Cellar To Table, Bistro & Wine Bar in Shanghai

Cellar To Table is a Mediterranean bistro and wine bar housed within a villa at 20 Donghu Lu. It’s one of the more prominent new openings in Shanghai, and I highly recommend it.

About Cellar To Table

It’s from the people behind Napa Wine Bar & Kitchen, a respected European restaurant at Bund 22, one that’s temporarily closed pending renovations. Chef Francisco Araya is leading the charge, serving refined Mediterranean bites and traditional French entrées.

Cellar To Table is a Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

As for the wine selection, it is exceptional and remarkably affordable due to the prowess of proprietor Phillipe Huser. His knowledge and undying love of wine (and wine import company Bund Fine Wines) make it possible for wines by the glass from ¥40 (some poured from magnums) and bottles that start from ¥300.

There are more than 400 labels to choose from. Not a wine expert? Just ask for a recommendation.

The space is small, but it has great personality. The patio might be cold for the season, but a temporary tent has been erected to make use of the outdoor space. There’s also a private room on the second floor that seats 12-14 people.

On The Menu: The Food

Highlights include escargot drenched in a glossy dark sauce, a classic duck confit with perfectly crisped skin served with buttery mash, a juicy josper-fired whole chicken, and a steak frites that rivals ones served at other perennial French bistros in Shanghai.

Steak Frites at Cellar To Table, a Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

There’s also a dry-aged pigeon on the menu that is so popular you need to call to pre-book it.

Blackboard specials include some excellent steaks to go with the wine.

Bread at Cellar To Table, a Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence. — Naturally leavened bread and AOP butter (¥36)

Sardines at Cellar To Table, a Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence. — **Sardines (¥90)** – Escabeche, herbs and extra virgin olive oil.

Squash Blossom at Cellar To Table, a Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence. — **Squash Blossom (¥65)** stuffed with fluffy shrimp mousse and tarragon.

Foie gras torchon at Cellar To Table, a Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence. — **Rougie Foie Gras (¥135)** – Torchon with grapes and a green apple and ginger chutney. Goes great with the requisite bread.

Piquillo at Cellar To Table, a Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence. — **Piquillo (¥55)** – Grilled pepper with crab meat, comte and bisque.

Escargot at Cellar To Table, a Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence. — **Escargots (¥85)** – Tender escargot sautéed with garlic and lashings of butter-enriched sauce.

at Cellar To Table, a Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence. — **Jiang Niu Rou (¥70)** – Thinly sliced black angus beef and black garlic. A lighter appetizer. It’s not for me—I feel the escargot and squash blossom outshines this dish.

Loué roasted chicken at Cellar To Table, a Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence. — **Louis The French Chicken (¥450)** – A whole jumbo-sized chicken that’s been brined for two days and blasted in the josper oven. Plump, succulent and feeds four as a main dish. (Note: Photo above is not the actual portion of the chicken, only half.)

Rougie Duck Confit at Cellar To Table, a Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence. — **Rougie Duck Confit (¥70)** – A whole confit duck leg with creamy potato purée. Great value and comforting. Again, another classic expertly done.

Casarecce at Cellar To Table, a Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence. — **Casarecce (¥145)** – Al dente pasta with sea urchin and onsen egg. It’s a bowl of rich carbs that is hard not to like. I see the appeal, but I’m more for the other mains that chef has to offer.

Dessert at Cellar To Table, a Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence. — **CTT Special Dessert (¥60)** – Confit red fruit with housemade granola, light ice cream and sangria. It’s a refreshing end after a meal of butter and foie.

Nutella Sandwich at Cellar To Table, a Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence. — **Nutella Sandwich (¥60)** with a layer of nut praline on housemade brioche. It’s not as sweet as you’d think. It’s on the specials board.

Tarte Au Chocolat at Cellar To Table, a Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence. — **Tarte Au Chocolat (¥85)** – Thick bittersweet chocolate with a touch of salt, served with vanilla creme. It will give you chocolate cravings you never thought you could have.

In Summary: Highly Recommended

Cellar To Table is one of the stronger new openings of late. They’re a seasoned team, and the food and wine selection is good—and I highly recommend checking it out.