First Glance: Park 17, Courtyard 4

The latest to join Beijing's growing number of Italian restaurants is Park 17, a sleek, industrial-chic space in the the burgeoning Courtyard 4 area of south Sanlitun (standing outside looking at The Local, Park 17 is just to the right). Au courant filament bulbs light a medium-size room furnished simply with blond wood and grey-painted walls. No table cloths here, they want guests to focus on food and enjoyment rather than stuffy fine dining. the upstairs, with its separate bar, balcony seating and small private room, would be good for parties.
 

The brief menu focuses mostly on classics like pizzas (RMB 88-168) and pastas (RMB 88-198), with the occasional twist thrown in for good measure. There are also some pretty good value set menus for groups of two, three or four, if that's your thing. Portions are fairly large and the emphasis is definitely on sharing, making the relatively steep prices more manageable (especially when you consider the quality of the ingredients).
 

We loved a white pizza with Prosciutto, four cheeses and arugula (RMB 168), as well as the crispy beef short rib (RMB 348), the braising and subsequent frying more reminiscent of Chinese cooking, but brought back over to the western side of things with a chili-Chianti jam.
 

Currently in soft opening, expect to see seasonal menu additions, more drinks and even DJ nights coming up in future.

Park 17
Daily 11am-10pm. Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District (next to The Local) (6586 1889)
朝阳区工体北路4号院机电院内

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Photos: Robynne Tindall