Rd; set lunch $88; 11am-midnight Mon-Thu, 11am-1am Fri & Sat, 9.30am-midnight Sun; Peak Tram

With its spectacular views and art deco–inspired furnishings, this restaurant need not have made too much effort with the menu. Yet the bistro dishes, sushi and sashimi plates, and oyster bar are above average. Brunch ($328) is served from 9.30am to noon on Sunday.

PEAK LOOKOUT

Map International, Asian $$

2849 1000; www.thepeaklookout.com.hk; 121 Peak Rd; lunch from $200, dinner from $300; 10.30am-11.30pm Mon-Thu, 10.30am-1am Fri, 8.30am-1am Sat, 8.30am-11.30pm Sun; Peak Tram

Whether you like its colonial air or not, you’ll admit that this 60-year-old establishment, with seating in a glassed-in veranda and on an outside terrace, has more character than all other Peak eateries combined. The food is excellent – especially the Indian and Western selections – as are the views.

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HAPPY VALLEY

In general, the restaurants and cafes in Happy Valley cater to local residents, though a few are worth making the trip out for.

AMIGO Map French, International $$$$

2577 2202; www.amigo.com.hk; Amigo Mansion, 79A Wong Nai Chung Rd; lunch from $300, dinner from $600; noon-3pm, 6pm-midnight; tram

Call us old-fashioned but this relic with a Spanish name and Gallic twists is a place full of memories. The waiters still wear black tie and white gloves, there are strolling musicians, and women are handed roses as they leave. The food is reliably good and you’ll get a free cake if you go on your birthday.

GOLDEN VALLEY

Map Cantonese, Sichuanese $$

2961 3330; 1st fl, Emperor Hotel, 1A Wang Tak St; 11am-11pm; 1 from Des Voeux Rd Central, or tram

The Cantonese-Sichuanese restaurant at this hotel owned by controversial entertainment mogul Albert Yeung whips up the best spicy Sichuanese hotpot in town (soup base $120, dishes from $30). The standard of the dim sum is also high. Canto-pop fans may even catch a glimpse of Mr Yeung’s protégés – we certainly did.

GI KEE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Map Dai Pai Dong, Cantonese $

2574 9937; Shop 4, 2nd fl, Wong Nai Chung Municipal Services Bldg, 2 Yuk Sau St; meals $50-200; 5.30pm-12.30am; 1 from Des Voeux Rd Central, or tram

Reserve a table or expect to queue for a plastic stool at this dai pai dong perched above a wet market. Chan Chung-fai, the man in the kitchen who turns out tantalising dishes such as chicken with fried garlic and shark’s fin soup, is an award-winning Cordon Bleu chef with a huge fan following that includes the likes of Zhang Ziyi and Jacky Chan.

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ISLAND EAST

North Point is home to a sizeable Fujian population and there are a few eateries specialising in dishes from this province. Quarry Bay has the largest collection of restaurants in the entire district, especially in and around Tong Chong St, but these places offer nothing special. Tai Hang, a quiet residential neighbourhood hidden behind Causeway Bay, is home to a handful of interesting eateries.

FUNG SHING RESTAURANT

Map Cantonese, Shunde $$

2578 4898; 62-28 Java Rd, North Point; 9am-3pm, 6-11pm; MTR North Point (exit A2)

Dear old Fung Shing may try to hide its wrinkles, but the green-eyed, gilt phoenix reveals its age. It’s a traditional Cantonese restaurant that specialises in the cuisine of the Shunde district, which was formerly known as ‘Fung Shing’ (Phoenix City). Naturally the must-tries here are Shunde classics, such as fried prawn on toast ($100 for 10 pieces), stir-fried milk ($80) and minced quail meat wrapped in lettuce ($98). There’s another branch in Mong Kok ( Map; 2381 5261; 1st-2nd fl, 749 Nathan Rd; MTR Prince Edward, exit C2).

JUNE JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Map Japanese $$

2234 6691; 56 Electric Rd, Tin Hau; noon-2.30pm Mon-Sun, 6-11pm Tue-Fri, 6-10pm Sat-Mon; MTR Tin Hau (exit A2)

This restaurant may not have an enormous repertoire, but the sushi and sashimi are very