Casa Sophia Loren Welcomes Executive Chef Luca Schiavone and Launches New Southern Italian-Inspired Menus

Casa Sophia Loren marks an exciting culinary milestone this April by unveiling its all-new menus, designed by newly appointed Executive Chef Luca Schiavone.

Since opening last April, Casa Sophia Loren, set in a historic building overlooking Johnston Road, has cultivated a loyal following for its sophisticated Italian dining experience. The restaurant has quickly established itself as one of Hong Kong’s top venues for celebrating special occasions. This April, Casa Sophia Loren is ready to embark on an exciting new chapter with the appointment of Executive Chef Luca Schiavone. Under Chef Luca’s expert guidance, the restaurant proudly unveils a reimagined menu that showcases Southern Italian cuisine's bold and vibrant flavours, inspired by the classic elegance and vivacity of the legendary actress Sophia Loren.

Sicilian native Chef Luca Schiavone has spent over a decade refining his culinary skills at some of London’s most renowned Italian restaurants. His distinguished career includes roles as Head Chef at the Michelin-starred Zafferano, Cecconi’s in Mayfair, and the chic Shoreditch House. In these positions, Chef Luca has significantly impacted London’s modern Italian dining scene.

Chef Luca's deep passion for Southern Italian heritage shines through his inventive culinary style. He expertly enhances classic dishes using refined techniques, making his cooking often vibrant, fresh, and bursting with flavour. Inspired by his family cooking tradition and his professional journeys through regions like Sardinia, Tuscany, and Umbria, Chef Luca expertly merges traditional elements with modern innovations, creating a menu that honours the true spirit of Southern Italy while incorporating a touch of contemporary sophistication.

“At Casa Sophia Loren, we embrace the philosophy of ‘casa nostra’ our home,” says Chef Luca. “When guests dine here, I want them to feel like they’ve entered my family kitchen. Being Sicilian, we honour our ingredients and cherish food in its purest form. My cooking focuses on bringing out the best in our ingredients, often emphasising no more than three key components in each dish. It’s all about simplicity, balance, and flavour.”

A Fresh Chapter: The All-New À La Carte Menu with Zesty Fresh Flavours

The new menu promises to enchant Hong Kong diners by celebrating Southern Italian cuisine's light, fresh, and zesty flavour profiles. Renowned for its love of seafood and vibrant Mediterranean ingredients, this cuisine resonates strongly with Hong Kong’s discerning palate. Chef Luca’s culinary vision revitalises Casa Sophia Loren’s offerings, featuring everything from delicate seafood creations to tomato-based sauces infused with sun-kissed citrus and herb flavours. Guests can expect dishes that exude warmth, authenticity, and a sense of home—each a tribute to the chef’s Sicilian heritage and passion for Italian gastronomy.

With a brand-new curated menu, guests can indulge in vibrant appetisers:

Tuna Tartare (HK$168): The fresh tuna topped with crisp cucumber for added texture. The dish is elevated by clarified tomato water, prepared by blending whole tomatoes and filtering the juice overnight for a concentrated flavour, and garnished with herb oil made with fresh mint, parsley, and basil.

Signature Truffle Beef Carpaccio (HK$288): Thin-sliced filet lightly seasoned with house-blend truffle extra virgin olive oil and lemon oil, garnished with crushed toasted hazelnut from Piedmont and topped with shaved organic black truffle.

Stew Baby Octopus (HK$178): One of Naples' favourite summer dishes, fresh baby octopus cooked in homemade summery tomato sauce, served with toasted sourdough.

Merluzzo (HK$188): Showcasing Chef Luca’s interpretation of a classic Sicilian potato salad, this dish features a tender, slow-cooked cod fillet paired with crushed potatoes enriched with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and fresh thyme. It is finished with crème fraîche, lemon zest, chives, and crispy potato skin.

The all-new a la carte menu presents a delightful array of standout pasta selections blending creativity and sophistication, including:

Spaghetto Carrettiera (HK$158): This cherished recipe comes from Chef Luca’s mother. It showcases fresh summer tomatoes slow cooked to achieve the perfect flavour and consistency, with a touch of chilli and garlic. The pasta is then gently sautéed in the sweet tomato sauce and topped with a generous handful of fresh basil. Simple yet full of character, this dish beautifully captures the vibrant essence of Italian home cooking at its finest.

