Cucina is a place for fascinating fare

FARE Italian

AMBIENCE Spacious yet inviting, with open kitchens, live music in the lounge and a terrace overlooking Victoria Harbour.

COST À la carte dinner for two with a glass of wine each around HK$1,900. There is a set dinner for HK$688.

WHO TO BRING Friends, couples and business associates.

TURN ONS The highlight was the red prawns carpaccio with sea urchin, pickled vegetables and an orange vinaigrette. The thinly sliced red prawns were packed with flavour, and the citrusy vinaigrette added a refreshing note. We enjoyed the Mediterranean seafood salad with marinated vegetables, black caviar and lemon sabayon. For the main course, we opted for a home-made truffle fettucine, with wagyu beef ragout and shaved black truffle. The beef was tender, and the fresh pasta was flecked with dots of black truffle. We also tried the seafood casserole, a medley of fresh prawns and shellfish in a rich and chunky tomato sauce. To go with the mains, we ordered two side dishes, including mashed potato with black truffle and sautéed bacon-wrapped asparagus. For dessert, we had the tiramisu and the paciugo, a sweet confection of fresh strawberries, milk and berry gelato and chocolate flakes.

TURN OFFS The bread basket was mediocre.

DRINKS Extensive wine list includes sommelier recommendations. Italian wines are at the forefront, although French and Australian labels are also available. 

Cucina
6/F, Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, Harbour City, 3 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
tel: 2113 0808
www.marcopolohotels.com