The Hong Kong culinary scene has a vibrant new addition as Papamia, an upscale Sicilian-inspired eatery, officially opens its doors in the heart of Causeway Bay. Perched on a high floor of the OLIV building directly opposite Times Square, the restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience that pairs artisanal handmade pastas with panoramic, floor-to-ceiling views of the Happy Valley skyline.
Led by Executive Chef Ivan, a native of Sicily, Papamia is a tribute to heritage and craft. The name itself reflects a blend of “Papa”—honoring Ivan’s father, who taught him the art of pasta making—and “Passion.” To ensure the highest standards of authenticity, Ivan’s father traveled from Italy to Hong Kong to oversee quality control, ensuring every ribbon of pasta maintains traditional Mediterranean textures.
Where East Meets West: A Fusion Masterclass
While the foundation of Papamia is rooted in Italian tradition, Chef Ivan has introduced a daring “Hong Kong-inspired” twist to the menu. By incorporating local elements like Chiu Chow marinated meats and traditional Chinese sausages, the restaurant creates a bridge between European techniques and Cantonese flavors.
Key Signature Dishes include:
- Chiu Chow Style Foie Gras Toast ($120): A standout creative appetizer inspired by localized “lo sui” goose. It features pan-seared French foie gras atop crispy toast, layered with slow-cooked marinated tofu and finished with a plum sauce to cut through the richness.
- Chinese Sausage Carbonara ($160): Following the strict Roman method—using only egg yolks, pecorino cheese, and guanciale—this dish replaces or augments the pork with diced Hong Kong lap cheong. The sweetness of the rose wine in the sausage provides a surprising harmony with the saltiness of the cheese.
- Triple Cheese Wagyu Bolognese Mafaldine ($160): For lovers of traditional comfort, these handmade ribbon-edged noodles are tossed in a slow-simmered Bolognese and smothered in a decadent blanket of parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar.
Atmosphere and Opening Perks
The interior of Papamia strikes a balance between European elegance and modern minimalism. The high ceilings and expansive glass windows make it an ideal venue for milestone celebrations or romantic dinners, especially as the city lights up after sunset.
To celebrate its launch, Papamia is offering a special promotion through the end of April. Diners can receive a complimentary Japanese-style Grilled Abalone (valued at $130) by following the restaurant’s social media channels and using the booking code “LOVEPASTA” when making a reservation.
Expanding the Culinary Family
Papamia is the sister establishment to Fable, a popular French-Italian bistro tucked away in the alleys of Wan Chai. While Fable focuses on rustic, “affordable luxury” home-style cooking—including its famous chestnut Tiramisu inspired by the “Black and White Chef” series—Papamia represents a more elevated, sky-high evolution of the group’s culinary philosophy.
Whether for a casual lunch or an experimental fusion dinner, Papamia is poised to become a landmark destination for foodies seeking authentic Sicilian roots with a uniquely Hong Kong soul.
Dining Details
- Address: 24/F, OLIV, 15 Sharp Street East, Causeway Bay (2-min walk from MTR Exit A)
- Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Promotion: Follow @papamia.hk on Instagram for opening rewards through April.