Recently voted one of the best 50 restaurants in the world by Conde Nast Traveller magazine, T8 must not be missed during your visit to Shanghai. Hidden away down a quiet alley off Xintiandi, a magnet for chic shops, bars and the Shanghai fashionables, the restaurant prides itself on its creative and eclectic mix of modern Australian food.
And so it should. The chef, Australian Stephen Wright, has worked alongside some of the world’s culinary heavyweights, including Eric Chavot, and is the honored recipient of La Chaine de Rottiseaur Commis de Juene, an international award marking excellence in young chefs.
But for all its grandeur the atmosphere is remarkably relaxed and cosy. The interior was created by Spin Design, known for their dazzling work at the Grand Hyatt in Singapore. The soft lighting, rich, dark wood and lacquered furniture throughout the restaurant creates a warm retreat you could happily immerse yourself in, day after day The snug bar at one end, combined with the comfy bar stools and extensive drinks menu, ensures even those not eating can truly settle into a languidly long evening (or afternoon) here. And for those that don’t want to miss out on T8’s delights, the immaculate open kitchen remains bustling until well after 11.30pm so there’s no hurry to order your meal.
The food itself is equally stylish and contemporary. Essentially modern Australian with an Asian twist, the menu is changed regularly Choices vary from fusion delights including Beef Carpaccio with Goat Cheese Sorbet to universally adored favorites such as Beef Tenderloin with Onion Marmalade and Red Wine Sauce.
Signature dishes include Tataki of Sesame Tuna with Carpaccio of Daikon Radish and Beluga Caviar, and Sichuan High Pie. For the sweet tooth, the chocolate addiction platter consists of chocolate lava cake, silk tart, sorbet, brownie and mousse.
Like the menu, the impressive wine list can also leave you deliberating The carefully selected wines feature unique labels from around the world and offer a range of boutique wines such as Hill of Grace from Henschke, E&E Black Pepper Shiraz and Pinot Noir Dry River that are rarely found elsewhere in Shanghai.
With one of the city’s finest chefs, the tantalizing menu and well over 100 wines to choose from, it’s not surprising that T8 is one of the best places to spot celebrities.