Plenty of hot new restaurant openings on the horizon in Shanghai!
Beautiful and exciting new concepts from the Bottega Group (Atica, La Diosa), Ocean’s Table revives the old Commune Social space, KBBQ Fafu expands, Beijing’s Avocado Tree opens in Shanghai, and more.
Restaurants Opening in Shanghai
Bottega Group Opens La Diosa & Attica
From the Bottega Group come two new concepts, La Diosa and Atica, both located just a stone’s throw from the Neapolitan pizzeria’s first Shanghai location in Xuhui. Set to open by the end of May at 82 Xinle Lu.
On the ground floor of the former historic Mansion Hotel is La Diosa, a Mexican restaurant and bar that exudes a lively “party time” vibe. The split-level space features a second-floor balcony and a bright color scheme that embodies the “¡Viva México!” spirit.
Perched on the top floor is Atica, a stunning space with a long, airy dining room beneath wooden vaulted ceilings and a skylight. An open kitchen anchors one end, while a handsome bar sits at the other.
The fifth-floor location also boasts a chic terrace with al fresco seating and a galley balcony. The menu here will draw inspiration from Spanish food and drink.
Ocean’s Table
The former Commune Social space is being revived with Ocean’s Table (欧舍), a Mediterranean restaurant with Spanish roots backed by the team behind Kaisha and Saison.
Consulting on the menu is Ferran Edo Andreu — expect Spanish flavors and flair with modern plating. The layout remains largely unchanged, keeping the open courtyard al fresco seating area and open kitchen bar. Opens June 1.
Fafu’s Third Location
Korean BBQ restaurant Fafu is opening a third location at INS. They’re taking over half of the closed Song Song Bistro space next to 五花马. This location will stay open until 4am on weekends! Opens June 16.
Kyu-Hai
From Shenzhen comes chef Hajime Hujita, who’s opening up Kyu-Hai (玖杯), a restaurant serving up chicken broth ramen and izakaya bites. It’ll open June 20, taking the former Co. Cheese space on the ground floor of the Palais Vallon building behind IAPM.
Now Open
Olivino by Le Coq
Olivino, the latest concept from the Le Coq group, debuted at West Bund in April. Self-described as “Yin-Yang Fire Cuisine,” it blends global influences spanning French, Japanese, and Chinese, liberally incorporating spices from across Asia. Both a la carte and set menus available.
The space itself is a refined modern bistro with an industrial edge, featuring lofty ceilings and a sleek, contemporary aesthetic.
Avocado Tree
Healthy concept Avocado Tree, a Beijing import, is now open in Shanghai with two locations: Grand Gateway and Taikoo Hui.
A cult favorite in Beijing (with 19 locations), it’s beloved by health nuts and white-collar workers alike. The concept focuses on fresh, consciously sourced ingredients — think salads, wraps, smoothies, bowls, and soft-serve avocado ice cream. (Yes, avocados star in most dishes.) Delivery available, and it’s affordable!
Ada Scallion Pancakes Returns
After three years, famed A Da Scallion Pancakes has reopened at 65 Shimen Er Lu in Jing’an, a block from the Starbucks Reserve Roastery. The stall’s fame began years ago following a BBC documentary.
Since it reopened, queues have formed around the block. Worth a try if you’re curious, but prepare for a wait. (I stood in line for two hours at the old location.)
Sound Bites
Chef Johnston Teo, formerly of now-closed Lunar, has opened upmarket restaurant Oncue at the 1933 Old Millfun in Hongkou. It’s currently serving a small menu of a la carte dishes.
PUPU Shaved Ice
Just in time for ice cream season, PUPU Shaved Ice is serving up shaved ice (that seem very similar to Korean bingsoo) with flavors like matcha, grape, yuzu, tofu, and rose. The brand hails from Beijing, established in 2019. Meanwhile, Spiceman Gelato has opened near Fuxing Park, making it their second location. Add to that a dozen other new ice cream spots citywide! Stay tuned for a roundup.
Ottimo Returns on Fumin Lu
Suzie’s Garden is rebranding (sort of) into Ottimo — both brands are run by VOS Families, who decided Ottimo’s “bistro bar garden” (with shisha) concept better suits the lane house garden space. Lounge seating outdoors, classier bistro vibes inside.
The menu blends Ottimo classics and Suzie’s Garden favorites — Western dishes with European influences of French and Italian, plus an emphasis on charcoal-grilled mains. Drinks include sommelier-curated wines as well as a ¥199 free-flow on selected drinks.
Other News
Chefs DeAille and Simon have parted ways with Michelin one-star Chinese restaurant Obscura. Their replacement is chef Zhang Jian (张健) from Guangzhou’s Michelin one-star Sichuan restaurant Yong (兰亭永).
The PuLi Hotel and Spa has appointed Christopher Pitts as Director of Culinary, overseeing the hotel’s food program and Michelin one-star Phenix. His Shanghai resume includes Sir Elly’s, Table No. 1, HIYA, and most recently Corporate Director of F&B at Artyzen Hospitality Group.
Closures
Ombra at Jiashan Market is closing, last day June 8.
All locations of Moka Bros have closed in Shanghai.
All locations of Paradise Dynasty (乐忻) have closed, though sub-brand Paradise Classic (乐忻经典) remains open at Shanghai Tower.
Joe’s Pizza closed it’s sole location on Nanchang Lu, but from what I understand, that might be temporary as the powers that be intend on finding a new location.
Other closures: Mayita (closed in January), INT, Song Song Bistro, Chic1699 (bib gourmand), Smokey Project (Jing’an), Temperature & Temptation, Ladurée (Xintiandi and Jing An Kerry Centre).
