When in the Autumn of 2011 Yuan Yuan, from Beijing, and Omar, from Reggio Emilia (Italy), had the idea to open a 7 tables Italian trattoria in a hutong (old alley), lost in the maze of Beijing's historical town, friends and neighbours thought they were a crazy couple...and probably they were right. But crazy ideas when fuelled with love sometimes prove them right and that's how Mercante quickly became a name in the restaurant scene of Beijing, first, and abroad, shortly after.

In late 2014 another unique place in Beijing, right on the South bank of the Liangma River (Landmark River) became the location for Fiume, the second project of TGFG. Inspired by the cuisine of Emilia Romagna and loyal to the "Always Handmade" motto as its older brother Mercante, Fiume is a oasis of good food and down to earth atmosphere in Beijing's CBD and Embassy Area.

Omar's long time dream finally went true when in Autumn 2017 the third project of TGFG, Lievito, turned on its Italian Moretti Forni (pizza oven) and introduced to Beijing the first Gourmet Pizza. Modern interior defined by grey stone volumes and brass details together with our passion for premium ingredients and desire to experiment gave birth to a different place to eat a different pizza. 

Covid years came with big changes for us: first our beloved Mercante was forced to close, due to the decision of the landlord to take back the space that we fulfilled with love for eight years, then we decided to merge Lievito into Fiume, to increase the number of tables and to add two private rooms to better satisfy our guests and to support our wine themed events. The Liangma River waterfront also changed dramatically during the past few years due to a marvelous refurbishment project ended in mid-2020.