The Place
Shanghai never fails to surprise us when it comes to new foodie destinations, so we didn’t even bat an eyelid when we first heard of Urban Diner, a new gourmet fast food restaurant situated opposite the enormous ferris wheel on the rooftop of Joy City Mall. With full-on Americana interiors, the restaurant is an updated concept from the Urban Diner that formerly resided on Nanchang Lu, run by the same Beijingren couple.
The Food
To start with, chipotle braised beef neck nachos (RMB88) are a must-order, and the best thing on Urban Diner’s menu. Boasting a mixture of crispy chips, melted cheese and slow-cooked roasted beef neck, the hearty portion also sees red chilli, refried beans and chopped avocados.
Equally good are the beer shrimp quesadillas (RMB68), each slice filled with fresh shrimps enveloped in melting mozzarella cheese. Flavorful and addictive, we were impressed at the generous amount of shrimps they put in and finished the whole plate in two seconds.
For those who like it hot, the ‘five alarm’ chicken wings (RMB68) or dragon’s breath pork ribs (RMB188) may make you scream. The latter comes with secret-recipe Sichuan chili sauce for an added numbing kick. We also enjoyed the warm corn bread muffins (RMB, 38) that make for a carby yet satisfying mouthful.
No diner worth its salt is complete without burgers. Urban Diner’s Bonzai burger (RMB78) features a thick piece of Australian Angus beef topped with teriyaki sauce and several thick slices of avocado. Tender and juicy, the top quality ingredients speak for themselves, and we found its flavor both juicy and non-greasy.
Sadly, desserts were a bit of a disappointment to us.Instead of using the obligatory fresh cream as a topping, Urban Diner’s banoffee pie (RMB48) sees dry and crumbly coconut on top, with a thick and equally parched pastry base. Best save your stomach space for savory options.
Food verdict: 2/3
The Vibe
Modern and bright, the restaurant looks clean, casual and relaxed thanks to its spacious room and simple design. Feel free to sit at the terrace with an exclusive Ferris wheel view, or the dining inside where you get to overlook the mall’s colorful ‘foodie street’ (Neon Street) expanding two floors below. Service is well trained and friendly, and the place is welcoming for younger diners and families.
Vibe Verdict: 1/1
Value for Money
In a competitive market filled with exotic food, an RMB58-78 burger with good quality beef isn’t a bad deal in Shanghai. Coupled with the fun rooftop vibes and laidback atmosphere, Urban Diner is a good quality addition to the neighborhood, and worthy of a return visit for casual comfort food.
Value for Money: 0.5/1
TOTAL VERDICT: 3.5/5
Price: RMB 100-150 per person
Who’s going: locals and expats
Good for: American food, burgers, brunch, families, dates
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