The 7 hottest bars, restaurants and cafés in Shanghai this month

ban ban by Sproutworks

Hit this new eatery right now for grain and protein bowls that you'll be thinking about on the daily come lunchtime. It's a fusion concept combining Asian flavours with Western-style grain bowls and proteins: pick your base, and then pick your style. Don't let the fact that it's in a mall keep you away – this place is sure to be the next winning concept from the ever-growing Kelley Lee empire (Boxing Cat, Liquid Laundry, Lil Laundry, Cobra Lily, Cantina Agave, Sproutworks). 

Palmetto

Chef Gavin McAleer is plating up dishes that exemplify the famous Southern hospitality of a country kitchen, introduced via bites of cornbread slicked with sweet sorghum butter; laid-back pimento cheese dip; perfectly fried chicken and catfish; creamy grits; sweet pies and more. Plus, Southern salutation demands the offering of a cool glass of iced tea, so say yes to one of the restaurant's boozy versions.

Palmetto 800SHOW, Bldg A3, 800 Changde Lu, near Changping Lu, Jingan district.

Ruin

The DADA crew have knocked down a few walls and turned the space out back into a bare-walled bar called Ruin (not to be confused with Jingan dive My Place Ruin Bar), accessed from the coat check area outside DADA. They’re going for the post-industrial stripped-back thing, and there’s no music except the thudding bass from next door. Drinks-wise they’re slinging Chinese craft beers by the bottle, spritzes and organic wines, all at around the 50RMB mark.

Ruin 115 Xingfu Lu, near Fahuazhen Lu, Changning District.

Spoooon!

Thick, tart Greek yogurt need no longer be absent from your life. In line with the longstanding Western obsession with DIY frozen yogurt shops, newly opened Spoooon! on Yongkang Lu offers up more than the dessert variety – you can choose frozen, regular or Greek yogurt as your base, all made fresh in house, and then top it off with all kinds of good stuff. Oh, and there's an avocado Greek yogurt in the pipeline.

Pure & Whole

The group of vegetarian eateries has rolled out a bunch of fresh new menu items that are perfectly light and lovely for the incoming summer weather. The greenie in you will be down with the Mediterranean flavours of the California salad with creamy vegan cashew dressing; the new version of Pure & Whole's Matchstick Pasta with homemade noodles, pesto, and green veggies; and the silky, dairy-free layered chocolate coconut 'cheesecake'. Nom nom.

Pâte

Indulge your sweet tooth with the awesome pastries and desserts at French patisserie Pâte at SOHO Fuxing. Fall for the tangy burst of citrus in the lemon and thyme tart or decadent avocado cheesecake, and your Insta followers will love the unicorn-hued coconut berry Lamington cake. 

Spread the Bagel

Your favourite bagel shop has revamped its menu. Find new offerings like STB's take on a Philly cheesesteak (68RMB); the Bangin' Banh Mi with cola cured ham, roast beef, daikon salad, herbs and sriracha aioli (58RMB) and a collab with Sichuan soul food slinger Fly By Jing that involves spicy pulled pork shoulder, runny fried egg, Emmental, pickles, coriander and chilli mayo in a sammie called the Hot Sichuano (58RMB).