Tapas, Risotto, Pasta, and Magic Nitrogen Tiramisu at New Mediterranean Restaurant Casa Talia by Tiago

Following the addition of Michelin starred chef Corrado Michelazzo, Casa Talia by Tiago opened to the public in early June. At that time we got the scoop on this modern and classic Mediterranean restaurant on the fourth floor of Raffles City. Now we return to taste what they have on offer.

There are 12 different hot and cold tapas single portions (RMB 10-52), the owner Katie Li explaining that, “we designed the menu like this because so that solo diners can also enjoy the food here, which is contrary to the big portions we serve at Tiago.” They also provide 17 types of tapas that come in big portions, perfect for sharing and divided into three categories: meat, seafood, and vegetarian. With seven classic main courses, four risotto and paella, and nine pastas, as well as twelve specialty coffees, the menu is simple, solid, and full of Mediterranean style.

We kicked things off with smoked salmon with truffle honey and caviar bruschetta (RMB 16) and sardine with balsamic oil and onion (RMB 16), both were amazingly tasty, the salty salmon balancing well with the sweet truffle honey in the former, and the thick sardines were soaked with sweet and sour onion in the latter. You could actually taste each different layers of flavor in one single bite.

For the main course, we had the Australia grain-fed rib eye steak (RMB 259), the same steak that is served at Tiago. It was pink inside, juicy, and perfectly cooked. “The meat is fresh, and all the Boston lobsters are ID'ed, so that we ensure that we are using the best ingredients we can find. All the ingredients are delivered fresh every morning – that’s what we require the suppliers,” Li told us.

As if the steak wasn't enough, how could we visit here without ordering any their signature risotto? In the juicy Boston lobster risotto, you'll find more than just lobster, it's full of the whole seafood family. “We make the seafood soup every day and takes hours and hours, that’s why it’s so fresh and rich with seafood flavor,” said Li. With every bite, came at least one mussel or squid or scallop – delicioso!

Another difference from Tiago's popular mountain-like tiramisu, Casa Talia's signature nitrogen tiramisu is presented more like a show. A chef prepares the dish directly in front of you. The tiramisu looks spectacular, with smoke rising and spreading from the center, giving it a look that's too pretty and high-tech to eat. We finished with a traditional mix berry panna cotta (RMB 38); made using homemade jam and fresh raspberries with a rich crème.

For those who work nearby, they also provide business lunch sets, with pasta sets ranging from RMB 48 to 168, and paella and risotto sets ranging from RMB 78 to 98. For RMB 20 more, you can get a high quality cup of americano, cappuccino, latte, caramel macchiato or mocha to power you through the afternoon.

They also have a fine selection of wines, creative cocktails, and hand-poured coffees, as well as there ever-popular sangria. With the affordable and delicious Mediterranean dishes, always smiling staff, and modern-and-chic decor, we can easily see Casa Talia becoming an extremely popular spot in downtown Beijing.

More stories by this author here.

Email: tracywang@thebeijinger.com
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Photos courtesy of Casa Talia by Tiago, Tracy Wang