Cenacolo Steak & Pasta  

We stumbled upon Cenacolo Restaurant in between two events. We walked past, the menu looked interesting enough, it was 6pm and the place was empty, so we simply walked in. They first offered to us a table by the door, but then offered us a very cozy round one toward the back of the restaurant. We would have to finish within an hour and a half, but we had plans for the evening anyway, so that was no problem.
We had brought a bottle of wine, and given that corkage was minimal (100 or 150, I don’t remember), we asked them to open it for us. The manager (I assume) did that, and got all sentimental because it came from the area where he was from. Nice guy, we talked a bit about Italy with him.
We ordered food: beef carpaccio as appetizer, one pizza, and gnocchi with tomato sauce. First came bread, which was decent enough but nothing special. It would have helped if the olive oil and balsamico had been tasty … The carpaccio could have used some tastier olive oil, too; it was not bad, but rather unexciting. The gnocchi were alright, but a little too chewy in texture. The tomato sauce was quite tasty. However, the pizza was the absolute disaster … a thin, tasteless, industrially made crust (you know these little holes on the underside? the really evenly spaced ones? that’s what we found when we looked at the bottom of the pizza …) that was neither crunchy nor chewy, nor anything in particular. It had tomato sauce, mushrooms, and plenty of cheese, which was alright, but the dough was simply awful. When we commented on the pizza, the manager replied “well, this is not Italy.” If this is not Italy, then how come that even places like Pizza Express manage to make decent pizza??
We had coffee after dinner, and it was one of the worst espressos we’ve ever had. Our coffee maker at home makes better stuff.
Service was decent; reasonably fast yet not intrusive.
Overall, we thought Cenacolo was not worth going back because the food was simply bland (which is a horrible thing to do to Italian food … does the Italian manager not have a say in the kitchen?) and unexciting. It was not too expensive, but the food is simply not worth it.

made reservations at 730 for 2. the person who wrote my name spelled it completely wrong. Tried to explain how to spell my last name about 10 times - not difficult at all but I guess the guy wasn't too good with his english. The place wasn't too packed when we got there, which was good because we were about 10 mins late for our reservation and I've heard they would keep you waiting regardless of whether or not you have reservations.

They served us with hot bread but the bread was hot....but wet was COMPLETELY turned off.... told the waiter and he changed the bread for us. The changed bread was good though.

we Ordered

Appetizer: (was going to order the tomato bruchetta but was persuaded by the waiter to order the antipasto because he said it was super good...
when it came...honestly, not too impressed. Felt like a bunch of things just put together. Salmon, grilled vegetables, cheese, olives, ham.... feels like something I could put together after a trip to the supermarket.

Main:
Mozzarella Pizza - light, very good.
Al Dente Pasta- huge portion but I felt like this tasted a bit "asian". The spaghetti was cooked at JUST the timing, not too hard and not too soft so it was good.

Desert:
Tiramisu - OK...

Overall, it was pretty good. The main course made up for it. I think for two, it would be enough to order maybe an appetizers and a pasta + desert to share with since the portions run slightly big.

Would come again to try other pastas

I would like to share my bad experience tonight. I made the reservation with this restaurant yesterday for two. When we arrived tonight, they only arranged a table exactly at the entrance, which everyone entered the restaurant will walk by us. We complained but they just said this is it. We decided to leave and they said we can come next time. We said there is no next time and their response is it is ok. What kind of attitude it is!!! Definitely will never visit this restaurant anymore!

I work in Central I used to visit this restaurant few times a year.

In the past I made a reservation for 2-3 people at 1pm a few times. I normally arrived there by 1.05pm. Unfortunately when I arrived the restaurant it was full house. I had to wait for 15-20 mins. Lunch time in Central time is money. We all have to get back to work by 2.15

This time again I made a reservation the day before. I "deliberately" told the lady that I would definitely be coming, please reserve a table for me. When I arrived the restaurant at 1.05pm, it was completely full. There was no table about to leave. Which meant there was no table reserved for me indeed. I was so disappointed and angry. I could not wait for another 20+ mins for a weekday lunch.

WHAT'S THE POINT OF MAKING A RESERVATION?????

I have deleted the contact of this restaurant and I would never go there again.

My third time been to the same address. Every time the restaurant changed to a new one, though each of them were good . (guess due to $$$ rent)
Tried oyster, sirloin, pasta and tiramisu.
Oysters were fresh, crispy and fruity. not the cheapest in town but valued for $.
Prime sirlion was nicely char-grilled. Ordered medium and it came out in medium, good!
Capellini in white wine & garlic, al dente & properly seasoned. one of the bests in town.

