With its history and depth, Italian food is like the Chinese cuisine of Europe. But just in case your idea of fine Italian dining is a bowl of spag-and-meatballs and a pizza at your usual Italian restaurant chains, I’m here to tell you otherwise. Having lived in Firenze (that’s Florence to you), the renaissance capital of the world, I became obsessed with the cuisine, eating my way all over Italy. Here are some of most authentic Italian joints I’ve found on our tiny island.
Trattorias
Grappas
B/F, 1 Connaught Place, Central, 2521-2322
The most chain-like restaurant on this list, Grappas has been consistently serving up authentic cuisine for nearly 20 years now. From their humble origins in Pacific Place to my personal favorite, Grappas Cellar, their mix of bona fide dishes like delicious risottos (not too sticky, not too wet) and region-specific pizzas blend with homestyle cuisine like spaghetti al ragu and one of the best carbonara’s around.
Recommended Italiano dish: Salsiccia luganega – their special homemade savory sausage covered in stewed peppers and tomatoes. Amazing.
Cenacolo
53A Graham St., Central, 2525-2430
SoHo’s finest entry into Italian fare, Cenacolo comes to you from the owners of Al Dente. The low-key vibe gives off an air of practicality, while the Mediterranean finds like the diavolla (oysters covered in mozzarella, tomato and bacon) are superb. The steak isn't chargrilled in traditional Italian fashion, but the beef tenderloin is an immense hunk of melt-in-your-mouth meat, and probably the reason why “steak” is before “pasta” in their name.
Recommended Italiano dish: Any of the pastas, particularly the cappelini san pietro - perfect al dente satisfaction.
La Taverna
36-38 Ashley Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2376-1945
Ah, the classic Hong Kong trattoria and a favorite among those who know their Italian cuisine. La Taverna has kept its doors open for over 30 years now, mainly thanks to its friendly service and home-style cuisine – just like mia mamma used to make. The al dente pastas and cuttlefish risotto are rich and dependable, but go with one of the Milanese-style meats – who’d have thought deep frying could add such flavor?
Recommended Italiano dish: Bisteca al pepe – a nice slab of peppered tenderloin, this juicy steak is the real deal when it comes to Italian grill-style and probably the only place you can get one.