Gather your Autobot friends and head on over to Causeway Bay for a meal that’s out of this world. The Ark is a must-visit destination for fans of the Transformers franchise: its interior is inspired by a spaceship of the same name while the menu features a selection of fast food items. Sink your teeth into a wide array of burgers, from the black truffle Angus or the crabmeat avocado, all adorned with the iconic Optimus Prime logo; fried chicken; or the Adventurist Meal, which offers all your fast food sides presented in a spaceship-shaped box. For avid Transformer-heads, find merchandise, figurines and even a life-size Optimus Prime statue.

Shop A&B, G/F and 1/F, Soundwill Plaza, 38 Russell Street, Causeway Bay

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2. Van Gogh Kitchen

An artsy restaurant that offers both beautiful artwork and delicious Italian cuisine, Van Gogh Kitchen immerses diners in a vibrant atmosphere as they admire framed replicas of famous pieces by Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. While taking in the restaurant’s chic surroundings, patrons can enjoy high-quality staples from the gourmet menu such as pastas, pizzas, steak and home-made desserts. Guests looking for an elegant celebration of food and art will find it in this sophisticated eatery, while admiring masterworks like Café Terrace at Night and The Starry Night before being served equally stunning culinary creations.

Room B, 2/F, Shing Wah Mansion, 451-457 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay

3. Monmono

The internationally inspired dining spot Monmono has two venues in Hong Kong, each showcasing a unique monochrome motif. Where the original Tsim Sha Tsui location utilises calming blue hues, the newer Central outpost opts for a lively yellow palette. At both locations, the respective colours saturate every element from forks and chairs to illustrations. Created exclusively for the space by local artist Loszehaha, the pieces bring vibrancy to the setting where diners can enjoy an extensive Mediterranean and Spanish menu at an Instagrammable spot.

Yellow: 44-46 Staunton Street, Central; Blue: Shop 2 & 3, G/F, Hermes Commercial Centre, 4 Hillwood Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

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4. Wonder Garden Café

Travel to a fantastical world at Wonder Garden Café, themed after Alice in Wonderland. Upon stepping inside, guests are immersed in a magical realm with grassy walls, playing card motifs, and clocks adorning meticulously designed plates. Classically odd tea-inspired drinks served in jars labelled “drink me” further contribute to the experience. While you can opt for salads, pastas and risottos, the real stars are the whimsical afternoon tea sets. Arranged with artfully crafted sweets and served in heart-shaped cups perfect for photo-worthy moments, afternoon tea provides both visual wonder and delicious fare for dining adventures down the famed literary rabbit hole.

Shop 6B, Ko’s House, 577 Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei

5. Major Tom Café and Bar

Major Tom transports diners to (inter) stellar heights with its space-themed design. Upon entering, guests gaze upwards at a ceiling illuminated by colour-changing LED triangles that energise the whole room. Whether day or night, delectable offerings satisfy. Pair unique brews like the crème brûlée and tiramisu lattes with plates of s’mores and all-day breakfast as vibrant lighting remains throughout the day. Come evening, dim lights and atmospheric ceiling rays cultivate an moody atmosphere for shisha and cocktails. Transforming atmospherically with the hours, the locale continuously stimulates senses through diverse drinks, dishes and digitally dazzling decor.

G/F, 14 Nam Cheong Street, Sham Shui Po

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6. Café Match Box

Cafe Match Box catapults visitors back to old Hong Kong through its fusion of retro diner ambience and vintage cha chaan teng character. Diners seeking feel-good fun can find dining spots within Hong Kong minibus compartments or at Formica surfaces as they fill up on nostalgic favourites like set breakfasts with noodles, buttered toasts and condensed milk oatmeal. The pet- and kid-friendly establishment conjures the past through nostalgic decor, lively settings and amenities, ensuring entertainment for all.

Shop C&D, G/F, Fashion Walk, 57 Paterson Street, Causeway Bay

7. Hibi Café

Another cafe that transports diners back in time is the Hibi Café, but this time, it’s to a Japanese campus. With decor including refurbished relics from an actual deserted school in Japan, the interior is filled with restored benches and chairs. The memorabilia-laden walls offer a nostalgic sight, as the menu boasts childhood comforts like okonomiyaki, udon, Wagyu patties and Hokkaido pork slices. This treasure trove of a cafe breathes new life into abandoned academics, immersing you in sensorial sensations aboard a magic school bus to the past. Nibble and reminisce – Hibi Café has your ticket to a joyride down memory lane.

G/F, Lucky Factory, 63-65 Hung To Road, Kwun Tong

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8. Cabin Crew Coffee

Aboard Cabin Crew Coffee, the pilot knows just how you like to fuel your flight. At your “window seat”, panoramic views await to offer a realistic depiction of an in-flight dining experience – without the lack of moisture and a reduced sense of smell, of course. The restaurant features a realistic boarding gate display to add to the flying experience, while the menu offers a Western cuisine, with an array of premium best selling coffee brews to indulge in. Loosen your belt on Cabin Crew Coffee’s flight to dine on sky-high delicacies. Bon appétit!

Shop 228, 2/F, Mira Place 1, 132 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui