A memorable bite of Italian cuisine at Daccapo

Chef Mario Cittadini from Umbertide, Italy believes the quality of food can make a difference. His view is in part inspired by his work experience. Cittadini has already been employed at two three Michelin star restaurants, one being Martín Berasategui in San Sebastian, Spain in 2007 and the other being Daniel, Daniel Boulud's restaurant in New York, in 2010.

Cittadini has a calm, elegant manner, with his personality being reflected in his food. His newly launched Italian menu at Daccapo Restaurant at Regent Beijing is light and perfect for summer.

The restaurant itself is a combination of vibrant colors and dark tones, with natural wood and art pieces. It seats 58 people, so is intimate without being too cozy.　

To start with, the roast tomato and buffalo mozzarella salad with basil dressing tastes fresh and tender.

Other signature dishes such as the beetroot gnocchi with gorgonzola and sausage sauce are also worth trying, if a little less light.

The spaghetti with Amatriciana sauce (pancetta and tomato sauce) is also a taste delight, not least because the spaghetti is homemade and cooked perfectly, being neither too soft nor too hard.

For the main course, the traditional Italian roasted suckling pig with braised red cabbage is a good option. The meat is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, just the way it should be. Under the sophisticated craftsmanship of the chef, the dish is a lot less greasy than normal roast pork dishes and yet still retains the strong aroma of meat.

Finally, as you would expect in any good Italian restaurant, the tiramisu is a perfect ending to a great feast. The dessert is served in elegant glasses. Its creamy, soft and sweet flavor will stay with you long after you eat it and remind you why certain chefs are awarded Michelin stars.