Finished with tiramisu, just so-so. It may be good for cocoa lover. But I prefer stronger aramatto & espresso taste.

Definitely will go again.

This week is ‘Week of Good food’!
Another lunch gathering with good friend in Central!! Just two of us, she preferred to take ‘Western food’ so we went for Italian food. Cenacolo Steak & Pasta (Central) is located in Graham Street. It is not easy to find. I have visited this restaurant many times but it is the first trial of my buddy. I made a reservation a day before so we did not need to wait!:

It charges HK$88 + 10% for set lunch, average price in SOHO area. (Soup/Salad + main course + dessert + Coffee/Tea). I would suggest to make a reservation and sit more inside on request. By the way, I missed the basket of bread (Focaccia), like ‘Al Dente’. My buddy told me that they are owned by the same owner. No wonder!

We ordered one Pumpkin soup/ one salad/ Grilled chicken (very big portion) and Fish of the day , then we shared! Buddy ma! One bad comment from my buddy is the dessert, Apple crumble and one scoop of vanilla ice-cream. Ice cream is obviously cheap one! If not sharing with my buddy, I prefer to take pasta. They usually serve with a bowl of fresh parmesan cheese! I love it! Pizza is also good but we were 2 only. Too much! One last remarks is after 1:00 pm, the shop became busy, then it was a bit quite noisy.

heard that Cenacolo belonged to the AL DENTE branch. I've had wonderful experiences at Al Dente so decided to try this out as well. It was slightly disappointing.

Food:
1. House salad - no comment. Just an ordinary, very average salad.
2. Pumpkin soup - i didn't have it, but G did not finish it, so it speaks volumes about the quality.
3. Sole Fillet: the fish wasn't fresh. It was probably purchased at a supermarket. Either the batter was poorly made or they left the fish sitting for too long after being cooked - it was slightly soggy. Seasoning was OK.
4. Chicken: the only acceptable thing, by my standards. At least they gave me a generous serving and the meat wasn't rough. Not exactly 'tender and juicy' though, but i guess that varies from chicken to chicken? The bed of veg was alright, especially the mash.
5. Tiramisu - big disappointment. not quite cold enough. and the cream was almost tasteless. liquor not strong enough either.

ON the whole:
Well.....for lunch at Soho, $90 is a fair deal. But why not go to Al Dente? Same price, better quality. One would visit Al Dente. Unless of course it's full, which is the case most of the time. ^^''

it was pouring and so we changed plans to dine at soho rather than trek to CWB. Made reservations last minute and there was plenty tables available, probably because it was a rainy saturday afternoon. There was a set lunch menu ($88) (this place offers brunch - i.e. egg items on Sundays I believe), with a choice of soup or salad for starters, fish / chicken / beef / pasta of the day for mains, and either dessert of the day or coffee/tea as final course.

For starters, I had the pumpkin soup (soup of day) which came with two garlic croutons... Whilst the soup was great with a sprinkle of cheese (mozzarella?), I didn't enjoy the croutons as they were quite soggy.

M's salad of apricot and orange segments looked very tasty and colourful...she seemed to enjoy it as every bit of this place was gone! =))

For my main I chose the Fish of the day with tomato-basil sauce, rather than the menu-prescribed lemon butter sauce, which the waitress gladly changed for me. The fish turned out to be a very boring but well-seasoned (therefore tasty) piece of sole fillet. Underneath was some standard grilled veggies - carrots, eggplant, broccoli etc and potato mash. The sauce was good - tangy as it was rich with stewed tomatoes (not ketchup, yayy) and I love basil so I was happy.

M chose the grilled chicken (breast used, but she didn't realise) which arrived with the same tomato-basil sauce on top, and grilled veggies + mash underneath. Apart from the protein I am guessing it was quite similar in taste to my main? M thought the chicken was quite dry though...

As an ending to our meal I chose to have coffee as I was already stuffed....I was engaged in a good conversation with my friend so I forgot to really taste it =P I just remembered "not bad" crossing my mind, but nothing to write home about.

My friend chose dessert of the day - tiramisu, which came with a scoop of ice cream. Whilst I think the addition of ice cream is not necessary for most desserts (save for chocolate fondant and apple crumble), I'm not complaining that Cenacolo chose to provide a scoop with their dessert! This was clearly a slice from a large batch. I had a bite of the tiramisu - very light, like commercialised tiramisus, but the sweetness was just right. Portion was good for a set-lunch, and a small sweet ending to a meal.

Perhaps I shall visit for their a la carte menu, but won't be returning for their set lunch (too boring!)...

[original post + more pics see http://gastronomerr.blogspot.com/2010/06/set-lunch-at-cenacolo.html]

I love it!

I would not say that this is the best italian but the quality of the food is good and portion are huge !

