Lucciola at The Hari Unveils A Regional Italian Feast

Hong Kong dines with an appetite for story as much as flavor. At Lucciola, the vibrant Italian dining room inside The Hari Hong Kong, the latest culinary lineup honors that craving with a sweeping journey across Italy’s most celebrated food regions. Curated by Director of Food and Beverage Francesco Gava—himself a native of Piedmont—the newly unveiled à la carte menu bridges the gap between polished fine-dining precision and the unpretentious warmth of a slow Italian feast.

From the fog-kissed plains of the north to the sun-soaked coastline of the south, provenance takes center stage here. Plate after plate spotlights meticulously sourced ingredients: seven-year-aged Acquerello Carnaroli rice from Piedmont, aged Parmigiano Reggiano from Emilia-Romagna, creamy Apulian burrata, Vesuvian Datterino tomatoes, and fragrant Amalfi lemons.

Starters Rooted in Terroir

Beginning the journey, Il Vitello Tonnato Piemontese sets a sophisticated tone with delicate ribbons of veal tenderloin dressed in a velvety tonnato sauce, cut through with the brightness of aged Modena balsamic vinegar and briny Pantelleria capers. Cheese purists can turn to La Burrata Pugliese, where a pillowy ball of Apulian burrata bursts with rich stracciatella, offset by the natural sweetness of Vesuvian tomatoes and fresh basil.

Pasta, Provenance, and Off-Menu Legends

The main courses showcase a masterclass in texture and balance. Handcrafted ribbons of pappardelle meet sweet scampi, chives, and a crown of Ossetra caviar in Le Pappardelle Scampi, Caviale e Cipollina—a personal favorite of Gava. Seafood aficionados will also gravitate toward the Cavatelli al Granchio, Limone e Zafferano, which folds tender Alaskan king crab into a golden pool of saffron and Amalfi lemon, spiked with a gentle kick of red chili.

Purists seeking timeless comfort will find solace in Gli Spaghetti alla Carbonara, prepared strictly according to tradition with rich guanciale and Pecorino Romano. Meat lovers, meanwhile, can indulge in La Cotoletta alla Milanese Orecchia di Elefante—a bone-in milk-fed veal cutlet pan-fried to crisp perfection and served alongside a tangy tartar fennel sauce.

"Hong Kong has a sophisticated dining audience that values provenance and the story behind what they eat. The ethos behind the new menu is authentic regional Italian comfort food reinterpreted through a contemporary lens."

— Francesco Gava, Director of Food & Beverage.

Several menu highlights were born not in a test kitchen, but in spontaneous moments with long-time guests. The Acquerello Risotto Astice e Piselli Novelli started as an off-the-cuff surprise during a private tasting, where the kitchen whipped up a small pot of seven-year-aged Carnaroli rice with sweet Boston lobster and garden peas. The dish caused such a stir that regulars began ordering "the lobster and aged rice risotto" off-menu, forcing the restaurant to grant it a permanent spot.

A similar relaxed spirit birthed La Spadellata di Cozze e Vongole Veraci, found under the new 'Da Condividere' (Good for Sharing) section. Created late one evening for regulars seeking a rustic late-night bite, the steaming skillet of clams and mussels, served with garlic bruschetta, became so wildly popular it became the ultimate symbol of coastal Italian hospitality.

A Sweet Finish in Amber and Brass

Dessert keeps the energy high. While the house-signature Il Tiramisù Tradizionale remains untouched, adventurous palates can opt for La Torta Caprese Bianca, an almond and lemon cake paired with mascarpone and white chocolate. To close the night on a boozy, espresso-fueled high, Affogato al Bicerin combines double espresso, artisanal vanilla gelato, whipped cream, and Bicerin chocolate liqueur.

Set against an eye-catching interior of bold amber, rich green, warm leather, and dark timber, Lucciola turns every meal into an event. Natural light floods through expansive windows by day, while sculptural brass fixtures and geometric floor tiles set a dramatic mood by night.

Plan Your Visit

• Location: 1st Floor, The Hari Hong Kong, 330 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
• Reservations: +852 2129 0333 | lucciola@thehari.com
• Menu: Available à la carte daily