Shanghai, China Mainland
From Michelin Guide
Stunning vistas of the Pudong skyline, crystal chandeliers and semi-circular leather booths impart style and a sense of grandeur. The menu here, as at the Dubai and Beijing outlets, comprises creations supervised by celebrity chef Niko Romito and underpinned by well-honed skills to reflect seasonality. Handmade pasta is the must-try – the lobster linguine bursts with seafood umami. Be sure to save room for the creamy gelato di ricotta di bufala.
From Visitor Experiences
Here are three unique and unconventional aspects of Il Ristorante - Niko Romito in Shanghai:
1. Location and Ambiance with Panoramic City Views
Il Ristorante is situated on the 47th floor of the Bvlgari Hotel Shanghai, offering breathtaking, top-of-the-city views of the Bund and Shanghai's dramatic skyline. This lofty perch creates an immersive dining experience that combines luxury with stunning vistas, including the Pudong skyline, crystal chandeliers, and semi-circular leather booths that impart a grand and stylish atmosphere.
2. Culinary Philosophy Focused on Purity and Simplicity
The restaurant showcases a carefully curated canon of contemporary Italian cuisine by Chef Niko Romito, a three-Michelin-starred chef. The gastronomic approach emphasizes purity and simplicity, combining the finest Italian and locally sourced ingredients with both time-tested and innovative cooking techniques. This philosophy aims to distill Italian flavors to their essence, creating a modern and refined interpretation of traditional dishes.
3. Exclusive Wine Selection Featuring Organic, Biodynamic, and Rare Vintage Labels
Il Ristorante offers an extensive wine list that includes not only Italian and international labels but also organic and biodynamic wines alongside rare vintage champagnes. This unconventional focus on sustainable and rare wine selections complements the restaurant's refined culinary approach and elevates the overall dining experience.
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred Il Ristorante – Niko Romito in Shanghai include:
Fresh Tomato and Basil: Featured prominently in the iconic "Spaghetti alla Chitarra," these ingredients emphasize simplicity and high quality, reflecting traditional Italian flavors with a fresh, vibrant profile.
Black Truffle: Used in the "Risotto with Black Truffle," this ingredient showcases luxury and depth, highlighting the restaurant's dedication to meticulous preparation and rich Italian culinary heritage.
Yellow Croaker: A prized local Chinese fish known for its delicate texture and light sweetness, it is combined with Italian artichokes in a signature dish that bridges Italian and Chinese culinary traditions.
Artichokes: Widely used in Italian cuisine, especially in Romito's Abruzzese region, artichokes are prepared in velvety purees and crispy textures to complement the Yellow Croaker, symbolizing the fusion of local and Italian ingredients.
Spring Vegetables (Asparagus, Peas): Incorporated in dishes like the Vegetable Lasagna with Parmigiano Reggiano sauce, these ingredients represent seasonal freshness and are embraced by handmade pasta sheets, underscoring Romito’s philosophy of elevating simple, common ingredients to extraordinary dishes.
These ingredients reflect Chef Niko Romito's philosophy of simplicity, purity, and the fusion of Italian tradition with local Chinese elements, creating a refined and culturally resonant dining experience at Il Ristorante in Shanghai.
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