Michelin-starred trattoria references quintessential Italian market-style dining experiences
March 31st, 2016
Opened in late 2013, CIAK In The Kitchen references traditional Italian trattoria-style dining with its wide selection of authentic regional cuisines served within a warm and inviting restaurant setting. Occupying an expansive space in the upscale Landmark Atrium in Hong Kong’s Central business district, CIAK In The Kitchen has become a favoured destination for relaxed yet refined all-day dining amid the vibrant atmosphere of market-style open-kitchens. Conceptualised and operated by the team behind Hong Kong’s revered 3-Michelin-starred Italian restaurant 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA, culinary director / chef Umberto Bombana artfully elevates the trattoria-style dining experience. The enthusiastic culinary team at CIAK serve a variety of comforting Italian dishes from the numerous open-kitchens arrayed across the main dining area, with specialties including pizza, home-made pasta, charcoal-grilled meats, pastries and freshly baked bread. Awarded one Michelin star for two consecutive years, CIAK entices guests with reliably top-quality contemporary Italian cuisine at an approachable price level.
Design Taking cues from both traditional grocery markets and trattoria, the open layout of the main dining and cooking areas with its contemporary rustic-chic decor of warm natural timbers, ceramic-tiled floors, and shelving stocked with grocery produce evokes an Italian lifestyle aesthetic. At the entrance, the bar and adjacent section of high table seating are the setting for the daily Apertivo, while moving inside reveals the various cooking stations set around the perimeter of the sprawling dining area. Seating options include open tables, booths, and semi-private spaces set behind sliding produce shelves.
Cuisine Highlights from menu of authentic Italian dishes cooked to order at the open kitchens include the crispy crust-style of the oven-baked pizzas; artisanal homemade pastas; and premium quality Australian Wagyu steaks, homemade sausages, and whole Mediterranean sea bass – cooked on the robust charcoal grill; and tempting sweet pastries. In addition to the all-day a la carte menu, CIAK offers great value set lunch and Sunday Brunch menus.
Beverages CIAK serves a wide range of red and white wines, prosecco and champagne, Italian and classic cocktails. Signature drinks include the Spritz – the quintessential Italian apertivo drink, with Aperol, soda water, and Prosecco; Classic Negroni; various Mediterranean-influenced Bellini’s; plus artisanal and microbrewery beers.
CIAK In The Kitchen is open daily from 11:30am – table bookings are recommended for peak lunch and dinner times – or take a seat at either the Pasta Bar counter, or front bar. The “CIAK Happy Hours” promotion from 5pm – 8pm daily offers complimentary Stuzzichini snacks with the purchase of a beverage.
