8 1/2 Otto E Mezzo Bombana image

8 1/2 Otto E Mezzo Bombana

Restaurant Italian restaurant

One of the Top rated Italian restaurants in Hong Kong Island


Address

Shop 202, 18 Chater Rd, Central, Hong Kong

Website

www.ottoemezzobombana.com

Contact

+852 2537 8859

Price rating

$$$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (515 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 12 to 2:30 pm, 6:30 pm to 12 am
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 12 to 2:30 pm, 6:30 pm to 12 am
  • Tuesday: 12 to 2:30 pm, 6:30 pm to 12 am
  • Wednesday: 12 to 2:30 pm, 6:30 pm to 12 am
  • Thursday: 12 to 2:30 pm, 6:30 pm to 12 am
  • Friday: 12 to 2:30 pm, 6:30 pm to 12 am

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: restaurant (27) truffle (17) experience (14) pasta (14) wine (13) service (12) Michelin (11) lunch (11) stars (10) Italian (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 Andrea B. 2 years ago on Google
    Caro Umberto Mio I have been there several times to eat over the years both as a guest and for work. The food is good, the location is beautiful, a nice wine list, with the bar at the entrance for an aperitif before sitting at the table But let's face it, in Italy you would certainly have a star, if we try maybe two, but you wouldn't get there given the dishes. I do not doubt the quality of the food and wine that I was able to taste, but it does not deserve the three Michelin stars it has Yes, everything is beautiful, but I repeat as an Italian and I know very well this job in Italy would have 1 star and that's it! In Hong Kong, on the other hand, he has three! But there is a reason that not everyone knows, and only a few in this sector .. You eat well, drink well, but it certainly does not deserve three stars nor the price you pay for the dishes they serve. However, it is advisable to reserve Best regards
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Eddie L. 9 months ago on Google
    Amazing restaurant and absolutely beautiful ingredients prepared with exceptional skills. Services, ambience and price point were all fantastic. The only reason for not getting a drop dead 5stars is probably due to the fact that none of the dishes came with a wow factor that one would hope to see in a 3 star restaurant
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rathian 1 year ago on Google
    Delicious lunch in Italian restaurant. Good ingredients and raw materials. Attentive services. Totally recommended.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jacky L. 1 year ago on Google
    Well deserved for the ⭐⭐⭐ One of the very best house bread in HK Food and service are close to perfect, menu options relatively static though
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Myriam W. 10 months ago on Google
    Special treat, the only 3⭐️ Michelin italian restaurant outside Italy. Yes it’s pricey but nothing is average with 8 1/2 Otto. Every dish is prepared with the best ingredients. Our favorite are : - burrata cheese ravioli - lamb ragout pappardelle - short rib & beef tenderloin - limoncello soufflé And don’t forget to order a Sgroppino, so so delicious. At 8 1/2 Otto E Mezzo you can’t go wrong. The service is perfect. No doubt you will have an unforgettable experience when having a meal there.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 YT H. 1 year ago on Google
    Reasonably priced The atmosphere is quiet, clean, and tidy Service is impeccable. Food is very good but one might expect more for a 3 Michelin stars restaurant
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 C s. 2 years ago on Google
    Stopped by for a pre dinner drink, due to new Covid rules, they said I shouldn't order a bottle as I'd never finish it in time. I said, I wanted the bottle and what I couldn't finish I'd take home. I was left no olives, peanuts, or even a napkin or a glass of water. After a $1080.00, I guess I expected at least a napkin. Some hospitality. #Lai Sun Group, perhaps we know why you should worry about competition.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fanelli D. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful experience! My first time to try a Michelin Three starts Restaurant. It was wonderful. Atmosphere, service, food quality and flavour, everything was superb. All the restaurant team was careful to any small detail, the management, the hospitality was excellent, we felt very comfortable and welcomed from the begin until the end. The wine list was full of surprising wine. All the food had a well balanced rich flavour, the olive oil was so pregiate and elegant, the langoustine and the beef was super tender, we had home made pasta with white truffle from Alba , the Chef personally sliced the fresh truffles on from of us. And at in the end the manager hand made a wonderful digestive dessert front to us and we also received many chocolate. 😍. We really felt so spoiled. Ahaha. Before to try this restaurant, I heard voices saying it was expensive, I personally feel for the whole package, it’s very acceptable. I loved it!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Francesco B. 6 months ago on Google