Seafood Homemade Purple Potato Gnocchi (HK$228): Chef Luca’s reimagined take on a Southern Italian classic features less-starchy purple potato gnocchi, resulting in a pillowy texture and a nutty flavour. It is accompanied by cooked squid, mussels, clams, and Sicilian pink prawns, all enhanced by a rich tomato and crustacean seafood sauce with fresh basil. The dish brims with bold coastal flavours.

Ravioli Capresi (HK$198): These delicate, pillowy ravioli are filled with buffalo mozzarella and served in a glossy, rich meat sauce made from Sicilian pork sausage, pork rack, and beef shank, all slow-braised in tomato sauce for five hours. It is garnished with lightly whipped parmesan sauce and a toasted pistachio crumble. Inspired by Chef Luca’s grandmother’s beloved Sunday family meal recipe, this dish is a heartfelt tribute to his culinary heritage and family traditions.

Linguine (HK$258): This dish is served in a luscious lobster bisque, complemented by diced zucchini and a silky zucchini velouté. It is elegantly topped with Sicilian red prawn tartare and a touch of lemon zest, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and savoury flavours.

Homemade Tagliolini with Seabass (HK$328): This dish features al dente tagliolini paired with a butter-poached seabass fillet. Finished with fragrant Sorrento lemon and a touch of luxurious caviar, it is a simple yet elegant showcase of premium ingredients at their finest.

Crispy Rigatoni (HK$178): Chef Luca reinvents a beloved Italian tradition of pan-frying leftover pasta—a nostalgic trick once used to entice children to finish their meals. In his refined version, freshly cooked rigatoni is pan-fried to achieve a delicate, crispy exterior while remaining perfectly al dente. Served with a classic Bolognese sauce, this dish seamlessly blends childhood comfort with sophisticated culinary technique, offering a delightful interplay of texture and flavour.

Casa Sophia Loren’s new menu offers succulent main options that delight the palate and captivate the senses with their enticing aromas and stunning presentation—perfect for those looking to indulge.

Wood Box, Smoked Cockerel Chicken with Herbs (HK$298): Italian Cockerel chicken is grilled to achieve a beautifully caramelised skin and finished in the oven for tender, juicy meat. Served with a refreshing lemon zest dressing, the flavours are further elevated through a dramatic tableside herb-smoking, presented in a custom wooden box filled with thyme, rosemary, and sage for an aromatic finish.

Carta Fata (HK$298): The cod fillet, fresh mussels, and cherry tomatoes are sealed in transparent baking parchment paper and baked to perfection. The sealed bag traps all the flavours and steam, ensuring the seafood remains tender and infused with natural juices. Presented tableside, the bag is opened to release a burst of incredible aromas, filling the dining room with the enticing essence of the dish.

Gran Cacciucco Seafood (HK$888): A spectacular Italian fisherman’s stew featuring a medley of cod, Sicilian pink prawns, squid, mussels, clams, and langoustine. Slow-simmered with red wine and tomatoes, this hearty dish is infused with bold Mediterranean flavours and finished with tender seafood, making it perfect for sharing between 3 to 4 guests. Available for pre-order 48 hours in advance.

Charcoal Grilled Lamb Chop (HK$398): features perfectly grilled lamb chops with a light char on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. Accompanied by potatoes prepared three ways—steamed, slow-fried at a low temperature, and crisped at 190°C for a golden exterior and soft interior—the dish is finished with a vibrant artichoke and mint sauce, adding a refreshing zesty touch.

Casa Sophia Loren also offers a selection of Neapolitan pizzas, known for their soft, thin dough and signature high, airy edges. Chef Luca introduces a new addition to the menu with Pizza Tartufo (HK$388), inspired by the classic Asparagus Milanese dish of boiled asparagus with fried eggs and grated Parmigiano cheese. This spring-inspired pizza is topped with creamy buffalo mozzarella D.O.P., tender asparagus, organic eggs, and freshly shaved organic black truffle, bringing a touch of sophistication to a traditional favourite.

Complemented by Cake Trolley

Casa Sophia Loren introduces a brand-new cake trolley. This delightful addition features a selection of freshly baked classic Italian cakes reminiscent of the treats an Italian nonna would prepare for family gatherings. Dessert lovers can indulge directly by choosing their preferred slice, priced at HK$98 each. Selections include lemon tart, apple pie, carrot cake and more rotation items, all served with a scoop of Italian artisan ice cream for the perfect sweet finish.

