Ponentino, a new Italian restaurant, has opened on the 47th floor of the Royal Plaza Hotel in Tseung Kwan O, bringing the culinary expertise of Sabatini Ristorante Italiano to Kowloon East. The venue offers a relaxed dining experience with an outdoor terrace, interactive AI cocktails, and value-oriented semi-buffets, targeting both hotel guests and local residents.
A New Chapter from a Renowned Kitchen
The restaurant is inspired by Sabatini, a decades-old Italian institution in Tsim Sha Tsui. Ponentino aims to replicate its success but in a more informal setting. The Sabatini team has supervised the menu development and kitchen operations, ensuring dishes reflect authentic Italian flavors with a contemporary touch. The concept evokes a Roman square, contributing to its vacation-like ambiance.
Signature Starters and Mains
Among the dishes, the prawn carpaccio stands out, layered with salmon roe, caviar, and accompanied by a green apple yuzu sorbet. The fig and stracciatella salad offers a taste of southern Italy. For soup enthusiasts, the beef consommé, slow-cooked with bones and aromatics, is clarified yet deeply flavored, served with steamed egg and chives.
Seafood options include Spanish red prawn linguine, where the sweetness of the prawns is enhanced by cherry tomatoes and basil. The pan-fried white cod is prepared with a crispy skin and moist flesh, paired with a sparkling wine cream sauce and lemon butter. These dishes highlight the restaurant’s focus on fresh ingredients and balanced flavors. The menu also features a selection of Italian classics with a modern twist, ensuring varied appeal.
Sweet Endings
Desserts showcase the hotel’s pastry team expertise, notably an apple tart that uses the flaky puff pastry technique from the popular mango napoleon, finished with Italian vanilla gelato. This attention to detail extends to all items, reflecting the Sabatini influence.
Ambiance and Technology
The restaurant features a spacious outdoor terrace surrounded by greenery, perfect for enjoying cocktails at sunset. An AI bar system creates personalized drinks based on individual preferences, adding a modern twist. For private events, the La Collina room accommodates up to 14 guests, suitable for intimate gatherings and celebrations. The interior design blends warmth with contemporary elegance, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Pricing and Access
Pricing is structured to be accessible. Semi-buffet lunches start at HKD 358 per person on weekdays, with weekend and holiday lunches at HKD 398, and dinner at HKD 528. Tasting menus begin at HKD 528 for lunch and HKD 788 for dinner. A 12% discount is available for bookings made through the hotel’s online store, encouraging early reservations. These prices cover a range of dining occasions, from casual meals to special evenings.
Location and Contact
Ponentino is located at 47/F, Royal Plaza Hotel, 3 Tong Tak Street, Tseung Kwan O. For reservations, call 3983 0638 or email ponentino@rgke.com.hk.
Looking Ahead
With its combination of Sabatini’s legacy, scenic views, and modern touches like AI cocktails, Ponentino is positioned to enhance the dining scene in Kowloon East. It offers a compelling option for those seeking quality Italian cuisine without the formality of fine dining. This opening reflects a trend of hotels creating satellite concepts that offer more accessible experiences, catering to the growing demand for versatile dining in Hong Kong. For those planning a visit, the hotel’s online store provides an easy way to secure reservations and discounts.