LucAle, located in Sai Ying Pun, has recently undergone a revamp, offering a lighter and more casual vibe to complement its delectable cuisine by acclaimed Italian chefs Alessandro Angelini and Luca De Berardinis. Touted as one of the best places for pasta in Hong Kong, the restaurant is a must-visit spot for anyone seeking the finest Italian fare, with relatively affordable price tags attached.
Here are a few of LucAle’s most outstanding dishes:
We commenced our meal with the thinly sliced warm baby cuttlefish (HK$238). The tender cuttlefish is served with a rich, nutty pistachio cream. The quinoa and toasted almonds add delightful crunch to the dish, which is a veritable symphony of flavours and textures.
For something more refreshing, the tuna tartare (HK$238) is served with a silky avocado cream. The soy sauce and Amalfi lemon dressing adds both umami tang and citrusy zing, offering a lovely balance of flavours.
When it comes to pasta, LucAle showcases its prowess. The shrimp ravioli (HK$278) features plump shrimp encased in silky, al-dente pasta parcels alongside porcini mushroom and artichoke, bathed in a shrimp-bisque sauce. The porcini mushroom imparts a rich, earthy aroma that elevates the dish.
Presented in a paper package, the hand-cut tagliolini with lobster, prawn and scallop ragout (HK$298) is a treasure trove of premium seafood cooked to tender, juicy perfection. The tomato-basil sauce adds a nice balance of acidity and sweetness.
The ravioli of Parma ham and mortadella (HK$218) is another solid pasta choice. The pasta parcels, filled with a mixture of cured meats, is slathered in a fragrant, buttery sage sauce. This is a supremely savoury dish.
Moving on to the mains, the coffee-crust pork tenderloin (HK$345) is a must-try. The pork is expertly cooked to medium rare, featuring a beautiful pink centre. The coffee crust gives a char to the exterior of the meat, providing a delightful contrast to the tender and juicy interior. The pan-fried duck liver on the side offers another layer of velvety texture and umami flavour, resulting in a truly exquisite combination.
Ending on a sweet note, LucAle’s tiramisu (HK$108) is an innovative take on the classic Italian dessert, with hazelnuts punctuating the coffee and mascarpone cream, all encased within a glass sphere. A thin layer of cocoa crisp tops the dish; we enjoyed cracking it open to reveal the deconstructed tiramisu.
Verdict
LucAle is an exceptional neighbourhood Italian restaurant that offers cuisine to rival any fine-dining establishment around town – all at a lower price point. For a memorable meal that’s extremely good value (taking into account the high-quality ingredients and expertise of the chefs), LucAle is hard to beat.
Where: 100 Third Street, Sai Ying Pun
For reservations: phone 3611 1842 or 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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