The culinary landscape of Hong Kong and Macau received its annual assessment with the unveiling of the 2025 Michelin Guide, highlighting significant upward mobility, particularly for Hong Kong’s fine dining stalwart, Amber, which achieved the coveted three-star ranking. The latest guide features a total of 260 establishments across the two regions—206 in Hong Kong and 54 in Macau—and introduces a wave of new star recipients, reinforcing the area’s status as a global gastronomic hub.
This year’s edition dramatically shifts the constellation of elite dining, with the elevation of Amber bringing the total number of three-star restaurants in the combined regions to nine. Concurrently, Macau’s Cantonese gem, Tam Huai, ascended to two stars, while 16 new restaurants earned their place on the prestigious list, signifying robust growth and innovation across both territories.
The Three-Star Elite: Amber’s Sustainable Ascent
Central Hong Kong’s renowned restaurant, Amber, was the headline star recipient, moving from two to three stars. Led by Dutch Chef Richard Ekkebus, Amber has established itself as an exemplar of modern fine dining, marrying classic French techniques with a progressive, health-conscious philosophy. The kitchen’s focus on light, sophisticated dishes, emphasizing dairy-free preparations and incorporating strong vegetarian options, aligns with contemporary global culinary trends. This sustainable approach had previously been recognized with a Michelin Green Star. Amber now joins an exclusive group of dining establishments in Hong Kong, which collectively hold seven three-star honors, alongside Macau’s two highest-rated venues, bringing the combined three-star count to nine.
In the two-star category, Tam Huai in Macau, helmed by veteran Cantonese Chef Tam Kwok Fung, was promoted. The restaurant is celebrated for its dedication to seasonal ingredients and culinary expertise, offering signature dishes like the honey-glazed spare ribs smoked with lychee wood, and classic Cantonese delicacies. The region now counts 17 two-star restaurants.
New Stars, Fresh Flavours
The one-star category saw expansion and promotion across both cities. Three Hong Kong restaurants made the leap from the selection to achieve their first star, demonstrating exceptional execution and consistency.
- Ami, which blends fine dining with a relaxed bistro environment, was lauded for its modern French cuisine, utilizing seasonal produce complemented by traditional French sauces.
- Plaisance by Mauro Colagreco earned a star for its inventive, ocean-themed approach, delivering dishes that creatively fuse local and global seasonal ingredients with French culinary precision.
- Tuber Umberto Bombana solidified its reputation as a temple to Italian cuisine, specializing in luxurious dishes highlighted by seasonal truffles, overseen by a protégé of Chef Umberto Bombana.
These promotions contribute to Hong Kong’s 58 one-star winners, while Macau added three new one-star restaurants, including Agui, Horu (incorporating Tempura, Teppanyaki, and Sushi sections), and Sushiyoshi Miyakawa, bringing Macau’s total to 11.
Sustainability and Service Recognized
The 2025 guide continued its focus on sustainable gastronomy with the Michelin Green Star recognition. Five establishments in Hong Kong and Macau were honored for their environmental commitments, including the newly promoted three-star Amber. Other Green Star recipients included Feuille, Mo, and Roganic in Hong Kong, and the Institute for Tourism Studies Educational Restaurant in Macau.
In addition to star ratings, the guide celebrated exemplary individuals through special awards:
- Sommelier Award: Carlito Chiu from the one-star restaurant Andō was recognized for his expert knowledge and dedication to crafting personalized, diverse beverage pairings for guests.
- Young Chef Award: Frankie Wang, the talent behind the newly selected Ankôma, received this award, spotlighting his skill in developing French cuisine imbued with Asian and Japanese influences.
- Service Award: Winnie Cheung from the two-star Cantonese restaurant Wynn Palace was acknowledged for her meticulous attention to detail, comprehensive menu knowledge, and personalized guest interactions.
The comprehensive Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau 2025 confirms the region’s dynamic and maturing food scene, driving both high-end luxury dining and a sustained commitment to global culinary responsibility. Gastronomic tourists and local diners can anticipate a thrilling year of exploring these newly celebrated venues.