Fine Dining

The finest Italian dining rooms in the guide, where dinner typically runs to more than US$100 a head before wine. This is where you will find the Michelin stars: Umberto Bombana's three-star 8½ Otto e Mezzo in Hong Kong and his Cannubi in Bangkok, Tosca di Angelo 102 floors above Victoria Harbour, and Buona Terra in its colonial bungalow off Scotts Road in Singapore.

Beyond the stars, fine Italian dining in the region often comes with a view. Marini's on 57 looks straight across at the Petronas Twin Towers, Acqua sits above Kalim Bay in Phuket, and in Bali Il Ristorante – Niko Romito and MAURI bring serious Italian cooking to Uluwatu and Seminyak. Expect seasonal tasting menus, handmade pasta, white truffles in autumn and long Italian wine lists.

Book well ahead, particularly for weekends and truffle season, and check each listing for dress codes and set menu times. Lunch is often the better-value way to try these kitchens.