An Italian Institution: Hong Kong’s avid diners were disappointed last summer when dining institution Grappa’s Cellar shuttered its doors in the basement of Central’s Jardine House. But, the famed restaurant has now reopened in a brand new guise at Causeway Bay’s Lee Gardens.

Look & Feel: The expansive restaurant takes over 4,800sqft of prime property in Causeway Bay and takes design cues from the original format. The split-level eatery features a chic upstairs bar and a larger dining room below with plenty of classic design elements like red bricks and old Italian movie posters.

On the Menu: The menu at the new Grappa’s Cellar will feature plenty of popular favorites from the old menu, but the team is spicing things up with a host of new additions. In both cases, dishes will draw on traditional recipes from Italy’s many regions. Diners can expect mouth-watering plates like tuna panzanella salad with watermelon from Tuscany; handmade agnolotti pasta from Piemonte; grilled Tuscan pork spare ribs with sweet and sour eggplant served caponata-style. For sweets, visitors can sink their teeth into a decadent dessert pizza featuring Nutella, mascarpone, hazelnut, and raspberries, inspired by Naples. The food is ably seconded by a drinks menu that includes 160 wines from across the world, including notable labels from Italy and California.

Meet the Chef: Cosimo Taddei headed up Grappa’s and Domani back in the day, but now heads up Villa Zambaldi, his own holiday resort near Lucca, in central Italy. For now though, he’s back in Hong Kong to oversee the opening of the new Grappa’s Cellar.

Great For: Fun group catch-ups

FYI: Despite any COVID-induced restrictions, Grappa’s Cellar is determined to regain its former glory and will (eventually) have live music and entertainment again.

Check out Hong Kong’s newest restaurants and bars here.

This writeup is a news piece and was not based on a restaurant visit. The Loop HK will update this post once we’ve visited in person.