Cover Photo: Courtesy of Etna

The newest addition to Tin Hau’s dining district fuses Asian touches with Italy’s culinary classics

Etna, a new Italian restaurant in Tin Hau, has opened just at the right time for al fresco dining. Launched by local chef-turned-restaurateur Kong Wai-Sing and Rene Michelana—formerly of Lily & Bloom and The Continental—presents fine Italian fare with an Asian touch.

Kong started his culinary journey at the Epicurean Group, later joining Lily & Bloom where he first worked with Michelana. Etna is actually Kong’s fourth restaurant in Hong Kong—his portfolio also includes Little Tai Hang’s Tipsy Restaurant & Bar; hidden gem Mustard Café & Bar in Tai Hang; and Kwun Tong’s Little Tipsy.

See Also: Neighbourhood Guide: Where To Eat, Drink, And Shop In Tai Hang

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Etna
Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Etna

Residing within a new commercial building, Etna features an expansive dining room together with a spacious terrace for al fresco dining options. The bistro-style restaurant is big on soft pastels with vintage-style concrete flooring throughout the main space, while the wine and cocktail bar is embellished with tinted glass and dark metal for an industrial chic vibe. Etna’s terrace overlooks the bustling neighbourhood below while guests unwind over snacks and tipples.

See Also: Neighbourhood Guide: Where To Eat, Drink, And Shop In Tin Hau

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Etna
Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Etna

Kong and Michelana have decided to add an Asian twist to revamp classic Italian dishes, with a strong focus on line-caught seafood and seasonal vegetables. The a la carte menu highlights include grilled Humboldt giant squid with pickles and saffron onion; poached prawns with lemon oil, chilli jam and courgette; crispy soft shell crab fettuccine ‘Puttanesca’ with gochujang syrup; and a cayenne-spiked deconstructed Etna tiramisu. The bar menu covers snacks such as stuffed crab frittata crostini; boneless seven-spice wings with yuzu gremolata and Italo-Cubano panini with mortadella, nduja, porchetta and provolone cheese, all sumptuous options to match with labels from an extensive Euro-centric wine list.

Aside from a la carte options for dinner, Etna also serves a two-course lunch on weekdays and a rich selection of brunch dishes on weekends. It may be a while before we take off to Sicily for a Mediterranean getaway. In the mean time, a brief Italian pastime will be a great idea.

Etna, 3/F The New Place, 68-70 Electric Road, Tin Hau, Hong Kong; +852 3462 2700

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