December 28th, 2011
ISOLA Bar + Grill is an elegant, lustrously modern, Italian restaurant- located within the prestigious ifc mall and overlooking the waterfront of Hong Kong’s harbour. Directly adjacent to the Lane Crawford Department store, ISOLA occupies a large space spread over two levels, with an expansive outdoor terrace looking out over the harbour and Kowloon skyline. The restaurant was established in 2004 by the renowned Gaia Group ( operators of other fine Italian restaurants such as Va Bene and Gaia) at the time of the ifc mall opening, and has subsequently received widespread acclaim for the dining experience provided by both it’s spectacular location, and the authentic Italian cuisine prepared under the direction of Executive Chef Salvatore Antonio Boscarello. The cuisine concept at ISOLA embraces the culinary traditions of Italian cooking- celebrating fresh ingredients prepared in the rustic, uncomplicated manner that has made Italian cuisine such a favourite with diners world-wide. Signature dishes such as thin-crusted pizzas, homemade pastas and fresh seafood and meats from the grill are prepared in the open, show kitchen. The ISOBAR on the upper level is a sleek, modern lounge bar, serving cocktails, champagnes and bar snacks, with DJs in the evenings complimenting the laid-back atmosphere. Full height glass walls and a soaring ceiling provide panoramic views day and night.
With it’s fantastic location and consistently excellent Italian cuisine, ISOLA is usually packed with guests 7 days a week- for both lunch and dinners- reservations are recommended.
The entrance facade – opposite Lane Crawford
The lustrous, ornately decorated facade of ISOLA cues to the elegance of the interior design within. The impressively sized interior space extends across two main rooms on either side of the open copper kitchens- which is directly adjacent to the main entrance and demands immediately the attention of arriving diners. The contemporary design theme is based on a textured shades of white- with white ceilings, table cloths and chairs contrasted against the natural timber flooring. Raw concrete pillars stand unadorned. The main decorative statement comes from the intricately patterned white screens that line the walls and ceilings of the semi-private dining areas, and are further represented in the floor-stand lamps throughout the rooms. The full height glass front suffuses the interiors with natural light during the day, and provides the stunning external views from virtually every table. There are two main dining rooms on either side of the open kitchens, plus a prominent white marble topped counter in the centre of the main room that displays the daily lunch buffets. There is an additional dining room on the upper level- accessed via an internal stairway. The huge outdoor terrace runs the entire length of the ISOLA space and divides into a casual, lounge area at one end, and the main terrace dining area at the front.
Raised semi-private section at rear of main dining floor
Elegant new private room off main dining area
Dining room overlooking harbour
The open copper kitchens adjacent to the entrance
Buffet serving counter opposite open kitchen
The a la carte menu selections at ISOLA follows the traditional Italian sequences of Antipasti e Inslate; Zuppe: Prina Piatti; Pizza; Grill and Dessert. At lunch there is the option of a three course Set Menu of antipasti buffet or soup, followed by main course and set dessert. Some of the menu highlights include from the Antipasti selections the Burrata con Capocollo di Martina Franca- Fresh creamed Burrata mozzarella with Apulia d.o.p., Coppa ham, roasted bell peppers, big green olives; and the Vitello tonnato con condimenti e insalatina- Classic veal (roasted young wagyu beef loin) with tuna sauce, capers, dried tomato,anchovies and salads leaves. From the Primi Piatti the homemade pastas include: Risotto con granchio, gamberi, zafferano e pomodoro- Shrimp and crab meat risotto with saffron and tomato lightly spicy broth; and Strozzapreti alla Norcina con tartufo nero, prosciutto e fave- Hand twisted pasta with Parma ham, black truffle, fava beans and Norcia cheese. The stone baked, thin crust pizzas are a specialty– a popular selection is the Prosciutto, rucola e scaglie di Parmigiano- Parma ham, diced tomato, Mozzarella, arugula and Parmigiano. And from the Open Ovens & Grill- Costolette d`agnello allo scottadito con cipolle dolci arrosto e patate, salsa balsamico e menta- Lamb chops with roasted sweet onions and roasted potatoes, balsamic mint sauce; and Branzino infero cotto al sale e basilico con verdure- Whole sea bass baked with sea salt crust and vegetables.
The wine list features a large selection of both Italian and international wines- with 12 varieties available by the glass. The bar serves a full range of premium spirits, and an extensive selection of cocktails.
Antipasto– Burrata con Capocollo di Martina Franca– Fresh creamed Burrata mozzarella with Apulia d.o.p., Coppa ham, roasted bell peppers, big green olives
Strozzapreti alla Norcina con tartufo nero, prosciutto a fave – Hand twisted pasta with Parma ham, black truffle, fava beans and Norcia cheese
Stone Baked Pizza– Prosciutto, rucola e scaglie di Parmigiano – Parma ham, diced tomato, Mozzarella, arugula and Parmigiano
Branzino infero cotto al sale e basilico con verdure– Whole sea bass baked with sea salt crust and vegetables
Lounge seating area of outdoor terrace
Dining tables on the outdoor terrace with panoramic waterfront views
Bloody Mary – Smirnoff Red, tomato juice, Tabasco, Worcestershire Sauce, black pepper & salt, lemon slice.
The ISOBAR on upper level
Inside the ISOBAR on upper level
ISOLA bar + grill at ifc mall, Hong Kong
Address: Podium Level 3 & 4 , ifc mall, Central. Hong Kong
MTR: Central station – direct access- 3 minutes walk
Reservations: +852. 2383 8765
Website: www.isolabarandgrill.com
Opening hours:
Lunch 12:00 noon ~ 2:30 pm
Tea: 3:00 pm ~ 5:00 pm
Dinner: 6:30 pm ~ 11:00 pm Sunday – Thursday
6:30 pm ~ 11:30 pm Friday & Saturday
Bar: 3:00 pm to late
