JIA Boutique Hotels’ founder Yenn Wong opened in May 2010 a new neighbourhood restaurant and bar inspired by the New York-style Italian culinary tradition, 208 Duecento Otto, on Hong Kong’s art and antique Hollywood Road in the up-and-coming Sheung Wan district.
Set in a two-storied venue, formerly a meat storage warehouse, 208 Duecento Otto is named after its street number at 208 Hollywood Road. 208 Duecento Otto combines a lively bar downstairs with a more intimate upstairs dining room, both with outdoor seating that overlooks Hollywood Road. At the bar, delicious aperitivi, cocktails and an excellent wine list, including over 20 by the glass and a selection of Italian wines, are paired with pizzas and antipasti for casual all-day dining. An interior staircase leads up to the restaurant, a more intimate option with a unique menu of authentic Italian cuisine. Featuring a custom-designed pizza oven shipped in from Naples the aromas of Italy penetrate the venue.
Running the kitchen is Executive Chef Vinny Lauria who comes to Hong Kong from the renowned Babbo New York – consistently heralded as one of New York’s favourite restaurants. Vinny brings a New York interpretation of rustic Italian cuisine to the tables of 208 Duecento Otto. The interior design of 208 contrasts with the local architecture of the old building in which it is housed. In their first Asian appointment, Turkish design company Autoban has created inspired interiors. Autoban was named “Best Young Designers” by Wallpaper* in 2004 and awarded “Best Restaurant” design by the same in 2006.
