Hollywood Road Gets Cozy Red-Sauce Joint With Lasagna Factory
As we stepped inside, greeted by iconic red-and-white checkered tablecloths and the savory aroma of baked pasta, I suddenly sensed: I don't think we're in Sheung Wan anymore.
Per our server's recommendation, we selected the HK$128 ($16.31) weekday lunch set that, of course, features its namesake dish. We chose the beef and crab lasagnas, though mushroom is available as a vegetarian choice. I preferred the crab, a somewhat unusual yet rich concoction of carbs with a subtle seafood flavor, while my companion enjoyed the beef, with pulled slices of tender meat layered throughout the tower of pasta.
Both lasagnas, each served atop a layer of fresh tomato sauce, were packed with traditional flavor — not quite at my grandmother's level, but close enough to be sentimental. The breaded cheese crust added a lovely bit of contrast to the soft layers of noodles beneath.
The lunch set includes a few unique perks: unlimited salad featuring oil-tossed mixed greens and garlic bread that was tasty albeit a bit dry (no matter, it was an excellent tool for cleaning up the sauce). We added the delicious tiramisu (HK$28), which, like the other dishes, is served from a family-style casserole, and were offered complimentary limoncello, a refreshing antidote to the unavoidably heavy meal. Our total bill came to HK$327, an incredible value given how stuffed we left the factory.
The vibe: On the Italian spectrum, think more Goodfellas than Gucci, down to the tablecloths that could have been imported straight from New York City's Little Italy. A bright, spacious layout and friendly, attentive waitstaff contribute further to the unpretentious, cozy atmosphere.
Can you conduct a meeting here? It's a perfect venue for catching up with a colleague or for a fun team outing, but it may be a bit too casual for a first-time client or source meeting. Its back room can accommodate larger gatherings, and a private dining space is available upstairs as well.
Who's next to you: You can expect your typical Hollywood Road scene with a mix of local residents and tourists, though probably not transplants from Italy. With its large bar and fun vibe, it also looks like a nice casual date-night spot.
What we'd order again: The lasagna, of course. Come hungry and prepare for the inevitable food coma afterward.
Need to know: The Lasagna Factory is located at 208 Hollywood Road in Sheung Wan and is open everyday from noon to 11:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made online.
This review was originally published in Hong Kong Edition, a weekly newsletter. To subscribe for free, click here.
Read our other reviews of Italian restaurants: three-Michelin-starred Otto e Mezzo Bombana, casual Neapolitan-inspired eatery Trattoria Felino, Sabatini's upscale IFC outlet with unbeatable views and award-winning pizza spot Little Napoli.
Are there any restaurants you'd like us to review? Drop us a line at hkedition@bloomberg.net.
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