The best thing about Italian cuisines is that there isn’t an end to them. The number of Italian cuisines you could try tends to overwhelm one’s appetite. The moment the food touches your tongue, strong flavours of tomato, cheese, and all kinds of delights will strike your taste buds, leaving one with nothing but awe. Luckily, for our Hong Kong Cibo Italiano fanatics, there are Italian restaurants scattered all around the city and perhaps, these choices below could be added to your “foodie” bucket list.

Casa Cucina & Bar

Looking for a place for Friday night-outs? Or maybe, a cosy home-cooked Italian meal? Then, this Venetian-inspired Cicchetti bar hidden in the corner of Sai Ying Pun is the casa for all who seek for a good time in a place with a combination of homeliness and fun. The Sai Ying Pun located restaurant was designed to imitate a house with a Social Room as a mini cocktail bar, an aesthetic Dining room with decorative art on the walls, and The Loft with a comfortable set of sofas and armchairs for private gatherings.

With only a small quantity, the quality of the food will blow your mind, especially for the highly praised homemade pasta. The tender ox cheek accompanied with a dash of red pepper and a sprinkle of grana padano has turned the pasta into a signature Ox Cheek Pappardelle (HK$188). The Tiramisu (HK$88) and Tofu Panna Cotta (HK$58) are also a must-try for all who have a sweet tooth.

Location: Casa Cucina & Bar,Shops 8 & 9, 158A Connaught Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong

Theo Mistral

This restaurant, stationed at the Intercontinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong, was founded by Theo Randell, one of the top chefs in Britain famed for his award-winning Italian cuisine who had also been the head chef of the celebrated The River Cafe in London for over a decade.

To create rustic meals that continue to receive excellent reviews, Theo meticulously mixes local elements with hand-picked Italian imports. With the use of wooden texture and simplistic colours with a pop of dark blue, the dining hall gives out a cold aesthetic with great elegance. The Signature Brunch (HK$598) is best for those who wish to indulge in Theo’s cuisines while looking for a wallet-friendly choice. It includes five courses that feature Theo’s signatures such as the Cappelletti di oca, pasta stuffed with a slow-cooked goose, and Pancetta topped with truffles sided by a porcini mushroom sauce, as well as a wide selection of appetisers ranging from crab legs to Boston lobsters.

Location: Theo Mistral, B2, InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong, 70 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

Fiamma

Located at the Peak Galleria, one of the most visited tourist attractions in Hong Kong, Fiamma is led by Michelin-star chef Enrico Bartolini who aims to combine the Mediterranean taste with a family-style Italian meal that offers a variety of cuisines catering not only to meat-lovers but also vegans.,

Covered with royal blue oaks, vintage-inspired tiling, and exquisite chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, Fiamma has provided a soothing space for you to relax in a Mediterranean ambiance.

The Tartare di bue Piemontese (HK$198) appetiser is a meaty yet refreshing way to begin the meal, followed by Italian classics for the main course including Prosciutto e Bufala (HK$208) highlighted by the 18-month aged parma ham, and the tender and thick Controfiletto di Black Angus (HK$448). A sweet taste of the classic Panna Cotta Alle Mandorle (HK$88), and Puffy Torta Napoleone (HK$88) marks the perfect end of your Italian voyage.

Location: Fiamma, Shop G02, G/F, Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Rd, The Peak

Ciao Chow

Before you walk straight into a club in Lan Kwai Fong, perhaps you could consider having a nice meal to prepare for a drunken night. Ciao Chow is the place for you to fuel up with all the Italian delicacies — mostly with pizzas! In fact, it is the first Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana-certified pizzeria in Hong Kong. Behind the monolithic marble counter, one could see the chefs in the open kitchen stressing over the delicacies that are about to be served at your table.

The Weekend Brunch Buffet (HK$448) comes highly recommended by many. From seafood to freshly baked pizzas, high-quality food is stationed at the counter waiting for you to have a try. The main courses are based on local favourites including the fettuccine bolognese, pan-fried salmon filet, and for vegetarians, the eggplant parmigiana. And for anyone who’s up for a challenge, the Impossible Pizza (HK$218), topped with “impossible” meatballs as the chefs call them, is the “biggest” and the tastiest enemy for you to defeat.

