Isola Italian Restaurant Hong Kong

Isola Bar+ Grill is a fine-dining Italian restaurant serving thin-crust pizzas, homemade pastas, grilled meats, and fresh seafood. Located in the ifc mall in the heart of Central, the zen-like white-on-white dining room affords dramatic views of Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbour. More than 200 new and old world wines populate its wine list.

The Back Story

Isola Bar + Grill is one of more than 50 food and beverage outlets at the International Finance Centre, more commonly referred to as the ifc mall. In addition to the wide selection of eating options. the mall is home to the Four Seasons Hotel, more than 200 retails outlets, and a cinema.

Restaurant Overview

Isola Bar + Grill is a fine-dining Italian restaurant, which opens for lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. It is a member of the Gaia Group,  which has 20 eateries scattered about Hong Kong. And each one has a different concept and a different menu

Restaurant Menu

The menu at Isola Bar + Grill focuses on regional Italian cuisine. And it runs from raw specialties to soups, salads, and antipasti to seafood, pasta, risotti, grilled meats, sides , and thin and crispy pizzas.

Wine can be ordered by the bottle or the glass. While Italian wines predominate, there are also several French wines as well as wines from Australia, California, and Germany.

And the selection of wines ranges from red, white, and rose to sparkling wines, orange wines, dessert wines, and champagne.

Our Meal

My dining companion and I were served three courses, which included a raw specialty, a risotto dish, and something from the grill. We didn’t have dessert. And for the record, we were guests of the restaurant.

First Course

We started with black Angus beef tenderloin tartare with black truffle, Parmigiano Reggiano fondue, and pine nuts. And it came beautifully plated.

But as our waiter suggested, after taking photos, we mixed it all together – the way you would toss a salad.

And I can honestly say, it was one of the most delicious dishes I have ever sunk my teeth into. I am NOT exaggerating! I absolutely loved it, and I would gladly have it as a main course. HK$248 (US$32).

Second Course

Because I’m on a wheat-free diet, I passed up the pizza and pasta dishes opting instead for the risotto with porcini mushrooms and shaved black truffle. HK$268 (US$35).

Third Course

For our third course, we ordered the prime black Angus M3 tenderloin, which came with seared duck liver, potato puree, seasoned truffle, and balsamic vinegar. The meat was perfectly cooked and absolutely delicious. And the duck liver was delightfully silken. HK$438 (US$56.50).

The Ambiance

Try to book a seat next to the window if possible. I thoroughly enjoyed the view of West Kowloon, with the M+ museum. whose LED façade displays ever-changing images  (such as the self portrait of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama), and the International Commerce Centre, with its tasteful, monochrome light displays. 

Restaurant Location

Isola Bar + Grill – Shop 2075, 2/F, IFC, 1 Harbour View Street, ifc Mall, Central, Hong Kong Island. Telephone: (852} 2383-8765.

The ifc Mall sits atop Hong Kong Station, with high-speed trains to Hong Kong International Airport. There is also an underground link with moving sidewalks to the Central MTR Station, which is the southern terminus of the Tsuen Wan line and a stop on the Island line. Isola Italian Restaurant Hong Kong is also within walking distance of the Star Ferry Terminal and the Central Ferry Piers to the Outlying Islands.