This summer, Hong Kong welcomes Ninetta, a lively new Italian trattoria opening in Central. Co-founded by Antimo Merone and Graziano De Gregorio of ESTRO together with Chef Marco Xodo and JIA Group, Ninetta brings together the warmth of traditional Italian hospitality with contemporary energy, creating a place where guests can stop by for a quick espresso, gather for a family feast, linger over a long lunch, or settle in for a lively evening with friends.
Led by Co-Founder and Head Chef Marco Xodo, Ninetta embraces the philosophy of “Italian Food For Everyone”, serving straightforward Italian cuisine rooted in quality ingredients and warm hospitality.
The Vision Behind Ninetta
While Chef Marco oversees the day-to-day culinary direction in Hong Kong, Ninetta is the latest collaboration from acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs Antimo Merone, Graziano De Gregorio and JIA Group – the team behind the award-winning Italian restaurant, Estro. Both serve as Co-Founders and creative custodians of the concept, helping shape the restaurant’s philosophy, identity and long-term vision. Their influence is reflected throughout the restaurant, from its approach to hospitality and atmosphere to its commitment to authentic Italian cuisine and community-driven dining. Together with Chef Marco, they have created a trattoria that celebrates the very best of Italian culture: family, generosity, simplicity and exceptional food.
“We are thrilled to be opening our second Italian restaurant in the heart of Central, in collaboration with Graziano and JIA Group. This venture fills a much-needed niche in the local dining scene especially in the heart of Central, offering a relaxed yet authentic trattoria experience. We are equally excited to be working alongside Marco every day —his exceptional culinary skills will undoubtedly bring great joy to our guests,” says Antimo Merone.
“Italian cooking is something that runs in my blood—and it’s exactly what I believe diners in Hong Kong truly appreciate. I can’t wait to get back into the kitchen at my new home, Ninetta, and welcome guests to enjoy our approachable, no-frills Italian fare that’s made for everyone,” says Chef Marco Xodo.
The Spirit of Ninetta
Pronounced “nee-NET-ta”, Ninetta is a term of endearment that loosely translates to “little Nina” or “dear Nina”. More importantly, it evokes the image of a beloved Italian matriarch – the mother, grandmother, aunt or family figure whose home is always open and whose table is always full.
Inspired by the Italian tradition of gathering around Nonna, Ninetta represents warmth, comfort and togetherness. It is a restaurant built around the same nurturing spirit: welcoming, approachable and full of life. At its heart, Ninetta is designed to feel like a warm embrace; a neighbourhood trattoria where exceptional food, genuine hospitality and lively conversation come together under one roof.
At the Helm: Chef Marco Xodo
Leading the kitchen at Ninetta is Co-Founder and Head Chef Marco Xodo, whose career spans more than two decades across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Most recently, Chef Marco spent four years leading the kitchen at Testina in Hong Kong, helping establish it as one of the city’s most beloved modern Italian restaurants. Known for its authentic Milanese trattoria spirit, handmade pastas and regional Italian cooking, Testina earned a loyal following and debuted at No. 60 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 during his tenure.
Prior to Testina, Chef Marco served as Chef de Cuisine at the acclaimed 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA in Shanghai, where he spent more than seven years contributing to the restaurant’s continued success and maintenance of two MICHELIN stars. His international experience also includes senior positions at Armani Hotel Dubai and The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh. At Ninetta, Chef Marco brings together the experience and influences gained throughout his career to create a vibrant neighbourhood trattoria centred on heartfelt hospitality and the joy of sharing great food.
The Flavours of Italy, Served Famiglia Style
Reflecting Chef Marco’s philosophy of serving “Famiglia Style”, the all a la carte menu with a total of 32 dishes spans the entire spectrum of Italian dining, from light antipasti (13 dishes), pasta courses (7 dishes) to hearty mains and sharing mains (7 dishes) and classic desserts (5 dishes).
