03/08/2025: La Pagoda in Bologna didn't make us cry out for a miracle... but it did make us dine with gusto, and that's already much more than some places manage.
We ordered a bit of everything, as is typical when there are four of you and you feel like Friday night gastronomic explorers: spring rolls, Cantonese rice, soy noodles with meat and vegetables, a parade of ravioli (grilled, steamed, with shrimp, with meat... all that was missing was the confetti!), bamboo chicken and mushrooms, and—my personal winner—Thai chicken, slightly spicy, with a unique flavor. If it were a movie, it would win the Oscar for Best Spicy Supporting Actor.
The quality? High. Freshness? Present. Portions? Just right... even too much. Let's just say we didn't need a pulley to get up from the table, that's all.
The service was courteous and the wait was a bit slow, but it was summer, and we thought: maybe even the wok could take a break. The owner was very kind, explaining a few dishes to us with passion and patience. The relaxing atmosphere, background music, and soft lighting: in short, the perfect mood for a dinner that feels like a break from the hustle and bustle.
A note of style: the portable lamps on the tables are that Zen detail that makes you feel like you're part of an oriental ritual, part of a Wong Kar-wai film.
Price? €22 per person, which may seem a bit above average for a Chinese restaurant, but you don't come here to fill yourself to the brim: you come to savor, relax, and even digest your thoughts.
In short: we'd love to return, perhaps with the excuse of trying the rest of the menu (which could even have a few photos, if we really wanted to be Instagrammers).
Recommended if: you want refined Chinese food, authentic dishes, zero chaos, and an atmosphere that makes you forget for a moment you're in Bologna.
Not recommended if: you're looking for the battlefield-style "all-you-can-eat" experience. The food here is good, but not great.
👉 P.S.: The green tea tiramisu ends the meal with a "ciao, see you soon." And yes, we said goodbye with a smile.
02/08/2025: Excellent traditional Chinese food. The small garden is a lovely place to dine al fresco in the summer.