Howard's Gourmet

Howard's Gourmet, Central Hong Kong: Verdict

Howard's Gourmet has earned a 96-point score from La Liste in both 2025 and 2026, plus a Black Pearl 3 Diamond in 2025. That level of recognition, sustained across consecutive years, puts it in serious company at the top of Hong Kong's dining hierarchy. If you are planning a significant meal in Central and want an address backed by credible international credentials, this is a strong candidate. The booking process is reportedly direct, which is a genuine advantage in a city where top-tier tables can require weeks of planning.

The Space and Setting

Howard's Gourmet occupies the fifth floor of CCB Tower on Connaught Road Central, placing it inside one of the district's commercial towers with access to the kind of refined, city-adjacent calm that suits a long, considered meal. The Central location makes it logistically easy to combine with other plans: the area connects to the MTR, the Star Ferry, the broader cluster of high-end dining options that run from Sheung Wan through to Admiralty. For visitors staying at hotels in the district, it is a practical choice that does not require a cross-harbour trip or a taxi to a residential neighbourhood. For food and wine explorers who want to see how Hong Kong's fine dining scene positions itself globally, the CCB Tower address situates Howard's Gourmet firmly in the business and cultural core of the city.

Why the Awards Matter Here

La Liste aggregates critic scores from publications across multiple countries and is one of the more rigorous global ranking systems for restaurants. A 96-point score, repeated in back-to-back years, signals consistency rather than a one-cycle anomaly. The Black Pearl guide, published by Meituan-Dianping, is the most widely referenced Chinese-language restaurant ranking system and its 3 Diamond designation sits at the top of the guide's tier structure. Holding both simultaneously means Howard's Gourmet is performing at a level that satisfies both international critic panels and the local Chinese-market benchmark. That dual validation is worth noting for anyone trying to assess whether this is a venue for overseas visitors, local professionals, or both. The answer appears to be both. Venues with this award profile in Hong Kong, such as Amber, Caprice, and Ta Vie, tend to attract a mixed clientele of corporate lunchers, serious food travellers, celebratory groups.

Planning Your Visit

Booking is rated as easy relative to other venues at this award level, which is worth taking advantage of. Central operates on business rhythms, weekday lunch at a venue like this will feel different from weekend evening service. If the weekend or a daytime format appeals, Howard's Gourmet's Central address and floor-level positioning in a commercial tower suggest a setting that can work well for a considered late-morning or midday visit. For food explorers who want to move between venues, Central's density of quality options means you can pair this with a visit to Le Salon de Thé de Joël Robuchon Hong Kong at ifc mall nearby, or consult our full Hong Kong restaurants guide to build a wider itinerary. For broader trip planning, our Hong Kong hotels guide, bars guide, and experiences guide cover the full picture.

What We Do Not Know Yet

The venue's cuisine type, price range, specific hours, menu details are not confirmed in our current data. We are not going to fill those gaps with guesswork. What the award record establishes clearly is that the kitchen is operating at a high level by any credible measure. Before booking, check the current menu and pricing directly with the restaurant, as service format and pricing at venues in this tier can shift seasonally. The address is 5/F, CCB Tower, 3 Connaught Rd Central.

Pearl's Take

Book Howard's Gourmet if you want a Central address with genuine award-level credentials and a reportedly accessible booking window. The combination of La Liste 96 points across two consecutive years and a Black Pearl 3 Diamond is not routine. For context, venues at this recognition tier globally include Le Bernardin in New York City, Alain Ducasse Louis XV in Monte Carlo, and Alléno Paris au Pavillon Ledoyen. Howard's Gourmet is operating in that tier by points, in Hong Kong, that matters. If your priority is a meal that will hold up against any serious dining experience you have had globally, the credentials are there to justify the visit.