New Italian restaurant review: FIAMMA, The Peak, Hong Kong

Fresh, homey-glam Italian food at The Peak

These days it’s really nice to dig into 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 T1 storm didn’t stop my friend and I from making our way up to The Peak to check out new Italian spot FIAMMA.

FIAMMA is multi-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 smooshy 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 best-sellers from Head Chef Paolo Olivieri (affectionately referred to as an ‘FBI,’ or ‘full-blooded Italian,’ and graduate of Rome’s renowned Etoile Academy).

Burrata e pomodori ($148)

Loved this burrata dish. 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 chili and garlic seasoning is memorable and has quite a bit of heat!

Tagliolini ai ricci, bottarga, limone ($298)

At FIAMMA, the tagliolini is all 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 loved to be able to have a bit with each bite. I wonder if an extra sea urchin top up will be introduced one day.

Agnello, carciofi e menta ($278)

These lamb chops were lovely, cooked perfectly and came with a nice bed of roasted artichokes and topped with mint salsa verde.

Panna cotta and 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 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 dishes made from great ingredients and with some interesting twists. Prices are fair and service is warm - a good spot for a relaxed, cozy meal out.

Shop G02, G/F, Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Rd, The Peak, 2657 0800