Ce La Vi
Ce La Vi occupies the 25th floor of California Tower at 30-32 D'Aguilar Street, placing a rooftop bar and lounge directly above the heart of Lan Kwai Fong. The venue is part of a Singapore-based chain with locations across Asia, and it brings their signature formula: panoramic views, craft cocktails, and a DJ playing on an open-air terrace. The main space divides between an indoor lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace with unobstructed views of the Hong Kong skyline, Victoria Harbour, and the Peak. Capacity is around 200. Cocktails start at 130 HKD, and the premium location justifies the price. The crowd is international and well-dressed, drawn as much by the Instagram-ready setting as the drinks. On a clear night, the view alone is worth the elevator ride.
What to Expect
The elevator rises 25 floors and opens into a sleek lobby. The indoor lounge has low furniture and large windows. Step through glass doors to the terrace, where the city spreads out below. The sound of D'Aguilar Street is replaced by a DJ's set and the wind. The visual impact of the skyline at night, with the harbor lights and the Peak behind, is striking.
Polished, high-floor, and visually stunning. The setting does most of the work. Calm energy compared to the street below.
Deep house, nu-disco, and tropical house at moderate volume. The music complements the setting without overwhelming conversation. Guest DJs play on weekend evenings.
Smart casual to semi-formal. The rooftop setting encourages dressing up. No beachwear, no sportswear.
Couples, small groups seeking a view-driven experience, visitors who want a special-occasion setting above the LKF crowd.
Credit cards accepted. Table reservations recommended on weekends.
Price Range
Cocktails 130-200 HKD, wine 100-160 HKD, beer 80-100 HKD, cover charge on some weekend nights 150-200 HKD
Cocktails ~$17-26/~15-24 EUR, wine ~$13-21/~12-19 EUR, beer ~$10-13/~9-12 EUR
Hours
Mon-Thu 5 PM to 1 AM, Fri 5 PM to 3 AM, Sat 12 PM to 3 AM, Sun 12 PM to 12 AM
Insider Tip
Arrive at sunset for the best views. The terrace fills quickly on clear evenings, so aim for 5:30-6 PM. Weekday visits offer the same view with fewer crowds. The food menu is solid if you want to combine dinner with drinks.
Full Review
Ce La Vi's value proposition is simple: drink a cocktail while looking at one of the world's great city skylines. On that front, it delivers completely. The terrace on the 25th floor of California Tower offers a 270-degree view that takes in the harbor, the Kowloon peninsula, and the Peak. On a clear night, it's one of the best views available to the public in Central Hong Kong.
The cocktail menu is competent and varied. Signature drinks lean toward tropical and Asian-inspired flavors, with lychee, yuzu, and pandan appearing in various combinations. Classic cocktails are executed cleanly. Prices starting at 130 HKD feel appropriate for the setting, and you're paying as much for the view as the liquid in the glass.
The indoor lounge provides shelter on rainy or cold nights, with floor-to-ceiling windows that preserve most of the view. The DJ plays from a booth near the terrace entrance, and the music stays at a level that allows conversation. This is a lounge, not a club, and the programming reflects that.
The crowd is well-dressed and international. You'll see more couples and small groups than large parties. The atmosphere is relaxed compared to the clubs below, though it picks up energy on Friday and Saturday nights when guest DJs play longer sets.
The main drawback is weekend crowds. The terrace has limited capacity, and on clear Saturday evenings, getting a good spot requires arriving early or booking a table. Weekday visits offer a better experience for those who want to enjoy the view without jostling for position.
The Neighborhood
Ce La Vi sits directly above D'Aguilar Street in the California Tower, placing it at the geographic center of LKF. The elevator entrance is at street level among the bars. Stepping out after last drinks means you're immediately in the district's main nightlife corridor.
Getting There
MTR Central Station, Exit D2. Walk uphill on D'Aguilar Street. The California Tower entrance is at 30-32 D'Aguilar, marked with Ce La Vi signage. Take the elevator to the 25th floor. Three-minute walk from the MTR.
Address
25/F, California Tower, 30-32 D'Aguilar Street
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Club 71
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Brickhouse
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