April 24, 2023
Looking for fine dining restaurants in Central Hong Kong? This place is definitely a perfect spot for you. I was in Central again yesterday and I thought of visiting Tai Kwun to feature these restaurants here.
When the historic site, Tai Kwun, the former Police Headquarters and prison compound was revitalized for adaptive reuse, a lot of restaurants, cafes, and some bars occupied most of its historic buildings. So this compound become one of the best places to explore in Central, especially for food lovers and party-goers. This isn't just a place to taste new culinary flavors, but also to learn more about its history and see art exhibitions.
Most of the restaurants can be found around the Parade Ground. The open spaces serve as their al fresco dining areas, which allow customers to see the events that are usually held in the parade ground. This place, by the way, becomes a hub for foreign locals and tourists.
Aaharn
Upon entering the compound, the first dining place to see is Aaharn or Armoury Terrace occupying the whole building which was the former armoury or Stable Block. This restaurant serves world-class Thai cuisine combining art and food-making skills to create unique menus.
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Customers can dine in at either open spaces that overlook Tai Kwun, or in a more private space inside Aaharn.
Cafe Claudel
On the opposite side is Cafe Claudel occupying the left ground floor of the former Police Headquarters Block. This cafe is serving Parisian delicacies and other European cuisines. Its interior and al fresco dining area design would truly make you feel like you are in Paris. It often changes theme depending on the season.
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Going up the upper floor of the former Police Headquarters are two fine-dining restaurants and a bar.
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Cantina
On the east side of the upper floor of the former Police Headquarters is the elegant Cantina or Canteen in English with European interior design. It's another fine dining restaurant serving Italian authentic cuisine that focuses on bringing out Italian classic taste.
The Chinese Library
On the west side is The Chinese Libraryserving authentic and diverse Chinese cuisine. This place, along with the Cantina, is perfect for the event and private fine dining.
The Dispensary Bar
In between the two fine dining restaurants is The Dispensary. After eating some calories, the Dispensary is the perfect place to burn them out. A glass of wine or cocktail would be great after a sumptuous feast.
Pazta
On the opposite side of the Parade Ground is Pazta. An Italian restaurant serving traditional Italian cuisine as well as cocktails, wines, and coffee. My first impression of this place was disappointing. This is where I ate more than a hundred dollars worth of spaghetti and the taste wasn't satisfying. I probably just ordered the wrong menu since people like this place.
Its design is a combination of Italian and Mediterranean atmospheres and people visit the place to experience the vibe. And I can't deny the fact that its al fresco dining area is a great Instagrammable spot.
Botanical Garden
Going behind the Barrack block, I found the former Central Magistracy, and the west side of it is now being occupied by Botanical Garden. This building was the former Supreme Court but lose its function in 1985.
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This now houses a majestic dining area with an elegant interior design. The terrace is surrounded by green foliage with a touch of Mediterranean/British design. It's prettier in this place at night.
Dragonfly
Upon entering the former Superintendent's House, I came across Dragonfly's cozy Bohemian lounge. There's a mini stage for live performances at night. I've seen photos of its interior online and the place is truly impressive. This isn't just a place for perfect dining, but as well as relaxation and music. Aside from serving delectable unique cuisines, it also serves cocktails and other drinks.
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Agora
Occupying the ground floor of D Hall, the former Prison Hospital, is Agora which means Center of Life. It's a fine dining restaurant serving Spanish cuisine. The chef's counter is just right in front of the 24-seater dining area and customers can witness how food is prepared. After dining at Agora, the marble archway is a perfect spot for photoshoots.
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Madame Fu - Grand Cafe Chinois
As I made my way up the highest floor of the Barrack Block, I stumbled upon Madame Fu's Grand Cafe Chinois artistic veranda with a tranquil ambiance. This restaurant has six dining areas. Its verandas allow customers to overlook Tai Kwun Parade Ground. This is another fine-dining Chinese restaurant in the compound serving signature dishes, and Chinese and Western cuisines.
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Between Coffee
The Between Coffee is located on the second floor of JC Contemporary. It is the cafe I featured in one of my blogs that I found while exploring the art gallery. This cafe serves unique delicacies and new tastes of coffee flavors. You can read my blog to know more about it.
Aside from fine dining restaurants and bars, there are dessert shops in the compound too.
Stecco Natura
The Stecco Natura is selling delicious Italian desserts including gelato ice cream, popsicles, granita, arancini, and other unique food creations and gift items. Customer can choose the toppings of their preference.
Phoenix Sweets
Meanwhile, Phoenix Sweets has a lot of sweet desserts for the sweet tooth. There are several cakes and baked confectionaries perfect for gifts and different occasions.
There are other fine-dining restaurants in the compound that I didn't find. And so far, I have tried two of these shops just for the experience, lol.
History - Food - Art - Relaxation, that is Tai Kwun. Stay tuned for the complete blog about Tai Kwun that will be posted soon!
Thanks for stopping by.
(All photos are mine)
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