Fill up on freshly made pasta and food made with love at these outstanding Italian restaurants in Hong Kong
While we love French cuisine and we go mad for dim sum, there’s really nothing more comforting than carb-loading on pasta and pizza just like mamma used to make. Add a glass, nay, a bottle, of vino, an order of tiramisu, and there’s our idea of a perfect meal. We’re easy to please like that. From rustic trattorias to Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants, Italian restaurants in Hong Kong don’t get any better than these. So… in no particular order, here they are.
Italian restaurants in Hong Kong that float our boat
1. Aria
From the modern glass windows that lavishly show off Hong Kong’s skyline, to the plush velvet chairs and marble tabletops, Aria provides a top-notch gastronomic experience. Its contemporary take on classic Italian fare is innovative, and the minimal plating focuses all your attention on the food itself. Now with a new menu fully revamped by Executive Chef Angelo Vecchio in November 2022, classic Italian dishes are elevated to rousing success. Inspired by the comfort Italian food of Chef Vecchio’s childhood, each seasonal menu is named after a featured ingredient such as Castagne for autumn 2022. Aria’s wine and cocktails are the perfect complement to the indulgent dishes, with vintage liqueurs at the ready for capping off the meal.
Aria, 24/F, California Tower, 30-36 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2804 1116
2. A Lux
Hidden near the end of Duddell Street is A Lux, a high-end Italian-French restaurant we love. Its atmosphere cosy and elegant, A Lux strives to serve some of the best pasta in town – in fact, handmade pasta is the speciality of Executive Chef Chung. He uses traditional cooking methods and top-quality ingredients, such as Italian eggs and the smoothest No. 00 flour, to create the dough. But, the most special offering here has got to be its daily “Secret Pasta”, an additional pasta dish (in the lunch and dinner set menus) made according to the supply of seasonal ingredients on the day. Among the 15 Secret Pasta dishes, our favourites are the refreshing Chitarra with carabineros prawn, tomato, and basil; and the Fettuccine with Australian A5 wagyu beef cheek and shaved truffle (because that’s a killer combo). We hope we can try the Spaghetti with abalone, garlic, chilli, and sakura ebi next time, but who knows – we’ll all be in for a surprise!
A Lux, Shop M2, M/F, Baskerville House, 13 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2663 9938
3. Fini’s
Serving scrumptious New York-style pizzas, homemade pasta dishes, as well as classic Italian inspired cocktails and wines, Fini’s guarantees its guests a joyful dining experience. With a new branch recently opened in Elements, Fini’s is continuing to take over Hong Kong – one burrata at a time!
Fini’s has multiple branches across Hong Kong.
4. Frank’s Italian American Social Club
Looking for tasty Italian restaurants in Hong Kong that double as a great place to hang with friends? Frank’s is a red sauce bar, restaurant, and music joint. From classic Spaghetti Meatball to Linguini with Clams to Chicken Parm Supreme, Frank’s definitely makes Italian food more impressive and indulgent than we imagined!
Frank’s Italian American Social Club, G/F & 1/F, Harilela House, 79 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 9097 9730
5. LucAle
Since opening in 2020, LucAle means business when it comes to serving hearty Italian food with a twist. A passion project by Chefs Alessandro Angelini, previously of Shangri-La’s Angelini, and Luca De Berardinis of Conrad, this Italian restaurant offers thoughtfully prepared dishes made with lots of love. Having revitalised its menu in April 2022, LucAle is ready to captivate you with contemporary takes on classic Italian dishes. The Broken Pasta Risotto elevates an Italian pantry meal with delectable clams and zucchini flowers. The Slow Cooked Suckling Pig, perfectly cooked with an Asian arrabiata sauce, is another dish to write home about. Meanwhile, LucAle’s famous desserts continue to shine, with its Liquorice Crème Brulee and the Panna Cotta.
LucAle, Shop A, 100 Third Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, p. 3611 1842
6. Lucciola, The Hari Hong Kong
Helmed by Piedmont-born chef Francesco Gava, Lucciola delivers impeccable, beloved classics with a modern twist, using the finest produce from Italy. The jazzy tiles and green walls with plush seating create a comfortable dining experience that works on any occasion. Fill your table with some Lasagna Portofino or the Spaghettini served with Mediterranean Clams. Patrons shouldn’t leave Lucciola without a tipple (or two!), so spoil yourself with the extensive drinks menu that includes house cocktails, premium Italian wine, bubbles, and more.
Lucciola, 1/F, The Hari Hong Kong, 330 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2129 0333
7. Carbone
From the Big Apple to the 852, Carbone is a New York-Italian restaurant that has fast become one of Hong Kong’s top spots. The space exudes old-school Manhattan vibes with its dark plush leather seats, wooden panelling, white tablecloths, classic chandeliers, and tuxedoed waiters. Even the food comes in larger-than-life American sizing, with classic Italian-American dishes like Mario’s Meatballs, tiramisu, and spicy vodka rigatoni all hitting the spot. But, don’t even think about leaving before having a bite of their famous NY Lemon Cheesecake – one of the best cheesecakes in town!
Carbone, 9/F, Lan Kwai Fong Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2593 2593
8. Pici
If you’re at Pici, you’re there for the pasta. The casual pasta bar serves delicacies from all around Italy, with pastas handmade fresh on-site. Dishes are designed to be shared, so make a date with your best foodie friends and sample them all. In fact, if you don’t feel like choosing just one, go for broke and order Pici’s famous Pasta Tasting Menu, a fabulous deal where you get four portions of pasta for $280 a head. Must-tries include the Tagliolini with white truffle paste and shaved black truffle; Pici “Cacio e Pepe”; and Lasagna Classica. Word of advice: the restaurant does not take bookings, so if you’re heading there with a large group, best come during off-peak hours!
