TOZZO – JIA GROUP ANNOUNCES OPENING OF TOZZO INSIDE HONG KONG CENTRAL’S TAI KWUN, AN ALL NEW CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN-JAPANESE ALL-DAY PASTRY CAFÉ BY CHEF / FOUNDER FABIO BARDI

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<<11^th November 2024 – Hong Kong>> JIA Group has unveiled its latest culinary venture in the heart of Central’s Tai Kwun on the 2/F, JC Contemporary from this late October onwards – TOZZO, a contemporary Italian-Japanese all day pastry dining café led by Chef / Founder, Fabio Bardi, Tatler Dining Hong Kong’s Pastry Chef of the Year 2024, taking over the previous concept Between Coffee. Taking inspiration from Rome’s beloved cream-filled sweet pastry, the name ‘Tozzo’ is derived from the Italian ‘Maritozzo,’ which not only refers to the iconic treat but also whimsically translates to ‘chubby,’ embodied perfectly by its red mascot.

Hailing from Sardinia, Italy, and descending from a family of restaurateurs, Chef Fabio’s culinary journey has traversed prestigious kitchens in Italy, New York, Paris, Singapore, London, and Hong Kong. Recently celebrated as the 2024 Best Pastry Chef by Tatler Dining Hong Kong during his tenure as Head Pastry Chef at one MICHELIN-starred Estro, he draws upon his diverse experiences to inspire his pastry creations at TOZZO, marrying classic European flavours with a modern twist upon premium ingredients.

“I am delighted to be working closely with JIA Group to bring my dream café concept to life in the heart of Hong Kong. I am eager to introduce one of my country’s most beloved pastries, Maritozzi, and authentic Italian gelato — both with a unique sweet and savoury twist. With time, we are also planning on adding more creative all-day dining options to the menu, in keeping with Tozzo’s warm, fun and casual vibe,” says Fabio.

The Menu of TOZZO

At the heart of TOZZO’s menu stands its signature and namesake Maritozzo, an Italian version of Japanese cream-filled sandos made with buttery-soft brioche-style buns, available in sweet and savoury options. Delight in TOZZO’s range of indulgent Maritozzo flavours – Signature, Matcha, Chocolate, and Seasonal, priced at HK$40 each. For a vibrant breakfast serving from 10am onwards, explore a selection of savoury Maritozzo choices, the first of its kind in Hong Kong, including Maritozzo with Scrambled Eggs, Avocado, and Katsuobushi (HK$68), and Maritozzo with Scrambled Eggs and Guanciale (HK$68). Guests can also enjoy the “build your own” Buttermilk Pancakes (HK$78) with butter and honey, allowing for customisation.

The freshly churned Gelato (from HK$50+) with up to 8 seasonally rotating flavours such as Montblanc Chestnut, Black Sesame, Hong Kong “Yuen Yeung”, Mandarin, and more, is available for both dine-in and takeaway in tubs (16oz or HK$200 and 26oz for HK$250). To complement the sweets, sip on a diverse selection of coffees, specialty coffees, and crafted beverages including affogato, matcha latte, as well as innovative coffee, tea, or cocktails.

In addition to sweet treats, TOZZO will offer Italian-Japanese savoury plates crafted by Chef-Consultant Agustin Balbi of one MICHELIN-starred ANDŌ, awarded the 2024 Best Restaurant of the Year by Tatler Dining Hong Kong. From the addicting crunch of the Popcorn Shrimp (HK$50) with spicy mayo to the Arancini (HK$38) prepared like Japanese takoyaki; to the Lobster Salad Maritozzo with Fries (HK$138) and the classic Italian Carbonara Spaghetti (HK$128), the dishes are perfect for an invigorating all-day meal.

TOZZO offers a taste of La Dolce Vita without the need to journey far, promising an unforgettable dining experience for all. Experience the perfect blend of warm hospitality, a relaxed yet refined ambiance, and elevated comfort food.

About Chef / Founder Fabio Bardi

Originally from Sardinia, Fabio Bardi hails from a family immersed in the culinary world, fueling his passion for food from an early age. With experiences ranging from renowned establishments in Italy to New York, Fabio honed his pastry skills at Ladurée in Paris before becoming the Executive Pastry Chef at Prime Steak Group in Ireland, innovating in the field of healthy yet tasty desserts. His journey continued with roles in Singapore at Bakerzin and later at 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana in Hong Kong, where he worked closely with Umberto Bombana to craft innovative Italian pastries. After a brief interlude in London, Fabio returned to Hong Kong as the Executive Pastry Chef at Dominique Ansel’s Dang Wen Li, showcasing his creativity and skill in blending global influences to create several now-famous desserts reflecting Hong Kong’s identity, eventually leading to his role as Executive Pastry Chef at Estro by Antimo Maria Merone. Fabio’s culinary approach, influenced by his global travels and Italian roots, merges diverse flavors into intricate yet approachable desserts that celebrate a harmonious blend of cultures.

Tozzo is currently open from Tuesday – Sunday and public holidays from 10am – 8pm (closed on Mondays). For more information on TOZZO’s happenings, please follow@tozzo.hk on social media for exciting updates.

<<ENDS>>

ABOUT TOZZO

TOZZO, a contemporary pastry cafe, is led by Italian Chef Founder Fabio Bardi, the winner of the 2024 Tatler Hong Kong Best Pastry Chef award. The inspiration behind the name ‘TOZZO’ stems from the Italian term ‘Maritozzo,’ meaning “chubby,” epitomized by the playful red mascot. The menu highlights the Maritozzo, a traditional Italian sweet pastry filled with decadent whipped cream, Italian Gelato with a variety of classic and localised flavours alongside a selection of Italian-Japanese savoury dishes crafted by Chef-Consultant Agustin Balbi of the acclaimed One MICHELIN-starred ANDŌ, recipient of the recent 2024 Restaurant of the Year award by Tatler Dining Hong Kong. At TOZZO, a passion for exceptional cuisine and finest ingredients sets the stage for a warm and welcoming experience in the heart of Tai Kwun.

Café Information – TOZZO

Address – 2/F, JC Contemporary, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong (Access through Gallery Gate on Old Bailey Street)

Whatsapp: +852 5729 7821

Email: info@tozzo.hk

Website: www.tozzo.hk

Social Media: @tozzo.hk @fabiobardi84 @jiagroup

ABOUT JIA GROUP

JIA Group, meaning “Home” in Mandarin, is a Hong Kong based hospitality firm that is internationally praised and recognized for executing spaces and experiences rooted in style and substance. Founded in 2004 by entrepreneur Yenn Wong, JIA Group has established a reputation internationally as an award-winning trendsetter in the hospitality industry. The current portfolio includes 10 restaurant and bar venues in Hong Kong and in Hong Kong International Airport, full list of the restaurants and bars can be found on JIA’s website here.

www.jiagroup.co