Rustic Italian With A Japanese Twist
District: Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Cuisine: Italian fusion
How much: Dishes range from $150 – $500
Best for: Laid-back dinner or lunch with friends
Must order: Room 28 Salad and the Grilled Kurobuta Pork Chop
In the heart of Sheung Wan, hiding above the busy streets on the 5th floor of the Pemberton building, you’ll find Room28, a cosy little restaurant serving an unusual fusion of comforting Italian dishes alongside contemporary Japanese raw seafood.
If you’re a pasta lover (me!) with a penchant for seafood, the menu at Room 28 has a wide range of both, as well as a good selection of mains. Perfect for girly lunches or dinners, the interiors are kitchsy with floor to ceiling windows, complemented by an al fresco terrace surrounded by lush greenery. Pre-dinner cocktail under Hong Kong’s balmy sky, anyone?
We started our lunch with Spanish Sicilian Red Prawn ($228) and New Zealand Scampi topped with Sea Urchin ($246). While sea urchin is not for the faint-hearted, the creamy texture of this uni was on point. We followed with my two faves of the day – Classic Lobster Bisque ($158) served with a delicious puff pastry on top, and Baked Lobster Parmigiano ($168). Being honest with you gals, I ended up scraping my bread along the bottom of the parmigiano pot, ensuring I got every last drop of cheese – it’s definitely one for the cheese lovers out there.
It’s hard to dine like a true Italian without having pizza. Both the Rougié Foie Gras and the Parma Ham Truffle caught our eye. Given we couldn’t choose between two, the team suggested half and half ($338) – a popular way of eating their pizza they explained. Cooked perfectly with a crispy crust, this was the ultimate indulgence. Pizza in hand, the Squid Ink Tagliatelle with Scallops and Prawns ($228) arrived. The pasta was cooked to perfection, and the prawns and scallops were both fresh and flavourful.
We ended on a meaty note with Grilled Kurobuta Pork Chop, Ginger Creamy Balsamico ($268). Served on a board with chips, this was a winner for the man. Too full for dessert, we instead eyed the hand-made delicately designed cakes Room 28 specialises in – call ahead to arrange, they are definitely not to be missed.
For a casual Italian dining experience in one of Hong Kong’s trendiest ‘hoods, this is a must try. We also hear they have a karaoke machine and host regular social sessions on the terrace for young professionals…count us in!
Room28 ,5/F, The Pemberton, 22-26 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong