Restaurant review: Ethos in Kennedy Town - salads and brunch

Tucked away ina quiet corner on Hill Road near the University of Hong Kong, Ethos, with its simple decor and appetising dishes, is a pleasant surprise.

The menu may be limited but the quality of fare on offer is certain to delight. The four salads are fresh and well-presented. The tomato salad ($68) features different types of tomatoes. Coupled with pesto sauce and garlic bread, it's fresh and delicious.

The beetroot and orange salad with feta cheese and walnuts (HK$88) and vinegar dressing is another option, although it could use a more generous serving of cheese.

There are three types of grilled panini made with Italian bread. We like the prosciutto panini (HK$78) with mozzarella and peperonata. The bread is crunchy and the savoury prosciutto is sliced thinly and melts in the mouth. Its rich taste goes well with the ingredients including tomatoes, peppers and cheese.

Another tasty panini option is the ham and cheese (HK$68) with gruyère and Dijon mustard.

While the generously portioned panini offer good value for your money, the pasta dishes are a bit smaller. The carbonara (HK$118) is a disappointment. The sauce is made from UHT cream instead of eggs, and is way too sticky and creamy.