Location:Ciao Chow, G/F, California Tower, 30-32 D'Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong

Mother of Pizza

From afar, one could already hear Drake roaring in a pizzeria that claims to be the “mother of pizza.” Expect “her” loyal followers lining up outside on the streets of Happy Valley, waiting for the chance to savour the best of pizzas. Vintage American posters decorate the dark interior, giving out an intriguing rock ‘n roll vibe uncommon in classy Italian restaurants. Instead of using machines, the pizza dough is 100% hand-stretched, making its centre wet and soggy with a Leopard-Spar crustiness on the surface.

While the pizzas meet the original Italian Neapolitan standards, chef Ricky Yuen rebelliously added a touch of pineapples and sweet honey to his Summer of Love 1967 (13in for HK$238, 18in for HK$438) and Hawaiian CoCo (13in for HK$238, 18in for HK$438), successfully driving the Italians crazy but winning the hearts of many Hong Kongers with the pizzas’ sweetness and saltiness colliding like a masterpiece.

Location: Mother of Pizza, Ground Shop, 13, 19 Leighton Rd, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Pici

Within a tranquil street in Wan Chai, there lies one of the most visited Italian restaurants in the district, the OG Pici. As its name suggests, Pici proudly presents its thick hand-rolled pasta and strong-flavoured Italian gourmets that are much to many Hong Kongers’ likings. The rich scent of tomato and cheese flows through the open-air windows, luring the outsiders into the restaurant’s heavenly embrace. The softly lit, brown aesthetic room is a treat for customers who seek for an Instagrammable Italian-styled picture.

As its name suggests, Pici is famed for its thick, hand-rolled pasta. Topped with slow-cooked beef ragu, homemade Pici tomato sauce, along with light bechamel cheese and parmesan, the pasta al dente transformed into the all-time favourite, Lasagna Classica (HK$130). The Tuna tartare (HK$120) is also highly recommended as a refreshing starter for the strong flavours coming out, while the Tiramisu (HK$60) is the best finish for all who crave creamy textures.

Location:Pici,G/F, 16 St. Francis Yard, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Ramato

Ramato became the platform where founder chef Antimo’s childhood memories of Italian delicacy came alive once again. The restaurant is the image of classiness: modern art, and a wooden shelf elegantly decorate the place, the latter showing off chef Antimo’s large collection of wine. Ramoto is the perfect place to go for a chill drink or to try out chef Antimo’s mouth-watering hand creations.

The antipasti are is screaming of tomato with its Bruschetta, Tomato, Oregano (HK$68), Burrata, Camone Tomato, Basil (HK$188), Poached Eegg, Tomato, Smoked Scamorza, Rocket, Crispy Sourdough (HK$158) and Sauteed Clams, Tomato, Parsley, Garlic (HK$158). Followed by the Secondi, the impressive Baked Whole Seabass “Acqua Pazza” Sauce (HK$548 for 1.5kg) is a nice choice for someone who seeks for a light meal and the Grilled M5 Australian Wagyu Rib Eye (HK$588 for 500g) is a delight for meat lovers. Sicilian Cannolo(HK$38) with ricotta and pistachio and Vanilla Panna Cotta(HK$88) are a great way to try out Italian sweets.

Location:Ramato, 208 Hollywood Road, Hong Kong. 

BluHouse

Situated in Rosewood, the BluHouse is a newly opened Italian restaurant that features cuisines tailor-made by chef Giovanni Galeota, who worked in award-winning kitchens in Italy, Spain, and Macau. The white aesthetic room is a comfort to the eyes, giving a relaxing vibe for all who come for a meal. Looking out from the sun-kissed room, one could enjoy the panoramic sight of the Victoria Harbour.

Other than its winning scenery, BluHouse presents its signature dishes including Tonno (HK$90) with topped with tuna, red onion, Pantelleria capers, fresh basil and tomato; and Guanciale (HK$98), a pizza without tomato sauce, alongside with cured pork jowl, seasonal mushrooms, and caramelised onions. Italian dining is never complete without wine and Bluhouse has proven this point by blending Italian and Hong Kong flavours together in its Italian herbal liqueur, Amaro.

Location: BluHouse, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

A Lux

Directed by Chef Chung, the highly prestige restaurant celebrates the traditional flavours of Italian and French flavours with Hong Kong style. The grand ambience is the best for a luxurious meal, especially for business meals. , Wwith European artworks circling the room, the vintage gas lanterns, and the spacious environment, a Lux invites its customers to a sublime fine dining experience.

