Shanghai Me Restaurant in DIFC: Elegant Chinese Сuisine from the 1930s

A сomplete guide to one of the most stylish and atmospheric restaurants in DIFC, where every detail transports you back to the Golden Age of Art Deco.

Stepping from the scorching streets of Dubai's financial district through the doors of Shanghai Me isn't just a change of venue-it's an instant leap 90 years back in time, into the cool dimness of a Shanghai jazz club from the Art Deco era. This is a place where Dubai's modern rhythm gives way to the elegance and mystery of 1930s Shanghai. Here, dinner transforms into a fully-fledged aesthetic experience, meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail. In this guide, we won't just list menu items. Together, we'll uncover how architect Michele Bonan managed to "hide" a Shanghai jazz club inside a Dubai skyscraper, taste his signature hits—from black cod to the legendary foie gras duck—and create a step-by-step plan for the perfect evening. After reading, you'll have only one question left: what date should you book your table for?

More than just an interior: Immersing yourself in 1930s Shanghai

At the heart of Shanghai Me's concept lies an ambitious vision—to recreate Shanghai's "golden age," its glamour, and sophistication. Bringing this dream to life was entrusted to the world-renowned Italian architect Michele Bonan, which in itself speaks volumes about the project's exceptional quality and international caliber. As soon as you step inside, you find yourself in a space where every detail works to create the desired mood. Forget the word "decor." What surrounds you is a carefully staged performance, where velvet armchairs in gemstone hues, the warm glow of brass, and the nobility of dark lacquered wood are not mere decorations but the main actors.

^{Image from}

The restaurant space is skillfully divided into several zones, each with its own distinct character. The main hall is perfect for an elegant dinner. A lush terrace, immersed in greenery, creates an atmosphere of a tropical garden and invites you to spend a relaxing evening under the stars. And for those seeking a more club-like vibe, behind a hidden mirrored wall lies the Bund Lounge, where DJ sets take place in the evenings. It's important to understand that the atmosphere here is dynamic. During the day, Shanghai Me is a respectable and relatively quiet spot, ideal for business lunches. But as evening approaches, it transforms: the lighting becomes softer, the music louder, and the air fills with the energy of a social hub.

A gastronomic journey: What to order and what to expect

The cuisine at Shanghai Me is a delicate interplay between tradition and modernity. It draws on classic East Asian recipes, but they are executed with European precision and premium-quality ingredients. Be prepared for familiar flavors presented in an unexpected, more elegant way—here, every dish strives to be not just food, but a carefully crafted composition.

Must-try dishes

Among the wide variety, there are several items that have become the restaurant's signature:

• Handmade Dim Sum: The perfect start to your meal, showcasing the chefs' skill.
• Black Cod in Honey Sauce: A dish that impresses with its contrast. A delicate caramelized crust hides beneath it large, tender flakes of fish that literally fall apart into petals.
• "Signature Dish": Chopped duck with foie gras and caviar. This isn't just an appetizer; it's a unique gastronomic experience and perhaps the most photogenic dish on the menu.

^{Image from}

But let's be honest: despite the excellence of the main dishes, Shanghai Me's kitchen has two Achilles' heels. First, the dessert menu frankly falls short of the main menu in terms of creativity. Secondly, vegetarians might find it a bit cramped here: the selection of meat- and fish-free dishes is elegant but disappointingly limited. Our advice: if you can’t find a dessert to your liking, feel free to skip it in favor of an original cocktail on the terrace—it’ll make for a much more vibrant end to the evening.

Shanghai Me on Dubai's map: Who is this restaurant for?

To understand Shanghai Me’s place on DIFC’s gastronomic scene, imagine you’re choosing a companion for the evening. Shanghai Me is an aesthete and hedonist for whom ambiance and the beauty of the moment matter most; the perfect choice for a romantic date. Hakkasan is a prestigious business partner with a Michelin reputation, requiring a more formal approach. Mott 32 is a cosmopolitan who, in addition to excellent food, offers the added bonus of a breathtaking view. And Hutong is a bold and daring experimenter, ready to surprise you with authentic and spicy cuisine from Northern China. The main distinction of Shanghai Me is not the pursuit of gastronomic awards, but rather the creation of a holistic, nostalgic, and glamorous world that you’ll want to return to for the emotions it evokes.

Planning your visit: Everything you need to know before booking

Booking and visiting policies may change, so we recommend confirming all details directly with the restaurant before your visit.

Table reservations

Table reservations are essential, especially during evening hours and on weekends. It’s advisable to make a reservation 5–10 days in advance of your planned visit. Be prepared that larger groups may be required to place a deposit. Also, keep in mind that during peak hours there may be a policy limiting the time spent at the table (usually around 2 hours), which is standard practice for popular establishments.

Dress code: what to wear

Get ready for an elegant evening. Sports and beachwear are inappropriate here. For men, this means trousers and closed-toe shoes, while for women, a cocktail dress or a stylish pantsuit would be ideal.

Getting there and parking

• By Metro: The nearest station is Emirates Towers. From there, it’s a pleasant 5–7 minute walk through the air-conditioned galleries of DIFC.
• By Taxi: The easiest option. Any driver in Dubai knows the location of Gate Village in DIFC.
• By Car: Guests of the restaurant have access to complimentary valet parking, which is very convenient.

Additional tips

• Children: Children are welcome in the restaurant during daytime hours; however, the evening atmosphere and musical accompaniment are more suited to an adult audience. Entry to Bund Lounge is strictly for guests aged 21 and over.
• Smoking: Smoking is permitted only on the designated outdoor terrace.

Our verdict: A theater of experiences for a special occasion

Ultimately, Shanghai Me answers the question, "Where should you go when you're not just craving food, but an entire event?" It's a high-end theater of experiences, where guests simultaneously become both spectators and participants in a magnificent performance dedicated to a bygone era of glamour. Here, every detail, from the velvet upholstery to the sparkle of the glasses, contributes to creating a unique experience that lingers in your memory long after.

Ready to swap futuristic Dubai for glamorous Shanghai, even if just for one evening? Shanghai Me awaits you.