A masterpiece of contemporary Italian cuisine- plus an alluring cocktail bar
August 4th, 2012
The globally acclaimed Italian restaurant 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA in Hong Kong holds the impressive distinction of being the only Italian restaurant outside of Italy to have been awarded three stars in the 2012 Michelin Guide. The restaurant is the creation of celebrated Italian chef Umberto Bombana, for many years the executive chef at the “old” Ritz Carlton Hong Kong. 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA is the culmination of chef Bombana’s life-long passion for fine Italian cuisine, and his personal celebration of Italian culture and art. Taking its name from the autobiographical movie of famed Italian movie director Federico Fellino – “8 ½” ( otto e mezzo is the Italian term for eight and one half), 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA was opened in Hong Kong in 2010 ( a second Otto e Mezzo has opened in Shanghai), serving a menu of masterful authentic contemporary Italian cuisine. Capturing the high-end culinary zeitgeist perfectly, Otto e Mezzo delights guests with a truly memorable gastronomic experience.
Complimenting the fine dining experience of the restaurant is the Cocktail Bar & Lounge under the direction of internationally renowned Italian mixologist Giancarlo Mancino. Occupying an intimate space between the front reception and the main dining room, the Cocktail Bar & Lounge exudes a relaxed sophistication, the stylish venue being a popular destination in its own right. The resident mixologists serve with true Italian flair an impressive selection of classic and modern cocktail creations, making the Cocktail Bar & Lounge a delightful option either to commence, or conclude, an evening of sublime indulgence.
The restaurant entrance- in a discrete corner on the second floor of the prestigious Landmark Alexandra House in Central Hong Kong
The Restaurant
The glamorous, contemporary space was designed by Japanese design studio Design Post, with the close collaboration of chef Bombana. The restaurant furnishings have an understated elegance and simplicity of form, with visual highlights coming from original artwork by Italian artists that are showcased throughout. The dining spaces comprise the main central dining room with seating for fifty-five diners, with an additional two private dining rooms that each seat up to 12 guests. A glass fronted wine cellar holds an impressive collection of over 2,000 bottles- the majority sourced from the premier Italian wine labels.
The modern Italian cuisine of chef Bombana is presented in a concise assemblage of signature dishes in his a la carte menu, and additionally in the featured tasting menus- the “Lunch 8½” and “Dinner 8½” which are regularly updated according to the highest quality fresh produce available daily on the market. Signature dishes of chef Bombana include Homemade Tagliolini, Boston Lobster, Bottarga, Rucola and sweet Peppers; Burrata cheese ravioli; Marinated Scampi with hybrid caviar, sea urchin and citrus Chantilly; and Tajima Short Rib and Beef Tenderloin, Red Wine and Plum Sauce, Whipped Potato.
The elegant main dining room – comfortably seats diners at the generously spaced table
Window-front tables overlook luxury boutiques in Central
Main dining room- looking back towards the Cocktail Bar & Lounge
The semi-private curved banquette setting- one in each corner at the window-front of the restaurant
The “Krug” chilled ageing cellar- prominently showcases hams and cheeses, plus seasonal truffles, caviar and vintage bottles of Krug
The Cocktail Bar & Lounge
The Cocktail Bar & Lounge occupies an intimate space between the front reception and the main dining room. The earthy tones of the interior and soft furnishings blend with the timber flooring and ceiling to evoke a welcoming warmth and serenity, a sanctuary from the frenetic pace of the city streets outside. The well stocked bar is fronted by a sleek bar counter- topped with solid white marble- with comfortable seating on timber and fabric upholstered bar stools. A compact secluded space behind the bar holds further lounge style seating and tables.
The drinks list has been created by globally renowned mixologist Giancarlo Mancino – a “compendium” that runs to 42 pages of cocktail history and recipes. Giancarlo has taken the glamour of Fellini with a large pinch of Bombana’s Italian palette, added a measure of the forbidden speak-easy era classics, and mixed up some new and old cocktail recipes, that bring back the forgotten spirits, bitters and ingredients that made for the enduring appeal of the classic cocktails. A popular attraction of the Bar at Otto e Mezzo is the daily “Milano-style aperitivo“, where selections of “stuzzichini” ( appetizers / antipasto), accompanied by a wide variety of martinis and premium wines by the glass, are served from 5pm to 9pm.
The cocktail bar exudes an air of relaxed sophistication
Comfortable table settings in the glamorous Cocktail Bar & Lounge
The cocktail bar counter features a solid white marble counter top
The master mixologists at 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana Cocktail Bar & Lounge
Highlights from the Drinks Compendium & Collection 2012 – 2013.
Lodano White Sangria- White wine Sangria, lightly shaken, served with mixed berries and Iberico Ham on crisp bread
Godfather- Whiskey, Amaretto Di Saronno . Named after the classic “Godfather” movie of 1972- an intriguing marriage between the traditional distilled liquor and the symbol of American Italian, still number one in the world, the Amaretto di Saronno.
Earl Grey Tea Gin & Tonic- Earl Grey Tea infused gin, tonic water
Moscow Mule- Vodka, Lime, and Ginger Beer ( The Moscow Mule was born in 1947, to accommodate the launch of Smirnoff vodka in the U.S. market)
Bava Old Fashioned- American Bourbon, 2 white lumps of sugar, extreme Absinthe, pink grapefruit bitters, Barolo Chinato Cocchi, Vanilla pods, soda water, pink grapefruit peel
Celery Gin & Tonic- Hana Gin, tonic water & celery ( Super premium Hana Gin is made from special botanicals and fruits of the Juniper berries)
Vintage Negroni- Gancia Arancio 1970, pink grapefruit Bitters, Barolo Chinato, Storico Vermouth di Torino, Gin, Bitter Campari, wedge of orange and pink grape fruit peel
Morello Cherries Campari Apertivo– Bitter Campari shaken with Maraschino, Morello cherries puree, Pama, and Pomegranate juice, served with cheese tasting and home made orange marmalade.
Bellini- white peach stirred with Prosecco.
Otto Tacco- A delicate Aperitif- Aperol, fresh Orange juice, Orange Bitters, Home made Saffron Vodka and Grand Marnier
8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA Restaurant, Cocktail Bar & Lounge – Hong Kong
Address: 2nd Floor, Landmark Alexandra House, 18 Chater Road, Central. Hong Kong
MTR: Central- Exit H
Reservations: +852. 2537 8859 (exceptional popularity means that bookings well in advance are a necessity)
Website: www.ottoemezzobombana.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/OttoeMezzoBOMBANA
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday Restaurant– 12:00 pm ~ 10:30 pm Bar: 12:00 pm ~ late
Attire: Smart casual