The dinner set menu costs HK$1,080 per person and with such price, one can enjoy a six- course experience of Italian-French delights. The set offers Smoked Ssalmon Imperial Fillet With Baeri Caviar for the entrée, a light introduction with smoked salmon, before ending with a cheese platter and chocolate mousse, which yields a smooth texture with a tinge of crunchiness. The Fettuccine With Carabineros Prawn is one of the most impressive mains as the prawn’s juice absorbed by the handmade pasta and sea bass will usher any seafood lover into an explosion of flavours.

Location: A Lux, Shop M2, M/f, Baskerville House, 13 Duddeel St, Central, Hong Kong

Sabatini

Also on our list is one of the most talked about Italian restaurants in Hong Kong, Sabatini. Walking through the doors of the restaurant, one can already feel the Italian aura, a well-decorated interior with a musty, vintage style, as well as dimly lit chandeliers and wooden antiques. The medieval-style paintings on the wall and the delicate utensils mimic the cosiness of the countryside.

To begin the meal, the 48 Months Iberico Spanish Ham With Fresh Melon(HK$688) is the choice of many for whetting their appetite. For a taste of Italian soup, Beef and Capon Consomme With Beaten Egg and Parmesan Cheese (HK$178) is a gentle start for the main course, emphasising mostly on the strong broth flavour. The fresh Linguine alla Sabatini (HK$468) reaches the top standard of Italian cuisine and the Australian Wagyu M5 Grade Sirloin with Seasonal Vegetables(HK$578) is tender and well-balanced, so you won’t have to worry about it being too oily.

Location: Sabatini, 3/F, The Royal Garden, 69 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon

Fiata Pizza

At Fiata Pizza, chef Salvatore Fiata promises to bring only the best of Italian pizzas to Hong Kong, using the D.O.P-labelled ingredients freshly imported from Italy. The restaurant swears by the golden principle of “75% moisture, 510 degrees celsius, 90 seconds and 100% passion” and delivers it to his customer’s’ taste buds. The restaurant’s design and environment will remind one of the romantic side of Rome and the rest of Italy.

Other than all the classics, the pizza specials are also worth a try. The Bronte 3.0(HK$195) combines the Fior di latte Agerola with the Mortadella Oro di Bologna to create the saltiness, then adds the lemon zest burrata di Andria IGP with fresh basil to lighten the heavy flavour, balancing it with its sourness. The Montagna Romatica (HK$230) sits on the throne of @50toppizza on Instagram and is guaranteed to wow any who dare to taste it.

Location: Fiata Pizza, 2 Staunton Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong

Lucale

Located within the Third Street in Sai Ying Pun, Lucale is a place to chillax and have a good quality drink with friends. It is also the perfect venue to taste the creations of one of the city’s most well-known chefs, Alessandro Angelini.

Luocale is famous for its Black Truffle Chitarrino With Pienza Pecorino (HK$198), which meets the expectations of every Cibo Italiano fanatics. It’s chitarra-style spaghetti is topped with black truffle and “Pienza” pecorino cheese and walnut breadcrumbs, offering a combination that is looks plain but unimaginably heavenly. The choice of desserts runs aplenty, while maintaining the classics. But Lucale surprises us with Ciliegie E Gelato Alla Menta (HK$98) and La Crostata Rotta Con Nutella, Fragole E Lychees (HK$98), Italian desserts much to Hong Kongers’ likings.

Location: Lucale, Shop A, GF, 100 Third Street, Hong Kong

Babacio

For another great pizza place, we recommend Babacio located near Tai Kwun. They serve a variety of traditional Italian pizzas including the classics, bianca and fritta which are amazingly deep-fried! Babacio is not only known for their pizzas but their deliciously cooked Italian dishes as well. They also have a selection of beers and cocktails to go with your meal.

The BoscaiolaPizza (HK$148) is topped with a large portion of ham and mushroom, drizzled with Babacio homemade tomato sauce, and flecked with cheese and salt, all on a crispy base. Another worth-trying pizza is the Calzone(HK$218), a dumpling made with pizza dough, stuffed with tomato, fungi, ham and mozzarella. Definitely not a usual sight for Hong Kongers but a very common dish in Italy! For anyone who wishes to take a selfie with a glamourous background, be sure to come to Babacio at night for the best view you could ever see.

Location: Babacio, 5/F, Carfield Commercial Building, 75-77 Wyndham Street, Central