(That's Shanghai)
Updated: 2006-07-11 08:48

This charming bistro, with its scrubbed white furniture and tent-like feel may remind diners of a certain Big Fat Wedding. Pale blue accents and sheer curtains give the restaurant a cool, calm, seaside feeling; though, in fact, it is adjacent to a lovely and large lawn.

Inside, attentive waiters serve up stock Mediterranean classics that are uniformly pleasing, if not innovative. Touted as the chef's mother's special recipe, the spanakoprassopita (spinach pie, RMB 35) was moist and rich, though we would have preferred it served hot. Traditional dishes could use a bit more seasoning: our moussaka (lamb casserole, RMB 55) was perfect after a dash from the salt shaker. The chalvas (ground semolina and honey, RMB 20), however, was a nice surprise, with an interesting texture and ideal level of sweetness.

Aegean offers a textbook lesson in Greek food that may not wow native Athenians but is perfect for beginners.

Aegean
Opening time: Daily 10am-11pm.
Location: No. 333 Changle Lu, by Shanxi Nan Lu
Cost for two (excluding drinks): RMB 180. Domestic cards.
Tel: 021-54031850