Here are all the new restaurant and bar openings we featured in our September 2018 issue:
New Restaurants
Bésame Mucho
Image by Adam Robbins/That's
While we’re able to find tacos in just about every district these days, when it comes to authentic Mexican cuisine, the city is starving. Newly opened Bésame Mucho is rapidly making a name for itself by serving up the hidden flavors of Mexico. Gone are sizzling fajitas and other Tex-Mex staples. Instead, patrons are met with traditional tastes from all over the country.
We recommend starting your meal at Bésame Mucho with a tangy tuna ceviche (RMB38). Embodying the ethos of Bésame Mucho to do something different, this seafood dish is turned literally upside down with the tostada crowning the carrot, cucumber and spring onion mix.
Continue your gastronomic journey with the Oaxaca region’s tlayuda (RMB88). Familiar-looking yet unlike anything we’ve experienced from Latin cuisine, the team at Bésame Mucho have brought the classic street dish inside and turned it into a vegetarian culinary experience. Fresh onions, tomatoes and leafy greens top a homemade mole-covered roasted tortilla. While traditional, the crispiness may have been too sharp of a contrast from a meal that’s been gentle and delicate.
Price: RMB150-300
Who’s going: romantic couples, festive friends
Good for: culinary exploration, meeting and making friends
Nearest metro: Nanshan Station (Exit D), 13 minute walk
Read our full review here. See listing for Besame Mucho.
Oggi Enoteca
Image via Oggi Enoteca
Oggi Enoteca – the latest in a line starting from Guangzhou – is a destination all its own in the area near UpperHills mall. Indeed, besides Muji Hotel, there are few other draws. But after success in Shekou, Oggi bets that Futian tastes will savor its authentic Italian cuisine and extensive list of wines. (None from China, at least not yet).
Salads run classic, with Gorgonzola and candied walnut (RMB58) improved by cubes of firm beet root and perfectly-ripe mango. Manager Alessandro Petrini – a student of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust – serves as sommelier for curious diners and recommends a glass of Italy’s Castel Firmian Chardonnay (RMB55 per glass) for bright fruit notes without extra sweetness.
Pasta, of course, is where Chef Giuseppe and Oggi shine, with a wondrous, handmade bite to the expert parppardelle. The saffron-yellow sauce shines against black garlic confit and slices of porcini with the texture of ripe apple. A fruity Negramaro (RMB55) is recommended: not too sweet and not too strong.
Price: RMB150-500
Who’s going: fine dining dates, fans of authentic Italian fare
Good for: pasta and antipasti
Metro: Lianhua North (Exit A2), 21 minutes
Read our full review here. See listing for Oggi Enoteca.
Teqo
Image via Teqo
Taking over the space that was formerly a wine and cigar shop, Teqo (a mashup of the words 'tequila' and 'taco,' according to Chef Eli Gregory) is about as central as you can get: smack dab in the middle of Central Walk mall, by the Convention & Exhibition Center.
Eli tells us that he’s aiming for fun and playful flavors in his modern take on a traditional taqueria. After 18 years of experience in the food and beverage industry and a stint at Shenzhen’s much-acclaimed Magpie, he certainly has the skills to deliver.
Naturally, the tacos are the star of the show, with something for everyone – the menu offers meat, vegetarian and seafood options. We choose the classic al pastor (RMB20), chicharron (RMB20) and baja fish (RMB25). All have their own special twists, but the baja fish is a standout, featuring a flour tortilla filled with tender, lightly-fried fish and cabbage. It pairs well with Teqo’s classic tortilla chips (RMB45) and creamy guacamole (RMB30).
Price: RMB80-100
Who’s going: Futian yuppies, taco lovers
Good for: creative tacos with a swanky twist
Nearest metro: Convention & Exhibition Center (Exit B), 1 minute
Read our full review here. See listing for Teqo.
Bar
Cabana
Image via Andrew Braun
As summer starts to fade, be grateful to live where the beaches beckon all year long. Heed that impulse and grab an express bus to gorgeous Xichong Beach for a weekend or an afternoon, letting your cares wash away at the beachside bar Cabana.
During August’s soft opening, there’s beer (all RMB25) – Corona, Tsingtao, Glass Hammer’s kolsch and passion fruit wit, with a coconut mango brew coming soon. Kraken rum (RMB20 a shot, RMB35 with Coke) is there for a bit more kick, and the slushee machine will be swirling with margaritas (RMB50) and a non-alcoholic coconut-mango version if you’re staying sober.
The menu carries over tacos (RMB40-45 for three) from Adam’s old Beijing bar, Ron Mexico. You can choose from BBQ chicken, slow-cooked Mexican carnitas, grilled peppers and onions, richly flavored chorizo, Thai sausage or cilantro lime chicken. Portions are generous and give a foundation to enjoy a beer (or several) from a peaceful hammock overlooking the sea.
Price: RMB25 a beer; intro special of RMB100 free-flow (11am-6pm)
Who’s going: surfers, holiday makers, anyone who needs to unwind
Good for: casual snacks at reasonable prices, awesome views
Nearest metro: N/A.
Read our full review here. See listing for Cabana Xichong.
Read more Shenzhen restaurant reviews and bar reviews.
[Cover image via Oggi Enoteca]
0 User Comments