Little Italy Sunday brunch at Via Roma - Kempinski Hotel, Beijing


Part of the Kempinski Hotel, Beijing, but tucked away in the back, is Via Roma, an  Italian restaurant that will strike the right cord with both families as well as couples hoping to have a quiet romantic dinner that will not break the bank. On this occasion, though, I was there to try their Sunday brunch. Here follow three highlights from my experience. 


Antipasti station

If all I could have at Roma were their Antipasti station with drinks, I would gladly go again and again. Fresh parma ham highlights the generous cold cuts on offer, while I helped myself to a few  servings of other typical Italian treats like  bruschetta and caprese salad. An unexpected delight, though, was the sundried tomatoes that were made in-house. The antipasti, stationed in a nicely enclosed space, is just fantastic with tremendous variety.










Drinks

Via Roma succeeds in its drinks selection where most brunches fail in the city. While white and red wine and bubbles are standard throughout the city, cocktails are not. Sunday brunch here offers a decent Prosecco in Bottega, an Italian red and white and some classic Italian cocktails - all part of the drinks package option. I started off with an Aperol Spritz and by the time, the afternoon ended, I had had a few Negronis and also Gin and tonics. As if these in themselves were not enough, they were all made table side from a trolley that moves around the floor - nice engagement with staff. Why are there not more brunches that do this? 



Main courses

The choice of 5 unlimited main courses served to your table is an added bonus and indeed integral [part of the concept at this Sunday brunch. There is no menu. Instead, an open kitchen greets you with 5 sample dishes of what is offered. These dishes are perfectly portioned, meaning you can have  a taste of a few. In my case, I had the Pan fried Sea bass first. What worries me about Mediterranean sea bass is that it is so easy to over cook it. I shared this concern with the chef in advance, and voila! Beautifully done. I also had the Mussels, cooked in a delicate wine sauce. Recommended. 

Main Course Menu



Mussels

Sea bass
The Chocolate cake - my choice of dessert.



Overall, a fabulous brunch that checks all the boxes. Chef De Cuisine Andrea has created  a brunch experience that really has that homely feel to it. He has assembled a team of eager young chefs who play their part in contributing to a Sunday well spent. Whether it is serving pasta from a  moving trolley or making pizza in the wood burning oven, they deliver. The brunch is great value for money, with that Italian spirit of abundance manifesting itself in the dishes and drinks on offer. You will not find a brunch in the city at this price matched with all the above. Little Italy at Via Roma is a warm, uncomplicated brunch that you I am likely to visit again... and again. 


Essentials
Via Roma Sunday Brunch, Kempinksi Hotel, Beijing
Price 408 RMB with free-flow Italian cocktails, prosecco and wine
Price 308 RMB without alcohol
Price 154 RMB (kids 6-12)
For reservations, contact:
restaurant.beijing@kempinski.com
+86 10 6410 4215
Subway - Line 10 Liangmaqiao
Brandon Stoltenkamp
https://instagram.com/bmstoltenkamp/

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