Sabatini Ristorante Italiano (ifc mall) — Restaurant in Hong Kong Island

Yesterday, I visited IFC’s Sabatini to sample their premium degustation menu. While each course was flavourful, none could justify the hefty $1,380 price tag. The set started strongly with the Vitello Tonato, but the Eggplant Parmigiana and Porcini mushroom pasta fell short. The eggplant dish felt pedestrian in taste and presentation, while the porcini pasta proved overly spicy. Both lacked complexity in execution and presentation, suggesting a need for a different approach. Although the food was good, it did not meet the greatness or value expected. Given the price point, I would opt for Grissini instead, where superior food and hospitable service are offered at a similar cost.

The real disappointment lay in the service. While our server was friendly and knowledgeable, he lacked attentiveness. For instance, my mother's request for hot water took 15 minutes and a reminder. Additionally, basic practices like offering more water after the first bottle was finished were overlooked. Another server or sommelier was notably impolite. He was uncooperative when we sought help with taking pictures, despite — let’s face it — the restaurant's scenic harbour view being a key attraction. His attitude was similarly unhelpful when assisting with wine selection, pressuring me towards a pricier option by disparaging the cheaper choice. He also did not seem knowledgeable with the wines at all, as he had just repeated the name of the wines and the regions that they come from — all of which could be readily found on the wine list. Furthermore, when inquiring about our dining experience, he promptly turned away before allowing us to respond. This behaviour exuded a sense of entitlement and insincerity, undoubtedly leaving a negative...

Chose this restaurant for the view then we were given with a rear room with NO VIEW AT ALL! I have been to this place before and was so impressed with the harbour view, so I brought my friend for a free flow brunch. When we made booking for two, i had no doubt that we would enjoy the same view. But then when I arrived, I was escorted to a room in the back that had literally no view! Window in the room was facing the rooftop floor of ifc, which was even not visible with curtains. Nobody would ever expect to end up with this view when you make a booking for a restaurant known for a great harbour view, and if the restaurant has no offer other than such a poor table, they should've let the customers know it first and decide whether they still want to come or not. The place we had our brunch was just the place that you'd be able to book a private gathering for around 20 pax, and today there was no such gathering so we were just put aside to that room. SO...

I gave 3 instead of 4 since the course meal was above market price and I have high expectation.

No doubt I came without any reservation but given that we are paying a premium price I would expect an excellent service and view. Unfortunately due to Valentine’s Day, I didn’t get the seating for the view. Nonetheless, they had a pretty good live band which came a bit late (when I was about to leave).

The service was a little miss here. They were servicing me and my partner at the beginning since it was 6pm but as the crowd came the service seems to change. Understand that it was due to valentines but the extreme difference within 2 hours is not what I would expect. The fortunate part was that we got the chef to explain one of the dish which is a nice experience to have.

Overall food was pretty good. The dessert is very pretty in pink. Just a personal opinion that they could have used a more premium ingredients to enhance the taste.

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