    Residing in the vibrant city of Hong Kong for almost 15 years, the mystique surrounding "8 ½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA" as a culinary haven has always intrigued me. Recently, I decided to unravel this gastronomic gem during a celebratory Saturday lunch, an occasion that demanded meticulous advance reservations. Umberto Bombana, a luminary in the global culinary panorama, is celebrated for his unwavering commitment to culinary traditions, masterful flavor profiles, and minimalist plating that allows the essence of each ingredient to shine. Established in 2010 and named after Fellini's iconic film of 1963, coinciding with Chef Bombana's birth year, the restaurant encapsulates the essence of Italian dining, reflected in the translated name "Otto e Mezzo." A stroll through the dining rooms reveals an original billboard, a charming nod to the restaurant's cinematic inspiration. Nestled discreetly in Alexandra House with a panoramic view of Chater Road, the ambiance is a harmonious blend of comfort and elegance. Deep sepia, bronze, and cream hues create a warm palette, while C-shaped booths offer strategic vantage points to appreciate both the surroundings and the impeccable service of the sleek staff. Collaborating closely with Japanese design studio Design Post, Chef Bombana has curated a contemporary space adorned with understated elegance and simplicity. Original Italian artwork graces the venue, providing visual highlights that enrich the overall experience. The journey commenced with General Manager Antonello Picchedda, a maestro in wine expertise and a gracious host. His welcoming gesture, a glass of Champagne Agrapart and Fils 7 Crus, set the stage for an opulent luncheon. The Amuse-bouche unfolded as a poignant moment—a Cold Melon Soup adorned with 48-month Pata Negra, Burrata flakes, and Taggiasca olives. The fragrant and soft melon, cultivated with passion by the Lorenzini family in Mantova, showcased a commitment to local, quality produce. As our appetizer, the Marinated Tuna Tartare with Basil Emulsion, Yuzu dressing, and Oscietra Caviar, was a masterpiece. The tuna's tenderness and the harmonious blend of flavors were exquisite, with Oscietra Caviar adding a touch of luxury. A bridge of flavors emerged with the Soave Classico (Vigneti di Foscarino), leading us to the Brittany Blue Lobster. The lobster's tenderness, coupled with the seasonal Roasted Matsutake Mushroom and a 48-hour lobster reduction sauce, revealed a culinary prowess balanced with citrus elements. Chef Bombana's personal touch graced our table before the main course: Spaghetti Chittara with Sicilian Red King Prawn, Datterino Tomato, and Citrus. The perfectly cooked Felicetti spaghetti and the juicy king prawn were a testament to the culinary finesse on display. Antonello's wine pairing expertise shone through with the Ribolla Gialla Riserva, Primosic, 2017, a complex orange wine enhancing the experience. Chef Bombana's reputation as the Truffle King found expression in the signature White Truffle Tagliolini, a harmonious blend of truffle, egg pasta, and Parmesan. Opting for the Veal Tagliata with braised Veal Cheek, roasted mushroom, and pumpkin puree, we were treated to butter-tender perfection. Paired with Brunello di Montalcino, La Mannella, 2016, the dish unfolded as an outstanding culmination of flavors. A classic Venetian Sgroppino served as a palate cleanser, skillfully prepared at the table, leading us to the enchanting Pumpkin Dessert. Vanilla Cream, roast pumpkin gelato, and pumpkin seeds danced in a symphony of elegance and taste, a perfect balance of tenderness and crunchiness. Concluding our culinary journey, the Moscadello di Montalcino, Mastro Nanni, 2015, painted the perfect finale—a vivid yellow elixir with honeyed notes, merging seamlessly with peach and apricot undertones. "8 ½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA" transcended its myth, offering not just a meal but an extraordinary odyssey of culinary delight.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Victor T. 5 months ago on Google
    Lunch at this wonderful 3-star Italian restaurant. Every dishes are perfectly cooked. You cannot go wrong with the home-made pasta and we especially like the seafood cavatelli and white truffle tagliolini. Services are excellent too. While it is a bit pricey, it is totally worth it.