Food=> 4/5
I always ordered the pasta quattro fromaggio which si delicious
They also bring you a bowl full of fresh parmesan...so goodddd
Pizzas are also very good specially the roccula...

Decoration=> 2/5
Quite noisy but good for group dinner !

Service=> 3/5
So so

Love this place! And always come here whenever I can't think of where to go....I even soemtimes crave for their pasta!
Prefer this over Al Dente (their sister restaurant) because it's more spacious
I would consider it being one of the best Italian restaurants in town!
The prices are considered VERY REASONABLE (even cheap) for the quality and portions! And in portion, I mean, all their salads/pastas can be shared between 2!
But that's what great about it. I would think the service can be better, but you can only expect so much from a restaurant that's always packed!
Generally ALL the food is good, my personal favourites are their:
The bread basket is good! Normally comes hot and fresh and unlimited, as long as you ask. But becareful of losing appetite for the mains!!
Appetizers:
Chicken salad
Seafood salad
Bruchetta
Mushroom with goat cheese (and I don't normally eat goat cheese!)
Pastas:
Vongole
Pepperoncino
Pizza: one of the best in town! It's because of the mozzarella they use! Just a note: It's thick crust
Main:
The steak with tiger prawns- for less than $200? Seriously where else can you find this kinda deal in town?!!
Dessert:
I'm always too full for dessert!
But I did manage to try out the tiramisu
It's good!

Tastes great!
Excellent price (especially for the large portions!)
Great for all occassions! But definitely need to book in advance.

I have been told about this place by a number of friends, and I finally get to eat here.

Despite its rather inconvenient location (away from the heart of Central), it was full house on a Thursday lunch! I had high expections..... which turned out to be fulfilled.

The entree was fine. I had the salad and my friend had the soup. But the main course, we both ordered the lamb kebab, which was simply delicious. No wonder there were so many people!

The down side is, there was no enough waiter, and it was a bit hot inside the restaurant. Though the food is totally worthwhile. Set lunch was only $88 plus 10% surcharge. Highly recommended.

this is the fourth time i'm at cenacolo and the quality has always been very consistent - its pasta tasty, moderately authentic and very reasonably priced, while its service horrendous as usual. nonetheless, it's still one of my favorite pasta place in hong kong because it is what italian food should be - homey and easy on the palate, down-to-earth in short. if i want some sophisticated gastronomy at astronomical price, i would have gone for french.

cenacolo is a relatively new addition to the al dente italian restaurant group, kitchen headed by the same chef imran shawkat. seating is comfortable but noise level can be a bit out of control since the restaurant has no windows and tables are very close to each other.

we decided to skip the standard lunch menu and looked into a la carte. J ordered plain linguine (actually it's supposed to be spaghetti...) with garlic/wild mushroom in olive oil/wine sauce, while i ordered the linguine with clams in olive oil/wine sauce. my favorite pasta at cenacolo is pietro, but i decided to go for something slightly lighter today. both tasted delicious; the pasta was chewy and a bit firm (al dente), the generous use of garlic made the pasta almost addictive. though there was a lot of oil, it didn't feel too greasy because of the extra garlic chips that stimulated our appetite.

i have had other seafood/meat dishes at cenacolo in my previous visits, but i can only call them mediocre and unimpressive. scallops were overcooked, pan-fried soles were VERY oily and meat a bit rough. my friend was not very happy with his steak either. but for pasta, it's always been consistent (simpler dishes and and quality is much easier to control).

service:

the front house is staffed by middle-east and filipinos. there are ~4 waiters and 1 restaurant manager, and from time to time there is another guy not wearing uniform hanging around, so i can only guess this is a family restaurant. can get pretty hectic during busy lunch hour. i have had dinner 2x lunch 2x here, and the service ranges from adequate to vile, depending on what food you order. set lunch? tap water? main entrees only and no appetizer? your business is not wanted. wine & beverage? full course? dessert & coffee? the restaurant manager looks like a to-be father-in-law whose 40-year-old fat ugly daughter you're about to marry. so in both cases, i really have a problem with their service.

i'll still come to cenacolo for my pasta fix. but i restrict it to lunch only because i do not want to spend any more than 1 hour putting up with unpleasant staffs.

for original post with pictures: http://randomnomad.wordpress.com/2009/09/18/cenacolo/

I had dined here once, but I didn't write a review then, this time I am writing about my second visit.

I called and placed my booking at this restaurant 3 days (a Wednesday) prior to the booking date (a Saturday). A man picked up the call and asked for my name, my reservation time and no. of guests. I told him accordingly and he said, 'See you'.

