[HONG KONG, August] — From the founders of Wan Chai’s runaway success Trattoria Felino comes IL PRESIDENTE, an atmospheric throwback to the heyday of Italy’s glamour era, opening on Central’s Duddell Street this summer.
[HONG KONG, August] — From the founders of Wan Chai’s runaway success Trattoria Felino comes IL PRESIDENTE, an atmospheric throwback to the heyday of Italy’s glamour era, opening on Central’s Duddell Street this summer.
Evoking the decadent spaces inhabited by the power brokers and fur-draped socialites of Italy’s VHS era, IL PRESIDENTE brings vaunted classics of both the gastronomic and liquid traditions under one roof with a full restaurant and cocktail bar programme.
The approach sets the scene for a one-of-a-kind experience. Guests first ascend the historic Duddell Street granite steps before entering via a sunset-orange façade, stepping into a richly textured world brought to life by Dix Design. Inside the 70-seat space, a classic material palette of rosewood wainscoting and leather set against deep orange tones tells a broader story of Italian sprezzatura that brings back to life a time when well-dressed signore e signori had no qualms about enjoying life to the fullest. Dix’s design is plush and opulent, rich Belgian velvet, premium British leather, soft accent lighting, and deep pile carpets combine to create a luxurious dining experience.
In the kitchen, Executive Chef and co-founder Marcello Scognamiglio executes a "new classic" food philosophy that focuses on elevating recognisable Italian dishes through the use of exceptional ingredients, honouring the inherent brio of regional cooking.
Anchoring the menu are the Stuzzichini: flawlessly executed, time-tested bites such as classic anchovies in olive oil from the Cantabrian Sea, to the signature Egg Tartufato, a velvety potato and truffle foam served elegantly in an egg shell.
Starters include Wagyu Beef Carpaccio finished table side with aged balsamic vinegar from Modena; and a zingy Hamachi Crudo paired with smoked eggplant and a refreshing salsa vergine. As with any Italian restaurant, the pasta is the true marker of its greatness, and the options at IL PRESIDENTE go above and beyond. The Homemade Agnolotti All’Ossobuco with parmesan cheese fondue and toasted pine nuts is an indulgent treat; while the giant Cannellone with ricotta and spinach makes a magnificent, high-impact centerpiece for the savoury portion of the menu.
Onto the main courses, where the highlight is the Costoletta Alla Valdostana, a breaded veal chop stuffed with Fontina cheese and smoked ham. Equally decadent is the traditional baby pig Porchetta, carved tableside to deliver shatteringly crisp skin, beautifully balanced by a sweet and vibrant apple puree.
The grand finale unfolds with the theatrical Gelato al Tavolo, where guests watch as freshly churned gelato is whipped tableside into perfection. Surrounding this spectacle is an abundant spread of multi-layered Italian cakes, velvety tiramisu, and silky panna cottas that dissolve on the tongue.
Chef Marcello explains: “IL PRESIDENTE is inspired by nostalgic Italian flavours. The menu thrives on unapologetic Italian classics, honouring the rich history of regional Italian cooking without any desire to reinvent it. Instead, the kitchen anchors itself in time-tested, foundational recipes — the very dishes that define Italian comfort for generations.”
He continues: “We use only the best ingredients in each dish: perfectly raised meats, aged cheeses, premium olive oils, and the freshest seasonal produce in dishes like our beef carpaccio, fritto misto, cannelloni, and slow-cooked Neapolitan beef ragù pastas.
IL PRESIDENTE treats its bar as an equal priority to the restaurant, elevating the traditional aperitivo hour into a focal point of the evening. Designed to accommodate 10 to 14 guests around an intimate, L-shaped counter, the bar is helmed by Simone Ciambrone, whose global provenance includes The Ritz London, Donovan’s Bar at Brown’s Hotel, The Dorchester, and most recently the Bvlgari Ginza Bar in Tokyo.
Mixologist Simone explains: “Miscelazione Educata, or ‘educated mixing’, is how I would describe my approach to cocktail-making and hospitality as a whole. Educazione is the Italian word for manners: it isn't about education, but rather about navigating society with respect and savoir-faire. Our philosophy when it comes to cocktails is just that: we want to get creative and push the boundaries of flavours or techniques, without overcomplicating the drink beyond what is essential.”
IL PRESIDENTE’s first cocktail menu hews closely to this philosophy. Endeavouring to bring guests back to the most iconic periods of modern Italian history, the collection of 12 cocktails serves as a snapshot of Italy – when American influence on Italian pop culture was reaching its zenith, the Serie A football league ruled TV screens, and Cantautorato Italiano blared from radios across the country.
As the saying goes from the 80s cult classic, Vacanze di Natale, "Whisky, sole e sei subito in pole position". The Whisky e Sole invites guests to sit back and take pleasure in their drink. This bold take on an old fashioned combines Michter’s Rye Whiskey, Fernet Branca and Nardini Almond liqueur.
Named after the renowned cathedral square, the Piazza Duomo is a complex take on the Aperol Spritz: a melting pot of flavours like the location itself, with touches of peach, raspberry vinegar and sparkling wine.
Inspired by 90s Italian pop sensation Laura Pausini, the Amores Extranos is a refreshing and herbal take on a classic margarita. Made to guests' preference on Tequila or Mezcal, this harmonious blend is finished with Agave Nectar, Lime Juice, Basil and Absinthe.
Chef Marcello states: “IL PRESIDENTE is here to foster a culture of genuine, long-term patronage in the restaurant and at the bar; Dining here is an active, visual performance rather than a passive meal. The generous portions, dramatic plating, and theatrical tableside touches turn every service into a celebration of Italian hospitality and abundance.
He concludes: “Our staff dressed in sharp uniforms will offer guests custom napkins embroidered with "Il Solito"—meaning “the usual” in Italian. And for us, this is what hospitality is all about.”
IL PRESIDENTE is open for dinner and for lunch in mid-September.
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For high-res imagery please click HERE
For more information, please contact COMPANION:
Jacqueline@companioncommunications.com
June@companioncommunications.com
Address:
Shop M2, 13 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong, direct pedestrian access via the historic Duddell Street granite steps
Opening Hours:
6pm - 11pm Monday
6pm - 11pm Wednesday to Sunday
Tuesdays closed
Instagram: @ilpresidentehk
Booking link HERE
Website: www.ilpresidentehk.com
Tel: +852 54430908 (WhatsApp only)
Email: reservations@ilpresidentehk.com
About IL PRESIDENTE:
From the founders of Trattoria Felino comes IL PRESIDENTE, an atmospheric Italian restaurant and cocktail bar bringing Italian sprezzatura to Hong Kong’s Central district. Located on Duddell Street, IL PRESIDENTE transports guests to the golden era of Italian hospitality through a richly designed, 70-seat dining room and a menu anchored in beloved regional new classic dishes, paired with a bar programme that elevates aperitivo hour into a theatrical, cocktail-led experience.