Restaurant review: Gia Trattoria Italiana in Wan Chai – extensive menu for all palates
A tempting bill of fare with a variety of flavours that will satisfy lovers of Italian cuisine
The space that is now Gia Trattoria Italiana in the Fleet Arcade in Wan Chai used to be occupied by Giando Italian Restaurant, which moved to Star Street. So even though Giando has new premises, Gia is considered by the staff at both places to be the new restaurant, even though I didn’t observe any changes to the decor when I walked in. Both restaurants are run by chef Gianni Caprioli who spotted me as soon as I arrived.
The menu is just as extensive as when it was Giando, and as usual, it was difficult to choose. I was tempted by both the trippa alla Romana (HK$138) and the stuffed zucchini blossoms (HK$158) so the manager recommended the former, who said it was more unusual, at least in Hong Kong. The pieces of tripe had been cooked long and slow so they were very tender and had absorbed the tomato and pecorino sauce. A guest had the marinated tuna (HK$168) which had bright, zesty flavours, and a crunchy texture from the shaved fennel.
Spaghetti with red prawns and cherry tomatoes (HK$288) was a generous portion. Three large shrimp heads (the best part) were perched on top of the pile of pasta, with plenty of shrimp meat and sweet tomato sauce.
From the specials part of the menu, the home-made tagliatelle with parmigiano sauce (HK$388) was completely blanketed in fragrant black Perigord truffles that Caprioli shaved over the top at the table.
For dessert, the hot dark chocolate Strega liqueur pudding (HK$108) was rich and decadent, and came with a scoop of delicious ice cream. Light and refreshing citrus fruit salad with mandarin sorbet (HK$98) revived our palates after the heavy meal.
Gia Trattoria Italiana, 1/F Fleet Arcade, Fenwick Pier, 1 Lung King Street, Wan Chai, tel: 2511 8081. About HK$600 without drinks or the service charge.
