Point of view

With its spectacular skyline and collection of almost 300 islands, Hong Kong has no shortage of marvellous views and restaurants that enjoy them. Be it up high on The Peak or perched right on the edge of Victoria Harbour, a victual with a vista is always in high demand.

"The view is very important - it is one of our unique selling propositions," says Kellie Ng, operations manager at Cafe Deco, which has sat in the same prime position on The Peak for 18 years. "We are very aware that we are a destination restaurant. The view always comes up during a conversation."

Ali Ahmadi, director of restaurants at The Upper House, agrees that a view is always a big topic of conversation. If running out of things to talk about with your dining companions is a concern, a location with stunning scenery could be the saving grace, as it has the same effect as having another guest at the table, he says.

Like another dining companion, the panoramic view acts as a springboard for conversation, calming nerves and breaking the ice for those on a first date or at a business dinner. "People always seem to be enchanted when they look out over Victoria Harbour and onto Kowloon," Ahmadi says.

Beyond the obvious food and service, restaurateurs believe that an enchanting ambience makes a dining experience unique. "The view [from Cafe Deco], I believe, has different meanings for different people; some people see it as nostalgic aspiration, inspiration or romantic, but never dull, so it definitely enhances one's dining experience," Ng says.