( That's Shanghai )
Updated: 2007-02-13 11:17

If Maneo, Charles Belin's new project located downstairs from Mint, appears a tad chilly at first that's because the walls and furnishings are pure, brilliant white.

Our frosty first impression, however, was displaced by the staff's warm, attentive service, and the range of excellent dinner options. The green pea soup with parmesan and pancetta (RMB 48) was fresh and crisp, with a strong kick of basil, while the winter truffle and oriental mushroom risotto (RMB 158) boasted a larger and fresher serving of mushrooms than any other risotto in town. Mustard-crusted black cod with caramelized apples and asparagus (RMB 172) was enjoyable; though, in our opinion, the flavors of apple and asparagus are better suited to halibut. Maneo also features an impressive selection of house wines sold by the glass, including a fine Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon (RMB 60).

Food: 4/ Service: 4/ Atmosphere: 3/ Cost for two (excluding drinks): RMB 428

Maneo 
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri-Sat 9pm-6am. 
Address:  1/F, 333 Tongren Lu, by Beijing Xi Lu
Tel: 021-6247 9666