Your Guide To The Best Italian Restaurants In Hong Kong

You can’t go past an Italian restaurant when you’re more interested in the ‘eat’ than the pray and the love! Check out our round-up of the best Italian restaurants in Hong Kong for more than just fresh pasta and pizza (although there’s plenty of that too!).

Today, Italian cuisine is a firm favourite across the globe. But that wasn’t always the case. In fact, when Italian food brought by early migrants from Italy first began spreading in the United States, it was seen as overly garlicky, greasy and generally unpalatable – criticisms that the modern foodie would hardly stand for. As attitudes shifted, palates expanded, and the dimensions of international movement and exchange grew, Italian cuisine won the hearts of diners from diverse walks of life. So too in the 852, which plays host to some of the very best Italian restaurants in the world.

Flavour, passion and gracious hospitality – these three elements should be at the core of any Italian dining experience. So, whether you’re in search of an upscale degustation for a culinary tour through the regions of Italy or an easy-going trattoria where the wine flows freely, here’s your guide to the best Italian restaurants in Hong Kong. Buon appetito!

Read More: The Best Pizza In Hong Kong

The Best Italian Restaurants In Hong Kong

Giovanni Pina

Combining a pasticceria, bar and restaurant, Giovanni Pina’s flagship location in Central is helmed by renowned master chef Giovanni Pina (whose grandfather, also sharing the same name, founded the century-old Italian institution in 1920 in Italy!). The brand is best known for its Italian cakes and pastries, but also offers an equally decadent selection of savoury dishes at its restaurant. Each month Giovanni Pina switches up its Elite 4-Course Set Dinner, which comes at $608 and includes two starters, a choice of main and a signature cake. Call up the restaurant at 2755 1088 for the latest menu!

Giovanni Pina, G/F,  Two Chinachem Plaza, 135 Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2755 1088, Facebook: Giovanni Pina, Instagram: @giovannipinahk, www.luxtek.com.hk

The Italian Club Seafood Wine Bar

The Italian Club Seafood Wine Bar opened in October 2022, bringing the fruit of Italy’s seas to the table with a transportive surf and turf menu. Head Chef Stefano Balsamo switches up the tasting menu every 60 days to highlight the freshest catch of the season, authentically prepared the Italian way alongside a curated selection of wines and Champagne. Open only for dinner, the seaside-inspired restaurant is limited to 24 seats per night, allowing for an intimate dining experience that will whisk you away to Italy’s coastal towns.

Use promo code SASSY to get 10% off on drinks, wines and Champagne. Offer valid until Sunday, 31 December, 2023.

The Italian Club Seafood Wine Bar, G/F, 32 Elgin Street, Central, Hong Kong, 5808 0132, Facebook: The Italian Club Seafood Wine Bar, Instagram: @seafoodwinebar, seafoodwinebar.com

Aria

Since Aria appointed its new Head Chef, Angelo Vecchio, in 2021, the Italian ristorante has been on a mission to present the best of Italian fare in an unexpected way to our city’s zealous diners. Its menu showcases Italy’s diverse variety of regional dishes (there’s more to the country’s cuisine than pasta and pizza!) and splendid wealth of ingredients.

Aria, 24/F, California Tower, 30-36 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong, 2804 1116, ariaitalian.com

Read More: The Best Cheese Shops In Hong Kong

BluHouse

Flaunting panoramic harbour views, Rosewood Hong Kong’s BluHouse offers a taste of everyday life from the streets of Italy (think deep-fried Italian street food, pasta, roasted meats, Roman-style pizza and gelato). Chef Giovanni Galeota helms both the casual Italian eatery and the neighbouring elevated, sustainable restaurant, The Dining Room by BluHouse, which features a private dining room and a lovingly stocked wine cellar.

BluHouse, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3891 8732, www.rosewoodhotels.com/bluhouse

Cantina

Cantina can be found in the West Wing of Tai Kwun’s old Police Headquarters, which, fun fact, was originally the police officer’s mess hall back in the day. Once a place for casual lunches and convivial merrymaking, Cantina continues the tradition with generous sharing platters and ample free-flow. It’s all about good, honest Italian cooking here, with Executive Chef Luca Shiavone bringing his own modern interpretation to this Italian restaurant’s menu created in collaboration with aqua’s Executive Chef Andrea Mura.

Cantina, Police Headquarters, Block 01, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2848 3000, cantina.com.hk

Carbone

Inspired by old school, New York-Italian elegance and sophistication, Carbone invites you in with its mix of glamour and comfort (and its famed Spicy Rigatoni Vodka). The menu showcases familiar dishes that take you back to the decadent heyday of Italian chic in New York, including comfort classics like the Lobster Ravioli, Veal Parmesan and Prime Porterhouse.

Carbone, 9/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2593 2593, www.carbone.com.hk

Castellana

Michelin Bib Gourmand Italian restaurant Castellana has bid goodbye to its Causeway Bay homestead and re-opened in Central, taking up an elegant two-storey space in Club Lusitano. The restaurant’s new executive chef, Romeo Morelli, brings an entirely new menu showcasing the rich and diverse culinary landscape of Northern Italy’s Piedmont region. Highlights include the Bottoni di Aragosta Blu (homemade ravioli filled with Brittany blue lobster) and Morelli’s contemporary take on the classic tiramisu.

