A buzzing atmosphere awaits at Posto Pubblico, which translates to Meeting Place. A small bar area accommodates those visiting for drinks and casual diners happy to perch on the bar tables. The compact restaurant area is a hive of activity, too, making it a great place to dine with friends. It has the feel of an authentic New York Italian diner, but in the heart of Hong Kong. The “rustic, industrial setting” features street signs, exposed brickwork, dining booths and compact tables. Baskets of fresh produce line the counter of the open kitchen. The always-busy restaurant has a cool, friendly vibe.

Dish names may leave diners guessing as to the ingredients so it's best to have a chat with the friendly wait staff. Wherever possible, all dishes use local organically farmed produce meaning that the menu changes according to season and availability. The appetisers are listed on a chalkboard. Homemade mozzarella is creamy and light and complemented well by organic tomatoes (although more tomato would be good). Veal meatballs are a delicious and hearty appetiser: the succulent large globs of veal, flavoured with herbs, are covered in delicious chunky tomato. Tuna fagioli is a pleasant and delicious surprise. The well-balanced blend of tuna, white beans, capers and tomato has a surprisingly mild flavour and is served on pieces of focaccia. The menu selection of main courses is succinct, consisting of eight pasta dishes (HK$120 each) and three meat dishes (HK$180 each). Additional choices are on the chalkboard, though. Cappaletti nonna Francesca - ravioli filled with chicken pesto and ricotta - is a generous portion, with each ravioli bursting with filling. However, the accompanying chunky tomato sauce overpowers the delicate pesto flavour somewhat. Grandma pizza pie is available by the slice (or as a half or whole pie) making sampling difficult to resist. A cross between a pie and pizza, this family recipe hits the spot. For dessert, the ciliega (HK$75) – cheesecake with cherry berry sauce, candied almonds and cherry sorbet – is delicious, the biscuit is the perfect depth, the topping deliciously creamy and the sorbet adds just the right fruity tang. It’s definitely worth saving space for. All dishes are served family style.

The wine list features some well-priced bottles, starting from around HK$300, as well as some more expensive offerings for those wanting to splurge. The selection of wine by the glass is also pleasing with four or five red and of white, and even a glass of sparkling rosé available.

Service is attentive and with a smile, impressive when the restaurant is so busy. All staff are familiar with the menu, which is necessary when the ingredients are not obvious from the dish name.

Dinner can be enjoyed fairly inexpensively if dishes are shared. If ordering three courses, however, expect to pay around HK$700 for two, excluding wine.