Wineshark Mystery Restaurant - Primo Posto

This Italian restaurant is dedicated to Milanese cuisine, located on the iconic steps of Shin Hing Street in Central. At the entrance, the small table with the candlelight and the checkered tablecloth already gave us a nice feeling of comfort, showing a welcoming and homely ambience.

The restaurant is quite small, with tables packed. While it is a bit noisy, seated at our table near the bar, with wooden wall panels in the background, some festive decorations, and the plenty of wine bottles lining on the racks near the ceiling, truly creates the vibe of an authentic Milanese bistro.

We started with Torta Salata di Fegatini ($148). The delicious creamy chicken liver pate was encased in a crunchy shortbread crust, with some cranberries and chives on top, along with some Campari jelly to give its unique herbal notes of the famous Milanese liqueur to the smooth liver pate. A very nice appetizer.

Then we had Mondeghilli Meatballs ($98). Beautifully deep-fried to golden brown on the outside, the meatballs were seasoned well and good in taste. On top there was some garlic mayonnaise and a small piece of pickled red onion to enhance the flavours further and give a touch of acidity to stimulate the palate as well.

Next was the signature Pumpkin Gnocchi ($178). The gnocchi had wonderful al dente texture, with a touch of the pumpkin sweetness and flavours but not excessive. Very good in taste together with the Parmesan cream for its savoury note, and the fragrance of the sage and roasted pine nuts. A must order in my opinion.

For the main course we had opted for Cotoletta alla Milanese ($568). The bone in veal chop was prepared in Milanese style, coated with breadcrumbs before deep-frying. The veal was tender and juicy, with the squeeze of lemon juice adding a nice citrus acidity to reduce any greasy feeling, and the portion was large enough for sharing among two people.

We picked two desserts to share, Tiramisu ($98) was a recipe from Chef Emanuele’s grandmother, scooped from a large baking tray at table side. The mascarpone was nice in sweetness, and instead of coffee-soaked ladyfinger the bottom looked more like a sort of sponge cake to me, but nonetheless delicious.

The other dessert was Panettone with Zabaglione ($98). The classic sweet Italian bread is a Milan specialty and usually prepared and enjoyed during this festive season. With icing sugar on top and fluffy zabaglione on the side, made by whisking together egg yolk with sugar and sweet Marsala, it was another great dessert not to be missed.

Service was good, with the staff friendly and eager to recommend for us. The bill on the night was $1,593. The overall experience was wonderful, and the whole restaurant showed a happy and joyful ambience which was truly phenomenal. If you want to enjoy a nice Milanese bistro, this would be a great choice.