By Betty Richardson

This month, Jing'an's Réel Mall has unveiled a newly-revamped food court, which is packed to the rafters with mini versions of laowai-friendly restaurants like Hooked, Pure & Whole, D.O.C Italiano, Dodu, Al's Burgers, LA Pho, Sunflour, Mex & Co., Awfully Chocolate, and a BBQ rice bowl place called Da Fu Dong that is absolutely slaying the crowds. More on all that here. 

The Lost Heaven group is in search of eternal summer at their new gastro lounge, Beach House. Situated on Julu Lu, the MO is craft cocktails alongside a menu of Western-style seafood; lobster linguine, oysters on the half-shell, fish goujons et al. 

Another new bar strikes a summery tone on Fuxing Zhong Lu: Barraco. Named after the shanty town structures that characterize the outskirts of Brazilian metropolises, we’re really feeling the camp ‘n’ kitsch décor, which includes swings instead of barstools and fruity cocktails. We’re basically preparing to move in until winter is over. 

Like the Shelter, JZ Club and Bocado before it, Bombay Bistro has said farewell to their Yongfu Lu address. They're in negotiations to move to Jing'an. Watch this space. 

Little Catch have made their mark on their newest location on Madang Lu, offering two new bowls (try the avocado-laden ‘guacapoke’), textbook jumbo shrimp cocktail and an alcoholic cocktail too. Also, their winter-only hot broth poke bowls are back, including a new Singaporean laksa flavor with mussels. 

Last month it was Taco Bell, and now three new restaurants have opened on the same stretch of Maoming Bei Lu in Jing’an. The first, a mozzarella and gelato bar called Latteria Allora, the second, a seafood bistro and lounge bar called Chelae, and the third, a bizarre horror-themed hot pot called Chi Huo Xiao Yu (吃货小妖府火锅). We can’t say they didn’t time it well for Halloween. 

Next up, Flask, one of Shanghai’s most original speakeasies was resurrected at a sleek new location behind bao bar Tiger Bites on Xiangyang Bei Lu. Before you ask, the coke machine entrance is gone; replaced by a dramatic black mirrored corridor that suggests being transported back in time to the old Flask. Inside is almost a perfect replica of the old bar, with the same favorite cocktails on the menu. 

At Three on The Bund, a chic new lounge to see and be seen in has opened. Called Club 3 1/3, a nod to its historic host, the place boasts cocktails and live DJs, with dramatic 15-foot ceilings and interiors designed by New York architect Michael Hsieh. 

Alors! Yet another big name French chef is bringing a restaurant to Shanghai. This time it’s the six Michelin Star-holding Yannick Alléno, who, no doubt emboldened by the recent success of Pierre Gagnaire’s le Comptoir (who have just opened their new bakery on the ground floor), will be opening one of his Terroir Parisien restaurants inside the newly opened Raffles City Changning. Yes, it’s a mall, but it’s a chic one, damnit. 

Also in Raffles City: Ginkgo, a new restaurant set in a striking and rather beautiful cube-like building in the outdoor plaza area. They serve mid-range Japanese delicacies like sushi, sashimi, grilled fish, bento sets and more. 

You May Also Like...

For more Shanghai F&B Gossip, click "Read More" (阅读原文) below.