(That's shanghai)
Updated: 2006-10-08 11:55

Though the Black Orchid Lounge's concept-Western food and wine in sophisticated surroundings-is hardly original, its atmosphere is magical.

This very narrow restaurant, suspended like a bridge over the garden below, is dark, quiet and sexy.The Western menu offers good food at great prices.Our potato leek soup (RMB 25) was light, creamy and fresh, and the beef tartare (RMB 45) had a tangy finish, though the aioli drizzle on top did cut some of the flavor. Hearty pastas in imposing portions are available from RMB 45. The restaurant was almost empty when we visited, due perhaps to the near impossibilty of finding the Lounge in heavy rain. Once word gets out, however, we expect the elbow room on those cozy sofa-style seats will decrease. There is compensation: the Lounge plans on creating signature wines under their own label.

Food: 3/ Service: 3/ Atmosphere: 4/Cost for two (excluding drinks): RMB 225

Black Orchid Lounge
Opening time: Daily 11am-10pm. All cards.
Address: 333 Renmin Lu
Tel: 13611665939