Rating: ★★★☆☆

Address: G/F, 16 St. Francis Yard, Wan Chai 灣仔進教圍16號地舖

Telephone: 2755 5523

www.pici.hk

Located in a quiet alley in Wanchai, Pici is a neighbourhood pasta bar opened by Pirata Group, the creative brains behind Pirata, The Optimist and TokyoLima. The kitchen is helmed by chef Andrea Viglione, who hails from Turin, Italy, and the menu’s offerings are rustic, full-flavoured and satisfying.

We love the bright, airy and modern decor of Pici. During the week, a 3-course lunch menu is offered at $148.

For starters, we share the homemade meatballs. The seasoning is on point and the meat is fresh and juicy, but we find a few big chunks of breadcrumbs as we bite into them (a problem that can easily be fixed by mixing the mince better next time). The radicchio salad is light and refreshing, with the hazelnuts adding a delightful crunch.

The oven baked gnocchi gratin is satisfying, with a well-crisped, cheesy top layer.

The lightly spicy tagliatelle is flavour-packed and very satisfying.

For desserts, we first dig into the tiramisu, which is a tad too sweet but otherwise a job well done.

The panna cotta tastes acceptable, but there is too much berry compote, giving the dessert too much tartness.

The dishes on the lunch menu are hit-or-miss, but we are absolutely adoring the intimate vibes and friendly service of this neighbourhood haunt.