Iconic medieval details and vibrant colours provide the backdrop for Castellana Hong Kong located in Central’s Duddell Street, home to the city’s award-winning restaurants.
Serving fine Piedmont cuisine, Castellana captures the authentic eating pleasure of the Italian region uniquely situated at the borders of France and Switzerland. The menu highlights the bold flavours of Italy’s famous Fassona free-range beef, homemade Bottoni ravioli, fresh cheeses, and fine vegetables paired with Piedmont wine and white truffles.
The first Hong Kong Castellana at Causeway Bay is also the first establishment outside the region. Apart from the food, the interiors carry the classical features of the original restaurant in Piedmont, which is housed inside a historic Italian castle complete with a church and room for monks.
Designer James “Jj” Acuña and Dominic Cheung added a playful touch to the newest Castellana on Duddell Street. Mixing the old world and with the new, the two-story restaurant promises a rustic feel starting with the Chef’s Open “Cucina Di Casa” which allows guests to take part in the gastronomic passion poured into every dish. “We want the complete experience of the first-hand kitchen encounter from the wine down to the food. This enables a direct and intimate dining experience for any special occasion.”
The friendly space is made more dynamic with the wine and dry-aged meats and cheese display, the main components of Piedmont’s dining pleasure. It’s the only place in Hong Kong where one can get Piedmont wines. And reminiscent of the monks’ rooms in the churches in Italy, privacy is defined by curtains and cabinetry, which easily invoke curiosity among diners.
The designer calls it “rustica moderna” a vibe that parks the corporate atmosphere of central Hong Kong at the back end, shifting the focus to old-world wines, truffles, and fine ingredients.
“Everything aligns with Castellana's brand and embraces the core market of Piedmontese wine and white truffle fanatics. We brought together the iconic components of the original restaurant like the Italian-style beam and truss Medieval ceiling and added our creation - inventive millwork panels, vibrant stone slabs, mural-style wall-coverings, and lighter more playful touches on furniture and curtain fabrics, to create a youthful and multi-generational feel.”
Not to be outdone is the classic Italian floor pattern inspired by the countryside vineyards. “The hand painted geometry and organic form of the vineyards inspired our bespoke carpet pattern. The form and texture of the carpet work, which goes from spring to autumn colours, add dynamics and depth to the space.”
Not to be outdone is the classic Italian floor pattern inspired by the countryside vineyards. “The hand painted geometry and organic form of the vineyards inspired our bespoke carpet pattern. The form and texture of the carpet work, which goes from spring to autumn colours, add dynamics and depth to the space.”
Team:
Architects: JJ Acuna
Photographer: Natalie Dunn
