André Fu Studio and chef Antimo Merone craft Italian restaurant, Estro

André Fu Studio collaborated with celebrated chef Antimo Maria Merone to create Estro, the chef’s first independent restaurant, in 2/F, 1 Duddell St, Central. Launched in partnership with JIA Group, the Hong Kong-based hospitality firm founded by Yenn Wong, Estro (Italian for ‘inspiration’) is dedicated to elevating Neapolitan cuisine, presenting inspired, wholly original and deeply personal dishes with impeccable style.

Working closely with Antimo, the dining experience conceived by André Fu Studio evokes a sense of enchantment, transporting guests into reimagined vignettes of Italy. The interior draws inspiration from Antimo’s homeland, encapsulating the colours, character and styling of a luxury salotto in Napoli’s old town. Decadent in its detailing, the space invites guests to retreat from the bustling, urban streets of Hong Kong’s Central and escape to a poetic environment of bespoke old-world aesthetics.

“My vision is to create a visual journey that aligns with the chef’s culinary philosophy. Eschewing clichés, it offers a personal interpretation of Italian history whilst striking a balance between the artful and the avant-garde. It is a cinematic dreamscape that evokes an abstract re-telling in the manner of Jean Cocteau and Gio Ponti,” says André.

Design elements are inspired by traditional Italian craftsmanship and silhouettes, from the burr walnut panelling and intricate marquetry to the hand-painted stucco walls and Calacatta marble. The custom-made furnishings boast sinuous, elongated curves, enhancing the space’s beguiling charm. A range of bespoke decorative lighting in cast bronze and ceramic adds further whimsical embellishment to the evocative venue.

Highlighted with bold paintings of silky dancing silhouettes by Elsa Jeandedieu, small nooks frame the central room, creating intimate alcoves for semi-private dining. A touch of theatricality is introduced as the open kitchen allows guests to experience a culinary performance. A 10-seater private room features an aqua-blue palette, a striking Amalfi amaryllis patterned wallpaper, and a ceiling matrix of inverted dome pendants.

Beyond the menu and interiors, Estro’s spirit of innovation extends to the custom-made tableware. Celebrated Italian ceramic artist Vincenzo del Monaco designed the stylish dinnerware and individually signed the stylish dinnerware, accompanying the vivacious dinner affair.