This new restaurant run by Australian chef Craig Willis of Wagas fame is already so popular, you’ll need a reservation on a weekend evening. The cozy urban-style loft features hardwood floors, an open kitchen and soft Danish leather seats that are comfortably spaced out so that you can chat to your neighbors.
We received a few cheerful recommendations from a couple who planned to make Mr. Willis their regular neighborhood restaurant, even though they lived in Hongqiao. The menu itself i s straightforward and unintimidating, underscoring Willis’ insistence on fresh, simple food.
We began with butter soaked grilled scallops (¥78) served over curry lentils and topped with a smear of fruity, roasted tomato chutney. The scallops were succulent, but the real standouts were the flavorful lentils, with their meaty undertones and slices of verdant spinach. A small green salad (¥30) was chockfull of leafy greens in a light vinaigrette.
For mains we tried the grilled salmon (¥125) with asparagus and the Mr. Willis roast chicken (half for ¥115). The simple preparation of the salmon revealed the flavors of a generous slab of grilled fish alongside a scattering of crispy asparagus. We weren’t as impressed with the roast chicken. It was tender with a delightful crispy skin, but oil coated the plate and the light dipping sauce had a bitter aftertaste. The best part of the entrée was a medley of roasted pumpkins with herbs–a comforting taste of the fall with the sweet orange pumpkin singing with flavors.
We didn’t have room for the handful of heavenly-sounding desserts, but our by-the-glass Australian shiraz (¥65) was so delightfully lush that we had a second glass. The bustling yet laid-back environment, reasonable prices, and subtle but sublime food are guaranteed to put this new restaurant on the Shanghai food map.
Tel: 5404-0200
Web: info@mrwillis.com.cn
Add : 3/F, 195 Anfu Lu, near Wulumuqi Lu
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