Top Deck - What was once a mahjong parlor for the staff of the floating Jumbo Kingdom restaurant is now a gorgeous alfresco destination dining spot. Though the giant restaurant boat is generally considered a tourist trap, the Café Deco Group has created a real gem, where you can munch on jet-fresh oysters and Tasmanian salmon while relaxing in huge lounge chairs. Good for a long Sunday brunch and private parties. The menu covers virtually every corner of the globe, which could be worrisome, except they have a Japanese chef at the massive sushi bar and an Indian cook manning the tandoori oven. Jumbo Floating Restaurant, Aberdeen (boat from Shum Wan Pier), 2552-3331.

Boathouse   
There’s a touch of California about the Boathouse—perhaps it’s the way your glass of chilled white wine sparkles in the sun, or the shades worn by your fellow diners for a lazy alfresco lunch overlooking the South China Sea. Turns out, the inspiration was Martha’s Vineyard on the East Coast, which explains the nautical theme and Cape Cod–blue walls. Whatever. The food is gloriously fishy, with big buckets of mussels, prawns or clams served with your choice of sauce as well as platters of seafood. Meatier fare includes lamb fillets and roasted pigeon, as well as pastas and classic sides such as fat chips and mashed potato. Can get lively on weekends. 86-88 Stanley Main St., Stanley, 2813-4467.

Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant
There’s a reason this Sai Kung institution usually has a queue outside: it’s superb. Think simple sautéed rockfish, lobster sashimi served on dry ice followed by lobster-head soup, mouthwatering garlic shrimp or crab with scallions and ginger. 53 Sai Kung Hoi Pong St., 2791-1195.

Cococabana   
This lovely alfresco eatery sits on top of the shower block at Deep Water Bay, giving you a perfect view of the beach and ocean. The menu is ambitious with a focus on dishes from the lava grill. UG/F, Beach Building, Deep Water Bay Beach, Island Rd., Deep Water Bay, 2812-2226.

Hemingway’s by the Bay
A resort-style atmosphere right on the waterfront, with large deck, palm trees and umbrellas. The vibe is laid-back, with pilots on rest days, moms and toddlers by day, returning office workers by night. It’s one of the few places in Hong Kong that can claim to make authentic Key Lime pie and Jamaican jerk chicken and a real Antiguan rum punch. The weekend barbecue buffets are also popular with reggae tunes jammin’ in the background, weather permitting. Shop GO9, Block A, Water Margin, Discovery Bay, 2987-8855.

Pier 7
The Star Ferry’s Pier Seven has been transformed into a laid-back café and bar with an outdoor terrace that provides a breathtaking new angle of the IFC building. With 3,000 square feet of warm woods and metallic Spanish and Italian tiles, it’s all very relaxed, and the periodic chiming of the clock tower’s an excellent reminder that it’s your last round before you miss your ferry. There’s a salad bar as well as a daily carving during lunch. For teatime, try the homemade raisin scones with jam, a glazed lemon meringue pie, or any of their delicious sandwiches with your pint after work, like a mini panini or a classic Caesar wrap. Shop M, Roof Viewing Deck, Central Pier 7, Star Ferry, Central, 2167-8153.

Saigon at Stanley   
Book a table on the terrace for an uninterrupted view of Stanley Bay and Lamma. The food is always good, but our past favorites include the steamed pork and black mushroom ravioli, the green papaya and beef salad, and the crispy soft-shell crab with salt and pepper. Order what you like, you won’t go wrong. 2/F-3/F, Stanley Beach Villa, 90 Stanley Main St., Stanley, 2899-0999.

The Quarterdeck Club
A decent restaurant right on the Fragrant Harbor—with the waft of meat and seafood adding the “fragrant” part. It’s a big, stylish place with panoramic views, huge patio and terraces and large fans manufacturing a sea breeze when nature fails. Lit by a huge skylight, the restaurant seats up to 250 people, with a private dining area for up to 40. Neptune reigns supreme and a popular order is the towering seafood platter of grilled and chilled lobster, mussels, king prawns, oysters, baby octopus, calamari and smoked salmon. The menu also features an extensive range of vegetarian dishes but we prefer the good-value steaks. G/F, Fleet Arcade, Fenwick Pier, 1 Lung King St., 2827-8882.