Zozzona (Hong Kong, CHINA) ★★★★☆

Inspired by Tokyo's neighborhood pasta bars, Zozzona is a recently opened Japanese-Italian pasta joint nestled between Jordan and Tsim Sha Tsui that has quickly gained popularity among the younger generation of diners. This modern bistro specializes in fresh, handmade pasta, served in a casual vibe perfect for sharing among larger groups.

Zozzona opens at 5:00pm for dinner service, and I wasted no time getting the first seating to satisfy my craving for handcrafted pasta dishes. Not surprisingly, I was the first to arrive.

The industrial-vibe space blends elements of a Japanese izakaya and an Italian bistro harmoniously. It serves a daily omakase menu as well as an à la carte menu. Interestingly, the starters, like Kagoshima hiramasa crudo and Akami tuna tataki, caught my eye before I even glanced at the pasta dishes.

Pappardelle wagyu beef ragù ($178) — It was a little early for a full dinner (starter + pasta or main), so I faced a dilemma in choosing between a simple pasta and a starter. In the end, I realized that it was inevitable for me to choose a pasta dish while visiting a pasta bar for the first time.

The pappardelle wasn't bad, but it didn't have the same freshness as the handmade pasta from my neighborhood pasta bar, Pici. That said, I did enjoy the generous portion of wagyu beef, the lone bright spot of the dish.

Tiramisu ($78) — After slurping up the flat white tiramisu at Page Common Coffee House less than an hour ago, it was time to check in on another tiramisu. This one was made with a more classic recipe.

Zozzona's tiramisu was supposed to be scooped from a ceramic container onto guests' plate but since I ordered it to go, I had to recreate the scene on my plate. I really enjoyed the larger proportion of creamy mascarpone and rich Marsala sabayon here with a smaller portion of ladyfinger biscuits. It was light, fluffy and full of flavors reminding me of some of the best tiramisu I've tasted on the streets of Rome (There was this place in Rome called Ristorante Alla Rampa that had the perfect "Lift Me Up"). 

Food Rating: 6.3/10

Price: $$$

Address: Flat A, G/F 29-31 Hillwood Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

Closest Metro Station: Jordan

Tel: +852 7073-8825

Website: https://www.zozzona.com/

Opening Hours: 5:00pm - 10:00pm daily