Maybe it’s the plum rains soaking us from head to toe every time we step outside the door. Or maybe it’s the undulating heat waves that followed in the downpours’ wake, a surefire sign that we are in the heart of sanfu – the steamiest part of the year. But June so far has been on the quiet side for the F&B scene as a result. Perhaps a blessing in disguise for all those aiming for “Hot Girl Summer” inspired beach bods.

八's new logo

An exception to this trend is the opening of Chef Gabo’s new concept, simply named 八 – or 8 – on Wuyi Lu. Akin to his previous dinner spot on Wukang Lu above Diner, 八 will seat just eight patrons for a “fun dining,”  studio feel chef’s table experience of sorts. With just a one-man team, the concept is entirely “back to the basics,” mixing seasonal Asian, Mediterranean and whatever else “feels right,” says the culinary maestro himself. Think a menu of eight sections paired with eight wines or 8 drinks, constantly evolving based on Chef Gabo’s whim. Construction is currently under way with 八set to open before the end of July.

Sunday's

Dubbed a “modern diner” by Chris Zhu (previously of Blaz), Sunday’s, as the name suggests, is all about bringing lazy Sunday vibes into every day. After opening June 8 at Li Garden on Xinzha Lu, the expanded menu features classic diner fare with an Asian twist (mostly an emphasis on Shanghainese and Japanese tastes). 

Sunday's

Expect bites like Cheese Chicken Katsu Sandwich, Unagi Croffle, Fried Chicken Wings, and rice bowls replete with Hongshao Pork Ribs, Mapo Shakshuka, or Crispy Chicken Thigh. There are also some pocket-friendly lunch sets going for 80-90 yuan, including a drink. With room for 30 patrons inside, plus an outdoor terrace, this everyday lunch spot is sure to become a mainstay in Shanghai’s casual dining scene. 

Grumpy Dog

Also on the diner front, Grumpy Dog is another fast, casual joint on Xiangyang Lu doling out – you guessed it – all things hot dogs for 48-58 yuan a pop – or, in this case – a pup. Look forward to juicy sausages paired with unconventional flavors like Yuzu Nana, Sichuan Spicy, or Mediterranean Lamb, all served with diner’s choice of half a dozen homemade sauces (like Special Berry Tomato, Hot Honey Vinaigrette, or Creamy Avocado). Aside from the wieners, there’s a smattering of small plates, pastas, fried snacks, desserts and Grumpy Dog-brewed beers on tap. As the owners are Taiwanese, a few Taipei street snacks make a showing, like the lip-smacking Ice Cream Burrito with crushed peanuts. Grumpy Dog just celebrated its grand opening this past weekend so stop by this week to be one of the first to enjoy.

Hai Ball

A bar all about – as the name suggests – highballs, Hai Ball is a new opening in Shankang Li by Milan Van den Branden, APAC Brand Ambassador for Kasteel brewery from Belgium. Pouring up classic highballs with a local twist, look forward to seasonal infusions, like Old Shanghai No. 1 – a dry plum-infused gin and soda – or Concubine Berry – that blends yangmei (Chinese waxberries) with baijiu and whiskey. There are 25 indoor seats plus seating for another 18 outside. Drinks range from 48-128 yuan, making it an approachable hangout boasting those laid-back, old school Shanghai vibes.

Bar Cosmos

Also new to Shanghai’s drink industry, Bar Cosmos quietly opened its doors at the beginning of 2025 along the bar hotspot street that is Nanchang Lu. Backed by industry veterans Jin Ge and Stephen Huang, the menu orbits Asian twists on classic cocktails, with each drink (at 98 yuan) assigned a number and listed from lowest to highest ABV. For example, the No. 8 is a play on a Negroni, elevated by sakura and sake, while No. 2 sees a riff on a traditional Americano with Thai tea and olive.

Word on the street is that famed Chef Ricardo La Perna (previously Executive Chef of 8 1/2 Otte e Mezzo Bombana Shanghai and Macau is making his way back to the Paris of the East as Prada’s new Executive Chef of Mi Shang Prada Rong Zhai on Shaanxi Bei Lu. The menu is still currently the same fine dining Italian fare as when it first opened, but with Chef Ricardo at the helm, it’s sure to see a facelift in the coming months.

Chef Leonardo Zambrino winning the Michelin’s 2025 Young Chef Award in Chengdu

Another new chef in town, Chef Leonardo Zambrino (previously of The Hall by Louis Vuitton in Chengdu and winner of Michelin’s 2025 Young Chef Award in Chengdu) has taken the reins from Stefano Bacchelli as the new Executive Chef at two-Michelin starred Da Vittorio in BFC. Aiming to carry on the Da Vittorio legacy (that has lasted over 60 years since the group’s first venue opened in Italy), Chef Leonardo will carry forward with the Da Vittorio ethos of serving up modern Italian cuisine rooted in familial traditions.