  • 5/5 Tuen Yin L. 7 months ago on Google
    "8 1/2," a Michelin three-star Italian restaurant located in the central business district. It is well-known for its black truffle dishes. However, upon entering the restaurant, I didn't quite feel the level of service expected from a three-star establishment. The decor is simple and understated, more reminiscent of a business executive lunch than a refined fine dining experience. During lunchtime, the restaurant was bustling with customers, mostly young professionals working nearby. Before even ordering, they served us bread, which is usually excellent at Michelin restaurants. The bread, accompanied by their olive oil and balsamic vinegar, was satisfying enough to fill me up. We opted for the three-course set lunch, and it's worth noting that they have a seasonal menu that showcases the chef's creativity for the summer season. To start, the chef prepared a refreshing appetizer of chilled melon with prosciutto. The savory prosciutto paired well with the chilled melon, making it a perfect summer starter. The first course consisted of red prawns with scallops and octopus. The combination of red prawns and scallops was a delightful match, although I personally have never been fond of octopus. Despite the chef's skillful preparation, the octopus didn't quite win me over, but it was still decent. Next, we had two pasta dishes: tuna pasta and handcrafted lamb ragu pasta. The chef incorporated tuna into the pasta, perhaps to complement the summer vibes. However, the strong taste of olives in the pasta overshadowed the flavors of the tuna. It was only when eaten separately that I could truly savor the freshness of the tuna. Nonetheless, I must commend the restaurant for their perfectly executed handmade pasta, which had a delicate texture. Moving on to the main courses, the restaurant continued with the summer theme by offering a fish dish and their signature freshly shaved black truffle with beef. The chef cooked the fish to perfection, and with the accompanying sauce, it brought out the flavors suited for summer. Finally, we arrived at the highlight of the meal—the freshly shaved black truffle. It was my first time experiencing fresh black truffle. I had heard people rave about the irresistible scent of black truffle, but personally, I found it difficult to describe and even slightly nauseating. When the waiter brought the truffle to our table, I felt a bit uncomfortable. However, I understand that this is a personal preference, as every table in the restaurant was enjoying the black truffle, and its unique aroma filled the entire space. Despite my personal reaction, overall, I would still recommend this restaurant. If you're a fan of black truffle, it's worth giving it a try. Taste is subjective, and my aversion to the truffle's aroma is specific to me.

  • 4/5 Rorschach B. 9 months ago on Google
    The best Italian restaurant in Hong Kong especially during the truffle season, but there are two problems here. Firstly, the the spend of serve dishes is a little bit slow because when the time turn on to the evening, the restaurant is totally full. Another is that the bathroom is a little bit small. However, will go there again in AUG 2023,because it is my only choice for having Italian food in Hong Kong.

  • 5/5 James H. 9 months ago on Google
    What a delight it was to have my birthday here. Service and energy from the staff was top notch, the meal I had was one to remember. Mr. Bombana is really THE GUY. Although I was terribly underdressed, there was no judgement from the staff. Smiles all around! Grazie molto 🙏🏼 James Hov Owner of Bully Fades Barbershop

  • 5/5 Max B. 8 months ago on Google
    Wonderfully cooked food, particularly the “secret” pasta dish. Wine pairing was thoughtful and delicious. The bread could be better but they do give you a large number of varieties to try which makes up for this somewhat.

  • 5/5 Culinaria h. 1 year ago on Google
    It's the white truffle snowing season of the year again, of course we cannot miss the best of the best truffle Italian restaurant in town Otto E Mezzo Bombana. As expected, it always beyond your expectation with extraordinary high standard of food and services. Well deserved 3 stars of all time. Thank you team for the wonderful dining experience. Looking forward to come back again soon.

  • 5/5 Alexander C. 1 year ago on Google
    A 3 Michelin starred restaurants that's worth the trip. The food and experience here was fantastic. We came in for a lunch and the food was seasoned and prepared to perfection. Each dish was explained by either the waiters or the maître d' and they were knowledgeable on each part of the dish. Pricing is a bit more affordable during lunch time, but expect to pay top dollar for this experience. Reservations are highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Joe Chan (. 1 year ago on Google
    Went the restaurant for my wife’s birthday. All I can say is the experience was FANTASTIC. Friendly staff, nice food and not pricey. Most importantly it has 3 stars of Michelin!! The restaurant is in the Alexandra Building which is easily to reach from Central MTR station. They starter, main courses and also signatures desserts were superb.

  • 4/5 Kelly L. 1 year ago on Google
    i think overall it met the expectations of a michilin 3 star restaurant. my fav being the marinated langoustine and the brittany blue lobster, the burrata pasta, however, could improve better (not ad chewy as i hope)

  • 5/5 Morten F. 1 year ago on Google
    Great restaurant, very pleasant experience. Service minded staff, really put effort into making everyone feel welcome. Cozy atmosphere, very enjoyable. Food and wine was fantastic. Can recommend.

  • 5/5 Christy X. 2 years ago on Google
    Fantasic food and service! A well-deserved 3stars. You won’t be disappointed!

