Exceptional Italian steakhouse dining by acclaimed American chef Mario Batali- now in Hong Kong
UPDATE October 2014 – Carnevino has closed.
Replaced by – GAUCHO – Argentinian steakhouse from London
April 3rd, 2013
A refined Italian steakhouse concept of dining created by renowned American celebrity chef Mario Batali and first established in Las Vegas, CARNEVINO was introduced into the Hong Kong fine dining scene in 2012. The second Hong Kong outpost of Mario Batali’s impressive international restaurant empire, Carnevino is located two floors above his first Hong Kong eatery- LUPA– in the centre of the prestigious Queen’s Road retail and lifestyle precinct of the city. Carnevino delivers a luxurious dining experience in an exquisitely designed space- serving a modern Italian interpretation of the classic steakhouse experience- and specialising in super-premium dry aged beef- sourced from a single farm in Australia- guaranteeing the organic provenance of the produce. Complementing the premium steaks is an extensive global wine selection curated by Mario’s business partner- Joe Bastianich– an accomplished vintner and authority on Italian wines- also owning and operating three wineries in Italy. Named for the two core ingredients- Carnevino is a combination of carne indicating the highest quality steaks, expertly prepared, and vino for superlative wines.
Occupying a spacious 5,000 square feet on the 5th floor of the LHT Tower on Queen’s Road, Carnivore comprises several inter-connected dining rooms and a splendid bar room. The boldly original design is the creation of renowned New York design firm AvroKO ( whose notable restaurant projects in Hong Kong also includes Lily & Bloom and Socialito). Referencing an era of classic luxury European auto racing, the decor harmoniously blends polished nickel metal grilles utilised as wall panels, luxuriant quilted leather upholstery, and satin metallic, custom-made light fixtures, with the refined elegance of polished white marble inlay flooring and dark timber furnishings and ceilings. A series of private dining rooms abut the main dining room- with a combined seating capacity across all the rooms of just 150 patrons ensuring a sense of comfortable spaciousness.
The culinary team at Carnevino is under the direction of Corporate Chef Zach Allen and Executive Chef Eli Anderson- both long term Mario Batali proteges who previously cooked together at the original Carnevino in Las Vegas. The menu at Carnevino is constructed around the dry aged beef program- which showcases the selections of minimum five-week dry aged steak cuts- originating from a single organic farm in south eastern Australia. Cuts offered include the Kansas City Dry-Aged Strip 18oz priced at HK$798; and a 36oz Dry-Aged Ribeye (for 2) priced at HK1568. In addition to the Dry-Aged beef, other steaks include USDA Filet 6oz (HK$378), Ribeye 16oz (HK$608), NY Strip 14oz (HK628) and Australian Wagyu Rump 11oz (HK318). A selection of Raw Appertizers include Wagyu Crudo with Apician Spices– a sashimi of M9 Wagyu beef with Ancient Roman flavors; Half Dozen French Oysters; and Veal Carpaccio with Salted Egg Salsa Verde. Main course options of poultry and fish are also served.
A Set Lunch Menu offers choice of appertizer and main course for HK$238, with dessert an additional HK$58. And at the Bar a good value option is- The Bar Deal- offering a choice of appertizer + main+ dessert+ glass of house wine, beer or house cocktail for HK$488.
Carnevino is open daily from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm for Lunch; and from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm for Dinner. Reservations are recommended- particularly for weekends.
The impressive entry foyer is flanked on all sides by glass-fronted displays of the extensive wine collection, with a solid timber antique butcher’s block standing boldly at the far end, at the intersection of passageways framed by curved timber arches.
The bar at Carnevino
A magnificent solid white marble bar counter stretches the length of the bar room- with the main dining room beyond.
Modern, elegant barstools- custom-made from red leather and chrome.
Looking back towards the entry. Industrial style lighting above the bar contrasts with the elegant white marble counter. The bar accommodates patrons with a choice of seating – either at the bar counter, or at the dark brown leather banquette table settings across the back wall.
Walls are finished with polished black marble inlays- set behind dark timber framed glass.
Carnevino main dining room
The main dining room is a sublime space of refined elegance and contemporary luxe. Polished marble inlay flooring blends harmoniously with the dark timber furnishings and wall paneling. Overhead the stunning centre-piece metallic chandelier is an evocative statement of modern lighting design- custom made by New York design firm AvroKO. Scaled down versions of the showpiece chandelier are featured throughout Carnevino.
Semi-circular leather upholstered booths extend across the front of the dining room overlooking Queen’s Road below.
Carnevino has a series of private dining rooms that can accommodate from 4 to 40 guests.
One of the luxurious private dining rooms – sleek, sliding panels of chrome-edged walnut veneer and polished nickel metal grille can be closed to ensure complete privacy.
An intimate private dining corner space.
Selections from the Carnevino menu
Beet Salad with Goat Cheese- Roasted Multi-Colored Beets with Pistachios and Citrus. Cold Appetizers selection.
Kansas City Dry-Aged Strip 18oz- finished with sea salt, rosemary and garlic. From the Dry Aged Program.
Chocolate-Banana Brownie- served with Roasted Banana Ice Cream and Caramel Sauce.
New Classic Cocktails & Bar Menu ( click on image to enlarge)
CARNEVINO Steakhouse by Mario Batali- Hong Kong
Update- August 2014 Carnevino has closed
Address: 5/F, LHT Tower, 31 Queen’s Road, Central. Hong Kong
MTR: Central station – Exit D- 3 minutes walk
Reservations: +852. 2352 7700
Website: www.diningconcepts.com.hk
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/carnevinohk
Dress code: Smart casual
Opening hours:
Lunch – 12:00 pm ~ 3:00 pm
Dinner- 6:00 pm ~ 11:00 pm
