Recently opened near the Worker's Stadium, Pasino is better described as a Chinese venture into American-style pizza dining than anything vaguely resembling Italian cuisine -- so think pizza of the hut rather than pizza on the piazza.

Pasino's d?cor is uninspired, with tacky gondola prints and elevator music, but that's of secondary importance as long as the food is good and reasonably priced. In these key departments the restaurant scores well. For Y39 per person (a flat rate with no separately priced or cheaper options) you can eat and drink ad infinitum. With twelve pizzas to choose from -- cooked to order - there's also pasta, a salad bar, soup and dessert (fruit, ice-cream) on offer.

While I was a little concerned to be asked if I wanted tomato on my pizza, the individual deep-pan brought to me was actually very tasty. The Spaghetti Bolognese was also good and the salad was fresh. The beer on offer is Yanjing - not generally my tipple of choice -- but it's free-flowing and cold, and there are a range of soft drinks to choose from if that doesn't tempt you.

Pasino's staff are attentive and friendly, and the place is ideal for those wanting to eat their fill of 'Western' food at an affordable price.

Go South for 300m from the Yazhou dajiu dian, or North for 400m from Chaoyangmen Huapu chaoshi dongkou. It is just around the corner from the Julong Huayuan to the West of the Worker's Stadium.

Food: ***

Decor: **

Service: **

Price: Y70 for two

Tel. 6552 0111

(City Weekend January 2, 2003)