Tasty & Playful: Mana Brings Mediterranean to North Sanlitun

The Beijingers | Jul 6, 2010 12:00 pm | 2 comments | 1553 reads

To my mind, Mediterranean cuisine is typified by small restaurants tucked down quiet alleyways in seaside villages with menus that change according to whatever produce is available. This seems to be the thinking behind this intimate eatery on the sleepier side of Sanlitun.

Having missed the prix fixe lunch (RMB 68/88), I tried an early dinner by way of the a la carte offerings. A Greek salad (RMB 39) that included watermelon – apparently a well-known Hellenic export – opened the evening. The addition of the watermelon worked well with the other flavors but proved a little too far from my comfort zone.

More traditional were the mains – an earthy roast chicken on a tagine of artichoke hearts (RMB 55) and a hearty homemade goat’s cheese ravioli with fresh sea bass (RMB 78). The dishes were well presented, tasty and playful in their use of ingredients, boding well for a second visit – most likely for lunch.

Also try: Alameda, Mosto

Mana
Daily 11.30am-10.30pm. 2 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang District (6460 6721)
朝阳区三里屯北小街2号

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sexmachine2's picture sexmachine2 Submitted by Guest on Mon, 08/02/2010 - 13:20

I went to Mana last night and I had a really great time. The place was packed and had a really great buzz, something that I don't get to see too often in Beijing as so many places just have a couple of tables in each night. There was a group of us. The meals were just so good. Because we were a group, we decided to try as much as possible: I had the Steamed Mussels with Bouillabaisse Broth, Tomatoes, Orange Zest and Sake - wow, what a combination! The Herbs-Crusted rack of Lamb was delicious and I kept stealing mouthfuls of my friend's risotto when she wasnt looking. To finish we had all of the desserts to share - the creme brulee was served perfectly - perfectly sugar-crusted without overheating the dessert, the souffle is to die for and the panna cotta so tangy and savory that it is perfect if you don't like sweet sweets. The cocktails were also great, I recommend the coffee martini and original caparinha. Anyone who doesnt like this place needs to rethink what they are judging - I dont think that you can campare Mana, with 3-courses and drinks for around 300rmb ahead, to a five star hotel or Maison Boulud that charge three to five times that. Mana is a great contemporary restaurant, has a buzzing atmosphere, friendly and helpful staff and is great value for an evening out with great food and drinks.We will be back soon. I give it five stars!!!

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