Palette Vino

Off the beaten track, Palette Vino is hidden down the alley of a narrow hutong street. Despite its inaccessible location, Palette Vino offers a notable and extensive wine list, weekly wine events and great set menus (RMB 145 for 3 courses or 165 for four courses), which are sure to impress wine lovers and foodies alike.

I would recommend visiting Palette Vino on a Friday night to enjoy a tasting of 5 different wines + tapas for only RMB 100 from 6-8PM, followed by a 3 course set menu (starter, pasta dish, & main).  A great find for a nice bottle of wine was the Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany at only RMB 280. Desserts seem to be the only weakness of this hidden gem.

Recommendations from Palette Vino’s 4-course Set Menu:

Starter:

• Sauteed Prawns*
• Tuna Carpaccio*
  

  Swordfish Main Course

• Pan Seared Scallops

Freshly Made Pasta:

• Spinach Linguini
• Wild Mushroom Ravioli*

Main Course:

• Char-Grilled Beef Tenderloin*
• Pan-fried Salmon*
• Red Wine Braised Lamb Shank*
• Char-Grilled Lamb Chop (the meat is a bit fatty)
• Char-Grilled Tuna
• Char-Grilled Lamb Kebabs
  

  Char-Grilled Lamb Chop

• Swordfish

Dessert Selection:

• Vanilla Ice Cream
• Tiramisu
• Cheese Cake
• Baked Pear Dessert

A la Carte Steak Selection: from local beef tenderloin (RMB 120) to Japanese Teruka Beef Rib-Eye* (RMB 198) includes side dish (sauteed mushrooms, arugula salad, or grilled veggies) and sauce.

Review of Palette Vino: 5 Dongsi Shiyitiao (on the right side of the alley street), 东四十一条5号;  Tel: 6405-4855

Best Part:

• Cozy, intimate atmosphere within the Hutong courtyard space
• Fine Wines & Wine Events
• Quality set menu and variety of selection (RMB 145 for 3-course or RMB 165 for four course)
• Very friendly, knowledgable and accommodating staff & service

Comments:

• Dessert selection could be improved
• Location is not the easiest to find, so I recommend checking a map before heading there.
• If you come in a big group, Palette Vino can arrange for a special limited set menu (RMB 100 for a 3-course menu)

Rating: (on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being best)

• Food: 8
• Atmosphere: 9
• Service: 8
• Overall Experience: 8