Santa Monica Cantina

Santa Monica Cantina sits on Shelley Street in Soho, right beside the Central–Mid-Levels escalators. The front opens onto the street, which makes it a good place to watch the crowds go by with a drink. The mood is laid-back California, and the menu is Mexican food done the Los Angeles way.

A Foodie World's reviewers point to the muchos nachos, which are big enough for three or four people to share, and the spicy shrimp tacos. Both are priced at HK$138. Margaritas are the obvious drink. Beyond these, published detail on the menu is thin, so check the Instagram page for current dishes and specials.

It suits a casual lunch, an after-work drink or a light dinner before moving on to other bars in Soho. It opens from noon and stays open until late, past midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The official website was still under construction at the time of writing.