We review Exotica Gelatea, gourmet Italian-inspired burger joint where centuries-old culinary mastery meets modern innovation, combining ancient recipes with creativity.
Just a stone’s throw away from the buzzing Times Square in Causeway Bay, Exotica Gelatea is much more than a place to dine – it’s a journey through Italy’s history. The restaurant’s signature burgers give a nod to recipes from ancient Rome, and its range of gelato and coffee has us swooning! As we enjoyed delicious meals that mix classic techniques with a modern touch, we found ourselves immersed in an atmosphere that brings to mind the grand days of the Renaissance…
We had a taste of history at Exotica Gelatea
We enjoyed our journey through the history of Italian cuisine at Exotica Gelatea. Using recipes inspired by those dating back over 1,500 years, this unique burger joint combines ancient Roman and other traditional Italian techniques with creative twists to shape its menu. What blew us away was the burgers – crafted using high-grade meats and recipes inspired by “Isicia Omentata” – a dish (from the Apicius manuscript) that may have been the first burger in history!
In addition to the burgers, we love how Exotica Gelatea celebrates the two other treasures that have shaped Italian cuisine over the centuries: coffee and gelato. Here, you can sip on robust espressos while savouring artisanal gelato, with several recipes even featuring double or even triple ingredients in one flavour. From Italian to Southeast Asian favourites, there are plenty of innovative and refreshing combos – some never before seen in Hong Kong! You can grab a scoop on the go, or dine in and soak in the vibes. With the vintage furniture, alongside ancient European art and decor, we felt as if we were whisked back in time to Renaissance Italy.
Where tradition meets innovation
Exotica Gelatea knows how to do burgers right – just check out the signature Wagyu Burger and Cauldron Burger! Our favourite element of the Wagyu Burger was its 80-day fermented sauce, a tribute to the ancient Roman garum. An essence produced by rigorous fermentation of fresh meat and other secret ingredients, this sauce adds an extra depth of flavour to the juicy beef. In ours, the patty was sizzled to perfection and the garum spread through each mouthful, giving a decadent texture that dissolved on the tongue. Another fave was the Cauldron Burger. We liked how it reflects old-school Italian cooking methods, mixing a bunch of ingredients together to concoct this ancient green sauce in the burger – a tangy and tantalising complement to the meat.
But, the real show-stopper was the Lava Burger – the ultimate decadence. When we took a bite, there was so much melted cheddar cheese embedded in the patty that it just oozed out everywhere! The generous serving of cheese, combined with the juicy patty and the unique fermented sauce, made this burger simply irresistible. Not a carnivore? No problem – the Veggie Burger caters to vegetarians, so that no one misses out on the delicious goodness!
And to satisfy your sweet cravings…
Think Exotica Gelatea is only about burgers? Think again – because the dessert menu is also super impressive with its best-selling gelato milkshakes. In addition to the Italian Gelato Burger, the limited-time D24 Durian x Peach Milkshake is an escapade into cooling, tropical bliss. Plus, we hear the Rose Mulberry Cream-topped Rose Milkshake is a favourite among the ladies! Whether you’re seeking an afternoon treat after a day’s shopping in CWB, or wanting to enjoy a complete dining experience with a big group of friends, Exotica Gelatea make both the ideal pit stop and group dining restaurant to elevate your mood.
Exotica Gelatea, 49 Sharp Street East, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 2897 8211
Exotica Gelatea Gelateria (gelato and coffee only), Shop 1048, 1/F, Elements, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 2388 9332
This post is in partnership with Exotica Gelatea.
