The 9 hottest bars, restaurants and cafés in Shanghai this month

Lick it

Set up on the corner of Changle Lu and Shaanxi Nan Lu, Lick it prides itself on sorbets and ice cream designed by Hungarian chef Jenő Rácz of Michelin-starred Taian Table. There's a small selection of three sorbets and one ice cream on offer at the moment, but unlike many other places that use sweetened syrup for sorbets, Lick it uses only fresh frozen fruits making for a sweet, guilt-free treat. 

Wonderland

This fanciful cocktail bar in Jingan comes from Johan Holmberg of The Parrot, Funkadeli and former bar el Cóctel, and it looks like a total trip. Its themed around the fantastical world of Wonderland (minus Alice), and there's all kinds of stuff going on that would have the Mad Hatter quite excited – whimsical decor, tea sets of cocktails and more. 

Cyclo, Found 158

Qimin Organic Hotpot Marketplace

Owned by the same folks behind specialty grocer and café Green & Safe, this is the third branch of Qimin bringing the farm-to-table concept to guests. The team prides itself for being a healthy hotpot restaurant, focusing on organic ingredients sourced directly from its own farm in Kunshan and a menu that changes every three months to ensure the freshest seasonal ingredients. 

Glam

The fabulous restaurant, bar and lounge at Five on the Bund has rolled out revamped food and cocktail menus. From dishes with Asian flair such as whole steamed and fried cauliflower head with Xinjiang spices, to Spanish pintxos like morcilla and Manchego cheese, much of the new menu is perfect for sharing over a drink.

Pera Turkish Restaurant and Bar

Bulldog Bar

This little nook has wedged its way in amongst the many eateries on Julu Lu, and it deserves a little attention. Bulldog Bar is a no-frills operation: a single page menu with Texas brisket, country pork ribs and barbecue chicken, plus Southern-style sides to accompany. Definitely sure to satisfy your barbecue cravings. 

Hooked

From the Camel group comes this smart casual seafood and fish and chips restaurant. With its beach-chic decor and sunshine flowing in through floor-to-ceiling, fold-in glass doors that open up to outdoor seating, Hooked is sure to be a fair-weather favourite amongst seafood snobs and laymen alike. There’s a bunch of stuff on the menu, but the fish and chips are where it’s at.