Hong Kong, October 1st, 2026 - JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs expands its international community into Asia with the arrival of Hong Kong, one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse culinary destinations.
Hong Kong joins JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs: A New Culinary Destination
The launch of JRE-Hong Kong marks an exciting new chapter for the association, connecting JRE’s international network with a city where deep-rooted culinary traditions, global influences and contemporary gastronomy come together.
“I am very pleased to see JRE return to Hong Kong through this collaboration with Claudio and Sabatini. It is great to welcome them to our international community and to start this new chapter together.”
Hong Kong: Where Culinary Traditions Meet the World
Hong Kong has long been shaped by its position as an international crossroads. At the heart of its culinary identity is a strong Cantonese heritage, expressed through everything from delicate dim sum and roasted meats to fresh seafood, noodles and dishes designed for sharing around the table.
At the same time, generations of cultural exchange have created an extraordinarily diverse dining scene. Traditional tea houses, neighbourhood restaurants and lively food markets exist alongside international concepts and innovative fine dining. This combination of heritage and constant evolution has made Hong Kong one of Asia’s most exciting gastronomic destinations.
Sabatini: Roman Tradition in the Heart of Hong Kong
Sabatini Ristorante Italiano carries a story that began in Rome in 1958, when the original restaurant was founded by the Sabatini brothers. Its Hong Kong location opened at The Royal Garden in Tsim Sha Tsui in 1992 and has since become one of the city’s long-standing Italian dining addresses.
The restaurant remains closely connected to its Roman roots, from its classic interior and Italian hospitality to a menu centred on authentic flavours and seasonal ingredients. Handmade pasta, seafood, meats, truffles and traditional Italian dishes sit alongside a carefully selected Italian wine list, while live music adds to the restaurant’s warm and social atmosphere.
More than three decades after opening, Sabatini continues to welcome both long-standing regulars and new generations of diners.
“We respect every guest. Through the atmosphere, food, service and the way we welcome people, we want them to understand what Italian cuisine is about.”
About JRE-Chef Claudio Favero
Chef Claudio Favero’s connection to Italian cuisine began in childhood, travelling across Italy with his father and discovering the country through its traditional trattorias. One memory in particular stayed with him: a plate of tagliatelle with Bolognese in Bologna, with the flavours of egg pasta, meat, rosemary and aged Parmesan becoming an enduring reference point.
His career later took him through several Michelin-starred restaurants, including Don Alfonso 1890 in Naples, El Racó de Can Fabes in Barcelona and Don Alfonso 1890 at Grand Lisboa in Macau. Today, at Sabatini Hong Kong, he brings this international experience together with the restaurant’s Roman heritage, seasonal ingredients and longstanding approach to Italian hospitality.
“The best tagliatelle I ever ate was with my father in Bologna. I still remember the egg in the pasta, the meat, the rosemary and the Parmesan.”
With Hong Kong joining the association, JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs opens a new chapter in its international development and welcomes another distinctive culinary culture into its community. The city’s combination of deep-rooted traditions, international influences and forward-looking gastronomy brings a valuable new perspective to the JRE network.
JRE looks forward to the continued development of JRE-Hong Kong and to creating new connections and opportunities for exchange between its members in Asia, Europe and beyond.
.png?mw=520)