Alio Olio
1 Chaoyang Park West Gate,
Chaoyang Park
朝阳公园西门1号
6594-0938
www.alioolio.com
alio.olio@yahoo.com
Price Y100-Y199 per couple
- City Weekend
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With an owner who used to be the general manager at Annie's, and a very similar selection of ridiculously affordable Italian fare, this cozy, casual spot begs comparisons to the Beijing standby. But you can expect more choice, equal to better quality, and slightly lower prices here. The pizzas, made in a wood-fire oven, are especially good, as is the lobster risotto.
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cityweekend
Most Recent Reviews
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I have no idea why you commentators are in such a massive snit. I am entitled to my opinion, and if I had a consistently poor meal, I'm allowed to write about it without inciting attacks.
1) I agree, the snotty kids is not purely Alio Olio's fault. IF THEIR FOOD WERE GOOD, then this would be forgotten. I have had plenty of bad ambiance meals in Beijing with great food that I've enjoyed. The problem is, their food was consistently mediocre or downright poor (yes, hair in the soup counts as poor as does a thick gummy layer of cocoa powder on the tiramisu). The kids were an annoying side issue.
2) I paid about 200 rmb per person for a bad meal here. For that price I expect better quality food, and I don't think that's an unreasonable request. I'm not asking for Michelin-quality food--does it have to be Michelin OR mediocre? 200 rmb for non-bland pasta, no hair, and serving that wasn't bumbling? There are plenty of other affordable Italian places in Beijing that offer a better experience for the same price point.
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I have enjoyed going to Alio Olio every single time, food is great, service is attentive, and Guiseppe is just such a nice and welcoming guy. Love the sea bass pasta penne and the wine selection from emw is good.
The only thing i really dislike about this place is the AC Milan craze, but that's just me being silly European ;-p@gms2011: you are seriously not saying that Annie's is better than Alio??? And how can two little expat brats be a Alio fault? I don't get that part of your criticism and honestly its just outta place.
Hair in the soup is gross and ofc shouldn't happen! And yes, its def not Osteria Francescana with a team of michelin stars working in kitchen, but for the price and ambiance i don't really think your criticism is all that fair.
But what got me all fired up was your "If it's not acceptable in the States, it's not acceptable here" comment... You are aware of the fact that you are living in China right? Im from Europe and there are a gazillion things, expressions, habits, etc which are unacceptable in the States but perfectly fine in the EU. So next time you review a venue please leave out your superiority complex
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Well, I think it's fair to say when Alio Olio first opened, it really was astonishingly good food, a nice environment and great service for the price, and as a result, I did eat there on a regular basis. One thing I noticed in that time though, is that they are lacking one thing, and that is consistency. I've been served very good food, mediocre food and on one occasion I had to return some steak that was served raw in the middle (ordered as medium). I'm therefore dropping my rating to three stars. To the last two reviewers, I agree, it's not fair to write a poor review on a restaurant because of the way their guests behave; your frustration should be directed at the children's parents. Food-wise, today, Annies gets my vote because it is at least consistent (consistently "not bad"); however, when all is well behind the scenes at Alio Olio, it rates considerably higher than just "not bad". Once they get some consistent quality back in the place, I will be back on here with 5 stars again.
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I think you went to the wrong restaurant. As to the kids, how is that Alio Olio's fault? (It's all in the parenting). Don't disagree with you about the soup, but maybe pick a more expensive wine in the future. You get what you pay for and my two cents is that no one goes to McDonalds & complains about the service.
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Unimpressive. I was debating about trying Alio Olio, especially since a reliable branch of Annie's is a few steps away, but the positive reviews on this website convinced me to go. Another Beijing food magazine cautioned against this place, but I decided to try something new.
Ambiance: The most interesting part of dinner was the decor. I loved that the 2nd floor dining room was one big room with large windows on both sides, and the restaurant was shooting for a homier/more refined atmosphere than Annie's.
However, while the large dining room was aesthetically pleasing, the two little kids sprinting were not. There were two expat toddlers RUNNING AROUND THE ENTIRE ROOM for the entirety of my meal. I think they made at least 15 laps. Not only were they running around, they would occasionally screech "MOMMY MOMMY DADDY" or play some chopsticks on the piano. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. I understand that it's hard raising kids, and that management is afraid to bother the family, but you need to teach your kids to sit down, or pay like $5 for an ayi to watch them for the night. Ridiculous. If it's not acceptable in the States, it's not acceptable here. Go to KFC if you want your kids to run around.
