Issimo’s been around for years now, and it’s done remarkably well considering that it is almost completely unmarked from the outside, tucked onto the second floor of the JIA Hotel, itself hidden away in plain sight just off Nanjing Xi Lu. A mini-renovation this year saw the lounge area and what was formerly its main entrance closed off, so the place is now even harder to find. Yet it remains busy, and new chef Enzo Carbone is pushing things back towards the traditional while maintaining Issimo’s modern, Italian-cool personality. What you end up with is a menu that includes quirks like shrimp tempura but still executes the originals spectacularly. One such example is their risotto with asparagus and Iberico Bellota ham tossed with parmigiano Reggiano cheese (RMB148). It takes an expert’s care to cook risotto right, and it’s in evidence here. Served perfectly al dente, the creamy dish gets depth of flavor from the greens dispersed liberally within and the hard Parmsean that quickly melts in from above. The Iberico ham jumps in at intervals to add sharp, welcome shards of savory bite. It’s served family style, so share with another or pig out selfishly—you can’t go wrong.

DETAILS

What: Risotto with asparagus and Iberico Bellota ham

How much: RMB148

Where: Issimo | 2/F, 931 Nanjing Xi Lu 南京西路931号2楼

Tel: 3302-4997

See more great dishes around town:
The Dining Room’s Baked Cod
Bella Napoli's Salmon E Vodka Pasta
Zen’s Stuffed Chicken Wing
Anna Maya’s Avocado and Beetroot Donburi
City Deli’s Turkey Avocado Sandwich