PIRATA

Introduced to us by our youngest daughter this new boy on the block in Wanchai is a breath of fresh air. The building has no name, just '239 Hennessy' and the restaurant occupies two purposed built connecting floors. It is tastefully designed, mixing classics with contemporary features. The upper floor is a welcoming bar with high stool tables and a private party area, as shown, and the main restaurant is at the lower floor. It was a meeting of CLUB FED ... the dining club I started on retirement .. and we were a merry band of 17 that evening.

'Honest Italian' the logo says and indeed, the fare matches the claim, to the letter. To try their best house dishes we picked their Tasting Menu. Primi Piatti or the Antipasti plate was generous, MMM or My Mama's Meatballs was a true delight ... moist and super delicious even though they could give us more sauce, the Lasagna was the most homely among the 3 pastas, the Purple Potato Gnocchi was different but too starchy in Gorgonzola sauce, the hero of the evening was the Butcher's Cut as Secondi .. you would never imagine Flank Steaks in perfect medium rare can be so captivating, served with a rocket cherry tomato salad and perfectly rosemary roasted new potatoes. Dolci was a happy finale of 3 desserts .. Tiramisu, Custard and a glorious Semifreddo, not often seen around town.

It was high comfort Italian, very down to earth with no pretenses, in a setting that complements the food to the hilt. Service was excellent with GM Manuel Palaccio leading the charge, assisted by an eager to serve team of youngsters from mixed nationalities. Manuel is Spanish, he is affable, he is efficient, and he is an 'honest restaurant man'.                

Value-for Money? A resounding yes! This menu was a flat $488 per head including tips, believe it or not. 'Honesty' is Pirata's theme across the board, not only in their cuisine, but in its quality, its presentation, in its pricing, and in the way they serve. Pirata comes very close to full marks in my book. It offers continuity, a big word. It is the kind of eatery I will keep going back, assured I will be happy at the end. This kind of place has a much better chance to survive than the razzle-dazzle joints that keep popping up, only to disappear when the first 24-month lease expires.

By the way they carry a nice range of mid price libation. We had a Prosecco (Masotina) and a Tuscany Red (Anglianco Piano with a beautiful vanilla accent) @ $500 each and they are hard to beat.

One last comment, we tipped everyone at the end, and why not? We were very happy diners, in no small part because of them.    

PIRATA
www.pirata.hk
29-30F 239 Hennessy Road Wanchai
(852) 6317 7771
GM Manuel Palaccio : manuel@pirata.hk