Mediterranean dining claims a new stronghold in Jing’an with Terrakota Shanghai, a vibrant bistro that entertains a stylish crowd in a beautiful dining room. Expect an insane amount of house specials and a thriving atmosphere.
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About Terrakota Shanghai
Leading the charge at Terrakota is a powerhouse duo, chefs Aitor Olabegoya and Juan Campos (RAW, Sakaba Malabar). The menu creation at Terrakota is largely captained by Aitor, who hails from the Basque region of Spain and is a proud proponent for the restaurant’s cuisine, Mediterranean and food inspired by the regions surrounding the Atlantic Sea. Or as he puts it plainly, “sailor food.”
The space is magnificent. Awash in terracotta tiles and lively greenery, the main dining room boasts a stunning open layout, its spaciousness emphasized by the double-heighted ceiling with vaulted glass roof. The timber-braced roof is also retractable and opens for a full al fresco room. Beautifully designed is an understatement.
Other warm touches like rattan armchairs, dark jade colored leather, and ceramics enhance the overall theme. There’s even a small private room that seats up to 10 and a narrow outdoor terrace.
For a restaurant that I would consider as rather low-key on social media, it does bring in an impressive crowd. Weekends see a trendy, well-dressed audience, high on conversation. Word of mouth, I believe, is basis of its success.
What To Order at Terrakota Shanghai
The food at Terrakota is Mediterranean and cuisine from around the Atlantic Sea in the bistro style of rustic share plates and large format entrées.
Dishes are geared toward seafood, but other courses like the signature whole roasted chicken, UYYU wagyu beef, and whole oxtail stake their own claim and are equal stand outs. Ingredients are sourced as local as possible, utilizing fresh and seasonal products like the line-caught wild cod fish, Dalian mussels, and Linglong tomatoes.
A wide selection of constantly changing specials, introduced with beautifully hand-sketched and colored art pieces, underscore the Terrakota’s pursuit for creativity.
Dinner at Terrakota Shanghai
And now, a glimpse into what is on the menu at Terrakota:
Specials at Terrakota Shanghai
Of the specials available during my visit, I had the slow-cooked oxtail, olive salad, line-caught cod fish, grilled petit camembert, and Stracciatella. Specials change often, though, some do graduate to being a staple on the main menu.
For fillers, Terrakota has a number of rice and risotto dishes.
Desserts at Terrakota
As for dessert, most come with an element of surprise. A white dome conceals a pumpkin and marmalade center, the flan is flambéed tableside, and a tart with an unexpected creamy filling intrigues the tastebuds.
Drinks at Terrakota Shanghai
As for drinks, Terrakota has a wide selection of wines and house cocktails. Signature cocktails are ¥75, mocktails are ¥50, wines by the glass start from ¥65, and bottles from ¥325.
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Terrakota
Address: 2/F, 98 Yanping Lu, near Wuding Lu 延平路98号2楼, 近武定路
Tel: 62339335
Hours: Tue-Fri, 5:30pm-midnight; Sat-Sun, 12pm-3pm, 5:30pm-midnight; closed Monday
