Lively New York style Italian osteria in fashionable SoHo precinct of Hong Kong serving fresh organic produce
September 22nd, 2013
Posto Pubblico faithfully replicates the dining style typical of the traditional osteria of Italy- casual eateries that serve a robust, provincial cuisine, complimented with local wines, at affordable prices- with a relaxed, convivial attitude. The handsome interior design references the NYC heritage of its founding partners – with its distinctively New York style brown brick walls, classic ceramic tiled and timber floors, simple dark timber furniture. Channeling a multi-generational family background of Italian restaurateurs in New York, the partners have successfully created in Hong Kong’s fashionable SoHo area (conveniently adjacent to the Central office district ) an alluring all-day casual restaurant and bar.
The kitchen at Posto Pubblico serves a well-executed, authentic home-style southern Italian fare, in generous portions, and at reasonable prices. Adopting an environmentally, and health-conscious, policy of sourcing only locally grown organic produce, and hormone-free meat, poultry and eggs, all the dishes served at Posto Pubblico exude the wholesome, natural tastes of the finest seasonal produce.
Post Pubblico is open daily- serving a set lunch Mondays to Friday from 11:30 am to 3 pm, and an a la carte menu all day from 11:30 am till late. Menus are updated regularly to reflect seasonal availability of produce- and chalkboards above the kitchen serving counter display Daily Specials. The Weekend Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays (and Public Holidays) is particularly popular- served from 11 am to 5 pm. Reservations on weekends are recommended.
CUISINE AT POSTO PUBLICO
The authentic southern Italian provincial cuisine cooked at Posto Pubblico originates from family recipes passed down from the third-generation New York Italian restaurants of the partners’ families. The simple, uncomplicated recipes cooked in the kitchen are a concise assemblage of dishes that include antispasti, pastas, and grilled and roasted meats, fish and poultry.
Lunch at Posto Pubblico is available from the a la carte menu ( which includes a selection of sandwiches only served at lunch), or a 2 course lunch set menu format- with a choice of Insalata Mista, Antispasti, or Contorni; followed by a choice of any Pasta– at an approachable price of HK$145- including tea or coffee. Option to add Cannolo or Affogato for an additional HK$30.
DRINKS AT POST PUBBLICO
In addition to the thoughtfully curated wine list of mostly Italian origin wines, supplemented with some labels from California, Australia, and Chile, the drinks list also offers a concise selection of beers- including craft beers from the USA- and premium spirits and liqueurs. House-made Limoncello and Arancello– typically served chilled as an after-dinner digestivo- are authentic renditions of the popular citrus-flavored southern Italian liqueurs.
The bar also serves a selection of classic, well-balanced cocktails adopting the traditional “apertivo” concept of pre-dinner drinks that freshen the palate and enhance the appetite. The cocktails are crafted using only premium grade spirits, fresh herbs and local organic fruits. Standout examples include the Italian Mojito– mixed from Leblon, fresh mint, lemon, lime, and brown sugar; Negroni– the classic, bold combination of gin, Campari, and Mancino Rosso vermouth; and the Bronx– gin, Rosso & Dry Vermouth, fresh orange.
Inside Posto Pubblico
A completely open frontage to the street pavement projects an unpretentious air of relaxed hospitality. And provides guests at the front of the room an ideal observation of the street-life outside.
The substantial bar stands prominently at the front of the room and connects seamlessly with the open kitchen further inside. A curved, “horseshoe” shaped solid timber bar counter offers comfortable bar seating for both eating and drinking.
High ceilings are an attractive feature of the interior- the well-proportioned main dining room area exudes the casual elegance of a traditional New York-Italian osteria.
Diners have a good view beyond the serving counter and into the open kitchen. Fresh organic produce is showcased on the solid timber counter. Large chalkboards detail the daily specials.
Walls of brown brickwork, traditional Italian patterned ceramic floor tiles, and dark timber tables and chairs exude the quintessential New York-Italian osteria aesthetic.
Posto Pubblico- since 2009- are one of the pioneering restaurants in Hong Kong to not include a service charge on customer bills.
Highlights from the Posto Pubblico kitchen & bar
Caprese Salad with Homemade Buratta (HK$200)
Antipasti Platter- Assorted salumi, mozzarella & verdure. (Small HK$115 / Large HK$195)
Italian Mojito- Leblon, Fresh Mint, Lemon & Lime, Brown Sugar (HK$100)
Blood Orange Mimosa- Prosecco, Blood Orange (HK$90)
Basil Gin Gimlet- House Infusion Basil Gin, Fresh Lime. (HK$110)
Current Dinner & Brunch Menus- updated seasonally
Posto Pubblico- Italian osteria in Hong Kong
Address: G/F, 28 Elgin Street, SoHo. Central. Hong Kong
MTR: Central- Exit D2 -take Mid-Levels Escalator to Elgin Street
Reservations: +852. 2577 7160
Website: www.postopubblico.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PostoPubblico
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday 11:30 am ~ 02:00 am
Saturday & Sunday 9:00 am ~ 02:00 am
Attire: Casual
