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

The Beef: “Eat and Drink Like in Italy” – those are the words boldly etched onto the wall for all patrons to see. For better or for worse, it’s a promise for authenticity, and zero compromises on the finest Italian ingredients and cooking. Sorry, you won’t find any Peking Duck pizza here.

The Italian welcome is evident upon entering – with warm greetings and smiles while you make your way to the table. Francesco, the manager is as hospitable as ever, sharing his recommendations for food and drink based on our preferences. The wine and cocktail list was extensive, but we stuck with Spritzes (“misto” – mixture of Aperol and Campari, which is slightly more bitter and less sweet than the classic Aperol itself). Drinks arrived shortly, along with a bread basket filled with grissini (Italian breadsticks), olive focaccia (baked fresh every day), and wheat bread slices.

As I understand it, traditional Italian food is true to simple roots, focusing on the ingredients to bring out the most “clean” and natural flavors. Well, it must then be said that Seve serves the freshest pizza and pasta we’ve had in Shanghai. The Strozzapreti alla Norcina, a “twisted” pasta with mushrooms and pork sausage in a creamy sauce, was an OMG dish. The pasta was both delicate and resilient in texture at the same time. The sauce was thick but not overbearing and clung to the “twists” in perfect adhesion with each bite.

The Pizza Principessa was so simple- topped with rocket, mozzarella, and parmesan only after the pizza dough was baked (no sauce). The cold crispness of the fresh toppings and the hot crispness of the crust made this dish entirely worthy of its royal title.

Dinner ended with dessert – tiramisu, of course. Creamy and airy. If you’re looking for something heavier, try the cannolo millefoglie, a more saccharine choice that is sure to satisfy the sweetest tooth.

The Gang: Couples and small groups – but no matter who you go with, it really feels like you’re dining among family and friends.

The Damage: 500rmb for two on a lovely dinner date, complete with salad, pizza, pasta, and dessert to share. And what Italian dinner would be complete without the complimentary limoncello, the ultimate digestive, to cap off the meal.

The Down n’ Dirty: Business as usual, no complaints here.

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Seve is a gem of a restaurant tucked away along Hua Shan Lu, serving consistent homestyle Italian fare.

Four hungry chaps caught up for a quick meeting over dinner, we were able to sit out on the street-side veranda of Seve this past Monday evening.

The meal consisted of the following dishes:

Italian Buffalo Mozzarella and cherry tomato salad, combined with giant Apulian black olives and asparagus, dressed with extra virgin olive oil.

Crispy eggplant, topped with cherry tomatoes, San Daniele and Buffalo mozzarella.

Octopus carpaccio served with sweet and sour vegetables, a lemon dressing and black pepper.

Traditional home-made ravioli, filled with pumpkin.

Pizza Formaggi, one of the better and consistent pizza’s I feel in town.

A dessert plate for three, that had the following classical Italian sweets to finish off the meal, with a glass of complimentary limoncello Tiramisu, Semifreddo Zabaione, Pannacotta al Caramello.

To accompany the meal, we had three bottles of wine, two Sicilian whites, and a Nero d’Avola, all these wines were of quality and at an affordable pricing structure.

Could not expect any better family style Italian food, everything from atmosphere, warm and friendly service, from the greeting by Severino, the Patron who goes around the tables giving a personal touch to the restaurant, along with Cherry who served at table, who was proactive in recommending dishes, and clearing away plates when needed, not obtrusive in any way.

The menu has a variety of options to choose from and changes with the season, no doubt you will find something of your taste, positive comments all round on the pumpkin ravioli in a white truffle sauce. Can highly recommend Seve for a casual night out, damages came to 576RMB per person.

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