While exploring the City Hall area last Sunday, I decided to have lunch at Romana, an Italian-style restaurant located inside the Funan shopping mall.
It was already my second visit to this place—my first was over a month ago. I remembered enjoying that initial experience, so I wanted to return and try other items from their menu.
By the way, I learned from a comment on my previous post about this restaurant that it's not considered authentic Italian cuisine. That feedback came from an Italian Hiver, so I took their opinion seriously. Still, I wouldn't blame the restaurant owner for adapting the recipes to suit local tastes. Many restaurants do this to remain relevant and cater to the preferences of their customers. Even the biggest food chains adjust their offerings to appeal to their target market.
On this second visit, I also discovered that the Japanese restaurant next to Romana is owned by the same person. That explains why this Italian restaurant also offers Japanese desserts on its menu. I found this out when I ordered dessert and saw the staff bring it over from the neighboring Japanese restaurant. While it might seem a little confusing, I admire the business owner's creativity in maximizing their sales. As long as the food and dessert taste good, I don't see anything wrong with blending menus from different cuisines.
For this meal, I had the Beef Bolognese, iced lemon tea, and Japanese cheesecake. I have to admit, I initially planned to try a different dish, but I really enjoy their version of Bolognese—so I ended up ordering it again. What I did change from my first visit were the drink and dessert.
During my first visit, I had intended to try the Japanese cheesecake, but it wasn’t available at the time. So I made sure to get it this time. Now that I’ve tried both the panna cotta and the cheesecake, I prefer the cheesecake. It’s light, creamy, and less sweet than the panna cotta, which I really liked.
I don’t often go for Western or Italian cuisine, but Romana gave me a good enough experience that I find myself coming back. Another reason is their promotion—it’s a great deal considering it's a complete meal. The combination of Italian food with Japanese drinks and desserts is something I’ll definitely return for when I’m craving something comforting.
Romana may not serve traditional Italian fare, but its fusion of flavors and creative approach make it a spot worth revisiting. With satisfying meals, delightful desserts, and great value promotions, it offers a comforting dining experience in the heart of the city. I’m already looking forward to my next visit and discovering more from their unique menu.
