The Shanghai EDITION and French art gallery YELLOWKORNER have converged to create “Bistro in Light,” an art-meets-food project at Shanghai Tavern, and it’s not just a meal with pictures on the wall.
The Exhibition
Within Shanghai Tavern, an exhibition features the compelling work of four contemporary photographers from YELLOWKORNER: Christopher Anderson, Nicolas Velter, Alexandre Fauvre, and Franck Bohbot.
In response, and under the direction of Executive Chef Rossi Wei, Shanghai Tavern has crafted a corresponding evening bistro menu, like a sensory extension of the exhibition.
It’s a low-key way to experience both the exhibition and the restaurant — have a few tasty bites as you read through the picture book menu, which by the way, details each artist and their work.
The Bistro Menu
The menu features a progression from snacks and finger foods to shareable small plates and more substantial courses for a proper sit-down meal.
To begin, the Oyster with Vietnamese Sauce (¥38/each) does a brilliant job of awakening the appetite. It’s seasoned with a bright, piquant sauce that hums with acidity, zest, and a noticable kick of chili.
The Australian Wagyu Beef Tartare (¥68) is a compelling choice, and my personal preference. Well-seasoned hand-cut beef tartare is elegantly served on brioche toasts, adorned egg yolk truffle dressing, earthy mushrooms, and hazelnuts.
They also have Iberico Cheese, Ham, and Truffle Toasties (¥88/two), a sophisticated take on the finger sandwich.
For those settling into a full dinner, the Tomato Salad & Burrata (¥48) makes for a perfect starter, featuring confit tomatoes and a vibrant basil jelly.
A worthy follow-up is the Black Tiger Prawns (¥98), grilled and lavished in a spirited chili and garlic sauce.
The offerings then shift toward more substantial plates, such as the Red Wine Braised Beef Cheek (¥88) with hummus, mushrooms, and crispy flatbread. It’s a hearty cut with a rich sauce that tiptoes between a shareable tapa and a standalone entrée.
Another standout is the Char-Grilled Octopus (¥78). The tender octopus gains a kick of spice from nduja, which is then balanced by cool feta yogurt, creamy mashed potato, and sharp pickled onions.
Or, for something a little more classic, you can always opt for the Grain-Fed Australian Wagyu Beef Sirloin (¥158), or Grilled Lamb Cutlets (¥108), or Char-Grilled Iberico Pork Loin (¥108).
In the end, “Bistro in Light” succeeds by making the connection between gallery and bistro feel natural rather than forced — the art gives you something to talk about, and the menu gives you everything to savor. Consider it a two-in-one destination for your next night out.
Shanghai Tavern, The Shanghai EDITION
Click here for the venue listing.
