Vice Shanghai is the new venture from Cantina Agave owner Raffe Ibrahamian and chef Carlos Sotomayor, both long-term veterans of the Shanghai food and beverage scene. They’ve teamed up to bring us VICE, a lounge / bistro concept that features borderless dishes that reflect chef Carlos’ Peruvian heritage combined with his extensive involvement in various … Read more
Niku Niku Oh!! Kome is a Japanese hamburger steak chain, part of Monogatari Corporation, that serves freshly ground beef patties grilled to order on a central grill in full view of customers seated around U-shaped counters. Despite the name, these are Japanese-style hamburger steaks rather than burgers served in a bun. Once they reach medium … Read more
A first-hand review of Jia Jia Tang Bao in Shanghai including waiting times, prices, what to order and whether the famous Xiaolongbao really live up to the hype.
Lawry’s The Prime Rib Shanghai opened in the prestigious Xintiandi well over a decade ago. I loved it, but the timing was poor and they couldn’t make it work. So for many years, I had to visit Lawry’s in Hong Kong and once, even in Taipei to get my fix of prime rib, or what … Read more
Xiaolongbao and shengjian usually get most of the attention from visitors to Shanghai, but the city’s noodle scene deserves just as much attention. One excellent place to start is Huxi Old Alley Noodles, a humble local chain serving rich, deeply savoury dry noodles that have earned a loyal following across Shanghai. Unlike some of the … Read more
RAC Coffee Shanghai sits at the junction of Anfu Road and Wukang Road, and on a weekend morning you’ll almost certainly walk past a queue. That queue leads to a French café and crêperie that has been quietly doing things right since 2017. No gimmicks, no fusion twists, just honest French food executed with care … Read more
For well over a decade, there has been no shortage of high-end cocktail bars where you can pay upwards of 100 RMB for a lovingly created cocktail from a “mixologist” in a smart apron. And that’s great — I’ve enjoyed these types of places on many occasions. But I also appreciate a bargain, and if … Read more
Yunnan cuisine is having a moment in Shanghai. It has always had a loyal following among locals and long-term residents, but something has shifted recently. The restaurants are fuller, the interest is higher, and for anyone arriving in Shanghai for the first time — particularly among the wave of new visitors taking advantage of China’s … Read more
Although it’s been around since 2014, I’ve only recently tried El Bodegon Shanghai for the first time. It’s well known in the expat community for serving affordable, well-priced steaks, in a city where steak prices can climb quickly. The Place The venue in Changning district is industrial chic, with warm, relaxed touches. Exposed concrete ceilings, … Read more
Tomatito is one of the best value lunch deals in Shanghai, with a generous multi-course set in a relaxed, stylish setting. Visited in April 2026. All photos taken during that visit. Quick Take Tomatito has been around for years and is still one of our favourites, especially when you can sit outside. They have quite … Read more