Epicurean Group Debuts 208 ITALIAN For Tantalising Italian Comfort Classics
The new Sheung Wan outlet embodies time-honoured culinary traditions with a cosy neighbourhood vibe
Epicurean Group is introducing 208 ITALIAN, a new neighbourhood concept in Sheung Wan which highlights the multi-faceted cuisine of Italy. Named after its street address on 208 Hollywood Road, 208 ITALIAN is a bright, buzzing new neighbourhood destination for Italian cuisine. At its heart is a passion for Italy’s regional classics, reimagined with contemporary flair and conviviality.
The restaurant’s two-storey building features simple yet elegant decor, with an exterior façade in a bright orange hue that is eye-catching yet inviting, with a warm and approachable vibe. The interior design is complemented by mirrors and paintings, and big windows welcome more fresh air and the friendly surrounding neighbourhood. Suitable for both casual dining or business affairs, the two-storey space has a lively bar and an intimate private room on the ground floor, and a vibrant dining space complete with an authentic pizza oven on the first floor
The new restaurant aims to present the best and freshest ingredients in a wide range of Italian delicacies, from Neapolitan pizzas to homemade pastas and sumptuous sharing main dishes, all beautifully paired with wines and cocktails, bringing an authentic taste of Italy to the table.
Taking the helm of the 208 ITALIAN kitchen is Piedmont-born chef Emanuele Canuto, whose illustrious culinary career includes tenures in leading restaurants in Italy, the UK and Australia.
Celebrating his roots from Northern Italy as well as his extensive travels throughout the country, Canuto’s cooking fuses the best of Italian classic cuisine. From the palate-awakening freshness of the South to the rich sumptuous delights of the North, Canuto does his home cuisine proud as he presents time-honoured recipes and techniques mastered from his own family.
Through his cooking, Canuto hopes to bring a sense of tantalising comfort to guests, through the authentic processes of cooking meat, making pastas, and kneading pizza doughs. The chef adds his personal touches to many of the dishes, and never sacrificing true Italian traditions.
208 ITALIAN highlights a wide range of chef Canuto’s dishes including his Arancini ai Funghi (HK$78), a deep-fried breadcrumb-coated risotto ball flavoured with saffron, portobello mushrooms, Besciamella sauce and fior di latte. Other highlights include Beef Tartare (HK$88), and Chicken Liver Parfait (HK$110), a homemade pâté of chicken livers topped with port wine reduction.
The pasta selection features Ravioli del Plin (HK$178), a traditional Piedmontese dish where small ravioli are filled with a combination of veal, chicken, pork, veal jus and Parmigiano cheese. The Risotto alla Milanese e Midollo (HK$268) matches the creamy saffron-hued risotto dish with 24-month aged Parmigiano cheese and rich roasted bone marrow.
Chef Canuto’s also creates the best-quality Neapolitan pizza with crisp, airy thin crust that holds sumptuous fillings. His secret to 208 ITALIAN’s flawless pizza dough is the use of premium Italian flour and a specialized two-stage fermentation process spanning 48 hours that leads the dough a pillowy and fluffy texture. Salsiccia e Patate (HK$228) is an 11-inch pizza topped with potato, mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, rosemary and homemade Italian fennel sausage. For the vegetarian crowd, the Pizza 208 (HK$208) is the timeless signature, featuring San Marzano tomato sauce, creamy burrata with bursts of sweetness from red and yellow ‘Pizzutello’ tomatoes.
Among signature main courses are Wagyu Ribeye 250g “Tagliata Style” (HK$498) – roasted wagyu beef, carved and served on a plate with fresh Sicilian tomatoes; and Zuppa di Pesce (HK$258), a hearty traditional mixed seafood soup with octopus broth and a golden pizza crust pastry baked on top.
A scrumptious Italian feast isn’t complete without desserts and the highlight is Chef Canuto’s take on the classic Tiramisu (HK$78). The layered dessert is made with creamy mascarpone, tender savoiardi, or ladyfinger biscuits, and a touch of crunchy texture as a surprise.
Another beloved sweet offering is the Croccantino (HK$108). Made with gianduja, caramelised hazelnuts, and Moreno cherries, the sweet treat is one of chef Canuto’s childhood favourites which he is eager to share with his guests at 208 ITALIAN.
Specialty cocktails during the opening period include Aged Negroni (HK$108) and Aged Boulevardier (HK$118). Both are made with carefully aged spirits, offering a unique and complex flavour profile. These specialty drinks are perfect for a sophisticated and elevated drinking experience.
This summer, head to 208 ITALIAN for a tasty getaway and experience the ultimate pleasures of an Italian gastronomic journey. Buon Appetito!
About Epicurean Group
Founded in 1991, Epicurean Group innovates, curates and creates unique dining experiences in Hong Kong and China. Offering a diverse cuisine selection including Chinese, Japanese and International concepts, Epicurean Group provides true culinary enjoyment for every one of its diners. Brands include standalone concepts such as Jimmy’s Kitchen, The Peak Lookout, Pica Pica, BÀRBAR, El Taquero, KAKURE and Ship Kee (awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2023 & 2024). For more information, please visit www.epicurean.com.hk.
Information
Address: G/F, 208 Hollywood Road Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Telephone: 2866 0066 / 6441 6547 (whatsapp reservation)
Opening hours
Daily 11:30am – 11pm
Lunch 11:30am – 2:30pm (Last order 2:15pm)
Happy Hour 4pm – 7pm (Monday – Friday)
Dinner 6pm – 10pm (Sunday-Thursday last order 9:45pm) / 6pm – 10:30pm (Friday-Saturday last order 10:15pm)
Social Media
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/208italian/
Website | https://linktr.ee/208italian