9,000 kilometres away from the warmth, elegance, and vibrancy of Spain and Italy, Hong Kong’s piece of southern Europe thrives in Central and Sheung Wan.
The culinary cultures of Spain and Italy broach an authentic tone and classy appeal with Chueca and Juno, two venues that have exposed Hong Kong diners to the wonders of Spanish tapas and Italian dining.
Chueca arrived in the local restaurant scene in November 2021, fitting a great demand for authentic and reasonably priced Spanish food to the gourmands and foodies of Hong Kong.
Washed in ocean blue and gold tones, touched with the expertise of skilled Spanish chefs, Chueca is cool, sophisticated, and authentic, whilst effortlessly maintaining a genuine, trendy, and approachable entrance into true Spanish hospitality.
Their menu features dishes selected from the varying gastronomical regions of the nation. Nibbles, cold cuts, cheeses, large seafood and meat sharing plates, and homemade desserts can be found on their menu.
The classics stand loud and proud, representing a veritable piece of Spain in Hong Kong. Their Ibérico ham is sourced from Spain’s Arturo Sanchez, naturally cured to provoke mature flavours in each cut. For tapas, their ham croquettes, tuna tartare, and padron peppers are suitable dishes for a teaser of more to come.
Chueca’s premium dry aged ox by El Capricho evokes feelings of the Spanish countryside, where cattle are made to run wild and feed off the earth. Pair this with broken eggs and Chef’s rusa for a taste of a Spanish grandmother’s real cooking.
Onto mains, where their lobster rice, slow cooked lamb shoulder, pulpo a la gallega (octopus), and gambas al ajillo (King prawns) bring robust flavours with sea salt, gamey fat, and spice come to the forefront. End the meal with a sharing of flan de nata (cream flan caramel) just like the Spaniards do!
Two years after Chueca inaugurated Central with fine Spanish delicacies, its sister restaurant JUNO opened to present the charming vibrancy and colour of Italy.
With a mission to render haute gastronomy accessible for everyone, Juno places great emphasis on quality seasonal products, refined recipes and affordable prices. Taking inspiration from the founders’ travels to Italy, the menu exhibits dishes prominent in the warm corner of Europe.
The Mediterranean diet, evident in the crafting of Juno’s menu, emphasises the consumption of olive oil, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, legumes, seafood, poultry, and eggs.
As opposed to the blue elements key to Chueca’s identity, Juno embraces an olive-green façade, popping out in Sheung Wan’s business district as a venue for signature dining and an attractive venue for enjoying life.
With their awarding of a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand award in 2025, Juno’s menu thrives on its boldness and refreshing plates. To start your Italian feast at Sheung wan’s most vibey restaurant, order their signatures Ibérico ham 48 months with homemade focaccia, chicken liver pâté, and spicy nduja & melted scamorza al forno. Each starter offers a robust umami flavour that oozes onto the palate.
Arming a passion fruit mojito in one hand, dig your knife and fork into their eggs tonnato and tuna tartare. With a focus on seafood throughout, the sea-faring city of Hong Kong has an opportunity to explore Italy’s relationship with cured, grilled, and delicate seafood specialties.
As you reach the main courses, sharing is key when dining at Juno. Their seafood fideos and pork ribs are signatures, whilst the Juno truffle taglioni is a must if you fancy a pasta dish. Of course, as an Italian restaurant, their tiramisu is a great dessert to finish on!
Chiefly inspired by olive, the most symbolic ingredient of Mediterranean cuisine, Juno’s essence stems from the life imparted by the olive tree, a symbol of life, sustainability, and sustenance.
Only 10 minutes walking distance from each other, both Chueca and Juno stand as gastronomical ambassadors of the warm and inviting cuisines of Spain and Italy, galvanized with the oceanic and farmstead life of the Mediterranean embodied throughout.
Book your next dining experience at Chueca and Juno here!
This feature is brought to Foodie in partnership with Chueca and Juno.
