Hong Kong Cray !!! Carbone Italian American Restaurant
The Lowdown
Restaurant Name: Carbone
Cuisine: Italian American
Average Price per Person: $300 to $600 HKD or $48 to $75 USD
Location: Central, Hong Kong (see map below for details)
Recommendations: Carpaccio Piemontese, Caesar alla ZZ, Mario's Meatballs, Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, Carrot Cake and Lemon CheesecakeRatings (out of 5)
Taste: 4.5
Creativity/Authenticity: 4.5
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 3
Bang for Buck: 3.5Crayscale !!!
My new favorite Italian restaurant in Hong Kong is Carbone! This is hands down the best Italian-American restaurant I’ve been to in awhile. Hailing from New York City founded by Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi and Jeff Zalaznick, Carbone has become kind of a big deal in a short period of time nominated for a 2014 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant. Shortly after it’s opening, Carbone announced it’s expansion into Asia opening their second restaurant in Hong Kong.
Located in Hong Kong’s LKF Tower, the 9th floor has been transformed into a mid-20th century Italian-American restaurant. Upon coming up the elevator, you enter into a small reception area before the hostess ushers you in through a closed door and an initial room with a small bar. The atmosphere is boisterous and cozy, so I wouldn’t exactly this for a romantic evening as things can and will get pretty loud around these parts.
The menu is broken down by antipasti, zuppa e insalate, macaroni, pesci, carni, and contorni with family style portions meant for sharing. Between seven of us, we went in on a full out Italian feast starting with a couple antipasti dishes, the notorious table-side Caesar alla ZZ, the best spicy rigatoni vodka I’ve ever had, Mario’s meatballs, ribeye Diana and more classic Italian-American favorites. Dessert literally rolls out on a table filled with #cakecakecakecakecake. ONE OF EVERYTHING PLEASE!
You had me at garlic bread. Carbone’s garlic bread is ridiculously buttery and garlicy.
Carpaccio Piemontese ($168 HKD or $22 USD). The paper thin carpaccio was amazing topped with fresh arugula, thinly sliced mushrooms, olive oil, lemon, salt, black pepper and Parmigiano shards finished with truffle shaving.
Octopus Pizzaiolo ($188 HKD or $24 USD). The octopus didn’t amaze me. It was slightly rubbery and chewy.
Caesar alla ZZ ($168 HKD or $22 USD). This table-side caesar salad was on point served with an incredible house-made creamy caesar dressing, anchovies and proper croutons. I’m always picking out dry ass crusty croutons from my caesar salads, but these ones were legit, crunchy and soaked with butter. To top off the salad, our server made it rain with that freshly grated Parmesan.
Charred Brocoli ($78 HKD or $10 USD). The broccoli was tasty and had a nice kick, but not worth $10 USD in my opinion.
Mario’s Meatballs ($168 HKD or $22 USD). Deez balls though – massive, meaty, juicy and flavorful smothered in red sauce and topped with crispy basil.
Ribeye Diana ($458 HKD or $60 USD). The ribeye was packed with flavor and cooked to a perfect medium rare.
Spicy Rigatoni Vodka ($198 HKD or $25 USD). Now this is what I’m talking about. This stuff is crack and the best spicy rigatoni vodka I’ve ever had. This is worth the visit to Carbone in and of itself. So effing good!
DESSERT!
Loved the carrot cake! It was delicious, moist topped with a velvety cream cheese icing served with a scoop of ginger ice cream.
The Tiramisu was pretty tasty, but nothing to write home about. I did enjoy the lady fingers though.
The lemon cheesecake was my favorite. It was creamy yet tart with a sweet buttery crust.
Carbone Hong Kong
9th Floor
33 Wyndham St
Central, Hong Kong
p: +852 2593 2593
