The Gallery, South Lantau: The Ideal Chill-Out Venue after Battling with Peaks or Working on Your Tan

For those used to a tad more space, perhaps even a garden, look no further; a trip to the southern-side of Lantau Island and The Gallery is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. This fine eatery is nestled in the heart of Tong Fuk, a relatively untapped gem that only really locals frequent. The hills are green, beaches are quieter, sea is clean and there is certainly a Gallery there worth a gander!

Feeling a little fragile on a Sunday morning and with visiting parents in tow, I first sampled the Gallery delights over a year ago. Having heard rave reviews about the pizza, I chose badly and came away rather disappointed and questioning what all the fuss was about. Six months later, not feeling quite so tender, I decided it was worth another shot and headed down with a few friends following a long hike over the Lantau peaks.

On this occasion I was able to sample a wide range of their ‘fresh not fast food’ as we ordered a selection of appetisers to tide us over before the main courses. I was apprehensive, as I am sure anyone who has provided a recommendation, can relate to. However the presentation was second to none, the hummus and dips were served with delicious, warm, fresh bread, the home-made thick potato wedges drizzled with olive oil, chopped parsley and salt (I crave these on a weekly basis) and the barbecued chicken wings smothered in tasty sauce.

For the mains we were all tempted in different directions. Whilst being renowned for its stone baked pizzas, The Gallery has an extensive menu offering tasty BBQ’d meats such (steak, ribs, lamb racks) cooked on an al fresco flaming BBQ right before your eyes, freshly caught fish as well as salads and plenty of choice for those veggies amongst us.  Most dishes are served with a generous portion of salad and a choice of potato so you are left feeling comfortably full from a deliciously fresh, home cooked meal.

The décor of The Gallery is unassuming, basic but comfortable which fits the relaxed nature of the venue. Positioned on a raised outdoor terrace beside a road, buses do fly past every now and again ferrying people to and from Moi Wo and Tung Chung. However in contrast, cows casually roam the roads and you have a beautifully peaceful sea view the majority of the time. It’s also nice to know you are a stones-throw from Tong Fuk beach or a short taxi from the better-known Cheung Sha beach.

With extremely friendly and helpful staff (they leant me mosquito spray when I had been bitten), the Gallery is a haven to relax in and extremely popular with the locals. The manager tells us even Chris Patten once visited for the famous BBQ’d ribeye steak… and a pint of Carlsberg!

So if you’re heading to Lantau to visit the Big Buddha, taking a hike or just pining to escape the rat race of Hong Kong Island, make a day of it and be sure to swing by The Gallery in Tong Fuk. It is a peaceful hide-out and unquestionably the ideal chill-out venue after battling with peaks or working on your tan.

How to get there: MTR to Tung Chung and catch a bus/ taxi to Tong Fuk or Ferry from Central to Moi Wo and catch a bus/ taxi to Tong Fuk

The Gallery 26 Tong Fok Village, Lantau Island
2980 2582

(closed Mondays, no Credit Cards)