When it comes to Hong Kong food, most people's first reaction is Mong Kok, Sham Shui Po, or Central fine dining. But if you want to skip that crowded rush and enjoy a leisurely meal at a relaxed pace, Stanley is definitely an underestimated choice.
Located at the southernmost tip of Hong Kong Island, Stanley has always been a seaside town removed from the city's fast pace. Its former US military base history, combined with the influx of retired foreigners, has created a dining scene quite different from other areas—it's neither the quick-and-efficient pace of Mong Kok nor the high-class vibe of Central; it has its own unique laid-back soul.
This article isn't some Michelin-starred guide, but rather my sincere record of exploring Stanley's food scene over the years. You might ask why I bothered writing it? My grandfather used to bring me to Stanley Beach as a child, and my childhood memories involve eating fish balls and chewy snacks. As I grew older, I found that more and more restaurants were opening here, but not many are truly worth the trip. All the places listed below are spots I've walked to and paid for with my own money—they're great for a proper meal or a leisurely wander.
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1. Stanley Main Street: The Heart of Old-School Charms
Stanley Main Street, also known as the "main drag," is actually just a short road, but the eateries on both sides are quite interesting.
Traditional old shops here are becoming rarer, but the one I simply can't forget is the street-side fish ball noodle stall at the end of the street. Run by a married couple—the husband does the cooking, the wife serves the dishes—they open daily from 11am to 7pm. Their fish balls are among the chewiest I've ever had, not the mass-produced machine variety from chain stores, but hand-made. The broth is sweet and clear, priced at HK$28 a bowl. In Hong Kong's downtown area, you can't find this anymore at this price, let alone with this quality? One word—worth it.
If you want to sit down for a proper meal, I highly recommend Stanley Restaurant. This established brand serves consistently solid Cantonese cuisine—their steamed rock cod and crispy suckling pig are both outstanding. For a group dining together, per-person cost is around HK$150-250, definitely value for money. However, this place gets very busy on holidays—best to avoid the 12-2pm lunch rush or make a reservation in advance.
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2. Waterfront Plaza: Romantic Dining with Sea Views
Stanley Waterfront Plaza is right next to the ferry pier—all restaurants here offer unbeatable sea views that money can't buy.
The biggest surprise is The Boat House, an Italian restaurant. You read that right—it's not a tourist-focused chain, but a family-run restaurant operated personally by a foreign couple. The owner is Italian, and their handmade pasta and risotto are truly above standard, paired with the unrestricted view of Victoria Harbour. Per-person cost is around HK$120-180, which is mid-range, but the ambiance and the ingredients' sincerity absolutely exceed expectations.
If you want something more casual, the snack stalls beside the pier are also great. There are stalls selling curry fish balls, sausage buns, and fried treats, priced at HK$15-25—perfect for a quick bite when you're feeling tired from walking.
One thing to note: these open-air stalls at the waterfront don't operate in bad weather. If you visit in winter, bring a jacket—the sea wind can be bone-chilling.
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3. Murray House: Exotic Vibes Within a Historic Landmark
Murray House is a landmark in Stanley—this ancient British colonial-style building is full of historic charm, and its restaurants are equally distinctive.
The most recommended is Captain's Bar, an English pub. Located at Murray House's ground floor, the decor has great vibes—walls lined with sailing photos and medals, creating a strong sense of story. Their fish and chips really changed my perspective—the fish is plenty fresh, the batter is thin and crispy, served with Maltese sauce, truly comparable to any fine dining. Per-person cost is around HK$80-120, perfect for grabbing a beer and some food to relax.
If you want something more formal, the upper-floor restaurants at Murray House also have good options. Several European cuisine restaurants maintain decent standards, but these require advance reservations, especially on weekends.
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4. Stanley Plaza: Hidden Weekend Market Gems
Stanley Plaza is next to Murray House—there are markets every weekend, but what most people know isn't the market itself, but a Thai boat noodles stall nearby.
The stall is run by a Thai auntie, and her Thai Boat Noodles are authentically genuine—the broth is simmered with beef bones, not diluted water, the noodles' chewiness and perfect toppings are truly just like what you'd eat in Thailand. This stall only opens on weekends, usually selling out by 1-2pm—if you want to try it, act fast. Priced at market rates, HK$35-45, quite reasonable.
Besides this stall, there are a few vendors around the plaza selling Taiwanese snacks, which are also decent—but I'm highlighting this Thai boat noodles stall.
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Practical Information
Getting There:
Public transport to Stanley is quite convenient. From Central Pier, take Citybus 6, 6X or New Bus 63, 65 directly—the journey takes about 30-40 minutes. If you get car sick, I recommend sitting on the lower deck, less likely to vomit. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Repulse Bay, which is quite comfortable.
Average Cost:
Generally, restaurants in Stanley cost around HK$80-200 per person, while street stalls and snacks are HK$15-40—this falls into the mid-to-upper price range. If you're looking to save money, the fish ball noodle stall is definitely the best value.
Opening Hours:
Most restaurants operate from 11am to 9pm, with weekend markets only open on weekends. Pubs typically open until midnight—if you want to grab a drink after watching the sunset, plan your schedule ahead.
Best Seasons:
I personally think autumn and spring are the best times to visit Stanley. The weather isn't too hot or cold, making walks along the waterfront most comfortable. In summer, be sure to protect yourself from the sun—the Stanley sun is no joke.
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Travel Tips
1. Stanley's essence lies in "slowness." If you plan to quickly snag a few snacks like you would in Mong Kok, this place isn't for you. I recommend reserving half a day to a full day—walk slowly, eat slowly, relax.
2. Watching the sunset is definitely a must-do in Stanley. The most classic spots are the waterfront plaza or in front of Murray House—it gets crowded on holidays, but the view is absolutely stunning, well worth waiting for.
3. Stanley's real food secret is "word of mouth," not review apps. If you see locals lining up at a shop, nine out of ten times it's good. Conversely, a few very beautifully decorated restaurants catering mainly to tourists generally offer poor value.
4. Bring enough cash. Although most restaurants accept Octopus and credit cards, some small snack stalls still only accept cash.
5. Finally, Stanley's beach is actually off-limits for swimming—if you had that in mind, cancel that idea immediately. However, strolling along the coastline and enjoying the sea breeze is truly a very relaxing experience.
These are my sincere recommendations for Stanley. I hope that when you visit, you can sense a different Hong Kong from other places—a Hong Kong where you can slow down.
