Don't Let Tiago Select's Harlequin Decor Distract You From the Food

Even though Tiago has long been known for its quality Italian eats, the popular Beijing F&B brand isn't one to rest on their laurels. To that end, they've upgraded their concept with Tiago Select 2.0, which has an entirely different feeling from all their sister branches.

When you arrive you'll be immediately struck by the cool ambiance. Highlights include hollowed stainless steel walls, three-dimensional sculptural maps of European cities in grey and silver, acrylic shelves in neon green, a galaxy blue tiled bar, and large neon light fixtures spelling out names of cities like Barcelona, Paris, Copenhagen, and Madrid. Even the chairs, glasses and cutlery are iridescent, reflecting a rainbow of colors when the lights change. It all screams cyberpunk, and stands out from the decor of many a Beijing restaurant. That design comes courtesy of Studio Ramoprimo which was established by Italian architects Marcella Campa and Stefano Avesani in Beijing.

The menu reflects that dazzling atmosphere with plenty of colorful European dishes. Be sure to order the Burgundy escargots served on sapphire rocks, mussels with white wine, Italian-style roasted sea bass, or the beef wellington (loaded with truffle, of course). Other goodies include paella, pizza, pasta, as well their signature Australian black Angus grain-fed tenderloin with foie gras.  

Their tapas, meanwhile, are served on three-layered neon green tableware. It might make you might think: “Oh, doesn’t it sound like those posh, tacky nightclubs near Workers’ Stadium?” But don't be too quick to dismiss this it. The caviar, arugula, and cheese drizzled with balsamic on top of bruschetta are of a quality you'll never find in a Sanlitun nightclub.

The salads and mains are of the same quality as Tiago 2.0's sister brands. Their seafood pasta, for instance, is over-packed with shrimps, squid rings, mussels, and even some large king crab for good measure. Then there's the blueberry & frozen yogurt smoothie bowl (RMB 88), which is oh-so Instagrammable thanks to its walnut topping, coconut chips, and passion fruit. However, we prefer the less flashy panna cotta. This simply delicious Italian custard, made of yogurt instead of milk, is to die for, thanks in no small part to the sweet and acidic raspberries sprinkled on top.

We don’t want to use the word modern to describe this restaurant. That term is, funnily enough, too dated. Instead, think of Tiago 2.0 as a surreal, cool and funky lounge akin to what you'd find in Singapore, New York, Thailand or other cities where trendy young people gather.

READ: Tapas, Risotto and Magic Nitrogen Tiramisu at Casa Talia by Tiago

Tiago Select
Daily 11.30am-10pm. 6/F, 24 Chaoyang Joy City, 101 Chaoyang Beilu, Chaoyang District (8558 3892)
北京朝阳区朝阳北路101号朝阳大悦城六层24号

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Email: tracywang@thebeijinger.com
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Photos courtesy of  Tiago Select, Tracy Wang