Buon appetito: Enjoy rich taste of Italy in Xi'an

Not far from the Bell Tower in Xi'an – capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province – an Italian restaurant memorably named Isola del Nord has been open for more than 10 years and is called a "Western enlightenment restaurant" by many local foodies.

"Isola del Nord means 'island of the north' in Italian," said Lu Yi, head of the restaurant. She hopes Isola del Nord enables its patrons to stop by and savor an exotic meal.

Before running Isola del Nord, Lu worked in hotel management. Her wide-ranging management experience and love for Italian culture prompted her and her friends to open the authentic Italian restaurant.

"The more I understand Italian food, the more I feel it is very close to Xi'an food culture," Lu said. She said that, Xi'an people love to eat pasta, garlic and meat, and Italian food happens to be a perfect blend of these elements.

Since the restaurant opened in 2008, many chefs at the restaurant have gone to Italy, Japan and other countries for training and study. Head chef Li Gen has also obtained the prized professional title certification issued by APN Napoli, an Italian pizza association.

The restaurant specializes in southern Italian dishes. In order to maximize the original flavors of the food, ingredients are mostly imported from Italy, such as hams, sausages, flour, yeasts, tomato sauce and of course the cheeses.

In addition, basil leaves, arugulas and rosemary are airlifted from Southwest China's Yunnan province, while the beef used in its main course steaks is all from the local Qinchuan cattle in Shaanxi.

"When you come to Isola del Nord, you must try the traditional Italian pizza," said a Japanese expat who has lived in Xi'an for more than 10 years. Every month he and his friends dine at Isola del Nord.

"The taste of Xi'an people is as spicy and clear as Italian food," said Liang Xuan, a long-time customer engaged in the cultural industry in Xi'an.

"It's not complicated to prepare each dish of Italian food, but it can give people a kind of original satisfaction and happiness that comes from food," the customer added.