Gradini Ristorante E Bar Italiano

Italian restaurants in Hong Kong have a tendency to overcook pasta, but not at Gradini, where it’s served firm to the bite and requires proper chewing—which is, of course, a good thing. The rigatoni with Tuscan sausage is doused in a rustic tomato sauce enlivened by chilli, as is the linguine with red prawn, unfortunately minus the head. The roast rack of lamb is beautifully executed, though a watery octopus salad is a slight let-down.

The iPad wine list skews Italian and is spread across a spectrum of regions and price points, with four whites and four reds available by the glass. The space itself, just off Pottinger Street’s stone steps, is elegant (if a little quiet) and features classic lampshades, green wallpaper, green leather seats and tables draped in crisp white linens. The pick of the seats are the banquettes along the floor-to-ceiling windows. Service by waiters in white jackets is pleasant, as is the entire dining experience.

Lobby Level, 74 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong (Hotel Main Entrance: 21 Stanley Street)

TEL: +852 2308 3088 thepottinger.com

HK$800 per person