Found this relatively new Italian eatery when destination shopping at the famous fried wonton noodles shop found along the same street called Ying Kee 英記麵家. The founders behind this Italian Trattoria already import in the Monteverdi branded wines and 80-90 different other wines into HK as a wholesaler. The concept behind this Trattoria is simple enough – the Owner says this is no ordinary commercialized Italian food but what you would expect to eat in someone’s home in Italy.. and dishes from different Italian regions are cooked on rotation, whereas Wine Dinners with pairing may also be pre-arranged to fill the cozy space. On the name card it says Historical and Country Cuisines from different parts of Italy. But is it homey and good?
One of the Set Menus -
It’s Simple Italian done according to regional traditions! If you expect Upscale Italian food please find alternative venues instead..
A naturally effervescent Mineral Water – $48
This was naturally fizzy and savoury with a tinge of minerals.
Fresh Bread -
It was decent by local standards and in particular the fragrantly fresh Olive Oil. ~ 7/10
Sarde Ripiene – Liguria $52
Sardine slice is stuffed with Olives, Pancetta, Mortadella mince then fried with an egg batter. It was slightly fishy for me but I still enjoyed it for the mingling of different flavours. ~ 7/10
Bread Crumbed Mint Frittata, Puglia style – $48
I like the external crumbed coating. It was eggy. Still prefer my Frittatas with more warmed vegetables. ~ 6/10
Gnudi dumplings. Spinach and Ricotta Balls in Sage Butter sauce with Tuscan Style – $118
Our favourite dish on the night, this was quite packed with cheese flavours and felt like it was almost meaty. The sage butter was a little thin in consistency. Like the Gnudi balls overall ~ 8/10
Monteverdi Primitivo from Puglia – $68
It wasn’t my 1st preferred Wine but since the owner hinted they already have this bottle opened by the glass, I decided to check out the Italian Zinfandel once again… Quite minty but good.
Vincisgrassi from Marche – $128
An alternative to Lasagne from nearby Romagna, this Marche version is even more gamier strong, possibly infused with chicken organs. And there was a slight hint of nutmeg which always accentuates the meatiness. The baked pasta was spot on cooked, the minced meat and organs sophisticated despite no white bechamel sauce. A signature dish here.. ~ 8/10
Sicilian Cassata – $88
This Cassata version is interlaced with a Sponge cake, Vanilla Gelato, Chopped Almonds, Pistachio Gelato & Sugarized Orange bits & Zest. There are many types of Cassatas, but usually I either encounter the ice cream version or the decorative cake Cassatas stuffed with candied fruits and of Arabian descent. The wedge for $88 served here was kinda small but half-way between a cake and ice-cream version it was decent. ~ 7/10
Trattoria Caffe Monteverdi -
Despite selling Italian Regional homey dishes it is a little basic. Where are the frogs legs and the many chicken liver or seafood stew dishes, or a plate of Tripes for winter? Home recipes can also create sparks with our taste buds and WOW us sometimes like a popping candy exploding in the mouth. Trying to open a cliché market wouldn’t naturally work unless your home recipes are so different from your competitors and impress in that direction, or else make sure the portions are generous and with executional accuracy. Here, we caught glimpses of hope and it’s reaching that goal slowly!
Price: Around HKD $270 per person plus Wine
Ease of Access: 2/5 (Walk uphill to High Street, Sai Wan.)
Food: ♕♕♕ – ♕♕♕♕ 1/2
Opening Hours:
Tues to Sun - 11:00am - 3:00pm, 6:00pm – 11:00pm
Address: 西環西營盤高街6A號地下
G/F, 6A High Street, Sai Ying Pun, Western District
Ph: 2559 0115
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