The Place
In the Coastal City area, the first-world quandary of where to eat is compounded by over a hundred restaurants clustered in a five-block-wide space.
The 7th Day lies at one end of this expanse, its white interior attracting customers who like their meals both picturesque and palatable.
The sign over the door proclaims ‘healthy and fresh’ fare, while a wall advertises all-day brunch – everything in faultless English.
The Food
Despite the writing on the wall, The 7th Day’s Western food has a decidedly local flavor.
Exhibit A: the breakfast bagel platter (RMB68). While you can’t really go wrong with smoked salmon or scrambled eggs, the homemade bread underneath is soft, buttery and slathered with tangy ‘yogurt sauce’ rather than cream cheese.
A similar issue shows up in the mini pork sliders (RMB58), where sweet-tasting buns detract from juicy, savory barbecue and melted gouda.
What the menu lacks in authenticity, however, it makes up for in presentation. An intimidating green acai bowl (RMB55) is made appetizing with carefully arrayed toppings of coconut flakes, goji berries, strawberry and banana. You do have to remove a couple flowers before consuming, but the overall effect is appealing.
The Vibe
‘Western’ restaurants may be a dime a dozen in Shenzhen, but The 7th Day’s focus on brunch – starchy setbacks aside –sets it apart. Plus, the white walls, floor, chairs and lights make diners look like they’ve ascended to a better place, where poached eggs and hot cakes are offered all day long.
Either reason could explain why The 7th Day has earned a following among food photographers as well as office workers. Cute decor, well-plated food and eggs done every which way – what more could you want from a lazy Sabbath?
Price: RMB60-100
Who’s going: social media mavens, the health-conscious
Good for: all-day breakfast, lunch dates
Nearest metro: Houhai (Exit D1), 12 minutes
Mon-Thur, Sun 10am-10pm; Fri 11am-11pm; Sat 10am-11pm; see listing for The 7th Day.
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