Our mission is simple: Unconditional Hospitality.
Pirata Group was founded by Manuel Palacio and Christian Talpo’s mutual and insatiable passion for good food and memorable restaurants. Having forayed in the industry both abroad and in Hong Kong, the duo witnessed a need for good quality yet reasonably priced dining. Putting their heads together, they vowed to create concepts that would leave their guests with long-lasting beautiful memories.
Together, Pirata Group team have worked hard to launch warm and approachable restaurants that challenge culinary traditions and explore new flavours. Born out of a respect for delicious global cuisines, each restaurant is led by like-minded individuals who put guest experience above all. It is our passion to host people from around the world and to have lifelong relationships with our guests, welcoming them with open arms each time. We strive to spread our enthusiasm through attentive service, delicious food, value for money. No matter the type of cuisine or restaurant location, our team hopes to continuously improve and share with each guest an unforgettable dining experience, each and every time.
The Co-founders
Manuel Palacio & Christian Talpo
With over 40 years’ combined experience in the industry across the world’s top gastronomic cities and an insatiable love for food in all forms, the pair is driven by their passion to bring amazing food and dining experiences to Hong Kong. With considered, standalone concepts ranging from homely Italian to Spanish-style asador grill and Izakaya-inspired Nikkei to fresh hand-made pasta, each restaurant is brought to life by Christian and Manuel’s unique vision and infectious energy. For them, Pirata Group’s mission is simple: to deliver top quality food, great service and value for money to Hong Kong diners.
2013
Pirata Group founded
After working for many years in the food & beverage industry, Manuel Palacio and Christian Talpo joined forces to found Pirata Group.
2014
Pirata
Pirata Group’s first venture was Pirata in Wan Chai. Serving honest Italian cuisine, the restaurant set the stage for Pirata Group’s emergence into the Hong Kong culinary scene.
2015
The Optimist
In September, The Optimist opened its doors in Wan Chai. The spacious restaurant spanning three floors soon became known for delectable Northern Spanish cuisine and cocktails.
2017
TokyoLima, Pici, MEATS
Exploring new cuisine types, Pirata Group launched Hong Kong’s first Nikkei restaurant and bar, TokyoLima (Central); its first pasta bar, Pici (Wan Chai); and the no fuss meat bar, MEATS, in January.
2018
Chifa, Chaiwala, Madame Ching
Launching two Chinese inspired concepts in one year, Pirata Group welcomed Chifa (Peruvian Chinese) and Madame Ching (modern Chinese) in May. Full of vibrance, Chaiwala was launched in August and brought modern Indian cuisine to the Central district.
2019
Honjo, TMK
Honjo and TMK joined Pirata Group’s line-up of restaurants. Contributing with two diverse facets of Japanese flavours – the former being an elegant modern Japanese restaurant while the latter, a wild punk rocking temakeria.
2020
The Pizza Project
The latest concept, The Pizza Project was successfully launched in January and the second location opened in July. Development continues on new concepts coming soon to Hong Kong and abroad.
2021
First International Expansion, Pane e Latte, The Sixteenth
Learning lessons off a challenging year for the hospitality sector, Pirata Group entered 2021 on the growth path with a second TMK venue, more Picis and Pizza Projects including debut international restaurants in Shanghai, a brand new Italian bakery concept Pane e Latte and the group’s largest project to date: The Sixteenth, a four restaurant multi-concept site in Tai Koo.
2022
Committed to People and Growth
Pirata Group entered the year with renewed focus on staff development and internal system development, as well as further growing the Pici brand to two further locations and creating more exciting new concepts to market later in the coming years.
2023
Calle Ocho
Starting the year with addition of another Spanish concept, Calle Ocho, Pirata Group continued to pursue excellence in operations and talent development while welcoming more growth opportunities .