On Saturday, 2 hrs before my reservation time, I found it strange nobody called to confirm my reservation and recall, that man did not ask for my phone no. at the time of reservation. So, I called the restaurant. An indian lady picked up the call and said they didn't have my booking - this is 2 hrs from my reservation time.

I explained that I still have the call record on my mobile out-going call log and I can show it to them. Plus, I can tell precisely what time did I call and a man picked up. I went on explaining that night's dinner is for my mother's birthday, so I would really appreciate if they can give me a table or send me somewhere within their group, because it would be so hard to reserve a table.

That lady tried to talk to somebody else while covering the phone handset and told me, there's nothing they can do. Their manager is not around, and he doesn't carry a mobile with him. Finally, the lady ASKED ME TO BOOK ELSEWHERE.

Yeah I dined once there, portion is big, pasta alright, not very traditional italian food. But just like one of the people who wrote here before, with that kind of reservation attitude, I will never go there again.

Ended up that night, I went to another place at Admiralty, nice wine, nice food, nice table and excellent service. I believe there're better food, better choice out there, than to waste my time on a restaurant with no professionalism even before a client enters the place.

Call me ignorant if you want but not until today did I realize that this place belongs to the same group as Al Dente which I frequent and consider it as one of my favorite casual Italian restaurants in town. The place is more spacious for one but the seating seems equally packed like Al Dente is. One thing I often hear from friends about Al Dente @ Soho was the bad service and I have to agree based on my past experiences of dinning there without ordering any wines. Yes, it is the order of wines that would make the difference. The last time I went to Al Dente was about a week ago and it seemed like their service is improving! Let's wait and see.

Arrived at Cenacolo around 12:30pm for lunch and the place was relatively empty so I picked a table near the wall because it was more spacious. The manager (I assumed he is because of his outfit) asked if I would like any drinks to start with and I replied "water is fine." He then continued, "distilled or sparkling? " and I replied "ice water is fine." He did not show any discontent or anything and smiled back at me even though I did not order bottle water. His simple smile is a big surprise and earn a big thumbs up for this review. I am sure all of you have experienced some unpleasant moments when ordering drinks, particular with water.

My friend and I ordered set lunches with the following items: (1) Soup of the Day - Cream of Broccoli, (2) Greek Salad, (3) Chicken Toscana, (4) Pasta of the Day - Mushroom linguine & (5) Some Pudding as dessert (more like carrot cakes)

(1) Soup of the Day - Cream of Broccoli
According to my friend, the soup tasted pretty good. Strong broccoli and butter taste. However, she raised an interesting question. With such strong or rich broccoli taste in a soup, how can the color of the soup remained white or beige? A good question indeed and I have no idea. If you do, please do let me know.

(2) Greek Salad
Just like any other Greek salad you can find everywhere. Portion wise I am surprised that it was pretty generous. Forgot to mention about the bread but then again just another garlic baked bread. I like it without the olive oil and vinegar because it has enough taste by itself.

(3) Chicken Toscana
My friend gave me a piece of the chicken toscana to try. Chicken Toscana is basically chicken breast stuffed with spinach. It was very good. The side dishes like egg plant and mashed potatoes were all hot off the plate and the stuffing / spinach goes really well with the chicken breast which was tender throughout. A well prepared dish indeed.

(4) Pasta of the Day - Mushroom linguine
The linguine was above average, not only was it al dente, it was hot which is an important factor for a good dish of pasta or for any hot dishes for that matter. Another reason I liked this dish they prepared was the sauce. I am not a big fan of tomato sauce because usually it is overly sour / citrus. The sauce here was rather sweet which I certainly preferred. Again, portion was generous and can certainly fill your stomach and give you a very sleepy afternoon at work. Just a warning for the potential food coma!

(5) Pudding?
Some kind of pudding as we were being told but it tasted more like carrot cakes to me. An overly sweet carrot cakes soaked in syrup with caramel sauce on top. The ice cream did not help but exemplified the sweetness of the pudding / cake. Thanks, but I think I will definitely skip next time.

Likes:

* Generous portions for all dishes
* Friendly Staff in general (but not very experienced for a few of them)
* Well prepared pasta and stuffed chicken, will to try other dishes next time

Dislikes:

* Environment / Seating rather packed
* Small Tables
* Temperature Control (front door always remain opened)
* Overly sweet dessert

recommended by a fd & lunch here about 2 mth ago

forgot the exact ite,s in lunch set: salad + bread + pasta + drink, don't remember whether there is soup

salad - great, large portion & fresh
bread - fresh & taste special
pasta - ok
drink - ok

environment - not crowded or noisy, may be it's becasue of Sun brunch time. a little bit "dark" for lunch but fine for me

really good place for gd gathering