The Place
Looking like a Wes Anderson dream in party central, Mito is an Italian restaurant for the Millennial generation. It’s a concept realized by the same people who brought Shanghai Xixi Bistro, a Chinese-Italian fusion eatery characterized by its distinctive design, and it shows.
Bold swathes of ‘Millennial pink’ and oxidized copper accents, graffiti-crossed angels and molded Corian surfaces give Mito a contemporary faux vintage feel, and we half expect Miuccia Prada to come swanning in at some point.
The Food
While the menu at Xixi Bistro takes bold steps into the unchartered (and occasionally treacherous) realm of fusion cuisine, by contrast Mito’s is simple and at times traditional.
Simple and hearty pastas are the restaurant’s strongest suit; best being the pumpkin ravioli with ragù (RMB68), which benefits from a silky filling that counters well with the meaty sauce.
Linguine with sausage ragù (RMB68) has a less delicate profile, though what it lacks in balance it makes up for with bold and savory flavors from sausage, mince and lashings of Parmesan.
Other successes at Mito include the foie gras bruschetta with mango and mint, an unusual combination that works beautifully with the charred crusts of toast (RMB48).
Seared scallops with sun-dried tomatoes and asparagus (RMB98) was also a delicious intermingling of bright and uncomplicated flavors, ultimately overshadowing the white asparagus with parmesan, truffle and poached egg (RMB68).
For mains, grilled sea bass with lemon and green beans (RMB150) was light and nourishing; a judicious choice for the hot summer weather. Crispy-skinned porchetta (RMB135) is completely the opposite, but its unbridled porky flavor is grounded by a sweet and zesty balsamic-dressed salad with grapefruit, fennel, walnuts and peanuts.
Both these mains outshine Mito’s pizza, which is too floppy to constitute a serious threat to Homeslice Pizzeria just a few doors down.
Mito’s bar program is also worth a mention, since it’s likely that any visit to the Found 158 complex will involve imbibing. Wine by the glass starts from RMB35, and cocktails focus on light and refreshing flavors from RMB60-70. Our favorite is the ‘Spritz Espresso’ (RMB65), which combines Aperol with coffee, though the Negroni will satisfy those in need of something a little stronger.
Food verdict: 1.5/3
The Vibe
As you’ve probably seen by the prices, value for money is a given at Mito, undoubtedly a wise move on the restaurant’s part given the nightlife-oriented nature of Found 158. Our best experiences here have been during weekend lunchtimes, when the restaurant is bathed in natural light, the staff relaxed and both the regular and brunch menu are available (word is they’re adding an afternoon barbecue at 3pm).
During the evening Mito is still charming, though it struggles to be heard over the party outside.
Vibe verdict: 2/2
Total Verdict: 3.5/5
Price: RMB68-250 per person
Who’s going: expats and young locals
Good for: good value Italian, cocktails and apéritivo, brunch
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