LucAle Tasting Italy — Restaurant in Hong Kong Island

Disappointing 2nd experience, inconsistent policies and bad vibes. Great review has been revised.

Visited in early August for the first time, in the dead of Hong Kong's restaurant COVID era (2pax table restriction, all restaurants 6pm close) for brunch at this Italian restaurant in SYP at the back of Potato Head. Left a raging review here of how generous the food was and how I loved the lemon creme. I believe in paying good tribute to good natured restaurants that deserve support as I often review here and in other platforms.

After a relatively good experience, I took the most important VIP in my life (hi mom) here again yesterday for the same brunch expecting similar experiences. As you would at a second visit in less than 4 weeks.

The ham and burrata, the star of their brunch, had lost its smooth texture and the luscious rich taste compared to last time. I saw their staff had to wait for several plates of ham and cold cuts to be finished cutting before serving to the tables in one go. Similar to last time, we were given one plate of ham/burrata, one of cold cuts, and some cheese and tomato, along with 3 salads. We ordered the spaghetti and lamb chop add-on on top of their $380 lunch, it was okay. And my reviews usually stop here. However.

Similar to last time, there was too much food and we asked for the leftovers to be taken away. The waitress told me that it was their policy not to allow appetizers to be packed. Genuinely surprised, I said that I was here a few weeks ago and packed our mains and appetizers that I didn't finish home, and that there was no such policy then, and reason to throw out food that was part of our brunch. Giving no explanation, she just blurted that it was their restaurant policy and packed our mains, and took away our half unfinished burrata, ham and cold cuts without returning them.

No one wants to make a scene and I intended to reflect the experience in the review I am writing. Their manager/owner then casually passed by and asked if the food was okay. When we reflected our experience to him, he said that he imposed this policy because people wasted food and kept asking for refills. I told them that we were not aware that appetizers could be refilled and was only given one plate and also, that they had packed all of our food away during my first visit. Then he said that their restaurant was about to change the "refill" policy too because of wastage. All this about wasting food didn't make sense but I didn't care about their policy and repeated that they had packed our food before and didn't have such policy. He acted surprised and said that his staff should not have done that last time but that it was their policy.

He then said that the next time I came, I should go to him, he would always be here, and IF I had only one plate of ham, he would let me take it away. How condescending and insulting. Firstly, to think that I would revisit given the experience, but secondly, that their customer would have to point to a staff and an old promise in order to take away food that they paid for. Of course he didn't identify himself.

He then grew tired of the conversation and left to tell his staff right behind me that the policy was to be imposed.

I wasn't what "wastage" he was so upset about, I guess it was patrons "wasting" his food by asking for ham refills, but we were never aware and did not ask: the restaurant was small enough for the staff to know, at least the one that waited our table. Our plates of ham and cold cuts which they threw away was duly wasted was all I knew.

The experience showed me that and even if they were offering an all-you-can-eat brunch, they were not generous to mention that to their customers and deliberately played it down to maintain their costs. Whatever, all they had to do was to say that we had mistaken that the brunch was not buffet style, and so, understandably, buffet food could not be taken away. But the way that their staff and later that man handled the whole situation was embarrassing and petty and I felt compelled to...

Nestled in Sai Yin Pun, LucAle Italian restaurant emerges as a beacon for pasta aficionados and culinary enthusiasts alike. With a vibrant ambiance that captures the essence of traditional Italian dining, this establishment has firmly established itself as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the best pasta in the city.

From the moment you step through the door, the warm, inviting atmosphere envelops you, enhanced by rustic decor and the tantalizing aroma of fresh ingredients. The service at LucAle is nothing short of exemplary; the staff is attentive yet unobtrusive, ready to guide diners through an exquisite menu that showcases the restaurant's commitment to authenticity and quality.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the pasta. Each dish is a celebration of flavor and texture, crafted with precision and passion. The chefs’ dedication to tradition while offering a modern twist that keeps diners coming back for more. The balance of flavors is nothing short of perfection, with each bite revealing layers of depth and richness.

LucAle, marries classic recipes with the finest ingredients found in Hong Kong.

Beyond the pasta, the antipasti selections offer a delightful start to the meal. The burrata, creamy and indulgent, paired with heirloom tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic reduction, is a must-try. Each plate is beautifully presented, reflecting the care and artistry that characterizes the entire dining experience.

As the meal draws to a close, the dessert menu beckons. The tiramisu is a standout, light yet decadent, capturing the spirit of Italy in every spoonful. A well-curated wine list complements the offerings, featuring selections that pair perfectly with the diverse menu.

In a city where culinary experiences abound, LucAle Italian restaurant stands out not just for its exceptional pasta, but for its unwavering commitment to quality and service. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, LucAle promises a dining experience that transcends the ordinary, making it a true gem in Hong Kong's...

Oh my. Where do we start? In summary, this place doesn't deserve to be on Michelin.

I enquired for a booking for my partner's birthday on WhatsApp, and headed off to an appointment. When I got back, I got a very patronizing "your spot has been released, see you next time". I managed to still get the booking.

The booking was at 8:30, and we got there at about 8. So we went in to see if we could sit down early. The female staff said "Your booking is at 8:30, we don't have space for you." Again, in a VERY patronizing manner. We weren't even allowed to wait inside, so we sat outside with other customers who experienced the same patronizing treatment as we did.

We then got let in, where again the service was non-existent and patronizing. We waved one of the girls down, and she took our orders and ran off, without saying a word. Seriously? Didn't even bother repeating our order. No smile, no thank you no nothing.

The pasta came very slowly, probably because they have bad time management considering the fact that they don't let people in till 8:30. But that's not the star of the show.

About 20 minutes in we are approached by another very condescending waitress, informing me that we haven't met the $500 minimum spend yet and that we will have to order something else to meet it. WOW, seriously? At this point i was pretty pissed off. That's not how you treat your customers.

Not to mention, nobody told me there would be a minimum spend. That's just shady. It's not about the money, it's about how they handle it.

Needless to say, I'll be spreading this far and wide to all of my friends and family. We won't be returning again.

The food, to give credit is high quality food but the way it's cooked isn't anything special.

Also, the restaurant has bad taobao decor and smelly washrooms. Funny thing was most of the guests were very dressed up for a night out. How...