Wineshark HK Restaurant Review - Cannubi Enoteca Cucina

This Italian restaurant is located in K11 Musea, and together with its sister restaurant Tuber on the same location, are the venture of Octavo Group and famous 3-star Michelin chef Umberto Bombana. It is named after the prestigious cru in the Barolo area which produces the famous Italian wine.

Wine definitely is a feature in the restaurant, with both a bar on one side having a large number of white and sparkling wines chilled, and another wine room keeping the premium reds just beside the internal stairs leading to Tuber. The tiled floor, leather chairs, wooden and marble tables, as well as the nice ambience is very soothing and comfortable. However, our table is only separated from the adjacent one by a screen, which does not exactly create a cozy feeling for us.

To start I order a glass of sparkling from Alta Langa DOCG, Marco Capra ‘Seitremenda’ ($180). This is a dry spumante made using traditional method from Pinot Nero and Chardonnay. I found it surprisingly versatile, and good in fact to pair with food for the whole meal.

We decide to order an appetizer and a pasta to share, follow by our own mains. To begin, the Roasted Octopus ($300) is quite delicious, with the octopus very soft and tender, pairing well with a nice citrus dressing, having good acidity to freshen up the palate and increase appetite, and serving together with some confit artichokes and purple cabbage to give a bit of their unique taste to the dish. A nice starter.

Next is Linguine ‘Gentile’ ($580), a signature of the restaurant, with the chef cooking a beautiful Carabinero Red Prawn together with some homemade linguine of amazing texture, with a good bite, and the thickness of the pasta just right to catch sufficient of the wonderful sauce with tomato confit. The staff reminds us also to mix the brown meat from the prawn head to the sauce to add extra flavors. We both like the pasta but with only a prawn the price is a bit too expensive.

To pair with the main dish, I have a glass of Marchesi di Barolo Cannubi Barolo 2015 ($220). While the wine has been made to allow consuming at a young age, there is not much excitement regarding development, and would probably fair better if allowing more time to age.

For the main, my wife has Alaskan Cod ($390), with the nicely seared cod served in a nice jus made from clams and seafood. The mixed assortment of olives, tomatoes and celtuce created a contrast in texture which is appealing. Pairing with the side dish of Sicilian Tomatoes, the sweet and plump fresh cherry tomatoes are seasoned with fresh oregano to give extra fragrance and enjoyment.

I have the “Te Mana” Rack of Lamb ($490), with the two pieces of thick lamb rack beautifully grilled with the perfect pinkish medium rare inside. Some anchovy gremolata is added as condiment for the lamb to give a bit of savory and zest, but the best piece is the aubergine chutney which is very tasty. The side dish of Organic Garden Salad, with the mustard dressing and egg yolk, help to reduce the heavy palate.

On the dessert, my wife has the Classic Tiramisu ($90), made from home-blend coffee and ladyfinger. It was not bad but did not capture her taste buds. I opt for Vanilla Pannacotta with Seasonal Red Fruits ($100). The assorted berries and wild strawberry sorbet provides the tartness to go with the pannacotta, balancing well the sweetness to make it light and airy, and is a good one for the ladies, who will not feel guilty enjoying.

Finishing with a cup of Double Espresso ($48), the overall dining experience is quite good, with the staff attentive and friendly. They can spend more time in explaining the dishes in my opinion though. The bill is $2,902 which is quite expensive considering the dishes we ordered, and if the restaurant is aiming as a more casual wine diner, perhaps it might be a bit too ambitious on pricing.