A new addition to Central’s dining scene:  Kontrasto, a joint venture between chef Fabiano Palombini and LUBUDS has now opened on Hollywood Road, Central. The restaurant is an embodiment of Italian epicurean finesse and a culmination of Italian-born chef Fabiano Palombini’s breadth of leadership experience honing his skills at celebrated Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe, North America, and Asia. As the first joint venture with LUBUDS for Palombini after his 35 years in culinary arts, Kontrasto will present gourmands with technical precision and creative interpretations of Italian cuisine.

Look & Feel: Kontrasto is elegant and minimalist in style with an open kitchen, dining area, and four private rooms. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the vibrant urban tableau outside. Adhering to a minimalist design concept, the mostly white space features tasteful gold and marble accents, clean lines, and clever lighting effects to create a contemporary and elegant ambiance that allows the dishes to truly shine.

On the Menu: Taking a bold and innovative approach to Italian classics, the restaurant’s tasting menus, available for both lunch and dinner, feature a selection of seasonal and signature dishes that represent the epitome of technical precision and decades of knowledge. Considered wine pairing programs, curated by sommelier Leo Fernando, are also available to enrich the experience, and are complemented by a 260-strong list of premier drops from Italy, Germany, and Austria.

Benvenuto, the dinner-tasting menu, takes diners on a culinary journey from the high mountains to the sea. The menu features a meticulous selection of dishes that spotlight the aromas and ingredients of Italy and the wider Mediterranean region. The six- and eight-course options begin with a play of flavors: Caviale, a cold dish made with cured egg yolks served with a selection of premium Kaviari Oscietre Prestige Caviar. Next up is the signature dish, Virtù. This is a nostalgic dish from the chef’s hometown, using fresh, house-made pasta with an array of treasures from the sea including lobster, langoustine, and red prawns sourced from around the world. Elsewhere on the menu lies the infamous Wagyu from 5 certified farms in Nagi, served simply with Kristal caviar and white asparagus to create an elegant dish that is full of distinct flavor. To tie it all in, indulge in Babà, a traditional South Italian pastry that sees a homemade dough soaked in syrup and rum and then served with a quenelle of chantilly cream and orange jam.

Great for: Date nights in the city. Those who enjoy a contemporary take on Italian cuisine.

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This write-up 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.