Guests can begin with dishes such as Mozzarella Braid from Campania (HK$228) with ox heart tomatoes and Taggiasca olives, Veal Tonnato (HK$218) featuring a classic Fassone veal and tuna sauce, Beef Tartare (HK$198) with hand-cut Fassona beef, marinated egg yolk, or Baby Octopus (HK$198) with ‘nduja and white polenta or an Orange Carpaccio (HK$138) – Thinly sliced orange, sweet & sour dressing, Spanish anchovies.
Fresh home-made pasta takes centre stage, with highlights including Lasagna Terrine (HK$188) with ragù Bolognese, Pappardelle (HK$208) with yellow chicken ragù with chicken heart, gizzard and comb, hand-folded Tortellini (HK$238) with artisan ham, peas and cream, Gnocchetti (HK$328) with Sicilian red prawns, shellfish broth and fennel pollen or the show-stopper. Other great pasta sharing options include Paccheri – Whole Boston Lobster, Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Basil (HK$498).
Designed for sharing, larger-format dishes include a Veal Chop (HK$588) cooked in clarified butter and sage or a more sinful version, served with mortadella and melted provola cheese (HK$688), a charcoal-grilled 600g Wagyu Rib Eye (HK$988) served with mustard seeds and red wine jus, and Ma Yau Fish (HK$528) prepared Acqua Pazza style.
For those dining individually, offerings include Hanger Steak (HK$338) with seasonal vegetables and Italian chimichurri, grilled Pork Neck Skewers (HK$268) with leeks, “scapece” zucchini or roasted Octopus (HK$248) served with Peperonata, Romesco bell pepper sauce, smoked oil and more.
To finish, guests can enjoy Italian classics such as Ninetta Tiramisu (HK$108) with hazelnut, coffee, crispy crêpes, Pistachio Cake (HK$138) with Pistachio sabayon, Cherry Panna Cotta (HK$98) and Pesca Melba (HK$108) with Peach, vanilla ice cream, raspberry, marsala sabayon.
A Modern Trattoria Filled with Warmth and Energy
Inspired by nostalgic Italian homes and infused with touches of 1980s and 1990s design, Ninetta’s interiors feature warm earthy tones, inviting textures and a lively atmosphere that evolves throughout the day. An outdoor terrace extends the energy of the restaurant into the heart of Central, creating the perfect setting for aperitivo, people-watching and long evenings with friends. The soundtrack reflects the restaurant’s playful spirit, featuring Italian remixes of beloved 80’s classics, while service is designed to feel warm and welcoming.
Wines, Spritzes and Italian Hospitality
Complementing Chef Marco Xodo’s menu is a beverage programme inspired by Italy’s rich aperitivo culture. Guests can enjoy timeless Italian classic cocktails including the Negroni (HK$88), Garibaldi (HK$88) and Hugo Spritz (HK$88), alongside a wine list that celebrates the diversity of Italian winemaking from north to south. For those seeking alcohol-free alternatives, Ninetta also offers a dedicated selection of zero-proof drinks crafted with seasonal ingredients, fresh citrus and Mediterranean-inspired flavours, ensuring there is something for every guest around the table.
Showcasing wines from Veneto, Piedmont, Tuscany, Campania, Sicily, and beyond, Ninetta’s wine list offers everything from easy-drinking everyday selections to some of Italy’s most prestigious labels. Standout choices include Mastroberardino Falanghina, Alberto Oggero Roero Arneis, Stomennano Chianti Classico, and Frescobaldi Castel Giocondo Brunello di Montalcino, alongside icons such as Antinori Tignanello and Sassicaia for those marking a special occasion.
For those seeking quality without extravagance, Ninetta’s wine list features five sparkling wines priced between HK$450 and HK$980, 18 whites from HK$450 to HK$1,080, 23 reds from HK$480 to HK$3,980, and two dessert wines ranging from HK$480 to HK$680.
Ninetta has now open in Central with dinner service daily (except Tuesday), lunch service on 10th + 11th + 17th + 18th + 24th + 25th + 31st July from noon – 1430pm with a reduced a la carte menu and from 1st August with a daily lunch offering (except Tuesday). Stay tuned on all happenings and latest news via the restaurant’s social networks.
