Hong Kong has shopping, Macau has gambling, both have lots of history and culture. But our reason for visiting? To eat. From talented chefs and top-notch service to amazing ingredients and stunning views, this part of the world is a real dining destination.

For one of the best views of the city, head to Aqua, a bar and restaurant complex that includes Aqua Roma, named Hong Kong’s best Italian restaurant by the Italian Chamber of Commerce this September. It’s located on the 29th floor right in Tsim Sha Tsui, and the view literally took our breath away.

To taste just how the restaurant won its accolades, go for the five-course ‘Ospitalità Italiana’ menu. We loved the use of wonderful sauces that enhance the quality ingredients, particularly in the veal ravioli with black truffles and porcini. Dessert—a beautifully presented almond mousse—is also an unforgettable experience, savored over the spectrum of lights that color Hong Kong island.

Service here is a joy, with a professional yet relaxed approach we only wish could be copied on the mainland. Get there from the island by taking the 45-minute Aqua Luna evening cruise. Tickets for the red-sailed ship include a glass of wine or cocktail to sip as you take in the iconic views, and the ship docks just a minute’s walk away from the restaurant.

Any true foodie will want to take advantage of Hong Kong’s dim sum. We recommend two-Michelin star Tin Lung Heen, perched on the 102nd floor of the Ritz-Carlton on the tip of Kowloon. The tender, fragrant barbecued Iberian pork is world famous, but it’s the crispy pork bun that haunts us. Nothing like any pork bun we’ve tried on the mainland, the outside is flakey, with a sweet, rich, soft interior. If you’ve been put off by the rubbery abalone in Beijing, this is the place to give it a second chance—it was tender, light and perfectly seasoned with sesame in the jellyfish and green bamboo cold dish.

For a humbler experience, try Tim Ho Wan, the legendary Mong Kok hole in the wall that was awarded a Michelin star. Though the crowds have died down a bit since then, you’re advised to pick up a ticket several hours before you hope to get a table.

If you’ve already made it to Hong Kong, you must take a trip to Macau, if only to eat at The Tasting Room by Galliot. This one-star Michelin restaurant, run by former Beijing chef Guillaume Galliot, is a dining experience of a lifetime for the phenomenal food and exquisite presentation.

An amuse bouche of goat cheese raviolo with artichoke astonished with its creamy tanginess, and the incredibly juicy pigeon atop a bed of quinoa with roasted tomatoes and chorizo will not soon be forgotten. The restaurant is located in the heart of Macau’s casinos, with views of the Venetian, but it’s only a short drive away from the old city center if you’re not keen on gambling.

Thankfully, both Hong Kong and Macau are great for walking, so it’s easy to burn off your indulgences and work up an appetite for whatever fantastic meal is next.