If you're heading to The Pearl – or simply hangin' in the Hongkou 'hood – your pre- and post-show dining options just took a turn for the tasty (and convenient) with the opening of Box Office Craft Pizza & Deli, just a few doors down from the theater, burlesque and live music space.
Box Office exterior, just a few doors down from The Pearl. Photo by That's.
The Food
With a menu designed by newly-crowned That's Shanghai Food & Drink Awards Chef of the Year Eduardo Vargas, Box Office offers a wide range of options, from artisanal pizzas to fresh salads, sandwiches, and soups.
READ MORE: Who Won What at the That's Shanghai Food & Drink Awards 2024
An in-house baker begins each day at 5am, preparing the dough and bread from scratch, a testament to the eatery's commitment to fresh, handmade food.
Pizzas are a big draw here (where are they not?), with prices ranging very reasonably from RMB 78 to 118.
The menu features everything from classics like Margherita, Mushroom & Truffle and Four Cheese, to more unconventional options like the Laab Gai – topped with minced Thai pork and chicken, chili, and cilantro.
Nordic Pizza (RMB118). Photo by That's.
We opted for the Nordic Pizza (RMB118) with smoked salmon, capers, crème fraiche, dill and mozzarella.
Each pizza is topped with fresh, premium ingredients, while the dough is naturally leavened and hand-stretched – resulting in a perfectly crisp, light, and full of flavor crust.
Montreal Smoked Beef (RMB88). Photo by That's.
As with the pizzas, the sandwiches (priced RMB 48 to 98) feature just-out-of-the-oven bread – in the case of the Montreal Smoked Beef (RMB88), thick slices of rye bursting with smoked brisket, mustard, sautéed onions and mushrooms, all held together by melted cheese.
In addition to meaty favorites like the Philly Cheesesteak, El Cubano and Reuben, the vegetarian sandwich options are also noteworthy, such as the clean Italian flavors of the Caprese and the Popeye-approved Spinach, Cheese & Garlic.
The salads section (priced RMB 48 to 98) is equally expansive, featuring all the mainstays like Cobb and Salmon Niçoise alongside some creative twists, like a Greek Style Kale Salad or Orange, Avocado, Kale & Quinoa Salad.
Chicken Soba Salad (RMB58). Photo by That's.
We went Cantonese and ordered the Chicken Soba Salad (RMB58) featuring roast char siu chicken, carrots, peppers, herbs, soba, and a hoisin vinaigrette, which was good to share alongside a pizza.
Box Office also offers daily (and nightly) deals, with 30% off on selected pizzas on Mondays, Margherita Pizza half-price on a Tuesday, 30% off on salads on Wednesday, and some killer combo deals on a Thursday.
The Vibe
The Pearl's many awards are proudly on display. Photo by That's.
The decor is simple and comfortable, with a red and black color scheme to match its sister theater venue next door, with The Pearl's many awards take pride of place along one wall.
Lots of coffee for a pre-show pick-me-up. Photo by That's.
For those in need of a pre-show pick-me-up, Box Office also boasts a robust coffee selection, with standard options complimented by more unique choices, like a Salt & Rose Latte and a Coconut Latte.
A decent selection of alcoholic beverages is also on offer, making Box Office suitable for both casual diners and those looking for a more relaxed, bar-like experience.
Price: RMB48-200
Who’s Going: Those hungry for artisanal pizza as well as theater, burlesque and live music, Hongkou homies, Red Star Band groupies
Good For: Pre- and post-show dining, food lovers who appreciate craftsmanship and fresh, high-quality ingredients
Box Office, 247 Zhapu Lu, by Wujin Lu 乍浦路247号, 近武进路
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