The 9 hottest bars, restaurants and cafés in Shanghai this month

Add comment

From literary-themed cocktails to Texas barbecue and swanky sorbet, here's what we're craving from Shanghai's hottest tables this May.

Above the Globe

A Shakespeare-inspired cocktail lounge above Shanghai’s current Globe (the impermanent McKinnon Hotel, home to immersive stage production Sleep No More). With the booze stage directed by Eddy Yang of Tailor Bar, be eager to see these mixing masters perform. There are three impressive cocktail menus: Comedy, with sweet, sour and flowery flavours; History, with house takes on classic cocktails; and Tragedy, with strong, herbal drinks and a profusion of bitters and caffeine. But, reach the pinnacle by asking for an improv act – the bartenders will freestyle drinks based on your preferences.

Above the Globe 1013 Beijing Xi Lu, near Jiangning Lu, Huangpu district.

Lick it

Set up on the corner of Changle Lu and Shaanxi Nan Lu, Lick it prides itself on sorbets and ice cream designed by Hungarian chef Jenő Rácz of Michelin-starred Taian Table. There's a small selection of three sorbets and one ice cream on offer at the moment, but unlike many other places that use sweetened syrup for sorbets, Lick it uses only fresh frozen fruits making for a sweet, guilt-free treat.

Lick it 162 Shaanxi Nan Lu, near Changle Lu, Jingan district.

Wonderland

This fanciful cocktail bar in Jingan comes from Johan Holmberg of The Parrot, Funkadeli and former bar el Cóctel, and it looks like a total trip. Its themed around the fantastical world of Wonderland (minus Alice), and there's all kinds of stuff going on that would have the Mad Hatter quite excited – whimsical decor, tea sets of cocktails and more.

Wonderland 1311 Xinzha Lu, near Shaanxi Bei Lu, Jingan district.

Cyclo, Found 158

While you’ll still find most of your favourites from the original Cyclo at this welcome second branch of the contemporary Vietnamese restaurant, the team has livened up the menu with an array of eats from Laos and Cambodia. Dishes are bright, abundant and always adorned with a heaping pile of leafy herbs, and the sophisticated space even has gorgeous glass top tables filled with the same dry aromatics that go into Cyclo's fabulous pho broth.

Cyclo Found 158, 158 Julu Lu, near Ruijin Yi Lu, Huangpu district.

Qimin Organic Hotpot Marketplace

Owned by the same folks behind specialty grocer and café Green & Safe, this is the third branch of Qimin bringing the farm-to-table concept to guests. The team prides itself for being a healthy hotpot restaurant, focusing on organic ingredients sourced directly from its own farm in Kunshan and a menu that changes every three months to ensure the freshest seasonal ingredients.

Qimin Organic Hotpot Marketplace Third floor, 191 Hengshan Lu, near Yongjia Lu, Xuhui district.

Glam

The fabulous restaurant, bar and lounge at Five on the Bund has rolled out revamped food and cocktail menus. From dishes with Asian flair such as whole steamed and fried cauliflower head with Xinjiang spices, to Spanish pintxos like morcilla and Manchego cheese, much of the new menu is perfect for sharing over a drink.

Glam Seventh Floor, Five on the Bund, 20 Guangdong Lu, near Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, Huangpu district.

Pera Turkish Restaurant and Bar

This new Turkish restaurant and bar in a stylish, intimate space is ideal for date nights and evening drinks and offers some outdoor tables so you can enjoy your hummus al fresco. The menu is huge – find a variety of classic Turkish dishes, including pides, döners and kebab platters, plus lots of seafood. The mains are mostly nicely grilled meats paired with buttery rice pilaf, but save some space for the more exciting small plates.

Pera Turkish Restaurant and Bar Found 158, 158 Julu Lu, near Ruijin Yi Lu, Huangpu District.

Bulldog Bar

This little nook has wedged its way in amongst the many eateries on Julu Lu, and it deserves a little attention. Bulldog Bar is a no-frills operation: a single page menu with Texas brisket, country pork ribs and barbecue chicken, plus Southern-style sides to accompany. Definitely sure to satisfy your barbecue cravings.

Bulldog Bar 695 Julu Lu, near Xiangyang Bei Lu, Jingan district.

Hooked

From the Camel group comes this smart casual seafood and fish and chips restaurant. With its beach-chic decor and sunshine flowing in through floor-to-ceiling, fold-in glass doors that open up to outdoor seating, Hooked is sure to be a fair-weather favourite amongst seafood snobs and laymen alike. There’s a bunch of stuff on the menu, but the fish and chips are where it’s at.

Hooked Found 158, 158 Julu Lu, near Ruijin Yi Lu, Huangpu district.

Vote for your favourite Shanghai dining spots

Vote in the Time Out Food Awards 2017

Celebrate the champions of Shanghai's dining scene

Posted: 12:40 pm, 28 April 2017