Sweets for the sweet-toothed

Shanghaiist has been having a little bit of a love affair with Shanghai's kitchens of late, being literally courted by the dessert course. First there was Whisk, the leader of the chocolate pack. Then followed La Creperie, server of "comfort food for a crappy day." And now the latest edition to the saccharine team: Sugar. It might have only been open for a mere week, but with a name like that, we couldn't wait to check it out.

Sugar sits atop new gastronomy The Collection, which is housed within Xintiandi, right next to Kabb. To say that Sugar is any kids' dream is an understatement: Despite a simple salt and pepper colour palette, its attention to detail is more awe-inspiring than the best constructed dolls house. Think Alice in Wonderland meets Marie Antoinette. The child inside us was impressed.

Sugar's most prized asset is not its décor however (or the bathrooms), but its chef – Anthony Qin. Known as "the sugar master of China," Qin's food candy rivals the milieu's eye candy. The hot chocolate fondant with blue cheese filling was certainly several mouthfuls of bliss. The lemon tart, which was more like cheesecake confused, was also delicious. Work could be done on the real cheesecake though – not quite as rich and decadent as desired.

We also sampled some of their dessert cocktails, equally naughty but nice. Both thumbs were raised for their raspberry and white chocolate fusion aptly named "Heaven." "Apple Strudel" was also delightfully sweet without being overpowering.

The prices are the only mood dampener – is anywhere in Xintiandi cheap? All desserts cost RMB68, with all dessert cocktails asking RMB80, neither too piggy bank friendly. Still, we would return, especially with "marshmallow,""sugar" and "Mad Hatter" parties in the pipeline.

The Collection, Building 2, Xintiandi North Block, Lane 181 Taicang lu
near Huangpi lu; 新天地，181弄太仓路，近黄皮南路
Tel: 02153510007
Open daily for dinner 6pm-9.30pm; Sugar open until 1:30am