Appetizers: The tomato soup had a single curly black hair in it. Enough said. The fried mozzarella sticks were actually quite tasty--melty, gooey, with a fine bread crumbs. However, they came out with a disgusting mayonnaise/relish dipping sauce that had a sheen of oil on it and a couple pieces of wilted lettuce. Mayo, relish and mozzarella? Really?
Entree: Gnocchi with cherry tomatoes, shrimp, and basil. The portion of shrimp was generous and cooked well in terms of texture. Unfortunately, the pasta sauce tasted like nothing. It was very diluted and watery. In addition, I didn't taste any basil. I did see specks of dried basil floating around, but they had no flavor. If the chief components of the pasta are tomato and basil, you expect to taste basil.
Dessert: Tiramisu (39 rmb). Tiramisu is supposed to have cocoa powder sprinkled on it. Alio Olio's rendition had an entire LAYER of cocoa powder. It was so thick that the cocoa powder stuck to my teeth when I was eating, leaving a gummy feeling in mouth. The base of the tiramisu was creamy and fine, but the thickness of the cocoa powder ruined the dessert.
Service: My waitress forgot my order of house sparkling wine (which was way too acidic, by the way). The service was well-meaning but not well executed. I had to request fresh pepper and parm for my pasta, and my water was not refreshed. Annie's has such smoother more consistent service.
Bottom Line: Go to Annie's a few steps away. This place is a carbon copy of it in terms of menu anyway, and they execute it worse.
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Excellent Italian food reasonably priced. House wine is the best and cheapest in Beijing. Highly recommend their salt cooked fish and of course the alio olio pasta. Service, despite being open for some time now still has room to improve.
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Was very very impressed by Alio Olio. Last night, we were served by attentive, friendly waiters and the food was great quality and had great prices. The restaurant had a great ambiance and even with a function going on in the room, the food arrived promptly. All the food was great, however I would comment that the canneloni with beef was bland and thus could have had more of the tomato sauce which was a part of the dish (but there was too little of it to make the flavor stronger), since it was actually really tasty and flavorsome. The prices are fantastic and make this spot a very affordable eatery. The owner was lovely and apologetic about the function however, he needn't have been - we had a great dining experience regardless. But we appreciated his attentive and considerate attitude. Altogether, we had a great experience.
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I like it. Decor is aweful, but the pizza was good. Admittedly, the quality seems to vary a little- my first visit was better than my second, but I'll definitely go back. Try the visioza..yummy!
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I'm not gonna debate the authenticity of the place or compare them to those guys next door. none of my business! That said, I went there yesterday for dinner and was pleasantly impressed but the food, the staff and the prices.
We arrived there a bit late, past 9:00 pm for a late dinner when there were maybe 3 other tables on the floor. we were promptly greeted, seated and given menus.
I liked the extensive selection of wines and who could argue with the prices? They might not be the best ones in the world but a good 10 bottles under 150RMB with some of them under 100 even. Winner! The menu was clear (albeit a few spelling mistakes) and well organized... exactly what i like!
We ordered a Melanzane, smoked goat cheese with mushroom sauce, fondue, pizza and cannelloni along with a bottle of wine.. total came to about 340 which is more than reasonable in my book.
The Melanzane was standard, nothing to write home about. The smoked goat cheese not to my taste. The fondue rocked, especially at a wallet-friendly 38rmb. The Cannelloni lacked a bit of salt but otherwise alright and the pizza had one of the better crusts I've tasted in Beijing.
Left very satisfied and looking forward to my next visit.. It might not be fine dining but it's great value and very much non-pretentious... me likey..
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We tried 2 soups. Minestrone and Lentil soup.Both were good. The breads given initially were cold, so that spoilt my soup , but I braved and asked one more and they gave it free. Good beginning. The sphagetti ,pizza both were pleasant . The pizza I expected more from it ,specially the dough quality. I saw the italian owner manager on the job and was pleased. Summary was sure the place will get us back and for the prices,surely. Its better than La Pizza, its better than taverna or cepe or whatever for the price. Yes the service people were nice too. I am sure this place will give run for money to all italian restaurants !
