Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra clarinettist and conductor Lorenzo Antonio Iosco moved to Asia in 2015. He spoke to Andrew Sun.
As an Italian who has called Hong Kong home for the past 10 years, my relationship with food has evolved dramatically.
Growing up between Basilicata and Tuscany, pasta was king. But now, I have fallen deeply in love with Asian flavours – I crave dumplings, Peking duck and bold spices. Hong Kong’s dining scene just keeps surprising me – it is a beautiful blend of worlds, just like my own journey here.
Lorenzo Antonio Iosco is an Italian clarinettist and conductor based in Hong Kong. Photo: Lorenzo Antonio Iosco
That said, when homesickness hits, nothing beats a proper Neapolitan pizza or a perfect espresso. Little Napoli (6-16 Tai Wong Street East, Wan Chai. Tel: 6882 1823) feels like being teleported to the Quartieri Spagnoli in Naples. The pizzas are the real deal – puffy, charred crusts from a proper stone oven, with classics like Margherita with bufala (buffalo mozzarella).
Another southern Italian gem is Giando (Shop 1, Tower 1, Starcrest, 9 Star Street, Wan Chai. Tel: 2511 8912), helmed by chef Gianni Caprioli, who shares with me roots in Basilicata. It is a joy discovering his seasonal specialities – rich, soulful dishes like handmade pasta with lamb ragu or seafood from the Ionian Sea – that evoke the flavours of our region. The warm, elegant setting makes it feel like dining with family.
For ultimate excellence, 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana (Shop 202, Alexandra House, 16-20 Chater Road, Central. Tel: 2537 8859) is unparalleled. Everything is magical: the warm welcome from manager Antonello Picchedda, and chef Bombana’s three-Michelin-star creations. I especially recommend visiting during white truffle season. The shaved truffles over tagliolini or risotto will send you to heaven.
Homemade tagliolini at 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana in Central, Hong Kong. Photo: 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana
Other Hong Kong go-to spots of mine span casual spots and fine dining, and I often frequent Tsim Sha Tsui for rehearsals and performances.
Dining and Cooking