This Italian restaurant consists of two areas, the first floor is where people enjoy wine before dinner or have a gathering after it, decoration of this area is full of southern European atmosphere. It's more romantic under the candle light at night. Steeping on the helical stairs, the spacious dining room isn't as luxurious as we expected and it's more like a banqueting hall of an Milan family.

Carpe Dolce

Ascending a magnificent wooden staircase accented by a bright, elegant chandelier, patrons seeking authentic Italian fare enter a spacious, warmly decorated and comfortable dining area replete with tasteful old photos of the movie for which this restaurant is named. Complimentary breads and pate arrive instantly at the table by the well-trained and attentive wait staff. Our choices for appetizers included a warm selection of herb-baked scallops, shrimp with cocktail sauce and saucy octopus over polenta (RMB88) which was as delicious as varied. The buffalo mozzarella with tomatoes and basil (RMB78) was not available, but was graciously replaced with a special request of rocket salad with the right touch of olive oil, shrimp and cherry tomatoes. Soup, a true Italian bean soup called pasta e fagioli (RMB48), was thick, creamy, mellow and not too rich. The lasagna (RMB68), described as farmhouse lasagna Bolognese-style, was meaty with just the right amount of sauce and cheese. Our pizza (RMB68), with crispy thin crust and toppings of artichoke hearts, olives, mushrooms, cheese and Parma ham, was outstanding. Dessert is a must here. Try the perfectly layered tiramisu (RMB48) which blends fresh mascarpone and a dusting of chocolate cocoa--we were in tiramisu heaven. Homemade Italian ice cream and sorbet is also very refreshing (RMB15 per scoop). This was one of the most enjoyable dining experiences we've had in a long time; we could certainly become regulars. Peggy Rosen