La Taverna — Italian Heritage Observed as the Original Italian Restaurant in Hong Kong

Established in 1969, La Taverna was the first traditional Italian restaurant in Hong Kong. The original owners of the restaurant were Guiseppe and Aldo Machetti of Milan. They opened the first La Taverna at On Hing Terrace in Central, and then the restaurant moved to the current location in Tsim Sha Tsui in 1973. The interior décor of the restaurant conveys a more traditional impression. We walked down just a few steps into the restaurant’s semi-basement setting. Husk-wrapped Chianti bottles line the ceiling. The main dining hall with an arched entrance express a warm and homey welcome to diners. The aged wooden interior reminds one of a cellar, perhaps signalling that it is time for some wine. It was clear that the owners designed this space to be a home-away-from-home for Italians. Indeed, they have extended serious efforts in recreating Italy in Hong Kong in this space. They sourced all the interiors from Italy. For lunch hour, the restaurant offers a set lunch menu and the a la carte menu. My friend ordered mussels on the a la carte menu and I ordered a chicken main course from the set lunch menu. We were both very happy with our meals. At its height, the restaurant has developed a brand name consisting of six restaurants. Now only the Ashley Road location remains. The menu showcases mainly the flavours of Northern Italy. But who can pass on pizzas in an Italian restaurant? They are made to order in a wood fire oven here. #foodie #latavernahongkong #hongkongdining #hongkongheritage #italianrestasurant #italianfood #asia #china #familymeal #italiantradition #tsimshatsui #tsimshatsuifood