Cover Photo: Courtesy of Amalfitana

The new space on Wyndham Street brings pizza to the partying masses

Seaside pizza bar Amalfitana has opened its second location in Hong Kong after nearly five years at The Pulse in Repulse Bay, and its new home on busy Wyndham Street above Lan Kwai Fong couldn't be more of a contrast. Despite the surroundings, the restaurant seeks to bring some of its beach charm to the heart of Central through dependable Italian dishes and a cocktail programme, while tapping into an elevated design aesthetic courtesy of local design firm, A Work Of Substance.

Pizzas remain the core of the menu, with head chef and experienced pizzaiolo Michel Degli Agosti creating traditional recipes using long rising dough for thin crusts and a lighter structure. Expect classics like the margherita and quattro formaggi, alongside lesser known or more experimental varieties like the calzone and the Nutella dessert pizza. A wide range of starters, salads, and sweets is also available, including the tricolore (tomato bruschetta, avocado, and buffalo mozzarella), carciofi artichoke salad, oysters and calamari.

See also: Where To Find The Best Pizzas In Hong Kong 2021

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 5 The restaurant was designed by A Work Of Substance (Photo: Courtesy of Amalfitana)
Photo 2 of 5 The salsiccia e porcini pizza (Photo: Courtesy of Amalfitana)
Photo 3 of 5 The baby pepperoni pizza on the kids' menu (Photo: Courtesy of Amalfitana)
Photo 4 of 5 Head bartender Ezac Gurung (Photo: Courtesy of Amalfitana)
Photo 5 of 5 The Espresso Zabaglione (Photo: Courtesy of Amalfitana)

Naturally, Amalfitana capitalises on its proximity to Lan Kwai Fong with an emphasis on drinks and snacks. Alongside Italian standards like spritzes and Americanos, you'll also find gentle twists of much-loved classics in the Cherry Sage Negroni and the Panettone Old Fashioned, as well as original cocktails like the Parmesan Sour (rye whiskey, almond wine, citrus, egg white, grated parmesan), the Hugo Watermelone (salted watermelon, Italicus, bianco vermouth, prosecco, soda), and the Espresso Zabaglione (vodka, espresso, hazelnut, kirsch, marsala, mascarpone foam). Meanwhile, the selection of bar bites is anchored by the bocconcini: mozzarella-filled dough balls filled with anything from garlic and oregano to pesto or truffle.

Responsible for the interior design is the much-lauded A Work Of Substance, which has lent its name to projects such as Fukuro, The Fleming, and The Krug Room. The material palette is noticeable, no doubt catering to the largely nighttime service and making use of washed timber louvres and terrazzo surfaces, while the facade of the restaurant opens up almost entirely to the street to entice passers-by. Adding to the ambience is resident DJ Noel, whose mix of deep house and uptempo dance beats can switch the space from relaxed beachside vibes to Ibiza party scene in an instant.

Amalfitana encourages reservations, with an option for walk-ins when available.

Amalfitana, Shops D & E, G/F Yu Yuet Lai Building, 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central

See also: Where To Eat And Drink In Hong Kong This Easter