Bella Mia

1 Photo

by Raphael Seghin
on Friday, October 14, 2011 12:00 AM

The first noticeable thing when walking through Bella Mia's arched doorway is the atmosphere. Nestled inside the space that used to house Bravo 10, the new ownership smartly kept the elegant patio, fully equipped with Greco-Roman columns, candle-lit chandeliers, mosaic-tiled floors and vines snaking their way along the beige-colored walls. Owner Franco and his wife have set themselves the mission of bringing honest and authentic Roman cuisine to Shanghai.

Roman cuisine emphasizes simplicity, but also a certain savoir-faire. You need to know what you are doing. Seeking out the best quality products, Roman dishes speak for themselves. The menu includes the required pasta dishes, a page each for grilled fish and meat options as well as an entire section dedicated to multiple kinds of Bruschette, all at RMB28 each. A more interesting option is their set lunches: RMB78 for a pasta or pizza dish, a drink, a dessert and a coffee, or an extra RMB10 to include a main course. And of course, as in most Italian restaurants, the pizza earns the most attention.

For the set lunch, a Bruschette was introduced first; cut cherry tomatoes and arugula mixed with a hearty dose of olive oil atop and gently soaking into buttery and fresh home-made bread. Next came the pizza, which competed with the entrée in terms of taste and production. A thin, crispy crust, the right dose of cheese and sauce, freshly-cut tomatoes and salami provided the complete package, and could hold its own against the city's best. For dessert, a creamy and decadent Panna Cotta, topped with powdered sugar, fresh berries and covered in a sweet rich rasberry sauce. Optionally, house wine served in traditional carafes are available for RMB50.

The restaurant must be even more agreeable at night, when the candle-lit courtyard showcases its romantic atmosphere. Make sure you introduce yourself to Francesco, who, besides being very knowledgeable of the culture and the history behind Roman cuisine, is one of the nicest and most down-to-earth host this side of the Huangpu. While Shanghai certainly has its fill of Italian restaurants, Bella Mia does stand out, and in time, will hopefully be recognized for what it offers: Simple, quality Roman dishes, an enjoyable environment, and a friendly and helpful manager.