La dolce vita is now downtown!
By Ned Kelly
A brand new AZUL italiano has opened downtown, taking over the former AZUL Weave space at 277 Wuxing Lu.
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"Our AZUL italiano brand is incredibly popular at its other two branches, and we realized that while this area has a few high-end Italian eateries, it lacked a more approachable option," explains Azul Group's Eduardo Vargas.
"So we decided to change that by bringing the vibrant taste of Italy to our community, offering authentic flavors at an accessible price point."
READ MORE: Eduardo Vargas: The Life & Times of a Shanghai Legend
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The space offers two private VIP rooms (accommodating 12 and 20 guests respectively) and a larger area in the main dining room that can be sectioned off for parties of up to 100.
With the festive season upon us, it makes AZUL italiano the perfect venue for functions and celebrations.
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The venue also boasts a huge, wraparound patio terrace that, thanks to warming heaters, is open year-round.
The Food
AZUL italiano offers a modern and vibrant take on classic Italian cuisine, infused with international flair and a touch of creativity.
From traditional antipasti and artisanal pizzas to handmade pastas and premium grilled meats, every dish is crafted with authentic ingredients and a passion for bold flavors.
The menu features a (very) wide range of options, including fresh seafood, premium Wagyu steaks, truffle-infused specialties, and indulgent desserts—all designed for sharing and savoring.
A generous selection of premium Italian cold cuts adorns the Italian Board (RMB128)—an authentic assortment to start your culinary journey, and the perfect communal bite.
Thinly sliced tenderloin is topped with mustard, oregano—and accompanied by light croquettas filled with parmesan foam—for the Beef Carpaccio (RMB98).
Elegant and delicate.
Melon & Ham (RMB78) sees Italian prosciutto paired with fresh figs, pine nuts, and honey.
Aged balsamic pearls add a burst of acidity to this perfect sweet and savory combination.
It is not all traditional Italian—Eduardo Vargas' playful Peruvian side shines strong in the Nikkei Tuna (RMB98).
Seared tuna rests on avocado puree, served alongside tomato salsa and nikkei sauce, and served with crispy wonton chips for a fresh, crossover dish.
The Salmon Spinach Salad (RMB98) is another vibrant and nourishing plate, featuring a generous portion of grilled salmon served over a bed of fresh kale and spinach.
Also in the mix is sweet mango, creamy avocado, and soft quail eggs, all tossed in a tangy honey mustard vinaigrette.
Garlic Prawns (RMB58) are sautéed with garlic, chili, parsley, paprika, and olive oil.
A simple, garlicky, and flavorful shrimp dish.
A fresh Garden Tuna Salad (RMB98) features cherry tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, feta, olives, onion, pepper, and melon.
There are 10 pizzas (and a calzone) to choose from. We went for the Burrata Pizza (RMB108), a creamy, luxurious white pizza crowned with a whole, fresh burrata cheese, and topped with prosciutto, cooked ham, cherry tomatoes, and a blend of parmesan and mozzarella.
Options also abound on the pasta front, with eight options plus Nonna Style Lasagna (RMB98).
It's a traditional, homestyle beef lasagna with melty, cheesy layers of ragù, béchamel, mozzarella, parmesan, and tomato sauce.
The Tomato Pasta (RMB58) is a testament to its philosophy of simple, quality ingredients.
The dish combines fresh egg spaghetti with a vibrant sauce of fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil, elevated by a subtle touch of chili.
The Seafood Tagliolini al Nero (RMB118) sees fresh black ink pasta with a medley of prawns, clams, squid, mussels, octopus, fresh tomatoes, basil, and chili.
Halibut is braised in a rich tomato-based seafood sauce swimming with mussels and shrimp for the Sicilian Fish Stew (RMB158). A hearty and delicious recipe.
A half Roasted Chicken (RMB98) is served with chunky wedges and side salad. A simple, well-executed classic.
The steak at AZUL italiano is prepared with a purist's touch, seasoned only with flaky sea salt to enhance its inherently rich and buttery character.
The Wagyu M3 Rib Eye (RMB398) sees luxurious 400g Australian wagyu rib eye expertly grilled.
Rightfully presented as the centerpiece of the plate, it is accompanied by a medley of tender baby vegetables, chimichurri, and roasted garlic to complement the premium beef.
Pair it with a side of Skinny Fries (RMB38), fried to crispy, golden brown perfection and seasoned with parmesan, truffle and salt.
The whimsy continues into dessert, the Fallen Garden (RMB98) cascading out of an overturned chocolate flower pot.
Mascarpone cream, biscotti crumble, a meringue mushroom, and raspberry sorbet make up the spillage.
The decadent, rabbit-face Chocolate Cake (RMB58) is served with fresh raspberries and a scoop of smooth milk ice cream.
The Drinks
What is the Italian experience without aperitivo, that cherished social ritual—a moment of transition from the busy workday to the relaxed evening.
The cocktail menu runs the gamut from classic spritzes to sangrias, while also offering a selection of globally-inspired cocktails crafted with precision.
Piedmonte (RMB58) is a herbal and citrusy concoction, blending Italian limoncello with vodka, dill, and elderflower for a uniquely complex and refreshing profile.
A bold and sophisticated cocktail for the adventurous, the Campania (RMB78) features the bitter notes of Campari enhanced by gin and a hint of smoky whiskey.
A classic South American Pisco Sour (RMB68) is shaken into a frothy mix with lime juice, syrup, and egg white.
The Peach Spritz (RMB58) is a sweet and bubbly Italian-inspired cocktail, blending peach liqueur and puree with Prosecco for a fruity celebration.
On the mocktail front, Pink Whimsy (RMB58) offers a tropical and tangy profile, blending the distinct flavor of pink guava with sweet pomelo and a touch of lime. Sweet, tart, and fruity.
From the smoothie selection, Mango is the Key (RMB48) is a tropical and creamy blend of ripe mango and yogurt, sweetened with mango puree and syrup and lifted with a touch of coconut milk. A vibrantly refreshing sip that unlocks pure sunshine.
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A walk-in wine 'cellar' is stocked with bottles from around the world at wallet-friendly prices, just waiting to be explored.
And, being an Italian joint, even the coffees are a work of art.
The Vibe
Stepping into AZUL italiano, the energy is warm and convivial—a space where the clinking of wine glasses mixes with the buzz of conversation and the irresistible aroma of garlic, truffle, and wood smoke from the open kitchen.
It's a place designed for sharing, both in spirit and on the plate. Whether you're tucked into a cozy corner of the sleek, contemporary dining room or soaking in the year-round buzz on the wraparound terrace, the atmosphere is effortlessly stylish yet completely unpretentious.
AZUL italiano successfully fills a crucial gap in the neighborhood: a go-to destination for authentic, high-quality Italian fare that feels both indulgent and accessible.
It's a celebration of la dolce vita—the good life—Shanghai style, where every meal feels like a festive gathering.
Price: RMB100–350 per person
Who's Going: Italian food lovers, families celebrating, groups of friends, date night couples
Good For: Sharing plates, al fresco dining, big group celebrations, a reliable and satisfying Italian fix
For reservations, call 021 6628 8882
Open Tue-Sun, 11am-2.30pm & 5-11.30pm
Azul italiano The Weave, 2/F, 277 Wuxing Lu 吴兴路277号, 2楼
[All images by That's Shanghai]
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