New Guangzhou Bars & Restaurants: January 2017

By That's PRD, January 5, 2017

Here are all the new restaurant and bar openings we featured in our January 2017 issue:

New Cafes

Dumplings Cafe

In this latest episode of unusual themed restaurants in Guangzhou, we introduce Dumplings Cafe: a well-decorated jiaozi guan in Zhujiang New Town boiling meat-and-veggie-filled pockets of goodness beside an active espresso machine, with Fleet Foxes playing in the background. When we visited, the Dumplings team were still perfecting the little bundles, which had thicker skin than we prefer and lacked that juicy, I-want-to-eat-this-entire-plate kind of stuffing. It’s easy to find flaws in retrospect, but we still wolfed down about 12 each that night. Other than dumplings, spicy Chongqing noodles (RMB20) are available, as well as a ‘congee of the day’ (RMB6), chive and onion cakes (RMB8) and your typical briny Chinese side dishes (RMB5-18).

Price: RMB50
Who’s going: colleagues on lunch break, jiaozi fanatics
Good for: specialty coffee and fresh dumplings

Read our full review here. See listing for Dumplings Cafe.

The Scientist

Like your coffee made the same way every time, no exceptions? At The Scientist, every cup is a highly controlled experiment held to precise, predetermined standards of weight, temperature, pressure and time, so that your lips touch the most flavorful beverage possible given today’s technology. Head to the second floor of the mall behind Citic Plaza for a taste of the famed mocha and gibraltar.

Price: RMB40
Who’s going: young coffee junkies, world-class baristas
Good for: the city’s most ingenious mocha, exploring coffee gadgets

Read our full review here. See listing for The Scientist.

New Restaurants

Kitchen More

Situated on Huandao Lu in Haizhu District, Kitchen More lacks the kind of competitive location that its neighbor – the restaurant-packed Taigucang Wharf – enjoys. To win diners’ hearts, therefore, the venue needs an especially appealing menu, and in that, its chef Dannies is confident. The former sous-chef to a Swedish chef at the Grand Hyatt, Dannies is no stranger to fine cuisine. The main source of his confidence, it turns out, is beef Wellington (RMB188). Complex and demanding, this is a dish scarcely seen in Guangzhou’s restaurants (partly because it requires 40 minutes just to cook). We can also recommend the Iceland scallop with orange, caviar and fennel (RMB68) and the beautifully presented smoked salmon (RMB60), imported from Norway, which boasts an oaky, fresh flavor.

Price: RMB200
Who’s going: In-the-know foodies, couples on dates
Good for: sampling beef Wellington, gastronomic pleasure

Read our full review here. See listing for Kitchen More.

Mad Fish

Dining at The Canton Place is a mixed bag: the ambiance is unrivaled, but service seldom comes with a smile and the check always manages to surprise. Mad Fish, like its competitors on the circle, will set you and a friend back RMB200-400 for an average dinner. Its refreshingly large portion sizes and astute wait staff, however, are a welcome departure from the neighborhood norm. A diverse assortment of dishes dot the menu, from osmanthus blossom croissants (RMB16) and crab quiche (RMB29) to chilled mussels with wasabi green sauce (RMB88) and smoked duck breast sandwiches (RMB29). We’re told Mad Fish is trying to be a go-to locale for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but so far the place only comes alive at night.

Price: RMB200
Who’s going: 30-somethings, Canton Mansion residents
Good for: homemade quiche, fresh mussels and fusion dishes

Read our full review here. See listing for Mad Fish.

Prism

With a theme centered on glass, mirrors and the colors white, red and black, this new molecular gastronomy eatery sets itself apart with custom cocktails, reasonably priced dishes and personable service. We started our Prism experience with the truffle spring egg (RMB68): a delightful appetizer of silky egg with truffles and greens. In all our foodie adventures in Guangzhou, this dish was a first – and something we will definitely revisit. For mains we recommend diving into the cigar steak (RMB108), which is served alongside mushrooms and peppers and garnished with flower petals. Add a little surf to your turf with two French oysters (RMB98).

Price: RMB300-500
Who’s going: molecular gastronomy gurus and cocktail enthusiasts
Good for: visually impressive edibles, afternoon tea

Read our full review here. See listing for Prism.

New Bar

Gravity

Entering the box-shaped establishment, you’ll be greeted by an extensive bar counter and two good-sized oil paintings depicting tales of British aristocrats. Leather couches, bookshelves and an artificial hearth create a snug ambiance that’s a nice alternative to the louder venues beyond. Gravity’s menu boasts a variety of old scotch whiskeys, from the richly flavored Laphroaig (RMB2,280) and the ‘malt madness’ Old Ballantruan (RMB1,280) to the touchstone Chivas (RMB1,280) and even Japan’s Suntory (RMB580). If pure scotch makes you lightheaded, get the sweet black Russian (RMB78) and snuggle up beside the fireplace.

Price: RMB80 for a cocktail
Who’s going: nocturnal creatures, those looking for a party venue
Good for: liquoring up in a cozy setting

Read our full review here. See listing for Gravity.