Tucked away on a corner of the chic Star Street area in Wanchai is Giando Italian Restaurant & Bar. This Italian-food gem has been a firm favourite since it opened several years go – and for good reason: it offers great Italian cuisine and an elegantly comfortable vibe.

Before I went to this tasting, I’d heard from a few friends that Giando is the crowning jewel in Chef Gianni Caprioli’s stable of restaurants (which also includes Giá Trattoria Italiana and Fishsteria). So I was excited to check out the eatery’s new six-course winter vegetarian menu ($798/person).

Giando Italian Restaurant & Bar Hong Kong

The menu aims to showcase Italy’s hearty and versatile seasonal produce. Ingredients including chicory, Jerusalem artichoke, turnip, radicchio, Savoy cabbage and pumpkin are all sourced from small-scale family farms and transformed into comforting, warming dishes.

So what’s on the menu?

Giando Italian Restaurant & Bar Hong Kong

Cicoria con gorgonzola, pere e noci en balsamico: we started with a chicory salad that included pear, walnuts and a light, creamy, sweet Gorgonzola dressing. Beautifully balanced.

Giando Italian Restaurant & Bar Hong Kong

Vellutata di topinambur e carciofi: next up was a vegan Jerusalem artichoke soup topped with braised artichoke. This one was a bit thin in terms of flavour and texture, but it had a soothing aroma.

 

Giando Italian Restaurant & Bar Hong Kong

Fusillone con cime di rapa e crusco: pasta with fresh vegetables and herbs is such a treat. This fusilli dish was packed with turnip tops and southern Italian crusco peppers. Fragrant and delicious.

Giando Italian Restaurant & Bar Hong Kong

Risotto con radicchio e cipolla: fans of caramelised onion will love this risotto. The sauce was rich, creamy and full of that moreish savoury-sweet flavour.

Giando Italian Restaurant & Bar Hong Kong

Cavolo arrosto, nocciola e tartufo nero: I’ve had cabbage mains on vegetarian menus a few times, but this is one of the best I’ve ever seen and tasted. Well presented, with sharp, creamy and lightly charred flavours coming together beautifully.

Giando Italian Restaurant & Bar Hong Kong

Cheesecake alla zucca e amaretto: the menu ends with a goat’s cheese cheesecake. The texture was very smooth, and it was accompanied by a sophisticated yet homey amaretto-flavoured pumpkin purée.

Verdict

It’s great to see more restaurants offering sophisticated vegetarian menus. Giando has a lovely one that will be available for the next few months (no specific end date). Give it a try the next time you’re looking for a nice date-night spot, though the noise volume and vibe make it a great choice for a business meal too.

Shop 1, G/F, Tower 1, Starcrest, 9 Star Street, Wanchai, 2511 8912, 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.

For more reviews like this, like Foodie on Facebook

Will travel far for food. Blogs at www.jenniexplores.com.

Win tasty prizes in our Valentine’s Day giveaway!

Join our biggest giveaway yet and win prizes for you and your partner