Think Italy, think food. From favourites such as pasta and pizza to more complex dishes such as Osso Bucco, Italian food caters to a wide range of palates and delights both young and old. With simple yet bold flavours prepared with the freshest ingredients, it is easy to imagine the warm Mediterranean sunshine with every morsel devoured. The good news when it comes to Italian food in Hong Kong, is that we are spoilt for choice. From family-style eateries to Michelin-starred dining, the vast array of Italian restaurants in Hong Kong will leave even the fussiest of diners satisfied. Below are our favourite Italian restaurants in Hong Kong.
Octavium — Central
Octavium first opened its doors in 2017 and quickly earned its reputation as one of the best Italian restaurants in Hong Kong. Led by two highly acclaimed chefs, Roland Schuller and Bjoern Alexander, Octavium offers its diners an intimate dining experience worthy of 2-Michelin stars. In its minimalist yet chic dining room, guests are treated to seasonal dishes using the freshest produce from around the world. The food here is made from scratch and even the simplest of dishes reach new culinary highs through meticulous and innovative cooking.
8/F One Chinachem Central, 22 Des Voeux Rd Central, Central | +852 2111 9395
8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana — Central
Hailed as one of the top fine dining establishments in Hong Kong, Italian restaurant 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana provides diners with an unforgettable gastronomical experience. Opened in 2010 by highly acclaimed Chef Umberto Bombana, the restaurant has the prestigious accolade of being the first and only Michelin 3-star Italian restaurant outside Italy. Known for his love of seasonal ingredients, a must-try is one of Chef Bombana’s, famed as the “King of Truffles”, white truffle creations when in season. To complete the experience, do plan an aperitivo at their award-winning Japanese-inspired bar beforehand.
Shop 202, 2/F Alexandra House, 18 Chater Rd, Central | +852 2537 8859
Sabatini Ristorante Italiano — Tsim Sha Tsui
Step back in time at this rustic Italian restaurant located in The Royal Garden Hotel. Amidst a setting of arched doorways and terracotta tiled floors, diners can savour an extensive selection of Italian classics such as crispy golden fritto misto and comforting baked lasagna. In addition to weekday lunch and dinner service, Sabatini is famed for its weekend brunch (HK$828 per person) with its sumptuous array of Italian antipasti, a live station offering of grilled seafood and meat, homemade pasta, a choice of main, and a selection of sweet delights to round the feast off.
3/F, The Royal Garden, 69 Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui East | +852 2733 2000
Tosca di Angelo — West Kowloon
Occupying the 102nd floor of the ICC, this Michelin 1-star Italian restaurant never fails to wow diners with its panoramic views of the iconic Hong Kong skyline and its equally impressive Italian fare. Led by Sicilian chef, Angelo Angliano, the food at Tosca di Angelo takes inspiration from the kitchen of his childhood home in Southern Italy and is elevated to haute cuisine standards through modern innovations. To accompany the food is an extensive menu of fine wines. Perfect for special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries, this restaurant won’t disappoint food and wine aficionados.
102/F, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, ICC1 Austin Rd West, West Kowloon | +852 2263 2270
Pici — Various Locations
Arguably the home of the best pasta in Hong Kong, Pici, with its no-reservation policy has a devoted following of gourmands who are willing to queue for a taste of their freshly made pasta. The food here is honest, wholesome, and packs flavour with each bite. The hearty starters and generous portions make the food at Pici perfect for sharing and is a great way to sample more of the menu. With its various locations in Hong Kong, Pici is a popular Italian restaurant for couples, friends, and families alike.
LucAle — Sai Ying Pun
Tucked away on a side alley in Sai Ying Pun, LucAle is one of Hong Kong’s best-kept secrets when it comes to good Italian food. This cosy, intimate neighbourhood restaurant serves mouth-watering antipasti, pasta, seafood, and meat dishes cooked to perfection. The brainchild of renowned chefs Alessandro Angelini (of Shangri-la’s Angellini) and Luca de Berardinis (of Conrad’s Operetta), the Italian restaurant bustles with people stopping in for a drink at the bar after work or filling up on favourites such as the homemade pappardelle ragu. Portions are generous and make perfect sharing plates.
Shop A, GF, 100 Third St, Sai Ying Pun | +852 3611 1842
Carbone — Central
Part of the renowned Black Sheep Group of restaurants, Carbone is a New York-style Italian restaurant that serves delicious American-Italian favourites. The decor is reminiscent of 1950s Manhattan, with white starched table cloths in heavy contrast to the wood-paneled walls and red and black chequered floors. The smartly dressed service staff are warm and welcoming which adds to the overall atmosphere. Some Carbone must-trys include the Caesar salad which is freshly prepared table side, Spicy Vodka Rigatoni, and their famous Meatballs – just remember to save some space for the dessert trolley!
9/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham St, Central | +852 2593 2593
Grissini — Wan Chai
Grissini, a long-time Hong Kong favourite has recently undergone a transformation under the helm of Chef Marcello Scognamillio. Whilst still boasting the magnificent views of Victoria Harbour, guests can now enjoy Italian fine dining in a more relaxed and casual atmosphere. Central to the renovation is Grissini’s new open kitchen, where chefs can be seen meticulously preparing traditional Southern Italian dishes refined with innovative cooking techniques for a more modern palate. Some of their new signatures include Roman clay pot-baked chicken and slow-cooked veal in tuna sauce.
2/F, Grand Hyatt, 1 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai | +852 2584 7722
Motorino — Central & Wan Chai
A list of the best Italian restaurants in Hong Kong would not be complete without a mention of a pizzeria. Lucky for us, at Motorino, all pizza cravings are satisfied. The made-to-order pizzas (ranging from HK$98 to HK$198) are hand stretched and topped with the freshest Italian ingredients before being fired up very quickly in a special custom oven designed to reach searingly high temperatures. The result is a delicious, flavour packed pizza that is the perfect contrast of soft and chewy on the inside and charred on the outside. Bellissima!
Central: 14 Shelley St, Central | +852 2801 6881
Wan Chai: 15 Ship St, Wan Chai | +852 2520 0690
Frank’s Italian American Social Club — Central
Housed over a couple of floors in the vibrant LKF district, Frank’s is the perfect combination of good Italian food, innovative cocktails, and funky hip-hop vibes. Following its recent revamp, Frank’s has introduced diners to a menu-zine concept that is updated monthly with must-try specials, music themes, and article features. On offer to accompany the Frank’s classics that loyal fans have grown to love, such as Rigatoni alla Vodka (HK$170) and Chicken Parm (HK$199), is a long list of specials that fuses Asian flavours with traditional American Italian dishes.
79 Wyndham St, Central | +852 9097 9730
Header image credits: Getty Images via Canva
Add comment