Sunday’s: American Diner with a Japanese Twist

Sunday’s Modern Diner reimagines the classic American diner through a Japanese-Asian lens, courtesy of Chef Chris Zhu (formerly of Blaz), dishing up comfort food with a lighter touch in a bright and cozy space in Jing’an.

The Space

Sunday's Modern Diner is a western-style diner with an Asian twist in Shanghai.

Located in Lee Gardens, one Shanghai’s newest F&B complexes on Xinzha Lu, this intimate space pairs marble tabletops and soft lighting with the easy appeal of a neighborhood eatery.

The compact dining room makes the most of its space with clean, detail-oriented design. Off-white walls and abundant natural light create an inviting atmosphere that feels equally suited for morning coffee meet-ups and leisurely weekend brunches. Cozy and a touch of feminine appeal, it avoids feeling cramped while maximizing its space.

The Food

The food mirrors the restaurant’s design. Zhu’s menu delivers familiar diner fare with Japanese inflections, all executed with a lighter touch than your typical American greasy spoon. For now, the focus is on daytime service (lunch and weekend brunch, with dinner coming soon), and the menu is full of clever riffs.

First, the brunch menu.

The Fish & Chips (¥90) is easily the favorite. Crisp, airy batter gives way to flaky fish, topped with a generous scoop of tartar sauce, served with thin-cut fries. The batter is impossibly light and shatters at a bite, one of the hallmarks of a good fish & chips in my opinion.

Taking prep one step further, Zhu sources whole free-range chickens, breaking them down into sections for separate dishes, ensuring quality control.

The Chicken & Eggs & Potato (¥75) showcases perfectly brined dark meat that remains remarkably juicy, served with a scallion-ginger sesame oil to dip, two fried eggs and fries.

Even the humble Fried Chicken Wings (¥45) impress with their flavorful meat and crispy seasoned exterior, enhanced by a dusting of furikake and served with a spicy miso dip.

The Cheese Chicken Katsu Sandwich (¥70) demonstrates textbook execution, featuring a pounded-thin cutlet with ideal crunch, balanced by fluffy brioche, lettuce, tomato, and a hefty amount of mayo.

Other stacked beauties see an Egg & Cheese Sandwich (¥60). Sunday’s puts an Asian spin on an Instagram classic, swapping standard seasoning for Japanese curry doused over the creamy omelette, topping it off with cheese and mayo. It’s messy in a good way, and comes together with soft, pleasing textures.

For those craving something richer, the Pulled Pork Tartine (¥90) piles tender shredded meat and marinated eggs on toasted bread, cut through with fresh green chilis and pickles.

There are also sides, including a Potato Salad (¥18) elevated with mentaiko and a wasabi-cured egg yolk, and Pickled Cucumbers (¥18) with a light whipped sour cream.

Weekday lunch sets (¥80/¥90) offer value; a main is accompanied by fries or soup, house pickles, and a drink.

Drawing from chef’s Shanghainese roots, there’s a Hongshao Pork Rib Rice Bowl (¥90). It’s a lighter interpretation of the Shanghainese classic, served with rice, shredded veggies, and marinated eggs. And boy, is it a hefty bowl. Comes with a light chicken broth and pickles.

As for dessert, the Soy Milk Panna Cotta (¥42) delights with its silky texture and complex flavor profile from caramelized miso and espresso. It’s sweet, savory, bitter, and surprisingly, also refreshing.

The Chocolate Brownies (¥42) offer a more traditional but equally satisfying conclusion, topped with cream and roasted hazelnuts.

Unlimited Coffee Refills

In addition, Sunday’s also has a weekday deal from 2:30pm to 5:30pm: unlimited refills on coffee and tea! Two prices, ¥38 for the entry-level stuff, ¥68 for coffee plus their “lattes.”

“Lattes” here refer to their non-caffeinated beverages, milk-based drinks flavored with Goguma Iced Latte (taro) and with Blackcurrant Matcha Iced Latte, both ¥28 each. I’d love an option for oat milk on these — hopefully that’ll come in the future.

Sunday’s has a free-flow brunch in the works, and have plans for outdoor seating later on. The venue is also dog-friendly.

While still polishing some aspects (as any new establishment does), the foundation — quality ingredients, skillful execution, and a welcoming space — suggests this is more than just another trendy cafe.