Favourite restaurants of Christian Talpo, Hong Kong Italian restaurateur
23-year veteran of Hong Kong food and beverage business loves Landmark’s Zuma, hits Isola for pizza, takes visitors to Hutong, and gets his Japanese noodle fix at Ichiran
I have worked in hotels and managed dozens of restaurants in 23 years in Hong Kong. Because my days pretty much revolve around food, I often crave something simple. A home-made spaghetti lightly seasoned with garlic, chilli and olive oil is more tempting than a fancy meal sometimes.
My absolute favourite restaurant is Zuma (levels 5 & 6, Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, tel: 3657 6388). I started managing it after it was open for just four months and ran it for five years. Few places manage to keep the standards so high and so consistent. I love everything about it. These guys truly rock.
I’m Italian so naturally enjoy a good pizza. I do like to hit up Isola (shop 3071-3075 & 4011, IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2383 8765) from time to time. My son Nevio loves it there.
For visitors, I would also definitely take them to Hutong (28/F, 1 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 3428 8342). It’s really a gorgeous place. Founder David Yeo definitely has a magic touch. The design was years ahead of its time, the food is delicious and the view simply stunning.
