Il Presidente
Porchetta at Il Presidente. Photo: courtesy Il Presidente
Italian la dolce vita finds an exciting home on Duddell Street, at the Marcello Scognamiglio- and Félix de Arriaga Balanzat-led Il Presidente. Building on the runaway success of Trattoria Felino, the co-founders highlight regional favourites such as agnolotti all’ossobuco and costoletta alla Valdostana (breaded veal chop stuffed with Fontina and smoked ham). Dix Design has draped the 70-seater restaurant in sumptuous sunset tones, set against white-clothed tables, high-pile carpets and rich rosewood walls to bring the retro look to life. Behind the bar, Simone Ciambrone shakes up cocktails that capture stand-out moments in 20th century Italian history.
Shop M2, M/F, Baskerville House, 13 Duddell Street, Central
Bistrot’s Suzette
Dishes inspired by seasonal produce and familiar flavours at Bistrot’s Suzette. Photo: courtesy Bistrot’s Suzette
Beloved French bolt-hole Jean May might have taken its final bow earlier this year, but F&B darling Tiffany Lo’s “modern bistronomy” philosophy lives on in her culinary curation of the new Bistrot’s Suzette. From chicken-liver parfait with red-onion compote and beef bourguignon to crowd-pleasing steak frites and the signature crêpe soufflé à la Suzette, Lo’s fingerprints are felt on the menu of rustic dishes as the consultant chef shapes a Parisian-inspired dining experience around seasonal produce, familiar flavours and nostalgia that feels like a warm embrace.
Shop G02, Cullinan Sky Mall, Kai Tak
Truffle Donut
Truffle Donut’s pistachio flavour is one of three Hong Kong exclusives, along with mango pomelo and durian. Photo: courtesy Truffle Donut
One of Japan’s most popular nama doughnut brands makes its Hong Kong debut. Truffle Donut, from Tottori prefecture, relies on Camellia-flour dough enriched with pumpkin for its signature pastry’s characteristic texture, the technique achieving a soft, delicate interior padded out with sugary and savoury fillings, and a crisp outer shell. Choose between 10 flavour options, including three local exclusives – mango pomelo, durian and pistachio – or sample them all to sate your sweet tooth.
