Kowloon/Tsim Sha Tsui: Felix

Peninsula Hotel, Salisbury Road

2315 3188

This Philippe Starck-designed restaurant has its own elevator to whisk you to the top floor of the historic Peninsula. For the best views of the harbor and skyline, request one of the small tables along the floor-to-ceiling windows. Or grab a seat at the long communal table at the back and strike up a conversation. The black-clad waitstaff is friendly, and the contemporary cuisine—tuna tartare with avocado, pancetta-wrapped lamb, mango-rice-pudding roll—stands up to the view. There are wines by the glass or half-bottle, and a nice selection of teas.

Dress: Business/fashionable

Prices: Expensive

Reservations: Recommended

Close to: Sheraton and InterContinental hotels, Star Ferry

Kowloon/Tsim Sha Tsui: Hutong

28/F 1 Peking Road

3428 8324

Hutong takes its name from the courtyard-lined alleyways of old Beijing. But while the decor features antique furniture, red lanterns, and bamboo birdcages, this is a thoroughly modern eatery. Hutong serves contemporary Northern Chinese fare that is flavorful and MSG-free (which is welcome after a few local meals). The challenge is choosing among the many mouthwatering options, such as the deboned lamb ribs Hutong-style (crispy on top, succulent underneath), soft-shell crab with Sichuan red pepper, and bamboo clams steeped in Chinese rosé wine and chili sauce.

Dress: Business/smart casual

Prices: Expensive

Reservations: Recommended

Close to: Langham Hotel, Star Ferry

Kowloon: Nobu

InterContinental Hotel, 18 Salisbury Road

2313 2323

The Nobu InterContinental, has a more intimate scale than some other Nobus, making it comfortable for a traveler—even when the staff shouts "Irashaimase!" (Welcome) to greet you. It's easy to make a meal of small plates; along with sushi and the usual Nobu favorites like black cod saikyo yaki, the menu features a selection of the chef's local specialties, including bamboo pith with shrimp and scallop, and Japanese beef tartare. There's a great selection of sake in various sizes.

Dress: Business/smart casual

Prices: Expensive

Reservations: Recommended

Close to: Peninsula and Sheraton hotels, Star Ferry

Kowloon/Tsim Sha Tsui: Wu Kong Shanghai Restaurant

27-33 Nathan Road

2366 7244

This basement-level gem is full of civilized warmth and the buzz of contented diners—and it has several smaller rooms and smaller tables where solo eaters can happily settle in. The menu is extensive and includes dumplings, noodles, vegetarian dishes, and Shanghai classics, all at extremely modest prices. The Shanghai-style pork dumplings (a.k.a. soup dumplings) are sublime, with little bursts of rich broth. Also delicious are the Shanghai-style noodles and garlicky Chinese broccoli.

Dress: Casual

Prices: Inexpensive

Reservations: Recommended

Close to: Peninsula, Sheraton, and Langham hotels; Star Ferry

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