Shiny surfaces and polished chrome may lead you to think it's a futuristic gift shop rather than an ice cream parlor, but Tiamo Italia does authentic Italian gelato with green, white and red national pride and a localized sense of the yin and yang.

Servings come in one, two, three or four scoops at RMB 8, 15, 22, and 29 respectively. Freshly made on the premises daily, the 13 flavors on offer-to be expanded to 24 we're told-were rich and smooth, especially the chocolate-hazelnut, with the frozen yogurt a surprise favorite (yes, we tried all 13).

Also available are Italian espresso (RMB 22) and custom-made cakes (RMB 160 per kilo) to round off the experience. Look forward to flavors like kiwi, green apple, mango and even tomato as the summer approaches. Wireless Internet available.

Tiamo Italia
Location: Grand Constellation, Shop 5-3, Huayuan Lu, Xidan, Xicheng District
Opening time: Daily 10:30am-8:30pm.
Tel: 010-58518227