There aren’t a lot of things that will take your breath away, but seeing our fair city from the 101st floor of the ICC building is one way to get that feeling. Le 39V is truly a dining experience to be had – the soft music playing in the background, the incredible view, the lighting, and of course the fabulous French fare – all this makes a dining experience to rival the best.

Le 39V Hong Kong, Shop A 101/F ICC 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 2977 5266, www.jcgroup.hk/le-39v-hong-kong

Located in the heart of SoHo, BELON’s chef Daniel Calvert comes armed with impressive credentials from the world’s most revered kitchens (including New York’s Per Se, Paris’ Epicure at Le Bristol and London’s Pied à Terre). The relaxed and approachable setting serves up re-imagined classic cooking, without a sniff of pretentiousness, and pays homage to old-school French cuisine and immaculate, seasonal ingredients. Proudly earning itself a placement on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants last year, BELON is perfect for when you want to treat yourself to French fine dining, sans any snootiness.

Sassy tip: If you’re in the area, and are looking for a place to grab a drink, head to Upstairs at BELON. The tucked away bar is dimly lit with candles, and features plenty of comfy arm chairs to hunker down in and enjoy a quiet drink away from the crowds.

BELON, 41 Elgin Street, SoHO, Hong Kong, www.belonsoho.com

This unassuming little restaurant, which originally sat just above the Wan Chai market on McGregor Street, is a firm favourite of ours. The food is divine – well portioned, using excellent, seasonal ingredients and expertly flavoured. The McGregor Street location is now a quaint cafe (Le Cafe Winebeast), and after such popularity, Le Bistro Winebeast can now be found on Johnston Road in Wan Chai. However, it still retains the warm and friendly atmosphere, stellar service and superb wine selection that it did before. The talented sommelier, Christina, will always offer up her advice and recommendations to pair perfectly with your food, and the price is reasonable considering the high quality of the food and how delicious it is!

Le Bistro Winebeast, 35-45 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, 2782 6689, www.lebistrowinebeast.com

Located on High Street in Sai Ying Pun, Metropolitain is seriously popular with residents of the area, and from all over the city. The distinctly French decor, which uses the iconic Metro station sign as a main feature, along with the semi-outdoor terrace and tasty food makes this a go-to destination for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food is similar to that of an authentic French bistro, and the breakfast and brunch menus are a guaranteed crowd pleaser (you can’t go wrong with its Eggs Benedict!). The relaxed environment makes this the perfect place to sit with a glass of rosé and watch the world go by…

Metropolitain, G/F 46 High Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, 6271 6102 www.french-creations.com/metropolitain

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and dine in a luxurious setting, look no further than Maison ES. Tucked away off Star Street in Wan Chai, this restaurant oasis is the ideal setting for anything from a quiet dinner with friends, to a special occasion celebration. Its vintage-inspired venue has a tranquil garden atmosphere that will transport you back in time, and, coupled with the specially curated menus by Chef Esther Sham, treat you to a night you won’t forget. 

Maison ES, No. 1A Star Street, Wan Chai (entrance on Electric Street), Hong Kong, www.maison-es.com

This little bistro in Kennedy Town by French Creations is the perfect place to catch up with friends on the weekend. The brunch menu is hard to resist, with classics such as French Toast with honey and vanilla ice cream, Croque Madame with a fried egg and more on offer. Wash all of these delightful bites down with free-flow white, red or sparkling wine – all for just $188! The relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff and high quality wine at this quaint French resto make for the ideal chilled out brunch spot.

Comptoir, G/F, 42 Forbes Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, www.french-creations.com/comptoir

Settled in the heart of Causeway Bay, Olivier Elzer is the creator behind Seasons, that dishes up a reinvention of French cuisine with a modern twist. It is a cosmopolitan and smart-casual French restaurant that strives to bring the best quality to you. Along with serving up lunch, dinner and cocktails, Seasons also offers a French-style afternoon tea and brunch, so is a perfect choice for any occasion!

Seasons By Olivier E., Shop 308, 3/F, Lee Gardens Two, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, www.seasons-restaurant.com

A popular hangout for the Euro crowd in Hong Kong, Pastis is always busy and bustling with people on a Friday night. Its authentic French vibe is rare in this city, so if you’re feeling a little French, do stop by for glass of vin and some tempting French home-cooked food!

Pastis, GF, 65 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.french-creations.com/pastis

This charming place cooks up a super chilled atmosphere in the heart of Wan Chai. A.O.C is not fancy, but the tiny space is very relaxed and very French. With delicious and seasonal French regional delicacies, prepared by Chef Stéphane, and served with a glass of wine, it’s an ideal location if you’re looking for a low-key night out. The daily happy hour (between 3pm and 7pm) and is worth checking out, too, if you want to stop by for a glass of wine and a quick bit before heading home.

AOC eat and drink, 15 McGregor Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2479 6833, www.aoceatndrink.com

Serving specialties from the French western province of Brittany, La Crêperie is a perfect spot for a casual or dinner. The savoury galettes and sweet crepes are a great treat, and make sure to check out the set lunch, which ranges between $108 and $148.

La Crêperie, multiple locations across Hong Kong, www.lacreperie.com.cn/en

Okay, not strictly a restaurant but who can resist buttery croissants, fresh orange juice, warm bread, French ham, salted butter… delivered straight to your door on a Sunday morning? Breakfast in bed just got a whole lot more tempting. We thank Le Petit Croissant for making it possible and fixing our French breakfast cravings when we fancy a treat. Delivering all around HK Island, and to TST, too, there’s no excuse to not indulge wherever you live.

www.lepetitcroissant.hk

Named after French poet Paul Claudel, Café Claudel is a new concept from French Creations that has opened in the Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts. You’ll be transported to 1930’s Paris by the charming retro interior, and if you want to people-watch like a true Parisian, grab a seat on the quintessential terrace while you dine on classic dishes like a truffle croque monsieur and roast chicken. For a taste of fusion fare, try the mini Peking duck burgers.

Café Claudel, Shop 01, G08, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, www.cafeclaudel.com

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on 17 May, 2016 and was updated on 11 July, 2018.