The Royal Garden's flagship Italian restaurant has a reputation more than three decades in the making. With its faded murals, porcelain vases lined up along the window ledges, and a live band playing quintessential Italian melodies, the venue oozes rustic Roman charm. Such is Sabatini's success and popularity that a branch in Central opened this year in the IFC. What has so enamoured Hongkongers is Sabatini's version of Italian comfort food done right. Think quality oven-baked lasagnes, hearty Parmigiana-style veal tripe with chickpeas, and a warming risotto with porcini mushrooms. Plant-based diners will enjoy the Go Green menu, while those with a sweet tooth would do well to save room for the dessert trolley.

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