Other inventive and entertaining dessert options include the Baba’misu (HK$128), a whimsical twist on two beloved Italian classics—Rum Babà and Tiramisu. This indulgent dessert combines Tiramisu's rich, coffee-soaked layers with the airy, rum-infused sponge of Babà. Served tableside, coffee is poured over the dessert, and guests can personalise their experience by selecting their preferred digestive to infuse, making it an irresistible, sweet, cheeky finish for a delightful meal.

Cocktail Trolley: Serving Pre and Post-Dinner Drinks

Dining at Casa Sophia Loren celebrates social connection and lively ambience, highlighted by the charming cocktail trolley served tableside to craft a selection of Italian aperitivo, perfectly capturing the convivial spirit of Italian dining. This pre-dinner ritual is designed to awaken your palate and stimulate your appetite before the meal, with popular options including the Pumaró Martini (HK$128), a refreshing blend of tomato water, vodka, white balsamic, pepper, and lemon; the Mediterranean Gin & Tonic (HK$98), featuring gin, green olive, rosemary, and Mediterranean tonic; the classic Aperol Spritz (HK$98), served with green olive; or the bold and aromatic Tuscan Negroni (HK$128), made with rosemary-and-sage-infused gin, aged red vermouth, and Campari bitter.

A New Five-Course “Lady L Tasting Menu” Experience

Experience the finest Casa Sophia Loren’s offerings and celebrate life’s moments in style with the new five-course tasting menu. Showcasing some of Chef Luca’s favourite creations, this thoughtfully curated menu is priced at HK$688 per person. Guests can begin with a choice from the selection of enticing new appetisers, including freshly shucked David Herve Oyster; Tuna Tartare with cucumber, tomato water and herbs oil; Burrata with Jerusalem purée and crispy artichoke; Stewed Baby Octopus in tomato sauce with sourdough; or the Signature Truffle Beef Carpaccio with hazelnut crumble and organic black truffle (+HK$90).

For the pasta course, options include Linguine with zucchini velouté and Sicilian red prawn tartare; Ravioli Capresi with meat sauce and pistachio crumble; Spaghetto Carrettiera with slow-cooked sweet tomatoes and crispy basil; and Tagliolini with butter and truffle tossed in a Parmesan wheel (+HK$90). This is followed by the main course, featuring choices such as Beef Tagliata steak with arugula, shaved Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, and aged balsamic vinegar; Aubergine Parmigiana; or Carta Fata with cod, mussels, and cherry tomatoes oven-baked in parchment paper.

Conclude the meal on a sweet note with indulgent desserts, including selections from the Cake Trolley accompanied by a scoop of ice cream, the classic Tiramisu, or a glass of Limoncello, a fitting end to a sumptuous dining experience.

Weekday Set Lunch

Indulge in a delightful weekday set lunch at Casa Sophia Loren, available Tuesday to Friday from 12 pm to 3 pm, priced at HK$280 for a two-course meal. Featuring an ever-changing selection of dishes, the menu offers a mix of fresh creations and innovative plates—some debuting exclusively before making their way to the à la carte menu. Perfect for those looking to enjoy a refined yet approachable dining experience. Highlights include Zucchini Soup with tomato concasse and croutons; Tuna Tartare with avocado and fennel seeds; Beef Carpaccio in mustard dressing with pickled onion, rocket and Parmesan; Linguine Vongole and Bottarga; Gnocchetto with spicy tomato and burrata; Eggplant Parmigiana; and many more.

All prices are subject to 10% service charges.

Located at 1/F, 60-66 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Casa Sophia Loren is open Tuesday through Sunday and closed Monday. For more information and reservations, please visit www.heritage1888.com, call +852 3594 6199, or follow @casasophialorenhk on Instagram.

About Executive Chef Luca Schiavone

Chef Luca Schiavone believes authenticity and staying true to one's culinary roots are the cornerstones of a wholesome dining experience. A proud Sicilian native, Chef Schiavone grew up surrounded by his family's culinary traditions. His father, a passionate home cook, and his grandparents, who spent countless hours in the kitchen, profoundly influenced his early connection to food. Some of his earliest memories include making tomato sauce with his grandfather at the tender age of six, an experience that ignited his love for cooking.

Dedicated to honing his craft, Chef Schiavone attended culinary school in Sicily for five years. While learning the theoretical and technical aspects of cooking, he gained valuable hands-on experience working part-time in local restaurants. After completing his formal education, he embarked on a journey across Italy, immersing himself in the regional cuisines of Sardinia, Tuscany, and Umbria. This exploration allowed him to deepen his understanding of Italy's diverse culinary heritage, shaping the foundation of his cooking philosophy.

