Hidden in the alleys around the large Far Eastern Department Store, Casa Viva is a restaurant with a somewhat hybrid style. It focuses on Italian cuisine, yet the menu also features Spanish and Turkish elements, which broadens its direction but may leave diners questioning the core of the dishes. The restaurant only accepts cash, and the overall space is simple, leaning more towards a community-style eatery rather than an upscale one.

This time, we ordered two risottos, and their overall performance was rather conservative.

"Creamy Lemon Sauce Baked Salmon Risotto"
The quality of the salmon itself is acceptable, cooked just right and not dry. The creamy lemon sauce is refreshing, but its acidity and aroma are not pronounced. The rice in the risotto is somewhat soft, lacking the graininess and bite that Italian risotto should have, making it closer to a risotto than an actual risotto. The overall seasoning is quite mild, with the butter and lemon failing to create distinct layers, resulting in a somewhat flat flavor.

"Squid Ink and Fresh Shrimp Risotto"
The squid ink has a deep color, but the aroma and depth of flavor from the sea are lacking. The shrimp is reasonably fresh with normal elasticity, but it doesn't enhance the overall dish. Like the previous dish, it suffers from soft rice and light seasoning, preventing the richness that squid ink should provide from being showcased, landing it in the realm of mediocrity.

Overall, Casa Viva's culinary style tends to be "not adventurous, not wrong," which also results in a lack of memorable points. If the texture and seasoning of the risotto could align more closely with Italian standards, there would be significant room for improvement. This is a restaurant suitable for those who want to enjoy a quiet meal without seeking flavor shock, but if you expect the layers and soul of Italian risotto, you might find it a bit lacking.