VIBE

Never losing its cool despite the nearby glitzy Workers’ Stadium nightlife venues that have sprung up around it over the past decade, the ever calm and composed Metro Café offers upscale Italian dining in tranquil surrounds. With its deep, intimate booths, romantic lighting, and dark wooden cabinets lined with a creative selection of international wines, Metro Café exudes comfortable yet worldly vibes–not hard to see why it remains one of the top spots in town for a romantic, but laidback, date.

CROWD

Devoted expat and local fan base–expect business types during the week and starry-eyed daters on evenings and weekends. The sunny terrace and mix-and-match menu are popular on weekends with lunching families with kids.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

It’s casual by day but ramps up to upscale casual by night. We’d wear dressy jeans and a chic top during the day but switch to a flirty skirt and romantic blouse or a sweet dress in the evening.

GO HERE WITH

A date; friends; family; colleagues or clients

WHY WE LIKE IT

It’s refreshingly peaceful and reassuringly reliable–the perfect spot for a long conversation and unfailingly lovely meal. We really dig summertime lunches on the outdoor terrace.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The service can be extremely hit or miss, ranging from faultless to simply absent.

GOOD TO KNOW

The mix-and-match pasta and sauce menus make this a great place to take picky eaters.

CLOSEST COMPS

Assaggi (Beijing)