The beloved Woo Cheong Pawn Shop in Wan Chai has been newly transformed into the four-story Casa Sophia Loren.
This historic veranda-façade landmark overlooking the Johnston Road tramway ushers in a new era paying tribute to the carefree "dolce vita" lifestyle of 1960s Rome, immortalised by film director Federico Fellini.
Occupying the airy first floor and street-side terrace - formerly home to British restaurant The Pawn - the glamorous Casa Sophia Loren features a sophisticated Italian seafood menu paying homage to classic Neapolitan cuisine beloved by Naples natives Sophia Loren and entrepreneur-politician Luciano Cimmino, who founded this eponymous restaurant brand in collaboration with the iconic actress.
Diners can make a theatrical entrance ascending the mirrored staircase illuminated from the ground floor next to the boldly coloured, casual Sophia Loren Pizzeria. Alternatively, an elevator discreetly tucked to the side provides direct access to the cozy yet elegant blue and white dining room. Here, guests can dine surrounded by these soothing tones, out on the expansive al fresco Italian-style terrazzo, or at the intimate seafood counter watching chefs meticulously prepare the latest catch.
The elegant design by award-winning Italian firm MAG Design Studio evokes the deep blue Mediterranean seas, complemented by stunning vibrant Murano glass chandeliers - a nod to Loren's favourite hue. Tones of blue, white and cream create a refined coastal ambiance befitting the restaurant's focus on premium Italian seafood delicacies. Generous raw seafood platters showcasing in-season catches from Italy take centre stage on the menu.
Sophia Loren Hong Kong is the inaugural global venture of the renowned Sophia Loren Restaurant brand, which was launched by the iconic actress herself in partnership with Neapolitan entrepreneur and politician Luciano Cimmino in Florence in 2021. Since then, the brand has expanded its presence to Milan, Rome's Fiumicino Airport and the southern Italian city of Bari.
