Pasta lovers along Xikang and Beijing Lu are now spoilt for Italian choice with newcomer Bella Napoli posing a worthy opponent for the nearby Pasti and Jimix Seve.

Dinner is served set to Italian ballads and atmospheric accordions, while antique photos of Shanghai and Italy dot the saffron-colored walls.

White-capped chefs provide background entertainment in the tiny space, whipping up simple Neopolitan favorites in the open kitchen. Aromas waft steadily from the crackling burners, setting the pace for the enthusiastic Italian manager bouncing from table to table, filling glasses and toasting focaccia. You truly feel at home here.

The menu ranges from classic pastas, antipasti, and tomato mozzarella salad, to beautifully presented mains like the Rib-eye with Wild Mushroom Sauce (RMB 30) or a baked salmon that comes bathed in cherry tomatoes, white wine and capers. Lunch sets are an affordable and a bottle of wine can be had for RMB 60.

A search for pizza however, will leave you empty-handed, and although not wanting to corner Bella Napoli into an Italian menu formula, perhaps the kitchen will reconsider. Yet with a solid menu and its heart on its sleeve, Bella Napoli is truly raising Shanghai's Italian standards.

[Source: City Weekend]