Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA

Named by “Best Italian chef in Asia” Executive Chef Umberto Bombana after his favorite Italian film director Federico Fellini’s “8½,” Otto e Mezzo is the ultimate gourmet’s paradise. Like “Il Maestro” himself, Bombana’s creations are truly works of art. Even though Otto e Mezzo has only been opened for about 2 years, and it received its third Michelin star in December 2011. Meaning: you’ll definitely need reservations for this upscale fine dining hotspot. Located in the Alexandra House on the second floor overlooking Chater Road in Central, it boasts a contemporary, chic Andy-Warhol-lined Cocktail Bar & Lounge, an Aging cellar for premium meats and cheeses, their own wine cellar, and private dining rooms, in addition to the exquisite, glamorous main dining room. This main dining room is airy, spacious, and lit by natural sunshine from the island side windows, which perfectly complements the décor.

The cuisine is sophisticated and classic, yet with a contemporary twist to spark the palate, and is based on the finest, freshest ingredients available. The menu options and daily specials change according to what’s in season, and while ingredients and products are gathered from all corners of the globe, each dish is a culinary testament to the Bel Paese. This is a fabulous spot to entertain (and woo) business clients, and as such, many of their clientele falls into this category.

With meticulous attention to detail, such as using very high quality olive oil & balsamic, Otto e Mezzo is known for its home-made, al dente pastas, such as their Boston lobster & porcini mushroom ragout tagliatelle, and innovative meats such as Marinated beef tenderloin on carpaccio of fresh vegetables & crispy parmesan, or Roast duck foie gras with Piedmont hazelnut sauce. Delectable desserts such as the Coffee trio, a must-have for coffee lovers, or their Honey Vanilla Cheese Cake with berry compote and mandarin sorbet, and of course Italian coffee should be accounted for when ordering as well, in addition to their extensive imported wine selection from their own wine cellar.

The mains are about 380+, but the pastas and risottos range from $240-290, while desserts are $110, so expect to spend HKD 350 – 500 for lunch, HKD 650 – 1,400 for dinner.

After dinner, can continue drinking at Lan Kwai Fong, which is only about a 5-minute walk away.

Nearest MTR station is Central.