New Openings: Nuvem
Beijing's first Portuguese restaurant aims to impress with its stunning colonial setting. The beautiful interior is complemented by stellar food and attentive service. Every aspect of the meal was memorable. The starters, fresh Portuguese-style clams with garlic and cilantro (RMB 60) and flavorful spicy sausages with pickled vegetables (RMB 50), set the tone for a carefully cooked-to-perfection meal. An unusually spicy black pepper steak with fries and vegetables (RMB 130) was satisfyingly juicy. A whole sea bream (RMB 135) complemented by a light olive oil and boiled spinach, was meltingly tender. The chef himself even came out to de-bone the fish and pour the olive oil over the fillet. Desserts do not fail to please either: The pear braised in red wine (RMB 30) was a rich play of textures, while a decadent chocolate mousse proved to be a silky revelation (RMB 40). The prices are not for the faint of heart, but with its romantic setting and dim interior, Nuvem is a perfect place for that special occasion.
Nuvem
Daily noon-3pm, 6-10pm. 22 Qianhai Dongyan (next to Nuage), Xicheng (6401 0851)
西城区前海东沿22号