Castellana, UG/F & 1/F, Club Lusitano Building, 16 Ice House Street, Central, 3188 5028, www.castellanahongkong.com

Cotton Tree Pizzeria

Sit down for a slice and an afternoon Aperol at the al fresco Cotton Tree Pizzaria set against The Murray’s iconic Arches and lush greenery. The hotel pizzeria serves up a wide selection of Neapolitan pizzas, covering classics like Margherita and Quattro Formaggi, alongside obligatory appetisers such as Burrata with Marinated Cherry Tomatoes and Prosciutto di Parma with Cantaloupe Melon.

Cotton Tree Pizzeria, Cotton Tree Terrace, Garden Level, The Murray, 22 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong, 3141 8888, www.niccolohotels.com/cotton-tree-pizzeria

Read More: The Best Al Fresco Restaurants In Hong Kong

Locanda dell’Angelo

The kitchen is led by owner-chef Angelo Agliano, who comes from a fishing family and grew up in Sicily. After working under Joël Robuchon for nearly a decade, chef Agliano opened Locanda dell’Angelo, an intimate neighbourhood Italian restaurant where seafood takes centre stage (we recommend the ‘Mancini’ Linguini!). This is a veritable slice of Sicily in Happy Valley.

Locanda dell’Angelo, G/F, 10-12 Yuen Yuen Street, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, 3709 2788, www.facebook.com/LocandadellAngeloHK

LucAle

Although this Italian restaurant is located in an inconspicuous area, there’s nothing secretive about LucAle: this alleyway trattoria is not only recognised by the Michelin Guide, but also more broadly beloved for its palate-pleasing pasta. Signatures include the homemade Pappardelle Al Ragù Di Bolognese Bianca, and Sassy’s favourite vegetarian Chitarrino Al Tartufo Nero adorned with generous shavings of black truffle.

LucAle, Shop A, 100 Third Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, 3611 1842, lucalehk.com

Read More: Your Neighbourhood Guide To Sai Ying Pun

Octavium Italian Restaurant

The dishes at Octavium don’t attempt to reinvent the “veal” – instead, it’s all about building on the essence of hearty, often rustic, classics. In this home-style Italian restaurant, the fittings are far from every day – think handmade Venetian glasses and Italian designer furniture – lending a more minimalist, and laid-back atmosphere to enjoy dishes of first-class quality.

Octavium, 8/F, One Chinachem Central, 22 Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2111 9395, www.octavium.com.hk

Osteria Marzia

Black Sheep’s Osteria Marzia, situated on the ground floor of the Fleming Hotel, presents a worthy option for those in the mood for a taste of the ocean. Here, the focus is singular: coastal Italian cuisine, simply prepared. The menu pays tribute to three regions in particular – namely Campania, Puglia and Sicily – highlighting the rich, olive oil-soaked textures and tangy, anchovy-laden flavours of southern Italy.

Osteria Marzia, G/F, The Fleming, 41 Fleming Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 3607 2253, www.osteriamarzia.com.hk

Pici

Every neighbourhood could do with a Pici. With nine locations across the city, including its newest branch at Taikoo Place, Pici’s freshly made pasta doesn’t disappoint. From lasagne to pappardelle, there are no antics, sleights of hand or try-hard deconstructions – just honestly prepared dishes served in a warm and cheerful environment. And gluten-intolerant guests don’t have to go hungry either – the kitchen can switch to gluten-free pasta upon request!

Pici, various locations across Hong Kong, 2557 7227, pici.hk

Read More: Your Guide To Gluten-Free Restaurants In Hong Kong

Sabatini Ristorante Italiano

At Sabatini Ristorante Italiano, ensconced within The Royal Garden Hotel, simplicity defines the food on offer. Here, guests have the opportunity to revel in an old-school dining experience where the classics are left largely untouched. Dishes such as Linguine alla Sabatini, Lasagna alla Bolognese, and Risotto ai Funghi are exquisitely crafted.

Sabatini Ristorante Italiano, 3/F, The Royal Garden, 69 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2733 2000, www.rghk.com.hk

Testina

Debuting as the sister restaurant of Trippa, the famed Milan outpost of Head Chef Diego Rossi and partner Pietro Caroli, Testina aims to transport diners to the family dining table in Italy, all while presenting an elevated dining experience. The compact menu, overseen by Executive Chef Marco Xodo (formerly chef de cuisine of 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana Shanghai), champions a nose-to-tail approach to cooking, featuring refined dishes based on classic recipes rooted from generation to generation.

Testina, 3/F, 8 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong, 2798 0668, www.testina.hk

Tosca di Angelo

Balanced atop the 102nd floor of the luxurious Ritz Carlton, vaulted ceilings and elaborate chandeliers frame the panoramic views of Victoria Harbour at this Michelin-starred Italian restaurant. Ingredients are sourced from Italy, appearing in heirloom Sicilian dishes like homemade tagliolini and hamachi carpaccio with Oscietra caviar. The tiramisu, served with coffee granita on the side, is known to be one of the best in Hong Kong!

Tosca di Angelo, Level 102, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, ICC, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2263 2270, www.ritzcarlton.com

8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana

Spearheaded by award-winning chef Umberto Bombana, 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana enjoys the extraordinary status of being the only Italian restaurant in the world, located outside of Italy, to earn three Michelin stars. Chef Bombana’s dishes unify local and traditional Italian ingredients, creating plates that are as reflective of Bombana’s personal journey as they are contemporary – a distinctive love letter to Italian cuisine in the beating heart of Hong Kong Island.

8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana, Shop 202, Landmark Alexandra, 18 House Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2537 8859, www.ottoemezzobombana.com

Editor’s Note: This article was most recently updated by Team Sassy in December 2022.