Acclaimed restaurant & bar serving authentic Italian cuisine buzzes with a New York inspired vibe
January 30th, 2013
More than two years after its 2010 opening, 208 Duecento Otto continues to delight an eclectic clientele of local residents and office workers, plus “in the know” visitors to Hong Kong. Serving an authentic and robust Italian cuisine in the same relaxed and unpretentious style found in the trattoria of New York’s popular Meatpacking District, 208 has received much critical acclaim for its stellar Italian cuisine- and in particular the Napoletana pizzas cooked in the wood-fired oven. Occupying a two level, former industrial warehouse space at the Sheung Wan end of Hollywood Road, 208 is a deft combination of casual bar and all-day eatery on the lower level, and a more sleek and intimate dining room on the upper level. 208 impresses as a truly stylish and charismatic neighbourhood hangout.
Entering from the street, the front section of 208 features a casual seating area for relaxed conversations over a few drinks and antipasti, or evening cocktails and socialising. Further inside, on a slightly raised level, the impressive white marble bar counter stands invitingly. Opposite, a pair of substantial solid timber communal tables comfortably accommodate casual diners or small groups. At the rear, a broad staircase, handsomely crafted from industrial steel, leads to the upper level restaurant dining room. With the flooring, and panelled low ceiling both fashioned from solid walnut, the dining room exudes an elegant yet relaxed sophistication. White clothed tables and subdued evening lighting add to the seductive charm of the dining experience.
Respecting the authenticity of the dishes is at the core of the Italian cuisine prepared at 208. Under the guidance of Enzo Carbone, an experienced chef coming from a family of trattoria owners in Naples, the emphasis is on the freshest ingredients and sound culinary techniques, in the tradition of Italian home-style cooking. Napoletana pizzas are the specialty at 208– prepared to the specifications of The Association Verace Pizza Napoletana – using only buffalo mozzarella from Campana- and baked in a custom-designed pizza oven imported from Naples. The restaurant menu includes selections of classic Italian dishes including home-made pastas, and hearty meat dishes such as Cotoletta alla Milanese; Citrus oregano marinated chicken with roasted Italian eggplant; and Charred Ribeye “alla Fiorentina.
At the Bar, pizzas and antipasti are served all day, and at lunch time an Antipasti Buffet is spread out on the white marble bar counter, offering a delicious and convenient lunchtime option. Beverages served at the bar include a selection of 20 wines by the glass, plus a cellar list of 70+ labels, sourced from both European and New World wineries. Creative cocktails are a highlight of the bar- with a well-crafted list of 20 cocktails that include American classics such as Sherry Cobbler, Gibson, New York Sour, 208 Bronx and Rum Old fashioned. A full range of premium spirits, beers, and non-alcoholic drinks, coffees, etc are also served.
208 Duecento Otto is owned and operated by the JIA Boutique Hotel Group of local Hong Kong boutique hospitality entrepreneur Yenn Wong. The refreshingly original interior design was the result of the collaboration of JIA and internationally acclaimed boutique Turkish design studio- Autoban– who brought their signature quirky, fun design concepts to an Asian project for the first time.
208 enjoys a robust popularity and most evenings sees tables in the dining room fully occupied. Bookings are recommended- particularly for the weekend evenings.
The Bar
A pair of distinctive “Nest” chairs at the entrance level terrace add an element of quirky playfulness.
Casual settings on the lower terrace feature black marble topped tables and stylish slatted timber chairs. Exquisite wall decoration throughout both levels of the restaurant is a visual highlight- the custom designed ceramic tiles featuring Chinese-style decorative motifs in traditional colors of white and cobalt blue.
At the slightly raised rear section of the ground floor space is the impressive main bar- elegantly topped with white marble.
The rear bar section offers seating at barstools, or at the two substantial communal tables opposite.
The communal tables and high chairs provide a comfortable setting for all-day grazing on the signature pizzas and antipasti, with cocktails or wines to compliment the food.
Restaurant Dining Room
The intimate upstairs dining room- an elegantly stylish space for about 50 diners. Decor on both levels features the solid walnut flooring and ceiling panelling typically found in New York Italian restaurants.
The upper level dining room viewed from the front terrace section.
A partially open-air terrace section at the front of the dining room overlooks the traffic on Hollywood Road. The space can also be utilised as a semi-private dining area for up to 12 guests.
The custom-made pizza oven makes exerts an impressive presence at the rear of the dining room.
Highlights from the Wood-Fired Pizza Oven & Bar
Prosciutto e Rucola Pizza: mozzarella, cherry tomato, rocket, Parma ham and scamorza.
Fruit Mojito : choose between mixed berry, passion fruit or apple.
208 Mar-tea-ni: Egg white, London dry gin infused earl grey tea, sweet and sour.
Aperol Spritz: Aperol, Prosecco, soda water, olives.
208 Duecento Otto- restaurant & bar, Hong Kong
Address: 208 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan. Hong Kong
MTR: Sheung Wan station – Exit A1 – 10 minutes walk.
Enquiries: +852. 2549 0208
Website: www.208.com.hk/
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/208DuecentoOtto
Opening hours:
Bar- Pizza – Antipasti – Pasta – Drinks
Lunch: Monday to Friday 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Brunch: Saturdays 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm / Sunday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Dinner: Monday to Saturday 7:00 pm to 12:00 am midnight
Restaurant-
Lunch: Monday to Friday 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Brunch: Saturdays 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm / Sunday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Dinner: Monday to Saturday 6:00 pm to 12:00 am midnight / Sunday 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
