Il Ristorante - Niko Romito Beijing

I was very honored to preview Il Ristorante Niko Romito Tokyo in March before the official opening inside the brand new Bulgari Hotel with stunning interior designs. For this opening Chef Niko worked with Chef Mauro, ex head chef of same shop in Shanghai, now in charge of the new space.

Il Ristorante Niko Romito in Bulgari Hotels around the world all carry the same DNAs of Chef Niko Romito, with their style belonging to contemporary Italian fine dining, different from flagship restaurant Reale. Dishes come in more approachable fashion but the fundamental techniques are innovative like at Reale.

The opening dish was a clear soup made from extractions of onion, carrot and celery, made just olive oil, sage, salt and a bit of Champagne (pic 2). No water was added so every drop in the bowl was the pure essence of the vegetables, astonishingly deep and rich with such elegant purity. Such a powerful statement to start the meal.

The array of antipasto was Chef Niko’s elevated versions of traditional or classic bread & snacks (pic 3-5). Sfoglia all'uovo con asparagi, piselli, spinaci e salsa di Parmigiano Reggiano” (pic 6) is a modern interpretation of lasagna with assorted vegetables macerated in asparagus water, boosting their optimal flavors.

“Majalino croccante con salsa all'arancia” (pic7), suckling pig that reminded me of Chinese version. But it was steamed first and rested in the fridge for a few days before roasted on pan. The sauce made from pig jus, caramel and orange juice had a lightness to it from the citrus.

Every dish emphasized full flavors and captivating textures (pic8).

The bomba that came after the ricotta gelato, amarene cherries & balsamic vinegar was Chef Niko’s improved recipe passed down his father (pic9) . The airy texture only filled you with happiness and not heaviness.

The meal was prepared with innovative techniques or elevations upon histories and memories but did not demand deep thinking like the food at Reale. It is definitely a place I can come often with friends for a taste of Italy that is elevated by Japanese ingredients without compromising the underlying philosophy.

Congratulations again for the magnificent opening!! Less