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These days, it’s really nice to dig into some comfort food, isn’t it? While I’ve certainly been ordering in my share of comfort food, it’s been so nice to start to get out more and catch up with friends over comfort food too, which is why the threat of a typhoon didn’t stop me from making my way up to The Peak to check out new Italian restaurant Fiamma.
Fiamma is Michelin-starred chef Enrico Bartolini’s second restaurant in Hong Kong (the first being SPIGA in Central). Located in the old Bread Street Kitchen space, it’s been transformed into what I’m calling a “homey-glam” vibe, with comfy caramel-coloured leather banquettes, blue-and-white tiles, wall planters and an impressively large glass pendant light fixture that goes across the main dining room.
During our visit, we tried some of Fiamma’s betsellers by Head Chef Paolo Olivieri (referred to affectionately as “FBI”, or “full-blooded Italian”, a graduate of Rome’s renowned Etoile Academy).
Burrata e pomodori ($148): I loved this burrata dish, which was super fresh and creamy and topped with delicious basil crumbs.
Polpo ($148): my friend and I both exclaimed “so good” upon first bite of the octopus. The chilli and garlic seasoning was memorable, with quite a bit of heat.
Tagliolini ai ricci, bottarga, limone ($298): at Fiamma, the tagliolini is freshly made in-house. This dish was both light and rich – light with the pasta and lemon, indulgent with the bottarga and sea urchin. There was a fair amount of sea urchin for the price, though I would have liked to have been able to have a taste with each bite. I wonder if an extra sea urchin top-up will be introduced one day.
Agnello, carciofi e menta ($278): these lovely lamb chops were cooked perfectly, served on a bed of roasted artichoke and topped with mint salsa verde.
Panna cotta & tiramisu ($88 each): we ended with the panna cotta and tiramisu. The portion sizes are generous; one serving is plenty for two or even three (though you’d be forgiven for wanting a whole bowl to yourself). The panna cotta was delectably creamy, the taste reminding me of rice pudding in the best possible way. The tiramisu was on the intense side – be warned!
Verdict
Allow me to call Fiamma’s food homey-glam (as well as the decor!). We had comforting Italian dishes made from great ingredients, with some interesting twists. The prices are fair and the service is warm. It’s a good spot for a relaxed, cosy meal out.
Shop G02, G/F, Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, The Peak, 2657 0800, book online
This write-up is based on a complimentary media tasting provided in exchange for an honest review and no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed here represent the author’s.
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