This coffee and wine place was a big hit when it opened thanks to its beautiful courtyard. The Italian owners have put together a very short menu of salads and cold plates to give you something to munch on while you imbibe, but it’s the casual Mediterranean atmosphere that’s the real sell. Dishes are listed on a blackboard that’s hefted to your table. The most substantial offering is a plate of cold cuts (RMB68, or RMB98 for a large portion), a generous serving of salami and prosciutto that comes with fresh Italian bread. It was the perfect thing to nibble while we knocked back a bottle of the red Rosso Beneventano IGP, Prime Vigne (RMB130). Both our green salad (RMB28) and a tomato and cucumber salad (RMB35) were large and dressed with just enough good oil and vinegar to balance the bite of the fresh vegetables and herbs. Neither had the delusions of grandeur which often gets in the way of good Italian food in this town. Most of the space is in the courtyard, which will be a challenge when winter bites down, but the half dozen tables inside will remain a solid place for good coffee, panini (RMB50) and unpretentious evenings over an affordable bottle of wine or three.

Our rating: 4/5

DETAILS

What: Salute

Where: 59 Fuxing Xi Lu复兴西路59号

Tel: 3461-9828

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