This week, our dining team visits two new restaurants showcasing excellent Italian cooking, and finds refined dishes at a Central classic
Welcome to The Digest—a new weekly bite-sized round-up of delicious highlights and food musings, brought to you by the team behind Hong Kong Tatler Dining. Find out what we've been tasting and rating to help you shape your eating agenda for the weekend ahead. Get more updates and dining inspiration by following us on Facebook and Instagram.
Alto
Photo courtesy of Alto
Since Alto specialises in grill items, I went in fully expecting to be impressed by its steaks. But in the end, I was wowed by so much more. The recently-opened eatery has a firm handle on Western comfort food — from the classic mac ’n’ cheese to fried pork skin. Its hearty pasta dishes, particularly the black truffle pappardelle with mixed mushrooms, induced the most satisfying sort of food coma imaginable. —Venus Wong, Digital Writer
Alto, 31/F, V Point, 18 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong; +852 2603 7181
Amber
Photo courtesy of Wilson Fok
You can always count on Richard Ekkebus for unique ingredient pairings, and in his new autumn menu for Amber, the chef showcases a roasted Huguenin piglet saddle, served alongside apricots, yellow bell pepper and black pudding coulis. The meat is juicy and tender, with a nutty surprise from both the apricot and the black pudding sauce. —Wilson Fok, Dining Editor
Amber, 7/F Landmark Mandarin Oriental, The Landmark, 15 Queen's Road Central, Central; +852 2132 0066
Ee Da Le
Photo courtesy of Wilson Fok
The first of four new restaurants marking the return of chef Harlan Goldstein, Ee Da Le is all about rustic Italian fare. Our lunch began with this crudo di mare, where sea scallops are marinated with lemon zest and olive oil, served alongside punches of umami from cured anchovies, sea urchin, and sundried tomatoes, and shaved fennel for more texture. —WF
Ee Da Le, 3/F 8 Wyndham Street, Central; +852 2896 1838
Isono
Photo courtesy of Wilson Fok
Isono's 'Birds and Bubbles' promotion is one of the hottest guest stints this summer. Fried chicken and champagne aside, it is the buttermilk biscuits and cornbread that won our hearts. These tender biscuits, fluffy with an open crumb and the most delight aroma of French butter, are simply irresistible. —WF
Isono, 6/F Block B, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central; +852 2156 0688