It may not be obvious, but there are some lovely places to cozy up with your partner or even take a date in Shanghai. Valentine's day is celebrated to the maximum degree - by the restaurants - so expect set menus and gifties for the girls on February 14. But these spots are great anytime of the year for a little romantic rendevous.
1. The Ultimate: The Cupola at Three on the Bund
Hand's down, boys or girls, if you want to impress your date, book the Cupula at Three on the Bund. Once a bell tower for this historic building, inside this nest, you'll be surrounded by spectacular views of the Bund, the Huang Pu river and Pudong as you snuggle up on the banquette and nibble treats from any of Three's amazing restaurants: Laris, Jean Georges, Whampoa Club or New Heights.Advance reservations essential: tel (+86) 138 1787 6975
Address: No. 3 The Bund, 3 Zhong Shan Dong Yi Road (entrance at 17 Guang Dong Road)
General inquiries: (+86) 21 6323 3355 or info@on-the-bund.com
Three On the Bund's Websit
2. Ultra-chic: The Bar, Jade on 36
Where do the beautiful people go? To the new Shangri-La in Pudong overlooking the river, the Bund and the whole city. Order a bottle of Champagne, make sure you get a table by the window, and coo to your date over bubbles at the top of the city.You'll want to book that window seat: tel (+86) 21 6882 3636
Address: Level 36, Tower 2, Shangri-La Hotel, 33 Fu Cheng Road, Pudong
General inquiries: (+86) 21 6882 8888 or slpu@shangri-la.com
Shangri-La's Webste
3. In the Mood: Cool Jazz and Cooler Food at Yin
Yin is one of my all time favorite spots in Shanghai. In the old Jin Jiang Hotel, you walk in and get that feeling of old Shanghai as soon as you cross the threshold. Meet your date at the bar and then slide over to a side table. Situate yourselves well; when the live jazz comes on, you'll want a good table. The food is fantastic and the setting is just ever so cool.Book in advance, live music Fri/Sat: tel (+86) 21 5466 5070
Address: 59 Maoming Road, near Changle Road. Enter the Jin Jiang Hotel, turn right and walk behind Shanghai Tang. Yin is on your left.
4. Romance, Thai Style: Low Lighting and Delicious Thai at Lan Na Thai
Lan Na Thai is worth going to for the ambience itself. Housed in one of the Morris family villas in the Ruijin Guest House, from the outside it's all Shanghai 1930 but on the inside it's pure Thai sanctuary. Oh, yes, and the food: you can't go wrong from gorgeous favorites such as Tom Yum Kung and green curry to the house specialties. Whatever you do, don't skip dessert. Catered by Eric Perez's Visage, the sweets will melt your date's heart, guaranteed.Bookings recommended: tel (+86) 21 6466 4328
Address: Building 4, 118 Ruijin Er Road, near Yongjia Road
5. Cozy Cocktailing: Manifesto
If it's just drinks you're after, perhaps with a background of well-spun tunes, then Manifesto is always a good choice. Great wine list and excellent house specialty cocktails, cozy up in a side booth and play footsie over a lycee-tini.Bookings unnecessary: tel (+86) 21 6289 9108
Address: 748 Julu Road, near Fumin Road
See also Mesa, the restaurant downstairs.
