[NEW] MiTO has the Italian Food You Want
The glitz and metropolitan pace of Shanghai keeps ambitions running and hearts pumping, yet there are very few places you can go to savor the taste of family warmth and classic modernity.Do not be fooled by the glamorous nightlife facade of its Found158 location, because the moment you step into this modern day Italian osteria, you realize it’s the Milanese fare we’ve all been missing out on. In short, ‘Mito’ means ‘legend’ in Italian, and having this regal angel in the center of the restaurant really gives the old-school majestic vibe of Italian renaissance. We were invited to try some of the these legendary dishes that bring a surprise twist in each story and tale.
The Drinks
Spritz Espresso (RMB 65)
Herb-infused tea is so passé, nobody is talking spirituality to a club with you. Then again, getting wasted with just hard liquor will throw you off the dance floor and screw up your pickup lines. This is why a drink like this is perfect for the scene, the coffee-infused Aperol gives you the adequate caffeine kick that will keep you awake and energized, while the sweet vermouth and fizzles of the tonic water offer a delightful combo to quench your thirst.
Basta Poco (RMB 65)
The perfect drink to offer a lady while you flirt and impress at the bar counter, the ginger beer gives a delectable overall sweetness, bringing out the velvety characteristics of the prosecco and vermouth while highlighting the faint bitterness of the grapefruit peel. Just how every girl wants to be portrayed: sweet and elegant with a mysterious gaze.
Americano (RMB 70)
The invitation of “can I buy you a drink?” in a club seems to be tarnished and overused these days thanks to heartless jerks in the club. Try “can I buy you coffee?”, for a much friendlier approach that keep the conversation flowing. Unlike the typical iced Americano, the one at MiTO is paired with red sweet vermouth and Campari, which adds character to the bitterness of the coffee. When garnished with a slice of orange, it gives a tropical sweetness to the beverage, breaking the ice of interaction.
The Starters
Foie Gras Burschetta with Mango RMB 48
For starters, we were served with the all-Italian classic appetizer of bruschetta. But unlike any other bruschetta which usually involves fresh tomatoes, this is the high-end twist above all traditions with the replacements of foie gras and mango. Foie gras and bread is always a perfect match, but the compliments of tropical mango give an exotic, appetizing touch to the dish. This appetizer is kind of like a hot date with an Italian gentleman, but one who speaks French and lives in Asia.
Thinly Sliced Beef Carpaccio with Rucola RMB 60
When it comes to pre-meal snacks or a wine complimenting bite, the beef Carpaccio is a perfect choice. The only thing about serving smoked meats is that the cut and assortments can make or break your impression of the restaurant. Thankfully the beef Carpaccio at MiTO is so thin and fragrant, it puts sashimi to shame. Pairing it with Rucola gives the raw nuttiness and aroma needed to prepare your taste buds for the upcoming main courses.
The Mains
Homemade Pumpkin Ravioli RMB 68
The dish you can truly call home, there are always 2 secrets in every Italian household: a recipe for pasta sauce and a secret filling for homemade ravioli. MiTO is no different than their Italian neighbors; the only exception is the pumpkin is carefully selected to amplify the sweetness of the filling, making it a delicious vegetarian sensation here.
Pulled Pork Toscano Sandwich with fries RMB 58
Like many great dishes, there is a good story behind the Toscano bread. More commonly known as pane toscano/sciocco in Italy, the term is literally translated as ‘without salt’ and carries a hidden meaning of being stupid. That doesn’t mean that one will become stupid from eating it, but there is an interesting story of how a foolish attempt created this magnificent piece of gastronomy. Just like the Italian meaning of the word, the faint single sweetness of the bread here lends beautifully to the tender pulled pork, and when lightly toasted creates a crispy, caramelized shield that envelopes all the fresh juiciness of the tomatoes, onions and lettuce. Exclusively for the brunch menu, this dish is most definitely a must-have for the lazy brunch catch-up you want to have with family and friends.
Grilled Whole Sea bass and Lemon (RMB 150)
Big fish and big meat (Da Yu Da Rou), just like the typical Chinese expression of a sumptuous meal, the Italians have a way of expressing the importance of their guest of honor with the freshest produce by land and sea. Carefully cleaned and grilled to perfection, the sea bass remains moist and fresh with a crispy exterior and most importantly, absolutely no fishy smell at all. With the slices of lemon hidden within the body, the flesh exposes a hidden zest with every bite in your mouth.
Grilled Australian Angus T-Bone 500g (RMB 320)
Everybody seems to rave about American steakhouses or the miscellaneous butcheries and diners, but not many of them impressed us as much as the steak at MiTO. Leaning towards the lean side, the Angus T-bone here is a very tender and hearty, a healthier alternative compared to most steaks served with a higher fat ratio. Not only is the meat grilled nicely with an optimum level of rare, what amazed us the most about the dish is the attention to detail the chef puts into the preparation process. This dedication is obvious from the spot-on crispiness of the fried potato wedges and the sauce made by a blend of wine reduction fused with melted foie gras. Having such an amazing drizzle to the meat will make you stay away from the barbecue and ketchup sauces from now on.
Among the competitive Italian restaurant scene in Shanghai, we’re pretty sure MiTO offers a groundbreaking approach and is definitely one of the first osterias that provides a family-friendly environment during the day and a nightlife atmosphere when the sun gets low.
MiTO
Address: MiTO, 158 Julu Lu, Found 158, near Ruijin Yi Lu