Spago is right up our alley

Spago is a new fusion restaurant located opposite the Fenshine Plaza fake market on Nanjing Xi Lu. Spago's proximity to a knock-off market is ironic in light of an apparent and blatant trademark violation by this Shanghai 'branch'.

It is easy to miss Spago from the street as it is tucked away in an alley like an inconspicuous noodle shack.

Walk through the door and you are immediately greeted by a very cool bistro café replete with predominantly white decor and ambient dance music. The interior is bright, modern and spacious. Shanghaiist went there for last orders at 9.30pm and it was almost empty. We are curious to to know whether it gets busy earlier in the day.

Shanghaiist reckons Spago would be a good place for a party, a film club or a fashion show. Let’s talk about the food, because restaurants are pretty pointless based on the ambience alone. The menu is pretty broad and you can choose anything from pasta and pizzas to Chinese and Thai dishes. We opted for a salad, Prawn Fusilli and potato wedges. The food looked good and tasted OK. In our opinion, Wagas offers better food in the same price range. The pasta was spicy but was otherwise a little dry. Otherwise, there were no complaints. We didn’t try their desserts. In total, dinner for two cost us 147 RMB.

Shanghaiist was happy with the meal, but was more impressed with the design of the restaurant. We will go back.

Spago is located at 595 Nanjing Xi Lu, 南京西路595号, Tel: 6271-3777
Crossposted on www.catshanghai.com/blog