Reviews

• 

  Disappointed again

  Robby Yung | Nov 21 2011

  We came back to Gaia for the second time in as many months, determined to give an old friend another chance. While we all know it's rather expensive, sometimes the food can good company can make you forget about the expense for a little while. The last time we were here, the roast chicken was extremely salty, which was off-putting. This time, the whole place was just having a bad night, I think. Our appetizers came an hour after we sat down, and 45 minutes after we'd ordered - inexcusable. When I asked the waiter what an ingredient was on the menu whose Italian name I didn't understand, he replied "it's a kind of side dish, and it's not important." It turned out to be a vegetable. The asparagus with scrambled eggs and white truffle consisted of fabulous (and generous) truffle shavings over asparagus that two of my table-mates, who'd both ordered it, said should never have been served - they were stringy and undercooked. My pizza, always a favorite at Gaia, was soggy, which was too bad. Frankly, all of these things could be forgiven if it were only one thing here and there, but they all happened the same night, and considering just how much money you're spending, it shouldn't happen at all. They need to tighten things up if they're going to keep charging this much.

  • How much did you spend?
    $1800 for two with wine.
  • Overall Rating
    OK
  • Food 6
  • Service 4
  • Ambiance 7
  • Price 1

• 

  Romantic

  Verseater | Oct 3 2011

  It is a bit of an oasis in the middle of Central as it is tucked away in the quiet corner between Central and Sheung Wan, with an outdoor terrace. The fountain in the piazza adds to the Italian feel. The Italian food here is simple and delicious, albeit a bit expensive. The wine list is also very good with a list of well-selected wines from all over. The inside can get quite dim but if you want privacy, opt for a private area indoor.

  • How much did you spend?
    590
  • Overall Rating
    Good
  • Food 7
  • Service 7
  • Ambiance 8
  • Price 4

• 

  Consistently reliable

  Eaterking | Sep 21 2011

  Immaculate service, excellent ambience. This place is over 10 years old; yet it continues to draw an upmarket sophisticated crowd at dinner. Soft lighting with beautiful decor, good music. Pino, the proprietor is always on hand to ensure every bit is in order. The pizzas are the absolute best. I find my main course to be on the small side. Apart from this, this place is consistently reliable. A place for locals and overseas visitors.

  • How much did you spend?
    550
  • Overall Rating
    OK
  • Food 8
  • Service 7
  • Ambiance 7
  • Price 3

• 

  Quite expensive

  Butterball | Aug 9 2011

  The al fresco option was once my thing but now most diners outside are smokers. Gaia invites you to linger and take your time with your food. The atmosphere makes you want to take everything slowly and enjoy your time with your loved ones and dining companions. The service is impeccable. The minute you step into the place, you are well taken care of. The food is well balanced and well proportioned, though really quite pricey. Quality is high. With a decent bottle of wine, dinner can be easily over $2000 for two.

  • How much did you spend?
    1000
  • Overall Rating
    Good
  • Food 8
  • Service 9
  • Ambiance 9
  • Price 4

• 

  Monday dinner using AE discount

  m | Nov 30 2010

  AE cards have buy 1 get 1 free main course for this restaurant on Mondays so I took advantage of it, otherwise the bill would have been 30% more.
  The food again was excellent, pasta, risotto and the lamb rack was really well made, just right. Even the well-done lamb was very tender but it took a whopping 30mins to cook.
  House wine selection was excellent and tasted good.

  • How much did you spend?
    9xx for 3 people
  • Overall Rating
    OK
  • Food 9
  • Service 7
  • Ambiance 7
  • Price 3

• 

  Piazza in Central

  KK Sims | Aug 31 2010

  Difficult to find decent restaurants in town with outdoor seating, especially in Central. This is it! On a good day with little pollution, this does feel like a piazza in Rome. Authentic Italian fare, good atmosphere, friendly service. Food ranges from decent to exceptional, which is rare for Hong Kong. Can also be very romantic in the evening.

  • How much did you spend?
    650
  • Overall Rating
    OK
  • Food 8
  • Service 7
  • Ambiance 9
  • Price 4

• 

  Best Italian in Central or is it HK?

  Recovering Restaurateur | Aug 23 2010

  GM Pino Piano, one of HK's top restaurateurs runs a tight ship in Gaia. Modern world-class standards, contemporary design retaining warmth and comfort with elegance could describe all of the aspects of my meal: service, food and ambiance.
  I am always impressed when I can take a client out for a meal and the server is observant of the fact that we're discussing business. They remain available and serve us without getting in the way. Only great restaurants can really get this right. It takes a good deal of practice on the part of the manager to get his staff to be observant and sensitive.
  
  Gaia is by no means cheap ~$250 pp for set lunch but the quality is evident. Not sure why I waited so long to try but I will be back and report on it.

  • How much did you spend?
    $300
  • Overall Rating
    Good
  • Food 8
  • Service 8
  • Ambiance 8
  • Price 4

• 

  Italian Stallion

  Alex | May 20 2009

  With it's fabulous terrace and charming owner, Gaia is definitely the place to see and be seen in Hong Kong. The food isn't half bad either, with fabulously fresh carpaccio dishes, and wonderfully crisp and thin pizzas. The only negative thing about this Sheung Wan institution is the steep prices.
  • Food 7
  • Service 7
  • Ambiance 8
  • Price 2

• 

  Superior to it

  Spencer Douglass | Mar 2 2009

  In my mind this always has been and remains big brother to Isola, both in terms of experience and accomplishment. Almost in every aspect from from food to service Gaia is the superior restaurant. Only in terms of decor can Isola launch any credible challenge, though there is a certain special pleasure in being able to sit outside in glorious sunshine and an area that resembles a European city cafe, in the midst of Sheung Wan.
  
  When looking for Italian, I would definitely think twice before hitting IFC and turn Sheung Wan way instead!
  • Food 8
  • Service 8
  • Ambiance 7
  • Price 1

• 

  Probably the best Italian restaurant in Central

  mandy | Feb 23 2009

  One of the best Italian restaurants I have been to. Expensive but the ambience beats it.
  • Food 8
  • Service 7
  • Ambiance 8
  • Price 5