With resplendent tones of orange and yellow spilling out of its large windows, Pane e Vino is a glowing ember which adds life to an otherwise soulless strip of Maoming.

So perhaps our meal was a tad disappointing because our expectations were set so high. Both the Caesar salad (RMB 48) and the Zuppa di Legume Misti e Orzo (bean and barley soup, RMB 43) were oily and uncreative. And while the Angnello allo Scottadito (grilled lamb chops with pancetta and spinach, RMB 178) was pleasant, the Pizza Capriccosa (RMB 78) suffered from a shortage of cheese. With well-meaning but slightly unprofessional service staff, we wondered why this restaurant was so crowded. The answer came at the end of our meal, in the form of a heavenly tiramisu (RMB 48).

Pane e Vino
Location: No. 207-7 Maoming Nan Lu, by Yongjia Lu
Tel: 021-54652177
Open: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 6pm-11pm, Sat-Sun 12pm-3pm, 6pm-11pm.
Cost for two (excluding drinks): RMB 285. All cards.