Ribs & Schnitzel: Flambe Bistro’s Austrian Comfort Food

Flambe Bistro is an Austrian restaurant in Xintiandi, positioning itself as Shanghai’s go-to comfort destination for the cuisine, serving up grilled ribs and authentic schnitzel, among other hearty classics.

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About Flambe Bistro

Flambe Bistro is an Austrian restaurant in Shanghai located in Xintiandi

Having relocated from its former spot around the corner, the restaurant now occupies a corner space in Hubindao Mall, complete with a charming street-side terrace.

The dining area features high ceilings and ample natural light, while a quieter section with cozy booth seating caters to semi-private gatherings. Touches of Austrian heritage — think evocative Vienna imagery — dot the space, creating a warm, convivial atmosphere that suits the homestyle fare.

Additionally, the venue welcomes small to medium-sized dogs indoors.

At the helm of the operation is David, a second-generation restaurateur and first-generation Austrian-born Chinese. His family once ran a century-old restaurant near Vienna’s Danube, renowned for its ribs — a legacy echoed in Flambe’s menu. Determined to establish Shanghai’s definitive Austrian dining destination, David has already earned recognition from the Austrian consulate and Austrian brands.

Austrian Classics & More

Flambe’s refreshed menu retains its signatures — Vienna-Style Grilled Ribs and Schnitzel — though the latter now features a twist.

The Jägerschnitzel (¥88), or “hunter’s schnitzel,” pairs a thin, crispy-yet-juicy pork cutlet with a rich sautéed mushroom gravy. It’s a crispy, saucy, and hearty combination.

Accompanied by caraway-specked sauerkraut and roasted potatoes, it’s a dish that’s easily likeable, best enjoyed with beer or a chilled Riesling.

The Vienna-Style Grilled Ribs (¥138) remain a standout — succulent, sauce-slathered meat that served with sauerkraut, pickles, raw onions, and condiments.

This is the kind of rib meat that clings stubbornly to the bone, rewarding those who relish the primal satisfaction of gnawing rather than the passive ease of fall-off-the-bone tenderness. They’re also available in a half portion (¥78).

For simpler cravings, the Char-Grilled Beef Tenderloin Skewers (¥138) deliver tender, medium-rare beef without fuss.

While the Oxtail Bolognese Pasta (¥88) may stray from traditional Austrian flavors, it more than compensates with hearty, soul-warming comfort. Fat paccheri pasta is finished with a rich, slow-cooked oxtail ragu and a heavy dusting of Parmesan cheese. It’s an inevitable crowd-pleaser, one that also caters to nearby office workers.

More contemporary is the Beef Tartare with Bone Marrow (¥108) — lightly seasoned tartare atop grilled marrow. Be sure to spoon off the marrow and mix it quick (before the marrow solidifies) and give it a generous squeeze of fresh lemon.

For dessert, the Apfelstrudel (¥42) is textbook Austrian: buttery layers encasing cinnamon-sugar cooked apples, doused in cream.

Pair it with an Eispanner (¥38), a Viennese coffee that’s half Julius Meinl brewed espresso, half whipped cream for a sip of hot and cold.

To Drink

To drink, there are wines, a curated selection featuring about 20 Austrian wines including riesling, Blaufränkisch, St. Laurent, ice wine, and more, starting from ¥42 a glass. They also have a handful of cocktails made with Austrian-imported spirits, including Hugo Spritz, Mozart Chocolate Martini and Apfelstrudel Gin Fizz.

The Arndorfer Grüner Veltliner (¥48/glass, ¥258/bottle) stands out — a vibrant, skin-contact white with zesty minerality, ideal for warm weather.

An obvious pairing with the wine is the Brettjause (¥128), a charcuterie board with selected cuts and a bread basket.

Flambe Bistro also has other Austrian specialties of Kaiserschmarrn (Emperor’s Pancake), goulash, and apricot & hazelnut schnapps.

Xintiandi may have its share of glitzy venues, but Flambé Bistro keeps things grounded — an unpretentious spot where the schnitzel and ribs shine, the prices stay reasonable, and the vibe remains decidedly unstuffy.