  • 5/5 Rojina R. 2 years ago on Google
    I went to have my birthday lunch and experience was amazing. The whole experience of foods, wines and services were out of words. As me and my husband were unsure what to have so we asked the manager Antonello for recommendations and he did a great choices. As we went there without having breakfast 😅 We had 8 courses with wine pairings for each and it was worth of every penny. The service given by manager Antonella was excellent and wine pairings chosen by Sommelier Kenji complimented so well with each and every courses. My most favourite was roasted octopus and Tagliolini with Black truffle, tho all the food we had was full of flavours. Overall an experience was incredible and i enjoyed my birthday lunch to the fullest.

  • 5/5 salvatore f. 1 year ago on Google
    Totally amazing ! Was my 2 times , first Tina was in dinner time , and 2 time was on lunch… and was my wife birthday We had set lunch 4 course and was everything delicious! The staff is always on your table to check if everything was ok ! And amazing the sorbetto make by GM Antonello your must take after dinner ! Thank you very much for the hospitality

  • 5/5 Christy T. 1 year ago on Google
    Service is Top notch, food is brilliantly executed. Every dish is nicely cooked. Nothing to complain about except the price

  • 5/5 Suki N. 1 year ago on Google
    Always had a wonderful time here. Food is amazing. Staff are very professional and attentive. They explained every dish and wine selection very well. Well deserved Michelin stars!

  • 3/5 A Y. 2 years ago on Google
    We went to this restaurant for lunch. The service was great!! Food was good except urchin on the pasta. Urchin was not fresh, little bit smelly. I have droughts if this food is worth 3 stars… I can recommend other Michelin restaurants instead of…

  • 5/5 Felix L. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent food and service. The taste of the foods were full of surprises. All the hosts were very attentive; I don't need to look for them or raise my hand for something that I need.

  • 5/5 Dario 2 years ago on Google
    Epic experience, the four course menu is spectacular, flavours so authentic and pure. Creativity at its best, a luxury yet real journey. The wine list is well refined and so is the service, literally impeccable. If you've got a sweet tooth go for their gelato (my last picture) which is mind blowing

  • 5/5 MM F. 2 years ago on Google
    Casual dinner by the bar. There’s really nothing you could complain about the place re food quality, they’re the only 3-star Italian restaurant outside Italy after all. They definitely have the best pasta in town, and we always order their pear tart which is not too sweet and fluffy. We love the bar vibe more because of the very friendly bartenders and servers. Nice wine list and great cocktails. They are expensive though especially in the context of pasta (and probably appetizers as well). p.s. although their Milanese veal chop is good, I like the one at Ciak (their sister branch) more because Ciak’s is less buttery 🤫

  • 5/5 Gluttonous P. 2 years ago on Google
    🍽 Homemade Tagliolini 💰 HK$590 (dinner, 10% service charge) One of the best celebration restaurants in Hong Kong. The restaurant atmosphere is romantic and service is nice too! We have to say the complimentary bread bucket was so nice which dip with olive oil! For the Homemade Tagliolini, it was made with butter, parmesan and black truffle. The black truffle had a very strong flavour. I wish the waiter never stopped and shave more for me😂 A must order every time we visit.

  • 5/5 Kevin P. 2 years ago on Google
    Enjoyed the food and the decor of the restaurant. Deserves it's Michelin stars.

  • 4/5 Eunice N. 2 years ago on Google
    Great good and ambience. Happy to have met the friendly Chef.


Call +852 2537 8859 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Restaurants nearby

Lan Kwai Fong image
1
Lan Kwai Fong
Cultural landmark
Historic district of narrow streets & alleys lined with restaurants, nightclubs & bars.
4.20 (8.6K reviews)
Kam's Roast Goose image
2
Kam's Roast Goose
Cantonese restaurant
Popular Cantonese restaurant drawing crowds for its signature roast goose & char siu (BBQ pork).
$$ $$
4.10 (4.2K reviews)
Lin Heung Kui image
3
Lin Heung Kui
Cantonese restaurant
🫤 If you are looking for a memorable dining experience in Hong Kong, look no further than Lin Heung Kui. This place has it all: rude lousy service, crowded unhygienic environment and sub par food. You will be amazed by how the pushy staff treat you like an unwelcome guest, how the tables and dishes ar...
$$ $$
3.80 (3.6K reviews)
Kau Kee Food Cafe image
4
Kau Kee Food Cafe
Chinese noodle restaurant
Small, no-frills Chinese eatery offering a variety of noodle bowls & other familiar fare.
$$ $$
3.70 (3.5K reviews)
Yat Lok Restaurant image
5
Yat Lok Restaurant
Chinese restaurant
Chinese barbecue & other familiar fare doled out in straightforward, compact quarters.
$$ $$
3.70 (3.2K reviews)
Last updated:
()