CIAK - In The Kitchen | Hong Kong

Rating: ❤❤1/2

For a place that has been billed as the casual and cheaper cousin of the Michelin 3 star 8 1/2 Otto E Mezzo Bombana and with Chef Umberto Bombana as a consultant, I'd expected much more from CIAK. Located on the 3/F in Landmark, I came here on a late afternoon to grab something to eat since I didn't have lunch yet. As there was plenty of space, I didn't have to wait and got my choice of seating.

As I walked into the restaurant, I passed by a take-out counter in front where you can get food like bread and pastries on the go as well.

The seating area inside was pretty big and spacious but looked a bit like a cafeteria with the simple furniture.

The afternoon menu seemed a bit limited with desserts, pizzas, and cold cuts only, so I decided to get a pizza and dessert for my growling stomach.

Magherita ($160) - since I haven't tried their pizza before, I decided to get the basic magherita flavor with mozzarella, tomato and fresh basil. The size was decent with 6 slices but unfortunately the pizza was pretty disappointing. The crust was hard and not chewy enough with no flavor and no structure at all. The cheese was like a piece of plastic - it was a tasteless blob that was hard to tear through for some reason. There are much better choices for pizza in this area compared to this. [2.5/5]

For the dessert set in the afternoon menu, you can choose from a variety of desserts and pastries in the counter including a cup of coffee or tea. 

White Chocolate Cheese Cake ($58) - I ended up getting the white chocolate cheese cake since the waitress said this was one of their signature dessert. The cost itself was almost the same as the set so this seemed to be a better deal than their other pastries. The cheese cake was just average though as it wasn't that rich or creamy while overly sweet. I don't know how they can get away with charging over $50 for this compared to other places like 2/3 DOLCI which has much better desserts at cheaper prices. [3/5]

I ordered a latte with the set which was average as well as the microfoam on top was unusually cooler than most for some reason. 

Verdict - it was a pretty disappointing experience with the quality of food at CIAK for the price. Perhaps the pasta would be better here as I have heard good things about it, but not sure if I would go back again.

CIAK - In The Kitchen 
Shop 327-333, 3/F., The Landmark, 15 Queen's Road, Central
2522 8869 
http://www.ciakconcept.com/home.htm


Follow me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/supertastermel