The Phénix Eatery and Bar is the flagship restaurant of the luxurious Puli hotel in Shanghai. I already had a weekend brunch in the restaurant. This time I went back for a dinner as I wanted to get a better idea of this Michelin-starred Shanghai restaurant.
The visit
My visit was extemporaneous. I was in the area at the right time on a Saturday evening and I decided to give it a try even if I did not have a reservation. But this was not an issue and I was promptly seated. Most of the other diners were young – very young – Chinese couples.
I was served the bread and I ordered a couple of dishes. They also had an interesting tasting menu, but I was not that hungry. And the chair was also a bit uncomfortable for a long session.
The appetizer was memorable: crab meat with burrata cheese, asparagus, and a herb-flavored “granita”. This I guess is the kind of dish that wins you a star on the Michelin Guide. It was not only creative, but really delicious.
My main was a white fish, toothfish, with basil and other condiments, including a couple of ecargots. I was expecting more from this dish. Also the sauce, yuzu-based if I am not mistaken, was at times too strong.
T had a sidedish in the form of a French ratatouille: the portion was quite big and the dish well executed.
That’s it. I had a couple of complimentary sweets when I asked for the check.
The check
After adding tax, service charge and a 90 RMB bottle of water, the check was 699,60 RMB or 104 USD. Considering what I got, that’s a hefty sum of money. Let’s be honest, that’s terrible value for money.
If you go, I would probably recommend the tasting menu that after taxes and a drink will set you back for around 1100 RMB.
I think I am now done with this restaurant.
Where in Shanghai:
2/F, 1 Changde Lu, near Yan’an Xi Lu
常德路1号璞麗酒店二楼, 近延安西路