Photograph: courtesy Stiller
Shanghai is a city that never stops giving, especially when it comes to dining out! With a constantly evolving food and beverage scene, we are excited to see the continuous explosion of new restaurants, cafes and bars springing their doors wide open to welcome us all in. Whether you’re in the mood for authentic Chinese cuisine, or are craving international flavours, there’s always something awaiting discovery. Here are some locations we are loving right now.
Located in the heart of downtown Shanghai, Bambino is a relatively new kid on the block that’s ready and waiting to tantalise your taste buds and transport you to Italy.
Photographs: courtesy Bambino
This isn’t any old regular Italian osteria though; it is a creative collaboration between Chef Lucky Lasagne (a tattoo-artist-turned chef, formerly at Italo) and the Juke team, who have come together to create an intimate and welcoming bistro that boasts both personality and flavour.
Chef Lucky Lasagne and the Juke team
The menu at Bambino is a culinary adventure that reinvents classic Italian flavours. But if you’re in the mood for something a little more inventive, you’re sure to find those with a modern twist to them too.
King Crab (98 RMB)
capers, gherkins, and finger limes
Pasta di Nettuno (128 RMB)
‘only the freshest fish' with herbs, panure and lemon skin
Balsamic Short Ribs (198 RMB)
24-hour slow-cooked balsamic glazed rib, rosemary, mostarda di cremona
What’s more, if you’re in the mood for a custom cocktail or glass of wine, seasoned bartender Colin Tait (Black Rock, Shake, Heyday) will have you covered, while an impressive wine list featuring only those wineries with female winemakers or principles presents plenty of options for you to choose from.
Panna Cotta (60 RMB)
corn milk panna cotta, montenegro glaze boozy currants, salted popcorn.
600 Shaanxi Bei Lu, near Xinzha Lu.
Book a table: (86) 13166296689
Photographs: courtesy Ling Long
Fine dining meets contemporary Chinese cuisine at Ling Long, the visually stunning restaurant housed within the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai. As the brainchild of Chef Jason Liu, Ling Long offers a unique culinary experience that seamlessly blends Chinese flavours with French techniques.
Chef Liu’s training with renowned chefs in Taipei is evident throughout his unique approach to presenting Chinese cuisine, but what sets his work apart is his exploration of the rich history and tradition of Chinese food, while also incorporating innovative techniques and stunning plating.
The set menu at Ling Long embraces four different aspects: xian (umami), tradition, localisation, and memory. Alongside this focus, the menu features 9 courses that includes everything from lobster and fish maw to Shandong Wagyu and Chinese honey for 1680 RMB per person.
In every dish, Chef Liu’s interpretation of this theme is experienced, resulting in an immersive dining experience.
The attention to detail in every aspect of the restaurant – from the ambiance to the presentation of each dish, is something you won’t easily forget.
Ling Long, 1F, The Waldorf Astoria Shanghai, 2 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu.
Book a table: (86 21) 2329 0313
Photographs: courtesy PADO
If you’re craving Korean food in Shanghai, you’re in luck. The city is home to many amazing Korean restaurants. However, if you’re looking for a spot that offers a modern twist on traditional dishes, alongside a relaxing and casual vibe, PADO should be your go-to.
The restaurant’s name, which translates to “waves” in English and “浪” in Chinese, sets the tone for the dining experience you can expect. As soon as you walk in, you’ll be greeted by a stunning work of art depicting a wave, alongside decor inspired by nature through the use of aged trees, iron and stone.
With regards to the food, you’ll find a mix of traditional, local dishes and modern reinterpretations of classic Korean cuisine. The team prides themselves on using high-quality, fresh ingredients to create dishes that are naturally bursting with flavour (such as the fresh prawn fish cakes made directly in collaboration with a factory in Busan), or those that are freely reinterpreted in their own unique style (think burrata cheese served with a black sesame sauce and Korean Yuja juice).
The team at PADO is passionate about sharing their unique taste and experiences with their customers and every dish is made with care and attention to detail. So, whether you’re in the mood for street food-inspired dishes that evoke a sense of nostalgia for Korean culture, or playful reimagining of classic dishes, your taste buds will thank you.
A101, 1107 Yuyuan Lu.
Book a table: (86) 18964973659
Photographs: courtesy Stiller
Located in the heart of Xintiandi, Stiller offers a home away from home with a relaxed dining experience guided by Michelin-starred chef Stefan Stiller whose passion for gastronomy shines throughout the menu.
'Hamburger Aal Brot' (125 RMB)
smoked eel, scrambled eggs, roasted sourdough bread, chives
Knusprige Schweins-Haxe (210 RMB)
crispy pork knuckle, sauerkraut, mustard-jus
Whether you’re stopping by for a leisurely weekday lunch or an elegant weekend date night, Stiller’s modern European, all-day menu is one that is designed to be shared and savoured amongst friends and family.
Käsespätzle (85 RMB)
cheese spätzle, onion jus
But Stiller isn’t just committed to offering a delicious dining experience, they’re also dedicated to supporting sustainable domestic suppliers. Take, for example, their natural mineral water sourced from Wuyi Mountain. You can choose between still or house-made sparkling water from this area, and it is available in a free-flow concept at just 28 RMB per person.
181 Taicang Lu, Lane No. 22-23, Building 02, Unit A.
Book a table: (86) 18930609363
Nestled in the heart of Shanghai, Yak & Yeti is a restaurant and bar that promises a Himalayan-inspired culinary adventure. Led by the experienced Nepal-native Anup Rajbhandari, who has spent over 20 years in the F&B industry, Yak & Yeti boasts a menu that showcases flavours from Nepal, India, Tibet and Yunnan.
Himalayan Nachoes (38 RMB)
A blend of crisp chopped veggies and crunchy peanuts, perfect for scooping onto their small papadums.
Upon entering the cosy and intimate space, you’ll be immediately drawn in to the central cocktail bar that stands centerstage of the space. Surrounded by small bar tables and chairs, some of which evoke a campfire vibe with the help of LED fire pits, it makes for a great setting for an intimate date night or a small, casual gathering.
The menu offers a variety of homestyle dishes that are meant to be shared and highlight the flavours and specialties of the regions they are inspired by: Nepalese and the neighbouring areas of the Himalayan mountain range.
Grilled Pork Sekuwa (78 RMB)
Pork that has been marinated for 8 hours in Himalayan spices, then grilled over charcoal.
Pork Keema Noodles (68 RMB)
Homemade noodles with flavourful minced pork, seasonal vegetables and Sichuan pepper. With a helping of child oil for those who like it extra spicy.
But it is not just the food that is Himalayan-inspired – the cocktail list is, too! Their cocktails showcase flavours from Yunnan and Tibet, and are named after the highest mountains in the region.
Kanchenjunga (78 RMB)
Rice wine, St-German, sugar syrup and lemon, garnished with a fresh strawberry.
If you're looking for a unique dining experience that's sure to tantalise your taste buds with flavourful, spice-centric food, this one is for you.
97 Xiangyang Bei Lu.
Book a table: (86) 15921230265
