8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana
Shop 202, 2/F, Landmark Alexandra House, 18 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong
Italian Elegance Meets Michelin-Starred Mastery
For years, 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana has become a culinary landmark where refined Italian gastronomy meets warm hospitality in the bustling heart of Central Hong Kong. Helmed by the acclaimed Chef Umberto Bombana, often called the “King of White Truffles,” the restaurant is the only Italian establishment outside of Italy to be awarded and maintain three Michelin stars for more than a decade. Named after Federico Fellini’s iconic film 8½, the restaurant embodies Italian creativity and elegance, drawing inspiration from art, cinema, and the timeless flavors of Italy.
Here, every detail is crafted to immerse guests in a dining journey that is indulgent, thoughtful, and unforgettable. From meticulously prepared dishes to a wine program of global prestige, 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana offers a culinary experience that transcends the plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit?
The restaurant is especially pleasant during lunch hours (12:00–14:30) from Monday to Saturday for a quieter, daytime ambiance. For a fuller atmosphere, dinner (from 18:30) offers the complete fine-dining experience.
What are the opening hours?
- Lunch: 12:00 – 14:30 (Monday to Saturday)
- Dinner: 18:30 – 22:30 (Monday to Saturday)
- Bar: Opens from 12:00 and remains open until late
- Closed on Sundays
What time is the last call for reservations or orders?
Dinner service ends at 22:30, so the last seating or orders are typically taken shortly before that. The bar remains open later, with last orders aligning with the kitchen’s closing time.
Where are the best tables in the restaurant?
The corner C-shaped booths are especially popular, offering both comfort and a good vantage point across the dining room.
What is the corkage fee if I bring my own wine?
Corkage is HK$600 per bottle, HK$300 per half bottle, and HK$1,200 per magnum.
Are reservations required?
Yes. Reservations are strongly recommended due to the restaurant’s popularity and Michelin three-star status.
Is the restaurant kid-friendly?
While there is no formal restriction on children, 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana is primarily a fine-dining establishment. Guests are advised to check with the restaurant in advance if planning to bring young children.
What plant-based options are available?
Vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes can be arranged upon request. While there isn’t a fully plant-based menu, the kitchen can accommodate dietary preferences when informed in advance.
What are the parking details of this restaurant?
Parking and valet services are available through Landmark Alexandra / Alexandra House, where the restaurant is located.
What other accommodations can the restaurant provide upon request?
- Private dining rooms for groups
- Dietary adjustments (vegetarian, vegan, allergies) with advance notice
- Extensive wine service with sommelier recommendations
- Guidance on dress code (smart casual; gentlemen should avoid shorts, vests, sandals, or slippers)
Quick Facts
- This is the only Italian restaurant outside of Italy ever awarded three Michelin stars.
- Bombana introduced white truffle culture to Hong Kong and remains a pivotal figure in its appreciation.
- The restaurant’s name is a tribute to Fellini’s film 8½, reflecting a fusion of culinary artistry with timeless Italian culture and cinema.
Gallery
Signature Dishes
- Black Truffle Risotto – a fragrant ode to Bombana’s mastery of truffles.
- Homemade Tagliolini with Parmesan & Truffle Fondue – simple yet indulgent, uniquely savory.
- Tajima Short Rib & Veal Tenderloin – rich, crafted with red wine plum sauce and whipped potato.
- Warm Lobster Salad and Burrata Ravioli – elegant combinations showcasing refined Italian flavors.
- Blond Cannelloni with Cacao Sorbet – a subtly sweet close to a perfect meal.
Features
- Design: Styled by Design Post of Japan in collaboration with Chef Umberto Bombana, creating an earthy and sophisticated ambiance.
- Capacity of Restaurant: 55 guests in the main dining area.
- Private Dining Room(s): 2 private rooms, each accommodating 12 guests.
- Wine Cellar: Glassed-in cellar with over 2,000 carefully selected bottles, featuring many premier Italian labels.
- Cocktail Bar and Lounge: Separate area at the entrance, offering inventive cocktails crafted by renowned mixologists.
- Interior Style: Warm sepias, bronze tones, plush booths, and mirrored ceiling create a harmonious balance of intimacy and prestige.
