The 8 hottest bars, restaurants and cafés in Shanghai this month

Mr. Bánh Mì

The Avocado Lady just got a new neighbour, and these awesome sandwiches have all of the banh mi essentials: sticks of crisp, pickled veggies; sprigs of fresh coriander and a slightly sweet pate mayonnaise spread that you’ll be wishing every sandwich joint was packing – all stuck into a soft, flaky baguette. And of course, you’ve got your choice of eight meaty fillings, from BBQ fish cakes to Vietnamese ham. 

272 Wulumuqi Lu, near Wuyuan Lu, Xuhui district.

Bo Shanghai

Alvin Leung's fine dining hideaway in Five on the Bund has launched two new menus – still riffing off the eight cuisines of China crossed with French traditions, but now at two different price points – 1,080RMB and 1,680RMB each. They've only got 26 seats, so book ahead if you want to see what Leung's rolled out.

Sixth Floor, Five on the Bund, 20 Guangdong Lu, Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, Huangpu district.

Tea Funny

American philosopher Allan Bloom wrote, ‘As soon as tradition has been recognised as tradition, it is dead.’ So how do we keep it alive? Xue Yong Min's answer is Tea Funny, a stunningly designed modern teashop on Yongfu Lu that’s not forsaking tea tradition of the past, but rather, reinventing for the future. You'll love the shop’s most sought-after treat: the Cream Top Tea, a cold blend of flower tea with a sweet, frothy cream cap that’s served in an edible chocolate-coated cookie cup made fresh daily. 

46 Yongkang Lu, near Jiashan Lu, Xuhui district.

Shake's Gospel Brunch

In a city where brunch is an institution, Shake is upping the ante. The soul and Motown supper club has launched a Sunday brunch with a twist: gospel, with the voice of Tarra Conner Jones in the limelight. The eats are far from traditional brunch fare – chef Danyi Gao adds East Asian flair for the best hangover cures dishes around, plus, bartender Colin Tait has crafted seven wicked types of Bloody Marys FTW.

Third Floor, 120 Jinxian Lu, near Maoming Nan Lu, Huangpu district.

Goose Island Brewhouse

From Chicago comes Goose Island's flagship brewpub, where you'll find house-crafted beers, vintage ales, cask- and barrel-aged ales and seasonal brews. On the food menu, get American eats like bourbon wings, nice cuts of meat, burgers and the like – the iron skillet of IPA mac and cheese is a hoppy, decadent hit.

B2, 209 North Maoming Lu, near Weihai Lu, Jingan district.

Heat French Rotisserie and Bistro

In line with the current rotisserie chicken trend that's seemingly sweeping Shanghai, this new casual French rotisserie and bistro specialises in roasted French birds and homestyle sides. And while it's the mainstay, it's not all about the chicken over here – be sure to try the french toast, 'cause it's probably one of the best you'll ever have.

199 Maoming Bei Lu, near Weihai Lu, Jingan district.

Blackstone Magic Bar

Cocktails and magic, you say? Blackstone Magic Bar sounds so geeky, but in the coolest way possible. Opened by the talented and charismatic Hong Kong magic man Anson Chen, it’s the first magic bar in China, and an awesome concept – molecular cocktails mingling with mysterious tricks and magical history, performed by passionate magicians.

Unit 5152, Found 158, 158 Julu Lu, near Ruijin Yi Lu, Huangpu district.

TRIBE Shanghai 

The organic restaurant and fitness-focused brand from Beijing arrives at Fumin Lu with a variety of vegan, gluten-free, paleo and just straight-up healthy eats from breakfast through dinner (and brunch of the weekends). You can also pop in for biodynamic wines and all-natural crafted cocktails.

Unit 103B, A Mansion, 291 Fumin Lu, near Changle Lu, Xuhui district.

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