In 2018, the former Central Police Station, Central Magistracy, and Victoria Prison complex reinvented itself as Tai Kwun, a centre for the performing and contemporary arts and heritage storytelling, a massive undertaking led by The Hong Kong Jockey Club in partnership with the Hong Kong government.
At Foodie, our minds naturally wander to all things delicious. In addition to enjoying the art and history of Tai Kwun, the landmark offers a wealth of diverse restaurants. Here are our recommendations for the best of Tai Kwun dining.
The best restaurants at Tai Kwun
1. Café Claudel
A study in contrast with its white walls and dark wood accents, Café Claudel by Pastis Group transports 1920s Parisian chic to Hong Kong, together with a touch of bygone colonial romance. The à-la-carte menu features an assortment of both French brasserie classics and international comfort foods, ranging from the salmon mousse (HKD108) and beef tartare (HKD188) to the grilled chicken skewer (HKD108) and garlic prawns (HKD188). The al-fresco tables facing the European-esque Parade Ground square are the place to be on a sunny, low-humidity day.
Café Claudel, Shop G08, G/F, Block 01, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, 2411 1310, book here
2. Prince and the Peacock
Stunning in looks and culinary prowess, Prince and the Peacock is Black Sheep Restaurants’ grand tribute to the palace kitchens of India. The decor is regal and opulent, and the menu by Michelin-starred chef Palash Mitra of New Punjab Club has made the restaurant a dining destination. Priced reasonably considering its location and pedigree, some of the dishes we inhale again and again at Prince and the Peacock include the boti kebab (HKD248) of tandoor-glazed Wagyu short rib, lamb-based nalli gosht biryani (HKD328), and murgh makhanwala (HKD218), aka butter chicken. Posh sports bar Jack’s Racquet Room, connected to the eatery, is highly recommended for a pre- or post-meal tipple.
Prince and the Peacock, 2/F, Central Magistracy, Tai Kwun, 1 Arbuthnot Road, Central, 2154 6104, book here
3. 1862 Bar de Tapas y Vino
1862 is a relative newcomer to Hong Kong’s Spanish scene, opened in autumn of 2024, but is already making waves for its quality and affordable tapas dished out in the restaurant’s atmospheric indoor and outdoor spaces. Chef Simon Lynch’s authentic bites range from tapas staples like Ibérico ham croquettes (HKD28/pc), padrón peppers (HKD88), and patatas bravas (HKD88) to heartier plates such as grilled Galician octopus leg (HKD168) and roast suckling pig (HKD338). There’s a whole menu section devoted to tortillas too, from the classic tortilla (HKD88) version with potato and onion to the squid-ink tortilla (HKD108) with crispy squid and spicy aioli.
1862 Bar de Tapas y Vino, Shop 14–G01, G/F, D Hall, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, 2633 1862, WhatsApp 9889 1862 , book here
4. Magistracy Dining Room
Part of Black Sheep’s transformation of the Central Magistracy building at Tai Kwun, Magistracy Dining Room joins Prince and the Peacock (see above) at the site’s impressive multi-storey revival. The decor, styled after the classic dining rooms of London, is just as magnificent, however this time, the cuisine in question is British. Chef Alyn Williams takes charge of the restaurant’s varied menus, including the cracking Sunday roast (HKD688 pp) and Saturday afternoon tea (HKD788 for 2) experiences. Similar to Prince and the Peacock, an awesome bar – in this case, the lush garden-inspired Botanical Garden terrace – acts as an extension of the restaurant.
Magistracy Dining Room, G/F, Central Magistracy, Tai Kwun, 1 Arbuthnot Road, Central, 2252 3177, book here
5. LockCha
LockCha first opened in the tranquil sanctuary of Hong Kong Park. This second location at Tai Kwun is an oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of Central. More than 100 responsibly sourced traditional Chinese teas, tea cocktails, and tea beers are served alongside scrumptious vegetarian dim sum. For those who want to continue the tea-drinking experience at home, there’s LockCha’s flagship tea shop right next door to pick up a little slice of culture and tradition.
Lock Cha, Shop G07, G/F, Block 01, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, 2276 5777, book here
6. Madame Fù Grand Café Chinois
Occupying the entire top floor of the beautifully restored Barrack Block, Madame Fù, opened by Christian Rhomberg of iconic former private members’ spot KEE Club, offers an array of menu options in its striking, tropical chic dining room, from lunch and dinner to afternoon tea and night brunch. These menus reflect Hong Kong’s colonial past with a hotchpotch of creative regional Chinese dishes on show. The weekend and public holiday free-flow brunch (from HKD888 pp) is a particular favourite of diners at Madame Fù, beloved for its bottomless dim sum and Peking duck.
Madame Fù Grand Café Chinois, 3/F, Barrak Block, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, 2114 2118, WhatsApp 5765 5881, book here
7. Sushi Zo
Founded by acclaimed Japanese chef Keizo Seki in Los Angeles, the Hong Kong branch of Sushi Zo has appointed experienced chef Ryohei Sugawara to lead the kitchen. Chef Ryohei’s omakase menus (HKD1,500 for lunch; HKD2,500 for dinner) at this zen Tai Kwun sushi temple spotlight beautifully presented seasonal sushi of the highest quality, with polished service to match. The sushi is infused with local flavours and bespoke sauces and seasonings, setting Sushi Zo apart in Hong Kong.
Sushi Zo, Shop 01–LG103, LG1/F, Block 01, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, 2884 0114, book here
8. The Chinese Library
Aqua Restaurant Group’s The Chinese Library captures the city’s unique East-meets-West heritage in a jaw-dropping space decked out with jade walls and antique marble tables. The menu showcases regional Chinese dishes inspired by founder David Yeo’s wide-ranging collection of cookbooks. Chef Junno Li’s highlights include the roasted 45-day imperial Peking duck with five homemade sauces (HKD888), sweet-and-sour Ibérico pork with dragon fruit and caramelised cashew (HKD328), and Sichuan garoupa with glass noodles in chilli broth (HKD588). The spot also houses an equally gorgeous cocktail bar, aptly named The Dispensary.
The Chinese Library, 1/F, Block 01, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, 2848 3088, book here
