Love the fresh flavours of authentic Italian food? Craving a good wood-fired pizza or homemade pasta? Whatever your fancy, here’s a selection of some of the top Italian restaurants in Hong Kong that won’t disappoint!
6 of our favourites – tried and tested!
208 Duecento Otto
This buzzing two-storey neighbourhood resto celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, and it continues to offer popular à la carte meals, set lunch and brunch menus and more. It’s a great spot for Friday night drinks or a family lunch.
The wood-fired pizzas are especially popular – in fact, 208 Duecento Otto can lay claim to being the first restaurant to introduce traditional Neapolitan pizza to the local scene. (Think perfectly blistered crusts!) We don’t mind a bit of heat in our toppings, so the I Diavoli is a personal favourite; it features ‘nduja paste, spicy salami, fresh chilli and buffalo mozzarella – yum. There’s also a range of delicious pastas, from lamb ragout on homemade pappardelle to wagyu beef meatballs in a traditional tomato sauce. Truffle and lobster are also on the menu, which will be welcome news to many!
208 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan
2549 0208 | 208.com.hk
Stazione Novella
Friendly and welcoming, Stazione Novella offers all-day casual dining; think toasted paninis with freshly brewed coffee, charcuterie and cheese platters – all using the finest Italian ingredients. Within seconds of entering the venue, on the corner of Staunton and Aberdeen Streets, you’ll feel magically transported to a little corner of Italy.
The all-Italian drinks menu features an interesting selection of wines, cocktails and liqueurs. Start with a crisp and refreshing Aperol Spritz ($88) – the perfect blend of Prosecco, Aperol and soda, topped with a slice of orange. Then, move on to an Italian vino; the range of “bianco” and “rosso” wines includes the likes of Pinot Grigio and Nero d’Avola. And here’s a bonus: from 5pm to 9pm daily, the bar offers “Aperitivo”, featuring complimentary delectable bite-sized finger food, perfect to nibble on while chatting with friends. (The freshly toasted paninis with melted mozzarella are to die for!)
52-56 Staunton Street, Soho
2559 0559 | stazionenovella.com
Fiamma
With its perfect location on the Peak, and multiple-Michelin-starred Chef Enrico Bartolini at the helm, there are two things you can expect from Fiamma: word-class Italian fare along with some of the city’s best views! On entry, you’re greeted by a relaxed Mediterranean vibe, and welcome aromas of oven-baked pizzas and slow-cooked wild boar ragu; it feels like walking into a family home in Italy.
There’s a spacious dining room and an alfresco seating area, both ideal for family dining; and the menu plays its part, too, with generous, comforting dishes that are best shared among a group. Don’t miss the freshly baked breads and fresh pastas, plus a tipple at the elegant bar. Oh, and you can even grab some goodies for on the go, in case you decide to hike down the famous Peak Trail to get home!
Shop G02, G/F, The Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road
2657 0800 | sandshospitality.com/portfolio/fiamma
Carbone
Carbone presents a slice of the Big Apple’s Italian side, right here in Hong Kong. The restaurant pays homage to the essence of the great Italian restaurants of mid-20th century New York; that is, delicious food served in an elegant yet unpretentious setting.
Fittingly, the menu has plenty to get nostalgic (and excited!) about, with the likes of veal parmesan, linguini vongole and spaghetti carbonara on offer. One highlight is Mario’s Meatballs; they come so highly recommended that we felt it would be a sin not to order them on our most recent visit. Juicy and smothered in fresh tomato sauce with a healthy helping of parmesan, they were everything they’d been talked up to be! By the way, don’t leave Carbone without digging into the NY lemon cheesecake – every bite is a creamy, lemony delight.
9/F LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central
2593 2593 | carbone.com.hk
Spasso
This spacious and light-filled restaurant overlooks Victoria Harbour and is perfect for families, with an outdoor terrace that’s a particularly good option for large groups. It’s no surprise that Spasso’s Gourmet Italian Brunch is especially popular; it features loads of breakfast treats and comforting classics, with a seafood carousel, a carvery, free-flow options and more.