Read our full review of Pici.
Pici has branches across Hong Kong.
9. Grissini, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
Grissini is one of our favourite places to sample beautiful Italian cuisine. From the moment you walk in, dining at Grissini is a real experience thanks to the views of the harbour, the exceptional service and the giant Amalfi lemons waiting at your table. Chef de Cuisine Marcello Scognamiglio has prepared an array of delights here, with signatures such as Spaghetti All’Astice, and Braised Wagyu Short Rib. Don’t miss the wonderful Tiramisu served tableside for a bit of interactive fun!
Grissini, 2/F, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2584 7722
10. Crust Italian
Taking a prime location on Johnston Road, Crust Italian is a breath of fresh air. The soft blue hues of hand-painted tiles and fragrant lemon trees are an ode to the Amalfi Coast that can make you forget you’re in the heart of Wan Chai. Crust celebrates the Southern Italian tradition of an all-day dining neighbourhood spot, offering pastries, coffee, and main courses. While you’re there, don’t forget to try the authentic barista-made Italian caffe sospeso – meaning suspended coffee – which must be drunk standing up at the bar, Napoli style. On the heels of Crust Italian’s success, new branches like Crust Sorrento have since opened up, bringing the brand all across Hong Kong.
Crust Italian, The Heritage Woo Cheong Pawn Shop, G/F, 60A-66 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2191 0278
11. Spiga
It only takes one look at Spiga’s trendy industrial interiors to see that this is not your mama’s traditional trattoria! A buzzing Hong Kong hotspot, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Enrico Bartolini, Spiga serves fine Italian fare with a contemporary twist. Bartolini reinterprets classic Italian food and puts his own outstanding spin on dishes like his famous Carbonara d’anatra and Ricciola Giapponese. Spiga’s Pappardelle al ragù di guancia is also one for the books.
Spiga, LHT Tower, 31 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2871 0055
12. Osteria Marzia
You don’t need to travel far to experience a Southern Italian holiday – just mosey on over to Osteria Marzia at The Fleming for a slice of the seaside coast. The contemporary Italian restaurant specialises in modern seafood dishes from Campania, Amalfi, Puglia, and Southern Sicily. There, graze on plates from the 2022 winter menu like Spaghetti with Bronte pistachios and Sicilian anchovies. The Linguine with Boston Lobster is another dish you can tuck into to warm yourself up in the colder months. If you aren’t feeling carbs, dishes like Pescato del Giorno, or catch of the day, is perfect for sharing with the whole table.
Find out why we are so in love with The Fleming.
Osteria Marzia, G/F, The Fleming, 41 Fleming Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 3607 2253, 灣仔菲林明道41號地舖
13. 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana
Three Michelin stars – need we say more? We mean, when fine Italian food is this incredible, it’s worth the wait. We’re talking about a months-long waitlist to get in, as Otto e Mezzo Bombana is not only one of the best Italian restaurants in Hong Kong, it’s one of the best restaurants in Hong Kong, period. This is just not a spot you can casually pop in to! And 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana by chef Umberto Bombana is even more impressive considering that it’s the only Italian restaurant outside of Italy to get the coveted three stars. The upscale establishment is a true truffle lovers’ paradise, as everything is covered in truffles here – from black truffle risotto to fassone veal tenderloin with black winter truffle, to even a black truffle gelato.
8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana, Shop 202, Landmark Alexandra, 18 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2537 8859
La Piola (permanently closed)
Set in a colonial building in Wan Chai, La Piola is a rustic and homey Italian restaurant that feels just like one might stumble upon in the Piedmont region of Italy. The trattoria knows a thing or two about authentic Northern Italian food, dishing up quality plates of prosciutto, fresh burrata and traditional Piedmont pasta made fresh in their pasta lab. If you’re having Piemonte food, springing for a bottle of Barolo is a must, and make sure you leave room for their signature cannolo langarolo. This is one of our favourite Italian restaurants in Hong Kong, and we just love the heritage building setting in Wan Chai.
La Piola, 62 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2806 1028
208 Duecento Otto (permanently closed)
Set in a converted old meat warehouse, 208 Duecento Otto is a stylish Italian restaurant that sets the bar for excellent modern Italian cuisine. The food is traditional but refined – think wagyu bresaola, bone marrow with salsa verde, prosciutto e rucola pizza and papardalle wagyu Bolognese. Got a sweet tooth? It’s worth sticking around for desserts as dishes like Nutella calzone and milk ice cream, salted pear and frangipane tart, and Italian trifle are there to tempt your senses. Weekend warriors will be pleased to know that 208 does a mean brunch buffet as well.
208 Duecento Otto, 208 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2549 0208
Ciacoe (permanently closed)
Ciacoe is a literal little corner of Italy in the heart of Wan Chai. With a name that is slang for ‘gossip’ in Venetian, the cosy wine bar imagines their customers catching up with one another whilst perched by the bar, enjoying glass upon glass of prosecco, and nibbling on prosciutto and parmigiana. The food offerings may be limited to casual bites, but it’s the fine wine and great company that keeps patrons coming back for more. If you’re visiting in the afternoon, Ciacoe even offers free appetisers to go with your drinks. This is one of the top Italian restaurants in Hong Kong, and it’s always patronised by Italians themselves.
Ciacoe, 1 Moon Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 5126 0155
