Here are all the restaurant and bar openings we featured in our January 2020 magazine issue.

Restaurants

Pass Residence

Image by Cristina Ng/That's

Italy is home to numerous winemakers who eschew additives in their wines, so the only surprise is that it has taken this long for a natural wine bar in Shanghai to pair with Italian food. Thanks to Pass Residence, Oha Group’s latest venture, that problem has been rectified. Located on Julu Lu, it’s a cafe by day and low lit atmospheric Italian wine bar by night. The well-curated list includes the usual suspects – antipasti, pizza, greens on flatbread, pasta, risotto and dessert. The food is meant for sharing, and one pizza or pasta per person, plus antipasti and dessert, should be enough. Go heavy on the noodles, because they are amazing.

Total Verdict: 4/5

Price: RMB200-350 per person
Who's going: artists, lovers, natural winos
Good for: afternoon coffee sessions, dates, small groups

Read a full review here. See a listing for Pass Residence.

Khan Chacha

Image by Cristina Ng/That's

While fusion sometimes gets a bad rap, when it comes to Indo-Persian cuisine the cross-pollination dates back to the medieval Mughal Empire. In Jing’an district’s Westgate Mall, Khan Chacha celebrates the Turko-Persian influence on the cookery of India and Central Asia. The match makes sense, and the newly opened eatery turns out flavorsome, yet delicately spiced plates of food in earnest. The founder hails from Kerala and spent time in Qatar, so he has a broad understanding of the culinary traditions he wants to share with Shanghai. The menu is long and full of tempting choices, so we recommend you come with a group of four or more for the best experience.

Total Verdict: 3.5/5

Price: RMB150-250 per person
Who’s going: mostly expats, curry lovers
Good for: quick lunches, quick dinners

Read a full review here. See a listing for Khan Chacha. 

Bars

521/SH

Image via 521/SH

Located in Putuo district, 521/SH is tucked between nondescript buildings and a residential area. Once you do find it, the bar’s unassuming exterior might underwhelm – there are no gimmicks to get you in the door. We recommend the Godfather (RMB78) as a first drink – this Scotch whiskey and amaretto blend provides enough oomph to get the night started. If you are feeling less adventurous, classics like the Cosmopolitan (RMB68) and Tequila Sunrise (RMB68) are also available. Wine is also on the menu. After trying the food options, we recommend making this a post-dinner drinks spot. If you do get hungry, the Croquetas (RMB38) are a tasty adult version of fried cheese sticks. You could also nibble on Marinated Olives (RMB38).

Read a full review here. See a listing for 521/SH. 

Leave Your Review

Have you been to any of these venues? Post your reviews on their listings for a chance to win a Saucepan voucher.

Read more Shanghai Restaurant Reviews & Shanghai Bar Reviews

[Cover image by Cristina Ng/That's]