Meanwhile, the à la carte menu is a single page only, reflecting the emphasis on chef-driven dishes that are created daily. This might include premium cuts of grilled meat, or fresh seafood prepared in seasonal ways according to available ingredients. There are plenty of classic dishes, too. In fact, the restaurant has a resident “pizzaiolo” – specialist pizza chef – who hand-tosses the bases and bakes them in an open-flamed Stonewood oven. A special mention to the staff in general; they’ve mastered the art of being attentive without being obtrusive, and they’re a large part of why Spasso is among our favourites!
G5-8, 12-17, Empire Centre, 68 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East
2730 8027 | divinogroup.com
Pici
Neighbourhood pasta bar Pici has captured the imagination of Italian food fans in Hong Kong, with its commitment to serving fresh pasta, handmade daily. In line with the focus on freshness, the menu changes regularly. But you can expect to find flavoursome offerings such as pappardelle with eight-hour slow-cooked beef cheek, tagliolini with fresh-shaved black truffle, smoked salmon ravioli, a simple but divine cacio e pepe (pecorino and black pepper) and more. Oh, and a classic lasagna, of course! Want to try more than just one of these? Ask about the tasting menu. And make sure you round things off with a serve of tiramisu or panna cotta with raspberry coulis.
With a team hailing from Turin, Treviso, Sicily and so on, it’s no surprise that what you get at Pici is real Italian pasta that’s as down-to-earth as it should be. It’s a great spot to drop in for a bowl of fork-twirling goodness and a tasty Italian wine.
There are four locations across the city: St. Francis Yard, Wan Chai; Aberdeen Street, Central; Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui; and New Town Plaza, Sha Tin.
pici.hk
Best of the rest …
8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana
Opened in 2010 by Italian chef Umberto Bombana, this eatery is the first and only Italian restaurant outside Italy to receive three Michelin stars. You can expect the freshest ingredients in a fine-dining atmosphere here.
Shop 202, Landmark Alexandra, 18 Chater Road, Central
2537 8859 | ottoemezzobombana.com
Associazione Chianti
This soulful Tuscan trattoria boasts warm service, flowing wine and classic dishes. Ingredients are a highlight, exemplified by the Bistecca (steak) – the star of any Tuscan feast – which uses USDA Super Prime cuts of grass-fed Black Angus.
15 Ship Street, Wan Chai
3619 3360 | associazionechianti.com
SPIGA
SPIGA is the first restaurant outside Italy for Chef Enrico Bartolini, who has accrued eight Michelin stars in his career. The home-style recipes feature authentic ingredients. Try the Chef’s Tasting Menu for a real treat!
3/F, LHT Tower, 31 Queens Road, Central
2871 0055 | sandshospitality.com
Cucina
You’ll be wowed by the Victoria Harbour views here (equally stunning at lunch and dinner), but also by the hearty Italian food on offer, crafted by Piedmont-born Chef de Cuisine Andrea Delzanno.
6/F, Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, 3 Canton Road, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui
2113 0808 | cucinahk.com
Babacio
You’ll get a Insta-friendly bird’s-eye view of Tai Kwun from the airy terrace of casual pizzeria Babacio. All the classic pizzas are available on the menu, along with antipasti, salads, gnocchi and desserts.
5/F, 77 Wyndham Street, Central
2808 1961 | babacio.hk
Grappas
Something of a Hong Kong institution, Grappa’s is a great laidback location for a home-style Italian meal; the pizzas and pastas, in particular, hit the spot. There’s also a generous drinks list, highlighted by a selection of Italian vino.
G/F, 18 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai
2868 0086 | elgrande.com.hk
Motorino
Naples is the birthplace of pizza, so if you want an authentic slice, head to a Neapolitan pizzeria like Motorino. Not only is the food excellent, but you can book a pizza-making party for a group of friends or kids!
14 Shelley Street, Soho | 2801 6881
15 Ship Street, Wan Chai | 2520 0690
blacksheeprestaurants.com
Amaronis
For an excellent New York-style pizza, it’s hard to look past Amaroni’s. There are some NYC classic pies on the menu, along with designer options that put a different twist on things; plus, plenty of pastas and main dishes.
5/F, Moko, 193 Prince Edward Road West, Mong Kok, Kowloon
2368 8256 | amaronis.com
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