Cipriani Hong Kong — Restaurant in Hong Kong Island

Words cannot do Cipriani Hong Kong justice…

I have been eating at Cipriani Hong Kong for the past 12 years and what stands out is the consistency of service, quality of food and strict adherence to tradition…It’s an institution with an amazing history (well worth reading up on) and a team that remain true to their strong Venetian roots. They are also notable for creating some Italian classics such as the Bellini (the original and the best - there’s also a non-alcoholic version) and carpaccio. The dining experience at Cipriani Hong Kong is steeped in history and culture. The menu is extensive and includes the Cipriani classics, which luckily will never change, but also has variety at the edges, which allows frequent patrons to try something different every time they visit, should they so desire. Amongst the classics, Baked White Tagliolini with Ham (even better with green tagliolini) stands out - a rich shallow plate of pasta with a béchamel type sauce, strong tasting ham to give flavour and topped with parmesan and baked to heavenly perfection to give a crispy topping. Served as a starter or main. Scampi alla Carlina with Rice Pilaf is also a favourite - fresh and meaty scampi with a tangy tomato based sauce paired with Cipriani’s lightly fried rice (also cooked to perfection). Amongst the starters, Avocado & Cherry Tomatoes Salad not only contains the freshest of both ingredients, is super healthy and tastes amazing with just the right amount of seasoning, but is also visually appealing with its mix of bright greens and reds. The Sea Scallops Carpaccio with Lemon and Olive Oil is also outstanding - paper thin slices of fresh sea scallop, layered to cover the plate with a touch of olive oil and sea salt, and half a lemon on the side, the juice of which provides a sharp compliment to the briny taste of the scallops. The risottos and pastas, are served perfectly al dente (more so than at any other Italian restaurant I have experienced) and the sauces are traditional. Try the Sea Urchin and Bottarga spaghetti for something really special and go off-menu for Spaghetti alla Tang, which was created for co-owner David Tang - a light and flavoursome dish with olive oil, prawns and chilli. Mains include fish and meat options, with must haves including Chilean Sea Bass in Miso Glaze (similar to Saikyo Yaki from Japan) and Veal Piccata al Limone (thinly sliced roast veal with a delicate lemon based gravy). Although not an obvious option, the Black Angus Beef Burger with home made chips is outstanding and extremely satisfying. And then the desserts, where the cake options are brought to the table in a theatrical show and introduced in all their sweet detail…The chocolate cake is heavy (in a good way) and rich whilst the Vanilla Meringue Cake is a light and fluffy classic. Tiramisu, Affogato (with home made ice-cream) and Fresh Berries with Vanilla ice-cream are all delicious. The drink selection is also wide and full of classics. The Espresso Martini is a great way to end a fantastic meal but also between courses try the Sgroppino (lemon sorbet, vodka and prosecco). The house wines are solid, especially when on a budget. The 3 course daily lunch menus provide good value whilst the dinner set menu (typically 5 courses) allows guests to try a variety of signature dishes in a combination arranged by the head chef. There’s also an outstanding brunch buffet on Saturday’s which includes all of the classic dishes together with pizza and roast meats, where the dishes are replaced regularly to keep them fresh - unlike any buffet I have tried before and extremely good value considering the quality and taste. It’s important to note that Cipriani Hong Kong is a members only restaurant which allows it to retain a level of exclusivity....

We booked for two for lunch at Cipriani

The restaurant is in prime location under the China Club in a beautiful historic environnement

Cipriani is an international brand for Italian cuisine these days

We ordered nice starters and then a “grilled seabass “ with “vegetables” as a side order

Came a Chinese style fries mini white fish with broccolini !

It’s sad to try to screw clients this way in such a place that charge that much to clients

I know that the expat staff is gone totally at all level in most restaurants, but Cipriani should seriously control what local Chefs serves to international clients even if they want to cut costs on the back of quality

The staff was very suprised that I tell them the trick. They must sell a lot of those fish to tourists. They of course didnt charged me and I didn’t eat

Of course we won’t come back to...

These guys really struggled with a simple order of Caesar salad. I asked for no croutons and dressing on the side. The salad came with just lettuce and croutons (!). Then I tried to explain that Caesar salad had anchovies and bacon. After a while I just gave up and asked for a Caesar salad but with croutons and dressing on the side. The Caesar salad came with croutons and dressing. What a nightmare. To top it off, the waiter had a stinky cigarette breath under his mask. Horrible experience of such an overpriced place. The beef and veal were delicious, however. I think the kitchen does a good job but the service staff...