IL PRESIDENTE: A Decadent New Italian Restaurant In Central

From the masterminds behind Wan Chai’s beloved Trattoria Felino comes IL PRESIDENTE, a lavish new restaurant set to open this September on Central’s Duddell Street. Drawing inspiration from Italy’s golden age of glamour, this is the ultimate spot for both romantic date nights and lively group dinners.

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As guests ascend the historic granite steps leading to the restaurant, they’re greeted with a striking sunset-orange façade, a small hint of the opulence waiting inside. The 70-seat space oozes luxury with rosewood wainscoting, plush Belgian velvet, and soft accent lighting, creating an intimate yet indulgent ambiance that harkens back to the days of tailored suits and fur stoles.

The food follows in this decadent spirit, with Executive Chef Marcello Scognamiglio delivering elevated Italian classics. From indulgent starters like Wagyu Beef Carpaccio, finished tableside with aged balsamic vinegar, to extraordinary mains like the Costoletta Alla Valdostana, a breaded veal chop stuffed with Fontina cheese and smoked ham, every dish celebrates time-honored Italian traditions with an ultra-premium twist. Don’t miss the grand finale: a theatrical Gelato al Tavolo, churned and whipped to perfection at your table.

Complementing the dining experience is an ambitious cocktail program led by Simone Ciambrone, whose impressive résumé includes The Ritz London and Tokyo’s Bvlgari Ginza Bar. The bar menu features inventive, nostalgia-tinged drinks like the Piazza Duomo, a vibrant twist on an Aperol Spritz, and the bold, aromatic Whisky e Sole, blending whiskey, Fernet Branca, and almond liqueur.

Highlights at IL PRESIDENTE

• Tableside theatre turns every course into shared spectacle and conversation
• Intimate L-shaped bar (10-14 seats) elevates aperitivo with Simone Ciambrone’s “Miscelazione Educata” cocktails
• Plush, opulent interiors create an escape that feels like pure Italian abundance