Cover Homemade Taglierini pasta with Italian butter and shaved Alba white truffles. Photo: Courtesy of Lucciola

The luxury hotel’s Italian restaurant reinvents the country’s beloved culinary classics

After a short soft-opening period, new Italian restaurant Lucciola has officially opened at The Hari, Aron Harilela’s new luxury hotel in Wan Chai. The new restaurant and bar aims to reinvent Italy’s beloved culinary classics from all regions of the country, accented with premium seasonal ingredients. Veteran Italian chef Francesco Gava is at the helm of the hotel restaurant. Gava, whose previous tenure includes Miramar Group’s Assaggio Trattoria Italiana in Wan Chai, will present his version of Italian cuisine with a strong focus on pasta, one of Gava’s greatest passions and expertise.

The space that houses Lucciola is designed by Tara Bernerd & Partners, who have gone with a contrast of old-world glamour and modernity; the room is filled with alternating green and white floor tiles and wrap-around leather banquettes. A long gallery wall embellished with Tadelakt polished plaster is the main focal point of the design, which shines throughout the day thanks to an abundance of natural light and the restaurant’s angled ceiling.

See Also: Alfred's Is The Newest Delivery Platform For A Gourmet At-Home Experience

Tatler Asia
Above Apulian burrata, Vesuvian tomato Datterino, basil leaves and extra virgin olive oil. Photo: Courtesy of Lucciola
Tatler Asia
Above Mediterranean sea bream in salt crust and Amalfi lemon. Photo: Courtesy of Lucciola

Gava’s pan-Italian menu is filled with a wide range of Italian dishes familiar to many. Highlights include Piedmontese antipasto Il Vitello Tonnato (sliced veal with tuna sauce); La Burrata Pugliese (Apulian burrata with tomato datterino, basil leaves and Sicilian olive oil); Il Carpaccio di Ricciola (Mar Tirreno amberjack slices with braised Tropea red onion and baby tomatoes)

Lucciola’s pasta courses include Gava’s family favourites and recipes transcended from generations, such as Spaghetti Acciughe e Tomino Fresco (spaghetti with Sicilian anchovies, grlic, and Tomino cheese) and Paglia e Fieno Al Ragu di Rane e Dragoncello (Fresh tagliatelle with Piedmontese frog legs, prosecco, and white balsamic vinegar). The restaurant’s offerings are complete with hearty mains and desserts such as Il Tiramisu Tradizionale, a classic pick-me-up from Italy and Torta Caprese Bianca, a sweet cake made with white chocolate, almonds, and flavoured with zest limoncello. Lucciola also offers classic cocktails as well as a special aged liquor collection from the digestif trolley.

After months of sweet anticipation, the Hari’s Lucciola is a breath of fresh air offering classic Italian cuisine meticulously designed and crafted to stay true to the taste of the region and allow the ingredients to impress. It sure is set to impress lovers for Italian fare, even if it is for just a craving for a plate of perfect pasta.

Lucciola, 1/F, The Hari Hong Kong, 330 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong; +852 2129 0388

Tatler Asia
Above Negroni. Photo: Courtesy of Lucciola
Tatler Asia
Above Aperol Spritz. Photo: Courtesy of Lucciola

Topics