GRAPPA'S

Live music isn’t normally one of Hong Kong’s fortes but on the first Saturday of every month you’re guaranteed a fantastic live show from the Stray Katz Swing band at Grappa’s The Cellar. This large (even by Hong Kong standards) underground restaurant and bar is all dark wood, red and white checked tablecloths and hearty Italian fare. You won’t hear a word anyone at your table says but the sheer energy of the place will make a toothy grin all the response you need. And you can dance. Just try not to fall into the laps of other diners after a few too many bicchieri di vino rosso…

For a less noisy, more food-focussed meal, get yourself to Grappa’s Ristorante in Pacific Place. Open since 1990, this old favourite has regular patrons both in Hong Kong and overseas who come back time and again for the reliably good pizzas and pastas and mains the likes of veal shank stew in Barolo red-wine sauce. A fantastic people-watching dining destination and a reasonable wine list ensure Grappa’s Ristorante is always a good bet — if you don’t mind being in a shopping mall that is.