7 Best New Openings of May
The journey of discovery is always a mouth-watering one around Shanghai. When it comes to new places to hang out and eat this month we came across some real gems you should set foot in before it becomes impossible to get a seat.
DINER
Address: 145 Wuyuan Lu
Tel: 021 6416 1678
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm [currently soft opening hours]
You’ve surely heard the term ‘gastro-pub,’ but have you ever been to a ‘gastro-diner’ before? Who would have thought Shanghai could give us an American-style diner with such luxurious and artisanal ingredients? Though a little expensive for simple dishes like pancakes, burgers and French toast, their ‘gold standard’ classics are definitely worth a try with ingredients like foie gras, wagyu beef and hazelnut butter.
LA BODEGUITA DEL MEDIO
Address: 191 Hengshan Lu
La Bodeguita Del Medio is probably the first notable Cuban franchise brand in Shanghai. Famed for being Ernest Hemingway’s favorite bar in Havana, expect to see the classical elements of a Cuban bar such as a cigar corner, a VIP saloon, and if you’re wondering why there is a wooden chair on the ceiling. Let’s just say it’s an in-house secret whereby the staffs here encourage you to ask them for the story. Just before you leave, remember to leave your autograph on the wall, a long common tradition that they follow ever since stars like Pierce Bronson and Terrence Howard have graced their home branch in Cuba.
ZEITGEIST
Address: 537 Haifang Lu
Tel: 021 3220 5986
Hours: Daily: 11am-2am,
Finally for the first time in Shanghai, someone has shown us what a no-nonsense German approach to food is, and no we are not just talking about the typical sausage and beer. Zeitgeist offers up the raw essence of Bavarian cuisine with simple, delicious dishes, heavily based on meats and other hearty ingredients. A modern day man-cave, it’s a warm and cozy spot for the guys to build up their bromances or the ladies to pamper their man.
MY BUTCHERY
Address: 315 Wulumuqi Zhong Lu
Tel: 131 2056 8079
Hours: Daily, 10.30am-8pm
Ever since the viral success through the internet, this upscale boutique butchery has become an internet sensation across Shanghai, they even had to open a second branch focusing more on dining and wine. Providing only the best meats and organic wines, My Butchery has transcended to a whole new level, and set the bar high for butchery in Shanghai. Their four animal head logo resembles the meats they sell and serve in-store, and are also used to mark your takeaways and avoid confusion. Most butcheries can be very intimidating with gory chucks of this and that, and blood smattered behind the counter. But My Butchery provides a comfortable, warm environment that’s suitable for family gatherings and even romantic dates.
DEUS
Address: B1/F, 158 Julu Lu
Hours: Daily, 5pm-2am
In the shuffle of high-profile openings this month, you may have missed Deus, a jazzy, slightly up-scale cocktail lounge and bar down in Found 158. With all the stiff competition down there it’s nice to see someone NOT trying to jump the shark for customers. There are no gimmicks, no flashy specials, just great drinks, vibrant atmosphere and a ‘vinyl only’ DJ policy that most music lovers will appreciate.
ARKHAM
Address: B1/F, 158 Julu Lu
Tel: 021 6258 0355
Hours: Thu, 10pm-3am, Fri-Sat, 10pm-5am
After a long and uncertain absence filled with rumors and speculation, Arkham finally had its grand opening down in Found 158 this month. If you haven’t heard about it or seen pictures yet you must not be from around here. It’s Arkham, 2.0, bigger, better and louder than ever.
RUIN
Address: 115 Xingfu Lu, near Fahuazhen Lu
Hours: Daily, 9pm-1am
Located just behind Dada on Xingfu lu is Ruin bar. Originally planned as a speakeasy cocktail bar, when the space was being demolished they thought it looked good so decided to leave it as it was. Since it looked like a ruin, they thought ‘yes, we’ll call it that.’ Good drinks, cool space, good times, we’ll be back there soon.
New Opening: La Bodeguita Del Medio