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ZUP is a pizza bar in Shanghai that specializes in Chicago-style grid-cut tavern-style pizzas, brought to you by Wayne Hou (Nonna Ruth pop-ups) and Lee Tseng (Boxing Cat Brewery, Liquid Laundry).

ZUP Pizza Bar is a restaurant and bar in Shanghai that does Chicago-style thin crust tavern pizzas. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
ZUP Pizza Bar is a restaurant and bar in Shanghai that does Chicago-style thin crust tavern pizzas. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

The thin-crust tavern-style is the pizza of choice for Chicagoans, rather than the loaded, extra thick deep-dish pizza. It is so named because it gained popularity in bars, as the crispy square-cut pizzas proved a convenient and tasty snack that kept patrons happy as they enjoyed their libations. That said, ZUP aims to evoke the same bar / late-night vibe with a dimly lit dining room and mood-setting playlist.

ZUP Pizza Bar is a restaurant and bar in Shanghai that does Chicago-style thin crust tavern pizzas. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
ZUP Pizza Bar is a restaurant and bar in Shanghai that does Chicago-style thin crust tavern pizzas. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

There are 11 pizzas on the menu currently, all tavern-style 14-inch grid-cut pies. They’re thin, crispy, and oh-so good. (I could totally finish a whole 14’’ by myself.) Plus, they also do some hella tasty appetizers and bites to share.

ZUP Pizza Bar is a restaurant and bar in Shanghai that does Chicago-style thin crust tavern pizzas. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Hou-Lee Trinity (¥108) – Vodka sauce, red sauce, and pesto.
ZUP Pizza Bar is a restaurant and bar in Shanghai that does Chicago-style thin crust tavern pizzas. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Walter White (¥98) – House ricotta and roasted garlic.
ZUP Pizza Bar is a restaurant and bar in Shanghai that does Chicago-style thin crust tavern pizzas. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Club 88 (¥128) – House fennel sausage, pepperoni, onion, green peppers, and mushrooms.
ZUP Pizza Bar is a restaurant and bar in Shanghai that does Chicago-style thin crust tavern pizzas. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Grand Fennelli (¥118) – House fennel sausage and giardiniera, Chicago-style Italian pickles.
ZUP Pizza Bar is a restaurant and bar in Shanghai that does Chicago-style thin crust tavern pizzas. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
The Clemenza (¥128) – Meatball, house ricotta, red onion, giardiniera, and fresh basil. This is my favorite.

They’ll also do an Upside-Down Sicilian, a thick crust pizza that’s more like a foccacia, but with an uber crispy bottom and even crispier sides. It’s cheese first, then toppings. Only available on Fridays and Saturdays after 10pm, limited quantity.

ZUP Pizza Bar is a restaurant and bar in Shanghai that does Chicago-style thin crust tavern pizzas. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Upside-Down Sicilian White Gold Pizza – Mashed potato, pancetta, scallion, house ranch. (White Gold is also available tavern-style for ¥128.)
ZUP Pizza Bar is a restaurant and bar in Shanghai that does Chicago-style thin crust tavern pizzas. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Garlic Knots (¥42) – A requisite. These knots of doughy bliss are soaked in garlic butter and served with an addictive vodka sauce. One for every table.
ZUP Pizza Bar is a restaurant and bar in Shanghai that does Chicago-style thin crust tavern pizzas. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Meatballs Al Forno (¥68) – Fluffy meatballs of pork and beef in a red sauce with house ricotta, and fresh basil, served with garlic bread.
ZUP Pizza Bar is a restaurant and bar in Shanghai that does Chicago-style thin crust tavern pizzas. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Sweet Corn (¥38) – Don’t let its demure appearance deceive you. These roasted kernels are absolutely delicious, tossed in a zesty dressing of feta, lime, and chili.
ZUP Pizza Bar is a restaurant and bar in Shanghai that does Chicago-style thin crust tavern pizzas. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Lu Roucini (¥58) – A twist on the arancini, filled with Taiwanese-style braised pork with a dollop of ‘nduja mayo.
ZUP Pizza Bar is a restaurant and bar in Shanghai that does Chicago-style thin crust tavern pizzas. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Cabbage Patch Salad (¥68) – Shredded cabbage with lots of lime, herbs, and sunflower seeds.
ZUP Pizza Bar is a restaurant and bar in Shanghai that does Chicago-style thin crust tavern pizzas. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
ZUP Double Smash Burger (¥78) – They also do a smash burger, however, this isn’t available daily. Limited only, and news of its release will drop on ZUP’s official channels. Double beef patty, American cheese, house sauce, and pickles, served with fries.

As for drinks, draft beer starts from ¥45, classic cocktails from ¥55, and wines by the glass from ¥60.

ZUP Pizza Bar says they’re still in soft opening, but damn, I believe they’re ready. Go forth, eat pizza!

Note: The corridor area is also dog-friendly.

ZUP Pizza Bar
Address: B205, 2/F, 291 Fumin Lu, near Donghu Lu富民路291号2楼B205, 近东湖路
Tel: 13730752073
Hours: Sun-Thu, 11am-midnight; Fri-Sat, 11am-2am