Call the ayi because it’s time to have a night out on the town with your significant other.
Place and Vibe
This Italian restaurant on the Bund offers a modern, yet rustic dining experience. With a red toned bar, wooden tables, iron accents and stencil art on the ceiling, the décor gives a relaxed atmosphere to the evening. French windows line one side of the restaurant with a view of the Bund. We recommend asking for a table by the window when making your reservation to make the most of it.
As the Saturday evening wore on, the restaurant became more lively and crowded. While the trendy, top 40s music kept good vibes coming, it was never too loud to disturb a good conversation. English-speaking servers were attentive and always ready to approach the table when needed.
The Food
As far as menus go, Atto Primo’s is huge. With everything from cheese and meat platters, pastas and pizzas to fish mains and entrees from the grill, this place isn’t without options. One not to miss dish was the burrata fresca salad (RMB148, dubbed as their most authentic dish) with roasted eggplant, raisins and burrata cheese layered together in what looks like a petite cake, topped with cherry tomatoes. The presentation was quality, but the taste was even better.
Another dish that won us over was the super picante pizza (RMB128) topped with spicy grilled peppers, fresh green chili, spicy salami and scallions. This dish is not for the faint of heart with a pretty spicy punch. It was approved by my date, who thinks of himself as quite the spice enthusiast.
There are quite a few risotto dishes on the menu, and we opted to try the risotto ai formaggi e timo (RMB118), a mixed cheese and thyme leaf risotto. While delicious, it was slightly plain for a main. We would recommend getting this as a side for sharing, pairing it with another entrée.
The desserts certainly did not let us down. The cremoso al cioccolato e pera (RMB68), a chocolate mousse cake with a creamy pear mixture as a layer in the middle, was our favorite. The strudel de mele caldo (RMB68), a hot apple strudel with caramel cream and walnut ice cream, was also delicious and we liked how flakey and crunchy it was paired with the soft cream.
Date Night Approved?
With no kids in sight, this restaurant on the Bund definitely wins our date night approval. Although it may not be your traditional fancy, romantic restaurant, it’s a great option for a more relaxed evening out with your honey, while still getting that fantastic view.
This would also make for a great restaurant for a date night with other couples due to the friendly vibe and space for larger tables. The volume makes it ideal for conversation and the bar area can seat both small and large groups as well.
Price: RMB400-800 (with drinks)
Who’s going: Locals and expats, couples and small groups
Good for: Dinner and drinks
See a listing for Atto Primo.