Chef Schiavone spent a transformative decade in London, where he made his mark in some of the city's most esteemed restaurants. He worked as Head Chef at the Venetian-inspired Cecconi’s in Mayfair, the Michelin-starred Zafferano, and the renowned Shoreditch House. In late 2020, Chef Schiavone returned to Sicily for a six-month sojourn to reconnect with his roots and immerse himself in the traditions that shaped his culinary identity. Following this period of introspection, he worked as a private chef in Mykonos before relocating to Hong Kong in early 2022. Taking the helm as Executive Chef at Tai Kwun’s Italian restaurant Cantina, he brought his unique brand of authentic yet innovative Italian cooking to the vibrant culinary landscape of Hong Kong.

Today, Chef Schiavone leads the Casa Sophia Loren kitchen, showcasing his heritage through genuine and authentic Southern Italian cuisine. Guided by a deep respect for tradition, he breathes new life into cherished family recipes, blending precise modern techniques with the heartfelt flavours of his upbringing. Many of his dishes carry sentimental significance, honouring the memories and emotions tied to his family and childhood in Sicily. Under his culinary direction, diners are welcomed and made to feel genuinely valued, experiencing dishes that resonate with authenticity and warmth. Chef Schiavone’s relentless pursuit of culinary excellence ensures that every bite celebrates tradition, innovation, and the essence of Italian hospitality.

About Sophia Loren Hong Kong

In an enchanting blend of history, culture, and gastronomic excellence, Wan Chai's beloved Woo Cheong Pawn Shop is reborn in the spirit of the fun-loving "la dolce vita" as Sophia Loren Hong Kong since 2024.

Sophia Loren Hong Kong is the first international footprint for the Sophia Loren Restaurant brand, inaugurated by the actress with her first namesake restaurant in collaboration with Neapolitan entrepreneur and politician Luciano Cimmino in Florence in 2021.

The one-stop contemporary dining and entertainment destination features four distinct dining and entertainment concepts spread across several floors, marking a significant milestone in Hong Kong's gastronomic scene.

About Casa Sophia Loren

Located on the first floor, Casa Sophia Loren offers a refined Italian menu that combines timeless culinary traditions with a contemporary touch, inspired by the iconic actress Sophia Loren and her passion for authentic, honest food.

To reach the restaurant, diners can ascend a theatrically lit mirrored staircase from the ground floor, where the more casual and boldly hued Sophia Loren Pizzeria is located, or opt for the elevator at the side of the building. Once inside, they’ll find a cosy yet glamorous space featuring an airy terrace with street-side views.

Accommodating up to 50 seated guests indoors, Casa Sophia Loren also features a semi-covered alfresco terrace extending along the entire street in front of the historic veranda-façade icon, providing space for 32 seated guests. This unique alfresco dining spot allows patrons to enjoy their favourite dishes on this spacious al fresco Italian-style terrazzo while soaking up the vibrant Wan Chai atmosphere with a picturesque view of the bustling Johnston Road tramway.

The interiors, designed by the award-winning MAG Design Studio in Italy, reflect timeless Mediterranean elegance. Decked out in shades of blue, white, and cream, the space is adorned with vibrant blue Murano glass chandeliers that evoke the shimmering Mediterranean Sea, a nod to Sophia Loren’s favourite colour. Casa Sophia Loren is where classic Italian tradition meets modern sophistication, all within a setting as beautiful as the cuisine it serves.

Address & Telephone

1/F 60-66 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong +852 3594 6199

Website

www.heritage1888.com

Opening Hours

Monday Closed

Tuesday – Friday: Lunch: 12 pm to 3 pm Dinner: 6 pm to 10:30 pm

Saturday & Sunday: Brunch: 12 pm to 4 pm Dinner: 6 pm to 10:30 pm

Instagram

@casasophialorenhk

Dedicated Hashtags

#CasaSophiaLoren #CasaNostra #WooCheongPawnShop

Seating
Indoor dining room to cater to 50 seated guests; semi-covered alfresco terrace to cater to 32 seated guests

Menu Offering

Weekday Lunch: Tuesday to Friday from 12 pm to 3 pm: HK$280 for two-course lunch

Weekend Brunch: Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm: Starting from HK$588 per person

Corkage

HK$400 for a 750ml bottle of wine or champagne, or buy one and get one waived on the corkage fee (maximum of 2 bottles).

Cake Charge

HK$350 per cake + 10% service charge

Dress Code

Smart Casual