Authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas at Hong Kong offshoot of famed New York pizzeria
September 8th, 2014
Renowned as among the best pizzerias in New York, the two outlets of Motorino Pizzeria – in East Village and Brooklyn – feature perennially on media ranking lists and readers’ vote awards for serving the best pizzas in New York. Founded in New York by chef Mathieu Palombino in 2008, the Motorino Pizzerias serve authentic renditions of the classic thin-crust-style pizzas that have their origins in southern Italy. Searing heat from the wood-fired ovens, custom-made for Motorino by Italian firm Stefano Ferrara, ensure the hallmark, slightly charred crispness of the Motorino pie crusts.
Launched in Hong Kong last year (under license) by progressive local restaurant group Black Sheep Restaurants, the Motorino pizza experience has been enthusiastically embraced – firstly at the Soho branch – and subsequently in the rapidly gentrifying Ship Street enclave of Wanchai. Both pizzerias entice with their laid-back, comfortable interiors and welcoming neighbourhood vibe that evoke the ethos of the New York outlets. In addition to serving diners, Motorino offer both takeaway and local delivery services.
Pizzas at Motorino in Hong Kong are prepared with the same meticulous attention to detail as found at the original pizzerias in New York. Working with the same popular recipes developed by chef-founder Mathieu Palombino, pizzas are crafted from a carefully balanced assemblage of top quality ingredients, meticulously sourced from Italy, complemented with fresh produce from local artisan growers. The concise menu features the signature pizzas much acclaimed in New York – exemplified by the Brussels Sprouts Pizza – made with fior di latte, garlic, pecorino, smoked pancetta and olive oil. Classic Neapolitan pizzas are simple, well-executed and prepared with traditional ingredients – the hallmark being the Margherita which features premium quality fresh buffalo mozzarella, tomato sauce, basil, pecorino, and extra virgin olive oil.
In addition to their famous pizzas, the Motorino menu includes selections of terrific salads and appetizers – indicative of the fine-dining kitchen background of chef-founder Mathieu. Stand out examples include the Marinated Beet Salad with ricotta salata, olives, mint and anchovy; and the Roasted Peppers served with buffalo mozzarella.
In addition to the compact selection of exclusively Italian wines – served by either by the glass or bottle – Motorino offer exclusively a well-priced (glass HK$68 – bottle HK$328) “the perfect pizza wine” – Gragnano – a plum red, semi-sparkling blend of piedirosso, scianscinoso & anglianico from the Campani region of south Italy.
Motorino opens daily from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. Special deals include the Lunch Fixe Prixe – Monday to Friday a green salad plus pizza (limited selection) for HK$128; and the popular weekend Brunch at HK$138.
