With only four natural wood tables and a small seated bar bordering the L-shaped open kitchen, dining at Nene feels akin to being a dinner guest in an Italian home. The staff aim to please; they’re quick to pour wine, refill waters, crack pepper and proffer chili oil without prompting.

The wine selection offers three reds and three whites by the glass and a healthy selection of bottles from RMB210, all originating from the owner’s hometown of Puglia, Italy. We selected a bottle of Medaglione Negroamaro (RMB228) and kicked off our meal with a generously portioned insalata Caprese (RMB120) featuring delicate, top-quality buffalo mozzarella that later made a star appearance on in our Arrabiata pizza (RMB98). The perfectly crispy 12-inch thin crust pie was simple yet spicy, with cherry tomatoes, red chillies and garlic complementing the fresh mozza.

Another decadent standout was the homemade spinach ravioli stuffed with duck and served in a rich porcini sauce (RMB98)—it’s a savory lip-smacker. For a final hurrah we tried the Valrhona chocolate volcano (RMB48), which rises above the everyday lava cake thanks to a liqueur cherry secretly stashed within its gooey chocolate flows. With just over two months under its belt, the quality of service, ingredients and portions impress and (we’re told) the wine list will continue to grow.

Our rating: 3.5/5

DETAILS

What: Nene

Where: Rm. 106, 47 Yongfu Lu 永福路47号106室

Tel: 6418-5055

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