The masters at Michelin have bestowed their first stars in mainland China, but which spangled restos really deserve to have made the cut?
Just last month, The Michelin Guide to Shanghai was released, marking the very first mainland China edition of the world’s most famous restaurant rating guide. 26 diners were showered with a total of 35 stars, but, as LUXE guest columnist Kee Fung recently wrote, the validity of the Michelin selection doesn’t always hold credence, especially in Asia. So which of Shanghai’s gourmand greats really deserve the accolades? Here are LUXE’s extra-picky picks.
8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana
Michelin rating: 2 stars
Italian pan man Umberto Bombana’s 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana might be a mouthful to say, but this restrained Rockbund nook is superb – plating sophisticated northern Italian flavours with serious swagger. Freshly baked breads, homemade pasta and house-cured meats tantalise… just add Huangpu River and Pudong skyline views and you’ve got a near perfect epicurean experience. 6/F, Associate Mission Bldg, 169 Yuanmingyuan Lu, Huangpu, ottoemezzobombana.com
Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet
Michelin rating: 2 stars
Chef Paul Pairet’s all-out ultra-feast of cutting-edge digital art, diffused aromas, ambient sounds and avant-garde tastes make Ultraviolet the ultimate immersive, multi-sensory dining experience, and deserving of its new two star status. Waitan, Huangpu, uvbypp.cc
Yongfoo Elite
Michelin rating: 2 stars
Adding some much needed local flavour to the Mich mix is the onetime British consulate turned gourmet go-to Yongfoo Elite. An richly brocaded, antiquey Chinoiserie interior and pretty garden setting backdrop stellar Shanghainese cuisine. Originally a private members’ club, this 1930s villa is now open to all. 200 Yongfu Lu, Xuhui, yongfooelite.com
Fu He Hui
Michelin rating: 1 star
Chef Tony Lu and restaurateur Fang Yuan, make it easy to eat your greens at this 100% vegetarian stunner – and rare meat-free Mich rec. Perfectly balanced prix fixe plates are served in an opulent, colonial-style townhouse of sleek wooden furny, Qing art and private dining rooms. 1037 Yuyuan Lu, Changning.
Din Tai Fung
Rating: Bib Gourmand recommendation
Yes it’s a chain, but this smart Taiwanese import is one well-oiled dumpling machine. Some of the branches are better than others however, so head to the Xintiandi mall for faultless soup-filled morsels and delicate black truffle and pork parcels with a spectacular aspect. 2/F, Bldg 6, Xintiandi, dintaifung.com
Notable Omissions
And three of our firm faves we can’t believe Mr Michelin Inspector overlooked…
Fu 1039. Another Lu/Fuang enterprise; the villa setting says elegant old Shanghai, the polished local fare is pure modern sophistication. 1039 Yuyuan Lu, Changning.
Jesse. The decor is drab but the scrumptious seasonal Shang staples like drunken crab and braised pork shoulder more than make up for it. 41 Tianping Lu, Xuhui.
Xiao Yang. New York has cheesecake, Vienna has schnitzel, Shanghai has sheng jian. These mouth-watering pan fried dumplings are the city’s signature dish and the best can be found here. 97 Huanghe Lu, Huangpu, xysjg.com
For more sumptuous Shanghai sup spots…
