Sunday Brunch has become increasingly popular in recent years, and those that offer a combination of quality food and free-flow bubbles appear to be attracting the biggest crowds.

Italian restaurant, Sabatini was one of the first in town to offer this type of brunch and has been packed most Sundays since. Often a skeptic when it comes to buffet options for brunch I went along to Sunday brunch with low expectations, but was soon changing my view of buffet brunch Sabatini style.

Complete Experience
Brunch at Sabatini is not your average buffet brunch, instead it provides a complete Italian dining experience that is certainly value for money. It begins with a vast selection of antipasti with a focus on Roman cuisine and seafood options, followed by a choice of main from a good selection, and an overflowing dessert and cheese buffet.

The antipasti selection was visually appealing and extensive. Dishes change according to the seasons and the whims of the chef and on the day we visited included traditional fare
such as Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil, and Grilled Vegetables, plus 15 other choices! Standouts were the Frittata with Prosciutto, the excellent olives, the Fennel and Seafood Salad – the crunch of the fennel against the softness of the seafood a perfect pairing and the flavours worked well. Also of note was the Eggplant, Basil and Roast Tomato dish. My dining partner loved the Roast Fennel with Tomato Sauce with hints of basil.

Yes, There's More
Also on offer was steamed lobster, King crab claw, King prawns, and green-lipped mussels. While I found the crab and prawns to be lacking in flavour, the lobster was excellent and was a big hit with all diners. The mussels were wonderfully tender and full of flavour.

In addition, there was tasty Tomato Soup, smoked salmon and a selection of charcuterie items – the salami and the Parma ham were my favourites.

Plus, yes there was more, a choice of six items to be grilled a la minute, from seafood to beef.

And all this was only the appetiser.

Leave Room
Diners are welcome to visit the buffet selection as many times as they like but I would advise just a tiny amount of everything and a second of your absolute favourite. Remember, the main course is still to come and you have to leave some room for dessert.

The diner is asked by the server, when appearing to slow down, if they can tell the chef to prepare the main course. This was a nice touch and means the diner can eat their  main when ready.

My dining companion had ordered the Veal Marsala. The veal was tender and the marsala complemented the dish as a supporting player instead of being an overwhelming lead. The garlic potatoes were also tasty, although the menu did say mash, which would have been better for soaking up the sauce. Instead some of the superb rustic-style bread did the job.

I ordered the Australian Lamb Chops, charcoal grilled to perfection, the flavourful, yet delicate meat literally melted in my mouth and was immaculately seasoned. Served with crunchy green beans and potato this dish was fantastic.

All Tastes
The colourful and tempting selection of desserts included cheesecake, panna cotta, chocolate cake, berry pudding, fresh berries, fresh coulis, poached figs, macaroons, biscotti, chocolates and more. Plus ice cream. There is also a selection of Italian cheeses, crackers and condiments. Definitely something for all tastes.

My favourite was the poached figs with notes of cinnamon, cloves, citrus peel and bay leaf. I liked the wonderful flavours and homestyle, traditionalism of the dish. I also enjoyed the mixed berry mini puddings, which had a charming interplay of sweet and tart. The cheesecake was also of note.

Book Ahead

Brunch at Sabatini was impressive, filling, and appealing to the senses of sight and taste. I would certainly go back and have added it to my list of notable brunches with bubbles.

On the bubble front, included in the cost of $488 adults(and $368 children plus 10%), is unlimited Prosecco, plus a generous glass of Italian white or red wine with the main course. Coffee and Tea is also included. For an extra $200 per adult guests can enjoy free-flow Louis Roederer Brut Premier NV champagne.

Given how busy it was the rainy Sunday we visited I would advise you to book to avoid disappointment.

Service, Ambiance   
The service at Sabatini is five-star – refined, attentive without crowding, knowledgeable and efficient. There is a sense of old-world charm about the service, which is in keeping with the restaurant's interior.

The ambiance is slightly twee, but at the same time it is charming and authentic, thanks to the influence of the original and sister restaurant in Rome, which was opened in 1954. Looking around at the pottery ware, terracotta flooring and other traditional Italian decor elements, the imagination does not have to stretch too far before you could easily transport yourself to a family-style restaurant in Roma.  

Sabatini Ristorante Italiano
3/F Royal Garden Hotel,
69 Mody Road, Tsimshatsui East,
Kowloon, Hong Kong
2733 2000