You can’t go past an Italian restaurant when you’re more interested in the ‘eat’ than the pray and the love! Here are 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

Grissini

The first thing you notice when you walk in to Grissini is the divine smell of breadsticks (baked in-house!) – the origin of the restaurant’s name. And if that doesn’t get your tastebuds going and tummy rumbling – the extensive menu of Italian delicacies from the Campania region and vino (from a two-story wine cellar) will!

Grissini, 2/F, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2584 7722, www.hongkong.grand.hyattrestaurants.com

Aria

Since appointing its new Head Chef, Angelo Vecchio, in 2021, Aria 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

Associazione Chianti

Inspired by Tuscany’s beloved trattorias, Associazione Chianti aims to embody “Cucina Povera” – the soulful heart of Tuscan dining. Think “good wine and soulful food that relies on simple, quality ingredients”, as the restaurant’s co-founder Syed Asim Hussain puts it. Sticking true to its name, a well-curated wine list is also on offer – with Chianti as the star.

Associazione Chianti, Shop 2, 15 Ship Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, www.associazionechianti.com

Read More: Associazione Chianti – Classic Tuscan Fare In Wan Chai

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. Popular orders 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

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

After bidding goodbye to its Causeway Bay homestead, Castellana 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 fresh menu showcasing the rich and diverse culinary landscape of Northern Italy’s Piedmont region. Signatures 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

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 everyday – 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

Read More: Your Neighbourhood Guide To Wan Chai

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, 2/F, Landmark Alexandra, 18 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2537 8859, www.ottoemezzobombana.com

Read More: Michelin Guide 2023 – Hong Kong Restaurants Awarded Michelin Stars

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
Sabatini Ristorante Italiano at ifc mall, Shop 4008, Level 4, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2610 0080, www.instagram.com/ifcsabatini