8 ½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA

As soon as I arrived in Hong Kong from Macao I went straight to  8 ½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA to meet my friend Tisay for lunch. I’ve been hearing so many good things about the first and only Three Michelin Stars Italian restaurant outside Italy (December 2011).

The restaurant was located at Alexandra House which was connected via footbridge to The Landmark in Central.

We were told the restaurant was full so we didn’t get to sit in the main dining room. 

There was a poster of the Italian movie 8 1/2 by director Federico Fellini in the main dining room. I guess that’s the inspiration for the name of the restaurant. 

Luckily my friend knew someone who knew someone that’s why we were able to sit at the small dining area just off the entrance. 

I arrived early and was very hungry that’s why I finished all these bread before my friend arrived. Our kind waiter replaced it with a new batch and my friend never knew what I did. It’s a good thing she didn’t notice all the bread crumbs in front of me. 

I had the set lunch while my friend ordered a la carte. 

I was hesitant to order Parma ham and melon since it’s such a common starter but this was superior to anything I’ve ever tried. The ham was delicate and not too fatty. It was soft and buttery too. The imported melon was extremely sweet. A surprise was the small dish of sweet melon sauce that reminded me of the melon juice we make at home. Of course this was so much better. 

 

It only took a few nudges with my fork for all the meat to fall off the bone. Yes it was sublime. I couldn’t fault anything from the flavor of the Iberico pork to the flavorful sauce, buttery silky potatoes and pretty salad. But I just wish there was more food! That’s fine dining for you. Oh well all the bread filled me up anyway so I didn’t leave hungry.

Selections from the a la carte menu were definitely more generous. Yeah, I know you get what you pay for. 

 

Tisay ordered a veal chop for one and we were shocked when it arrived. It was huge! Much bigger than the plate that’s why it was sliced beside our table.

I don’t really know who these guys are but if cute Italian guys are willing to pose for me then I’d gladly take their picture. 

The veal chop was pounded thin and evenly and lightly breaded then fried to a crisp. So simple yet so delicious with just a squeeze of lemon juice. I would order this if I ever get a chance to go back again. 

 

A simple salad of cherry tomatoes and oregano accompanied the veal chop.

 

We didn’t have dessert or coffee anymore. We made do with these petit fours.

This is Chef Umberto Bombana with my friend Tisay. Despite his busy schedule he took time to come out and take a picture with us. 

I was given a tour of their cheese and smoked meat room which was cooled to the perfect temperature. 

 

Chef Bombana even has his own wine with his image on the bottle.

 

To experience the best of 8 1/2 Otto e Mezze Bombana you can try their degustation menu. 

Thanks Tisay for treating me to a wonderful meal. My turn next time.  

8 ½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA
Shop 202, Landmark Alexandra, 18 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong.
中環德輔道中5-17號歷山大廈2樓202號舖, Hong Kong
telephone:+852 2537 8859

Dinner 18:30 – 22:30
Bar opened from 12:00 noon until late
Closed on Sundays