Pici — Restaurant in Kowloon

Like other Pici branches, the pasta and flavour combinations are excellent and hard to fault. The texture of homemade pasta is very distinctive and they always execute very well. Meatballs, burrata, panna cotta, mandarin sorbet were all excellent too. If you want to try a variety, the sets make it viable. The quantities are larger than 'fine dining' restaurants. But not so big that you will feel overly stuffed. Curiously, the quality either matches or outperforms if just considering the pasta. What stands out about this branch: staff were exceptionally engaged and thoughtful. There was a kid at the neighbouring table who really liked the biscotti that comes with the coffee. The parent asked if they could buy some to take home. The staff member went to check. They returned later, apologizing that the biscotti was technically not for sale. BUT they brought a small takeout container filled with biscotti for the kid while showing them the brand of biscotti so that they could buy for themselves. This whole encounter is not something I see very often in HK and was a compelling display of Filipino hospitality from those two staff. Meanwhile, they also took good care of our table, refilling water, explaining the menu, interacting with us (but not overly so), and clearing/replacing plates efficiently (but not too hurriedly or in a way that put pressure on us to eat fast). Another observation about this branch: despite the venue seeming more spacious due to high ceiling and more rectangular shop lot, the tables themselves are parked quite close to one another - just like other branches. Again, not designed to be 'fine dining', but more casual vibe with top quality food (and service). We made a reservation online in advance (very easy) but it isn't hard to walk-in either. During this weeknight visit the restaurant remained 80-90% full from 6pm through 8pm with tables being turned over. This...

Business is booming in Lai Chi Kok and so is the demand for good food!

Pici started off in Wanchai, Feb 2017 and now has five branches with the fifth branch in Lai Chi Kok.

I like the way, all the branches are the same with an alfresco bar, dining area and a bar table where you can watch the pasta chefs make the pasta.

The menu at Lai Chi Kok is slightly different.

Green Ravioli and Tuna Tartare are exclusive at this branch while the popular favourites like truffle pasta, meatballs and tiramisu are all on the menu.

Started with the Sicilian Surprise which was a vibrant sweet start with citrus flavours.

Green Ravioli [LCK exclusive at the moment]:

The green ravioli was new and I love ravioli so tried it.

It has broccolini, peas and asparagus which were all my favourites.

The ravioli was fresh with the crunch of the vegetables topped with ricotta which gave it the saltiness.

My friend had the lunch because you get salad and a dessert.

The truffle pasta was on the lunch menu so how could you not order it for HKD148!!!

Radicchio Salad [Part of the Lunch Set]:

There were so many options to choose from ranging from Hams to Burrata cheese but we chose the Radicchio salad which was healthy and light topped with delicious hazelnuts and tangy vinegar.

Taglioni with shaved fresh truffle [Part of the Lunch Set]:

Less is more and this was simply delicious because it was just freshly made pasta with freshly shaved truffle and truffle sauce.

The pasta was silky yet al dente.

Tiramisu [Part of the Lunch Set]:

For dessert, the Tiramisu is a must as it is thick and creamilious.

PICI's Tiramisu is unique as the mascarpone is visually yellow like custard and it tastes so delicious with the soaked layers of ladyfingers.

With freshly made pasta, PICI never...

Pici has released a new set menu, Sapore di Mare, featuring different seafood. Ordered 2 sets for 2 people ($488), and an extra starter and an extra pasta. Burrata cheese, parma ham, Caesar salad, tuna tartare and beef tongue. Tuna tartare is my favourite, cubed tuna mixed with creamy avocado, a perfect topping for the baguette. But then the baguette is room temp and a bit drier than those I have tried in other Pici. Burrata cheese with rocket and cherry tomato is also a good choice. Others are just fair and I would say parma ham is a bit disappointing. 5 pastas in total. Tagliolini Truffle are a classic dish but can’t really taste the black truffle. I suppose Cacio e Pepe is another classic as it is named with Pici in the menu. It uses the pasta pici, and a lot of pecorino and black pepper. It is so cheesy and salty, that I scraped the sauce with bread. The Fettuccine smoked salmon is pretty good as the white sauce is light but flavourful but the portion of the fish is rather small. Tagliolini ai Cannolicchi is one of the pasta featuring in the menu. The pasta is coated with olive oil, garlic and lemon, refreshing and pairs great with razor calm. The best is the ravioli with the wagyu sauce. The ravioli with creamy cheesy filling is melty and the beef sauce uses wagyu, making it extra meaty and saucy. To wrap everything up, tiramisu is the best option. One for each person for sure. Smooth mascarpone cheese with well-soaked lady fingers are just too good to be true. Pici is an affordable Italian restaurant serving handmade pasta of different kinds. I have been eating it for few years and honestly, the quality is decreasing gradually since then, but it is still a good pasta...