Six years on, Bombana still enjoys causing a stir

Two opera singers perform the aria Nessun Dorma from the corner of a room that's reminiscent of an opera house. Guests tuck into cavatelli and carnaroli rice while they listen intently.

This was the scene at Opera Bombana during a gala dinner to mark the Italian restaurant's sixth anniversary in Beijing. The owner, Umberto Bombana, who is known as the king of white truffles, joined forces with the restaurant's new executive chef, Eugenio Iraci, to present a delicate six-course meal to the capital's foodies.

Besides offering classic Italian dishes, Bombana and Iraci created dishes like David Blackmore tenderloin and pickled mackerel in sweet-and-sour onion marinade for the celebration.