New Xindong Lu Italian Wine Bar Buona Bocca Draws Crowds

Just off Xindong Lu, opposite Jenny Lou's, a new Italian wine bar is drawing quite the crowd. We went early in the day but by the time we left the entire patio was filled with people sipping wine and enjoying plates of cold cuts and large salads.

We really love the concept: plenty of wines (RMB 50-70 by the glass, upwards of RMB 180 for a bottle), a few cocktails, friends, and some fresh salads and snacks. In theory, it is the ultimate after-work hangout.

To complement our pinot grigio and Campari spritz (RMB 50), we opted for a caprese salad (RMB 75), bolstered by a decent portion of mozzarella, tomatoes, and greens doused in balsamic vinegar. What we were less pleased with, however, was the cheese platter, which was probably one of the smallest cheese platters we've seen around the country, and came in at RMB 98.

Sadness is served

The bruschetta (RMB 35), however, was worth reordering – mounds of fresh tomatoes seasoned well and prepared with good olive oil. Do be careful about your pronunciation though, as you may be corrected upon ordering. While this is a fairly standard occurence in China, it usually only happens in Chinese restaurants.

If you close your eyes and ears, and manage to block out the kuaidi and taxis battling the scooters in the fulu you'll almost be able to pretend that you're sitting outside in a small Italian town, sipping on good wine. Almost.

Buona Bocca
Wed-Mon 5pm-midnight. 1/F, Bldg 4, Shoukai Bojun, Xingfu Sancun Sixiang, Xindong Lu, Chaoyang District (5642 2236)
朝阳区新东路幸福三村四巷首开铂郡南区4号楼1层

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