BEST OF THE REST…

8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana

Opened in 2010 by Italian chef Umberto Bombana, this eatery is the first and only Italian restaurant outside Italy to receive three Michelin stars. Expect the freshest ingredients in a finedining atmosphere. Shop 202, Landmark Alexandra, 18 Chater Road, Central ottoemezzobombana.com

208 Duecento Otto

This buzzing two-storey neighbourhood resto offers à la carte meals, a bar dinner, and set lunch and brunch menus, making it a great spot for Friday night drinks or a family lunch. The wood-fired pizzas are especially popular, and there’s a private dining room for more intimate gatherings.

208 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan | 208.com.hk

Mercato

This is a great place for an Italian meal and some cocktails before heading out in Lan Kwai Fong. Mercato aims to have the feel of its namesake, a vibrant Italian marketplace. 8/F, California Tower, 32 D’Aguilar Street, Central mercato-international.com/en

Pici

Neighbourhood pasta bar Pici has captured the imagination of Italian food fans in HK, with its commitment to serving fresh pasta, handmade daily. There are four locations across the city: St. Francis Yard, Wan Chai; Aberdeen Street, Central; Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui; and New Town Plaza, Sha Tin.

pici.hk

Kytaly

This award-winning Italian restaurant, coowned by legendary pizza chef Franco Pepe and Alessandro Bortesi, has just opened here. Its name represents the harmony between “Ki”, the Japanese symbol of life’s energy, and “Italy”, the cradle of Mediterranean culture. Its pizza has legendary status. 5/F, 77 Wyndham Street, Central kytaly.hk