LOCATIONOn Hollywood Road in Hong Kong’s art and antique vending district, Sheung Wan.
DETAILSOnce a meat storage warehouse, the converted space is encased entirely by glass on its street-facing side; a fish bowl effect that beckons diners in from bustling Hollywood Road. Eclectic yet sleek interiors mix country and city – the lengthy bar area shows off expansive walls of intricately patterned Chinoiserie tiles, solid walnut ceiling fixtures and dark marble tabletops. An interior industrial steel staircase leads to the dining room where wire cage wine racks line the wall, housing the 20 wines available by the glass and a further 45 by the bottle.
FOOD & BEVERAGEBona fide New Yorker and Sicilian descendant Vinny Lauria heads up the new venture from the JIA Hotel Group. In-the-know locals flock and the city’s most beautiful people to sample rustic fare with contemporary twists that evokes the culinary approach of New York’s cutting edge Italian eateries. Lauria’s menu starts with a wide selection of Italian salumi and unique antipasti, such as uovo e pomodoro – poached Japanese egg with spicy spreadable ‘nduja sausage, pecorino romano, and an oil-soaked, garlicky bread known as fett’unta. Mains are served with Tuscan flair on wooden chopping boards, like the citrus oregano marinated chicken with balsamic onions, broccolini and heirloom salsa pomodori.