Known worldwide as the “King of White Truffles”, Chef Umberto Bombana is a household name in Hong Kong, having cooked in the city for more than 20 years. He’s also the co-owner of 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana, a 3 star Michelin Italian restaurant. However, there is a surprising twist: the restaurant is not located in Italy. It is the only Italian restaurant outside of Italy to have received 3 stars from the Michelin Guide, having been awarded 3 stars by the 2012 Michelin Guide Hong Kong and Macau.
8 ½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana can be found at shop 202 in the Alexandra House in Central Hong Kong. Chef Bombana had experience in the Hong Kong restaurant scene after working at The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong in 1993. His take on Northern Italian cuisine quickly became a staple for gourmet elites in the area. After the closure of The Ritz-Carlton in 2008, Umberto had the golden opportunity to build his own restaurant. His venture led him to create a 55-seat dining area that allows patrons to eat in privacy as well as two private dining rooms that can seat up to a dozen people each.
- Today, Bombana is overseeing restaurants across Hong Kong, Macau, Shanghai and Beijing, the culinary genius continues to draw the masses from across the globe, drawn by his refined approach to fine Italian cuisine and limitless creativity, along with steadfast passion and warm-hearted Italian hospitality. In 2017, Chef Bombana was presented with Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, The Diners Club Lifetime Achievement Award.
Here is what you need to know about the only Italian restaurant outside of Italy to have received 3 Michelin stars:
If you frequent 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana for dinner, you’ll notice the menu changes according to the season. For Bombana, the ingredients do not need to be sourced from the cuisine's country of origin. His top priority is having top-quality ingredients. “While I do use plenty of ingredients from Italy, as long as they are in season and high quality, you will find them on the menu”, stated the chef.
In the kitchen, Chef Bombana employs many young chefs to help refine their skills. He tries to instill the idea of one common goal - the first priority is always to make good food for customers, not focusing on critical acclaim. Bombana is eager to mentor young chefs, develop their talents and expand creativity in the kitchen.
AJ Forrisi
Assistant Editor for America Domani, AJ Forrisi is a Brooklyn-based writer and photographer. His work focuses on food, travel, sports, landscapes, and urban scenes. You can find him on Instagram @aj.photo.works.