The 6 best Italian restaurants in Central - Your go-to list

Hong Kong Island, especially Central, is a food haven with a wide range of global flavors to discover.

The 6 best Italian restaurants in Central - Your go-to list
Source: Pexels/Vincent Rivaud 

Hong Kong Island, especially Central, is a food haven with a wide range of global flavors to discover. But if you're in the mood for Italian, Soho is the place to be. Here, you'll find the delightful scent of fresh pizzas and handcrafted pasta in the air, offering a genuine Italian experience that both locals and expats appreciate. Hong Kong's Italian restaurant scene offers something for everyone, from charming trattorias to Michelin-starred restaurants, ideal for both a quick bite and a special evening out.

Carbone

Carbone, a classic New York Italian restaurant, captures the timeless charm of 20th-century American-Italian dining. Founded in the heart of New York by Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi and Jeff Zalaznick through Major Food Group, it has now made its mark in Hong Kong. Their intentionally concise pasta menu ensures the preservation of Carbone's distinctive flavors. And for those who appreciate fine wines, their extensive collection is sure to offer excellent pairings.

Quick Facts

  • Where – 9/F Wyndham Street, Central
  • When – Monday to Sunday, noon - 2:30 p.m. and 6 - 11 p.m.
  • Price – $$$$
  • Phone – +852 2593 2593
  • Menu
  • Website

Motorino


Located in SoHo, this pizza joint is all about authentic, wood-fired pies that pay homage to Naples. While Hong Kong often offers basic cheese or pepperoni pizzas, Motorino presents a true taste of Italian pizza. Featuring bold ingredients like zesty salami, sun-dried tomatoes and anchovies, it provides a flavorful departure from the ordinary. With Executive Chef Luca Marinelli and Head Chef Roberta De Sario, both born in Italy, you can taste their heritage in every bite.

Quick Facts

  • Where – 14 Shelley Street, Central
  • When – Sunday to Thursday, noon - 10 p.m.; Friday to Saturday, noon - 11 p.m.
  • Price – $$$
  • Phone – +852 2801 6881
  • Menu
  • Website

Pici

Pici, a Hong Kong classic, is your quintessential Italian dining spot. With nine city-wide branches, they're the pasta aficionados you need to satisfy your carb cravings. As part of the Pirata group, Pici is all about authentic Italian dining with fresh, daily ingredients and delightful handmade pasta options, including gluten-free choices. A unique feature of Pirata Group restaurants is their special treatment of birthday guests, who enjoy a HK$100 voucher, a birthday dessert and a joyful serenade.

Quick Facts

  • Where – G/F, No. 24-26 Aberdeen Street, Soho, Central
  • When – Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Friday to Saturday, 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
  • Price – $$$
  • Phone – +852 2577 5233
  • Menu
  • Website

8/12 Otto e Mezzo Bombana

8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana is a three-Michelin-starred Italian gem in Hong Kong, a rare distinction. Chef Umberto Bombana, known as "The King of White Truffles," infuses global flavors into his Italian-inspired dishes. Among his culinary creations, the "Homemade Tagliolini" stands out, crafted with butter, parmesan and melanosporum black truffle for an exceptional truffle indulgence.

Quick Facts

  • Where – Shop 202, 2F, Alexandra House, 18 Chater Road, Central
  • When – Monday to Saturday, noon - midnight.
  • Price – $$$$
  • Phone – +852 2537 8859
  • Menu
  • Website

Sole Mio

Located in the heart of Soho, Sole Mio has been a culinary cornerstone in Hong Kong for two decades. For HK$268 per person, you can enjoy a weekend brunch with friends and family. Enjoy free-flow drinks with a set lunch featuring appetizers, mains (including Italian classics like pizza and pasta) and dessert. Begin with cold cuts or soup. Cap it off with two hours of free-flow alcohol at just HK$168 extra per person. Plus, families with kids under 10 dine for free.

Quick Facts

  • Where – UG/F, The Elgin, 51 Elgin Street, Soho, Central
  • When – Wednesday to Monday, noon - 2:30 p.m. and 6 - 10 p.m.
  • Price – $$$
  • Phone – +852 5508 8244
  • Menu
  • Website

DiVino Wine Bar & Restaurant

DiVino Wine Bar & Restaurant, acknowledged as a favorite wine spot in the city by HK Magazine, welcomes wine enthusiasts and those looking for a relaxed dining experience with friends. They offer seasonal specials, like those for winter and New Year's Eve, but their express lunch is the real star. For a wallet-friendly HK$178, enjoy a starter and pasta, plus coffee or tea. Offering affordability rarely found in Central, DiVino Wine Bar & Restaurant lets you enjoy Italian cuisine without breaking the bank.

Quick Facts

  • Where – 73 Wyndham Street, Central
  • When – Monday to Thursday, noon - 2:30 a.m.; Friday to Saturday, noon - 4 a.m.; Sunday, noon - 1:30 a.m.
  • Price – $$$
  • Phone – +852 2167 8883
  • Menu
  • Website