Has anyone eaten at Palladio (Ritz Carlton), Prego (Westin) or Va Bene (Xintiandi)? If so, what did you think of the restaurant and the quality of the food? If you've been to all three, which one do you think is the best?

Well, I went to Va Bene last night, and while the food was very good, it wasn't spectacular, which I would have expected for a 2,000 RMB meal for two persons, including wine. However, the restaurant is very nice, the wine list is great and the service was excellent, it just wasn't worth the price when you can dine for 2/3 less at Trattoria Isabelle or Da Marco and get the same quality food. These are NYC prices, and at NYC prices, I expect NYC quality food.

I tried this new place called Jimix Seve at Beijing and Shimen, I think. Pretty good. Italian run, Italian chef, attached to an Italian food/culinary supply store. Around 600 for 2 people including a decent wine. Da Marco was lacking in my opinion.

I'd have to agree with you bleucheese about Da Marcos. I went there once and I will never go again, the food was overpriced and bland. I don't know why anyone who loves Italian food would go there. Trattoria Isabelle on the other hand is lovely. The food is delicious and not too overpriced and the restaurant itself is really intimate - perfect for a romantic meal!

i havent found any good italian food in shanghai, except for palladio, which is incredibly expensive.

i actually think trattoria isabelle sucks. the ambience is great and yes it is intimate and not too expensive, but the food is horrible and service isn't much better (I went in May and again in October and not a single item on the menu had changed)

Italian food is always over-priced anywhere in the world. especially in Shanghai.

Not true, but I found another good place, Isola Bella on Huai Hai Zhong Lu. The restaurant is owned by an Italian directly from Italy and the food is very good, but the service absolutely sucks.

Isola Bella RULES and no the service can be quite good. Don't forget to ask for a free glass of proseco.

Pizza is excellent, pasta as well. Best italian in town. One place to avoid: the italian at jin mao. Sucks bigtime. Isola Bella is the place to go. If the italians themselves go there, it must be a good sign eh...

Off.

Unfortunately, the service sucked both times I was there. However, the food more than made up for it, in addition to the warm greeting from the owner.

I can now check Prego off the list of Italian SHA restaurants though. I went there for a dinner hosted by the Consorzio del Vino Brunello, so I didn't get a chance to order any food or wine, not that I needed to do the latter. However, while I found the food very good, especially the dessert, I don't think it was any better than Va Bene, but probably just as expensive. For the money, I'd still recommend Isola Bella or Trattoria Isabelle, unless someone else is paying, then Va Bene would be my choice due to it's superior service and attractive location.

Thats Amore is quite good. We only had simple dishes, but they tasted like they do at home (don't trust my nickname). The restaurant in Heng Shan Lu used to be quite good too, but I know they have changed chef a couple of times. Both are cheap too.

I don’t think any of the Italian restaurants qualify as “Best”, but rather they all are mediocre, and simply a substitute for fine Italian cousin. I would say of all the things that I miss from the West, is excellent Italian food, along with Sourdough French bread, from San Francisco.

And speaking of Western food, why isn’t there a good Mexican restaurant in Shanghai, and don’t suggest Zapata’s…this place was a HUGE disappointment.

Shmspac why don't you ask your fine Italian cousin to come over open a restaurant in Shanghai?

Ok, finaly a bit of change in the italian restaurants circles. JIMIX and SEVE desserves care and attention. Not too pricy, good design, nice terrasse for summer time and Seve was really nice and friendly. Pizzas are authentic. Not easy to find though first time behind Beijing xi lu and the kitchen shop of the same name.

Ok, From Italy to Thailand... I know this would be "another" thai restaurant for some of you but u should b aware of the opening of "Thai Gallery" just near the italian restaurant I told u about previously (Da Tian lu 127 by Beijing Xi lu). No disapointment for the food with 3 thai Chefs from Shangrila Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Nothing to say, just delicious. But there's so much to say about the feeling, the atmosphere and the design... It was great... Imagine a lounge thai restaurant, no buddha, no temples, no wood... instead of this concrete and ciment, metal, warehouse style, high ceiling, an art gallery and the must (well for me...) extra confortable matelas/futon platform, low table, "eat on the floor" style. Owned by a french and a Hong Kongese, great result.