(City Weekend)
Updated: 2006-04-21 09:39

Around the corner from the loud Ferrari Cafe and across the street from Xintiandi's bustle is a relatively quiet corridor of restaurants, home to M&J Italian Noodle House.

This month-old business serves up Italian fare with a minimum of fuss. This is in its favor, because the food is not its biggest draw. The penne arrabiata (RMB 70) was up to mark, as was the generous 13" pizza (RMB 70), but not exactly inspirational. The tiramisu (RMB 45), however, was enormous and satisfyingly tasty.

Given the packed houses in Xintiandi's restaurants during lunch hour, M&J's quieter location and its lunch sets, starting at RMB 45 for a pizza and a drink, might be welcome additions to office workers in the area. Their happy hour, from 5:30 to 7:30pm daily with one-for-one drinks, could be another draw.

Name: M&J
Location: No.2, Lane 156 Xingyelu, Xintiandi (close Madanglu), Luwang District
Tel: 021-63853700