Delish Eats: Nocino’s Signature Grotto-Style Dining on Hollywood Road
Restaurant Story
From Tai Hang to Kwun Tong, Nocino has quietly built a cult following as Hong Kong’s only restaurant dedicated to the rustic cuisine of Ticino, Switzerland’s southernmost region. Its newest outpost on Hollywood Road continues the brand’s homage to “Grotto-style” dining, where handmade pastas and Alpine hospitality meet urban charm in the heart of Central. Named after the walnut liqueur beloved across Ticino, Nocino brings a slice of Swiss countryside to the heart of the city.
Chef Story
Chef Matthew Ziemski, the British-born, half-Swiss, half-Polish founder of Nocino, channels his Ticinese roots into every dish.
With experience at The Ritz and The Connaught in London, and a deep connection to his Swiss heritage (his uncle even makes Nocino liqueur), Ziemski’s culinary vision is both personal and precise. Beyond the kitchen, he also runs Helvetica — a catering and retail concept that showcases Swiss produce and collaborates with the Swiss Chamber of Commerce.
What’s the Vibe and Venue Like
Tucked into Hollywood Road’s eclectic stretch, the 30-seater space is intimate and inviting. The interior is a curated blend of Swiss nostalgia and Hong Kong charm: textured walls, cascading ivy, vintage wine bottles, and whimsical artwork.
A large mirror framed in wood reflects pendant lights and cozy corners, amplifying the warmth of the room. Shelves are adorned with dried florals, potted plants, and Swiss curios, while an Alpine-style cowbell hangs proudly on the wall. It’s a space that invites you to linger, sip, and celebrate. Even the washroom carries the same thoughtful touch, lit by a scented candle that adds a quiet note of luxury.
How Much Does It Cost
Prices range from HK$32 for starters like Rosemary Focaccia (Italian flatbread with extra virgin olive oil and cheery word aged balsamic) to HK$298 for mains like Ossobuco Milanese.
Handmade pastas hover around HK$178-HK$188, and desserts are a sweet steal at HK$68. Cocktails and Swiss wines are HK$98 each, with digestifs like Swiss Absinthe and Pear Eau de Vie rounding out the meal.
What Is the Menu About
Nocino’s menu is a love letter to Ticino’s “Grotto-style” cuisine — rustic, hearty, and deeply rooted in Alpine tradition.
Handmade pastas, and Swiss cheeses are served with a side of warm hospitality. Seasonal ingredients and Swiss imports are woven into dishes that feel both comforting and elevated. The beverage list leans into Swiss wines and playful cocktails that riff on lakeside leisure and mountain mystique.
What We Ordered
The Burrata & Fig Mostarda arrived first and it was a study in contrast: creamy and cool burrata against the sticky sweetness of fig, lifted by mint and the salt of prosciutto. It was the kind of dish that made you pause mid-conversation.
Pesce in Carpione followed, visually elegant but the anchovy was sharply sour, all while the Belp Salad was a riot of textures and flavors — bitter leaves tangled with roasted red onion, pear, chestnut, and walnuts, all softened by the honey mustard dressing and the unmistakable funk of Belper Knolle cheese.
Then came the Arancino Ticinese. Its golden shell cracking open to reveal risotto steeped in Merlot and porcini, which was grounding.
Accompanying our meal were two sparkling refreshers, a welcome light fizz to complement our indulgent meal. The Lemon Honey Gazosa is zesty with a honeyed finish whilst the Hibiscus Rose Earl Grey Fizz is floral and fragrant with that classic flower-tea flavor combination, leaning sweet with a gentle sparkle.
Finally, it was time for the long-awaited parade of Nocino's celebrated pastas, each one crowned with a generous snowfall of cheese.
The Smoked Duck Leg & Roasted Peach Tagliatelle surprised us — savory and sweet in perfect balance. The Octopus & Squid Ink Ragu Creste di Gallo was smoky and briny, its richness deepened by a velvety caciocavallo fondue.
The Nduja Reginette brought heat and cream, the spicy pork mellowed by mascarpone and brightened with lemon zest and parmesan.
By the time the Brown Crab Cacio e Pepe Bucatini arrived, we were full — but not done. The sweet crab folded into the peppery sauce was too clever to ignore. I took a few bites more than I should have and didn’t regret a single one.
Next, we were each served a shot of Nocino as a digestif, not with dessert but somewhere in between — a bold, sweet walnut liqueur that warmed the chest and sharpened the senses.
Then, we dug into our dessert. The Odette’s Tiramisu had creamy layers felt nostalgic. And the Tobler & Torrone Milk Chocolate Pave was quality Swiss chocolate reimagined with finesse.
And who can't resist a third sweet indulgence? Offering a satisfying finish to our meal, the Mont Blanc Chestnut & Blackcurrant Cheesecake was Ticino on a plate — earthy, tart, and quietly poetic.
What We Liked
We tried four pastas, each with its own charm, but the Nduja Reginette stood out — rich, creamy, and just spicy enough for those who prefer a gentler kick.
The surprise birthday moment for one of the customers that night, where staff played the wall cowbell, added warmth and whimsy to the night. And the interior, true to its grotto-style roots, felt cozy and welcoming, with friendly staff and thoughtful touches throughout.
And with prices that feel fair for the quality, it’s the kind of place we’d happily return to — especially with friends.
What We Didn’t Like
The Pesce in Carpione leaned too sour, overpowering its delicate components. Non-alcoholic drinks, while refreshing, were a bit sweet. And for non-beef eaters, meat options felt limited — a small gap in an otherwise thoughtful menu, especially for those who value protein variety.
What You Should Order
Start with the Malakoff — a deep-fried cheese bomb worth the indulgence. The Belp Salad is a nutty, textural delight. Follow with the Nduja Reginette for a gentle kick, and end with Odette’s Tiramisu paired with a shot of Nocino. And we suggest ordering two desserts because they’re priced fairly and satisfy the sweet tooth perfectly.
This food review is based on a complimentary media tasting provided by Nocino in exchange for a truthful review and no compensation. The opinions expressed within represent the views of the author.
For reservations, visit their website or make a reservation via bistrochat. You may also send a WhatsApp message to+852 7072 7780. For more updates and information, follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
Location: G/F, Hilltop Plaza, 49 Hollywood, Soho, Central
Opening Hours: 11:30AM-3PM, 5PM-10PM (Mon-Sun)
Enjoyed this article? Check out our previous Delish Eats reviews here.
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
