First Glance: Modernista Restaurant

For the first four years of its existence, Modernista's bar and restaurant shared the same space – we'd be lying if we said we hadn't hoovered up a plate of their hummus and pitta at the bar after one too many Yanjings. Now, following extensive renovations earlier this year, Modernista European-style Restaurant finally has its own space, just next door to the current bar and performance area.

The menu offers modern European food with a hint of Asian here and there, see for example the starter of tuna tataki with ginger-soy sauce (RMB 62). Chef Luis Wei honed his skills under the tutelage of Jordi Valles, former chef de cuisine at Agua in Nali Patio (now sadly no longer in Beijing). 

We got to try a fair few of the dishes on opening night. From the starters, we were most impressed by the shrimps a la Boqueria (RMB 45), featuring tender shrimps in garlicky oil with quite a punch of chili (although the portion could have been bigger). Mains include both meaty (pork belly, lamb medallions, bacon-wrapped salmon (RMB 88) – our table's favorite dish of the night) and vegetarian options, such as a hearty homemade ravioli stuffed with pumpkin and topped with a sage cream sauce (RMB 72). Complement your meal with a bottle of wine from a mostly-European selection, or start with an aperitif cocktail. 

It's early days, so you can expect some changes and tweaks to come over the next few weeks (they are technically in soft opening until Sunday, Oct 18), but we were impressed by the speedy service even on the first night of soft opening.

More stories by this author here.

Email: robynnetindall@thebeijinger.com
Instagram: @gongbaobeijing
Twitter: @gongbaobeijing
Weibo: @宫保北京

Photos: Robynne Tindall, courtesy of Modernista