Ze’vero: The Truth About Authentic Italian Food

By That's Guangzhou, January 6, 2023

Guangzhou is full of Italian restaurants that have gone to extreme lengths to claim that they’re able to create a perfect plate of pasta. But it’s possible that not one restaurant has gone quite as far as Francesco Andreetta.

A familiar name in the city’s F&B scene, Andreetta, who hails from Treviso in the Veneto region of northernItaly, is the proprietor of Ze’vero, a cozy and popular Italian eatery in the heart of DongshanKou. When Andreetta set out to open Ze’vero, he knew he didn’t merely want to offer the basics; he wanted to serve them exactly as he remembered them from his boyhood. Small in size (fits 24-26) but extremely large on flavors, freshness, authenticity and complexity of preparation, Ze’vero ticks those boxes like no one has ever done before.

Why, do you ask? And why is it full every night?

The Food

For one, the menu. It is simple and full of favorites, with just enough to ensure that your taste buds are generously sated. Chef’s specials rotate daily, and it’s all based on seasonal produce.

We started off our meal with generous serves of arancini (RMB68/4pcs), better known as gooey, plump ballsof cheese surrounded by soft, pillowy risotto, encased in a crispy shell. This version was filled with diced ham and topped with parma ham, making it an unforgettable bite. We also tried the baked asparagus with cheese and ham (RMB88), yet another hearty, warm appetizer that was perfect for both the weather and the vibe.

Pastas feature heavily here, and our top two favorites were both served in large bowls that can easily feed a couple of people each. The Alfredo Tagliatelle (RMB88) was creamy and full of flavor, with fresh homemade pasta made lovingly by Andreetta himself. The Paccheri with mixed mushrooms, sausages and black truffle sauce (RMB98) is a score, and we were left licking our lips for more. And speaking of truffle, the Tartufata (RMB128) pizza is to die for and a must-order. Frankly, the entire menu is delightful, and a welcome addition to the city’s Italian food scene. Desserts are a must too, and we tried the nutella pizza, tiramisu and panna cotta.

Gluten free? Vegetarian? Fussy? With plenty of customizable options, Ze’vero does not disappoint even the most discerning of diners.

The Drinks

House wines sell at RMB58/glass. Of course, nothing beats an Aperol Spritz, and as expected, it lived up to all expectations. Limoncellos are served around here just like they do back in Italy, and if you’re a regular, expect a pour or two at the end of your meal, compliments of Andreetta.

The Vibe

Homely, hip and highly sought after by city foodies, Ze’vero feels like true Italian food. Ironically, that is what its name means too. “To me, there has to be a feeling of Italy in the restaurant, in each dish. That’s why I am always here, in the kitchen, making sure that there’s love, tradition and authenticity in each dish,” says Andreetta. If there is any evidence that his culinary strategy at Ze’vero has tapped into a deeply rooted human need, it’s the reaction from customers when they fail to find Andreetta taking their orders. But that won’t happen to you. If you’re interested in true Italian fare just like mama used to make, head to Ze’vero. You won’t regret it.