URA is a contemporary restaurant that combines Chinese cuisine with Basque influences, located within United Valley on Changle Lu. Seasonal set menus curated by Andalusian consultant chef Borja Sanchez that pushes the limits of marrying the two food cultures.
The Space
It’s a small dining room tucked away on the upper floors of United Valley, a somewhat quiet complex that’s finally done with its near-endless construction. The building’s entrance is no longer marred by scaffolding and workman’s signage and is rather inviting with a garden walkway.
The humble restaurant also has a small outdoor seating area, more for the enjoyment of wines and simple bites. On wines, they have a small cellar out front that leans towards a more natural and organic selection. The dining room is simple, if not a little bare, with seating for 16 at a cozy fit.
The kitchen is opposite the dining room, separated by the hallway. It’s a tight looking galley kitchen. And I have to say, they do a lot in a small space. Kudos.
The Food
The current menu is called Menu 1 – Artisans of the Land, and it seeks to create a connection between food from Basque country and Zhejiang province, ¥750 per person for the 9-course dinner. There’s a lot of story-telling during the meal, as staff convey snapshots of each dish’s origin story.
In Summary
An interesting journey with quite a bit of story-telling. Good for those seeking a bit of food exploration. Favorites from the meal include the black tofu, soup, scabbard, and ox.
URA
Address: 303-304, 3/F, United Valley, 462 Changle Lu 长乐路462号集社3楼W303-304号
Tel: 18717959294
Hours: Daily, 6pm-midnight
