By Maggie Tang

Possibly the oldest Western restaurant in Shekou, Romas continues to provide its authentic European cuisine with and a homely ambience.

This landmark restaurant, on Taizi Road, opposite to Sea World, traces its origin back to Hole In The Wall Bar and Restaurant, which opened 21 years ago on a nearby road and was named after a real hole in a wall. It moved to its present location seven years ago and picked up the name Romas, which means "steakhouse."

Clean white tablecloths match the light yellow walls and rosy curtains; the orange lights mix well with the red candles. Customers can relax in chairs and unwind to soothing tunes

In the center of the restaurant is a table reserved almost every day. Labeled as Stammtisch, a German word which means "table for invited friends," the table is actually for a few VIP guests who frequent the restaurant regularly. A bell is placed above the table, and the diner who intends to pay the bill for the table signals his intent by ringing it.

Romas serves a rich variety of European dishes, including popular ones from France, Italy, Germany and Spain.

The Spanish-style gambas al ajillo is a good choice for a starter. The dish makes use of small shrimps and cooked in olive oil and garlic.

The Caesar salad is recommended, which comprises vegetables mixed with bacon, croutons and the special Caesar dressing. The colorful dish is pleasant to the eyes, and its fresh and tasty flavor makes it very popular among diners.

The Romas salad is also a customer favorite. It is more of a personal experience for diners as they can choose the ingredients and dressing.

The potato cream soup is a must-have. Minced potato is boiled with milk and cream to satisfy your taste buds. Basil sauce and bacon add flavor. You'll feel the taste in your mouth long after you finish it.

For the main course, you can have the fillet steak or the sirloin steak. The stuffed sole fillet is also worth a try. The restaurant offers fresh Swiss meat and steaks.

"We import meat and steaks directly from Switzerland. The freshness of steaks is the key for the good taste in Romas," said Metal Lau, manager of the restaurant.

Owing to the freshness, steaks at Romas are at their best when cooked about 30 percent, according to Lau, a talented young man who graduated from a business school in Canada. Although he does not have much experience, Lau has brought much vitality to Romas with his innovative ideas.

The restaurant also has a good collection of Mexican and Asian cuisine, and set meals for kids. New dishes are available here every week in a weekly special menu.

After the dinner, you drink French wine or Scotch whisky at the Romas club, next to the Romas restaurant. Equipped with acoustics and video facilities, the club is a great place to relax. On holidays and weekends, it is a good place for parties. If you like snooker, you shouldn't miss it.

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Add: Block B Taizi Hotel, Taizi Road, opposite Sea World in Shekou

Tel: 2683-8492