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I don't often give 5 stars unless I am blown away, and here, I have to say I was. This place serves up amazingly good food for the price. Ambiance is warm and comfortable, service is great, nothing bad to say at all! Beijing has been needing a place like this for a long time.
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We had a great (and filling!) lunch here, pleasantly surprised and impressed by the interior decor (simple, homely), friendly staff, and very affordable prices! The complimentary bread was so delicious we kept asking for more, and when our dishes came they were just as enjoyable! One order was mixed up, and although we weren't too fussed about it the manager insisted on giving us another pizza on the house just to make up for it! With good deals on drinks as well this is a great alternative to Annie's and is just as family friendly. We will definitely be back!
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I went there with my husband and baby and we were so happy about it. They have a great pasta selection with diffrent sauces you can choose...by the way the best pasta I had in Beijing. The pizzas are fresh made, very tasty and they offer a great choice here too. The dessert menu could be larger (10 things to choose from) we tasted around half of it, and it was good, the tiramisu was not for the baby, too much alkohol and coffee taste, therefore my husband like it even more. We will definitly come back again! And let me recommend you also the salads they are to die for. This restaurant is going to be one of the best in Beijing not only because of his price but also for his quality. p.s. better than Annie's
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Today we went there for lunch, the food was very good, solid Italian style food!!! The spaghetti ai frutti di mare were especially interesting, with a white focaccia pizza on the top of the plate....my husband loved them!!! The owner is super nice and friendly too. We will go back there for sure!!!!
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Wow, great prices here - try 20 RMB for TWO Cafe Mochas (although not sure why you must order two at a time.. but for that price why not?), 15 RMB cappuccinos, and 18 RMB bruschetta. Pizzas and mains also priced accordingly. Food was very enjoyable and the manager did a great job of ensuring customers were satisfied - even making a new pizza for me on the house as I accidentally ordered the wrong one! Score. For the cheap prices and good food you can't go wrong.
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Just tried Alio Olio last night, got the private room between 10 of us, which was a nice touch. Good solid food, similar to Annie's but definitely a bit more authentic and better quality. We had a few different pizzas - all not far off La Pizza quality but about half the price, and the salads (particularly the House Special) were very decent and again excellent value for money. House wine was a little dodgy, but for 89RMB a bottle... perfectly fine! Definitely will be back here when I next need some Italian comfort food in an unpretentious atmosphere at very reasonable (even cheap) prices.
[HTML_REMOVED]The Meal Deal[HTML_REMOVED]
[HTML_REMOVED] 3.5/5 stars
[HTML_REMOVED] Alio Olio begs comparisons to Annie’s, and not just because the restaurant’s owner used to be general manager for the Beijing chain. The new restaurant is also just up the street from one of Annie’s branches, and the menu offers a very similar selection of ridiculously affordable Italian fare. That said, you can expect more choice, equal to better quality, and slightly lower prices at Alio Olio.
[HTML_REMOVED] The pizzas are made in a wood-fired oven, and crust quality is high for Beijing, although not up to La Pizza standards. But who’s complaining when the pies start at ¥26 for a small Margherita? There are a huge number of topping options, and you can easily go half-half if you can’t decide.
[HTML_REMOVED] The bruschetta (¥18) tastes identical to the Annie’s version, which isn’t a bad thing. Pastas start at ¥18 for a half-size portion, and most salads are also available in half-sizes. The homemade ravioli de ricotta e spinaci (¥42) tastes fresh and spinachy, with a nice cream sauce. Canneloni with beef (¥42), however, was lackluster and missing something in terms of cheese or sauce. Our favorite menu item is also the most expensive, the ¥158 lobster risotto. The generous bed of risotto is very good, with a rich, tomato taste accented with parsley. You only get half a small lobster, but it’s still a good deal for the usually very expensive seafood.
[HTML_REMOVED] The former Gisa Restaurant spot is definitely a step up in ambiance from Annie’s, and it’s a cozy, extremely comfortable place for a relaxed meal. On top of all the half-sized portions, there’s also a good kids’ menu, making Alio Olio very family friendly. And while some smoke does waft down, the non-smoking downstairs is another nice touch.
[HTML_REMOVED] [HTML_REMOVED]Sienna Parulis-Cook[HTML_REMOVED]