Here’s the low-down on the latest action-

The Beef: Apparently this place used to be located in Xujiahui. I honestly don’t recall hearing of it until it became “the cool new square pizza joint on Donghu Lu”. Which goes to show that location does matter! And then ofc there’s the pizza (correction, they are rectangular). They cut it up into two squares so each order is split – which I love! Because that means I get to sample more flavors when I bring a date or two.

The pizza dough here (or “pasta”, as the Italians call it) is thinner but still very soft and dough-ey, so if you like the crispy crust this might not be your best slice. But! The ingredients are so fresh you can taste the sunshine, dirt, salt, water, whatever. The Pumpkin Cream Pancetta was flawless, the perfect balance of savory with a hint of sweetness. However, the hands-down BEST pizza I have had lately was the Angel Pizza (Disclosure: It had the opposite effect of turning me into an angel as I started fighting my date for more than my fair portion). Truffle oil, Italian sausage, potato, rosemary, and mozzarella. The flavors here were so intense – truffle oil, f*ck yes but the unexpected surprise here was the rosemary which just gave this pizza whole new meaning.

Sometimes you don’t want just pizza to go with your pizza. Well, this place also happens to have a selection of salads, pizza burgers (you’ll have to figure that one out yourself), and the best lasagna. Forget “al dente”. The lasagna bolognaise is so creamy and delicate it’s like eating a savory meat cheesecake (in a good way). You can cut it up with your fork and let it just melt on the tip of your tongue.

Oh, and speaking of tips – here’s a final one. if you like super-spicy hotness, try their spicy oil – it’s seriously no joke. And if you can’t handle the heat…get the Nutella slice for dessert.

The Gang: The cool kids on the block, lots of Italians and non-Italians alike. Giampaolo the owner is friendly with everyone, and the wait staff is attentive.

The Motive: Love it for a casual date spot – grab a seat sit down for a few spritzes. The bar along the window is fun for people watching, and the windows completely open up to allow for seating on both sides (in and out) of the bar. You can also just grab a square or two and devour them on the spot if you’re not in the mood to loiter.

The Damage: 25-39RMB/slice. 45RMB/lasagnas & pastas. 30-40RMB/Vedetts. 45RMB/spritzes.

The Down n’ Dirty: In the office building out back, which is normally a nuisance but this one was easily accessible and clean.

Useful Not Useful