- View: Overlooks the lively pulse of Chater Road.
Awards
- 3 Michelin Stars, held continuously since 2012—the only Italian restaurant outside Italy with such recognition.
- Ranked in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, peaking at No. 4 in 2017.
- World’s 100 Best Restaurants: No. 39 in 2013.
- In 2019, it received the Art of Hospitality Award for its impeccable and welcoming service.
- Chef Bombana’s personal accolades include the Lifetime Achievement Award (2017) and Italy’s Order of Merit (OMRI).
At The Restaurant
The ambiance at 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana blends cinematic elegance with contemporary comfort. Designed with input from Chef Bombana himself, the interiors feature warm wood accents, soft lighting, plush seating, and artful details that create an inviting yet sophisticated atmosphere.
The main dining room seats around 55 guests, with large windows that allow natural light to filter in during the day and provide views over the tree-lined Chater Road. A mirrored ceiling reflects the glow of the room, adding to its refined charm. Italian artworks adorn the walls, paying homage to the restaurant’s cultural inspiration.
Cuisine Specialty
At 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana, the cuisine reflects Umberto Bombana’s signature approach to contemporary Northern Italian dining—rooted in tradition, yet refreshed with modern creativity. Every dish begins with impeccable ingredients, many of which are sourced directly from Italy, ensuring authenticity and seasonality. Truffles, particularly the prized white truffles of Alba, take center stage, woven seamlessly into risottos, handmade pastas, and delicate sauces. Bombana’s philosophy celebrates the essence of Italian cooking: simplicity elevated through precision, flavor, and artistry.
The à la carte menu offers classics reinterpreted with flair, while the seasonal tasting menus—Lunch 8½ and Dinner 8½—allow guests to embark on a carefully curated culinary journey that evolves throughout the year.
Whether it’s the indulgence of homemade tagliolini with truffle fondue, the tenderness of slow-braised Tajima short rib, or the freshness of a warm lobster salad, each plate embodies Italian soul while embracing global sophistication, making the cuisine both timeless and forward-thinking.
What To Expect
Dining at 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana is an immersive experience that balances elegance with heartfelt hospitality. Guests can anticipate a journey that begins the moment they arrive: a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere enhanced by warm sepia tones, mirrored ceilings, and intimate seating arrangements.
The menu unfolds like a story, each course carefully composed to reflect Italy’s rich culinary heritage while incorporating innovative techniques and flavors. Expect dishes that captivate the senses—aromatic truffle risottos, perfectly marbled wagyu, and delicate seafood creations—each plated with artistic precision.
The service is attentive yet unobtrusive, striking the right note between professionalism and genuine warmth. Sommeliers guide guests through an extensive wine cellar housing over 2,000 labels, ensuring perfect pairings that elevate the dining journey. Whether celebrating a milestone, hosting a business engagement, or savoring a romantic evening, guests can expect a dining experience that resonates long after the final course, defined by refinement, creativity, and authenticity.
The Welcoming Experience
Though 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana has garnered global recognition as one of the finest Italian restaurants outside of Italy, its spirit remains rooted in genuine warmth and hospitality. Guests are welcomed with attentive service that is polished yet never intimidating, creating an atmosphere where luxury feels personal rather than distant. Staff members take the time to explain menu offerings, suggest wine pairings, and accommodate individual preferences, ensuring each diner feels both comfortable and valued. The environment strikes a balance between prestige and approachability, with interiors that are elegant yet inviting, and a dress code that favors sophistication without rigidity.
For many, the experience feels celebratory, infused with the charm of Italian dining traditions and the rhythm of Hong Kong’s cosmopolitan energy. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning regular, the welcoming experience at 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana ensures that every meal is memorable, heartfelt, and distinctly Italian.
Getting There
Situated in Central’s Landmark Alexandra, the restaurant is conveniently reached via the MTR (Central Station, Exit G). Its prime location places it within one of Hong Kong’s most prestigious luxury complexes, surrounded by high-end boutiques and cultural landmarks—making it both easy to find and perfectly placed for an unforgettable dining experience.
Street address
8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana
Shop 202, 2/F, Landmark Alexandra
18 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong