(That's Shanghai )
Updated: 2006-10-09 09:43

Tucked away in a serene garden compound, Embre offers a charming, and unpretentious dining experience.

Clearly, the cafe's management puts high value on simplicity, both in food and interior design, which nicely suits the restaurant's limited space. Indeed, only a small number of people can be accommodated, guaranteeing an intimate evening. We began with a Caesar salad (RMB 48) but the bland, watery dressing failed to please our palates. However, the spaghetti with Tuscan tomato, beef ragu and foie gras (RMB 88) was delectable, eliciting exclamations of pleasure with every bite of flavorsome sauteed goose liver. Fittingly, we finished our meal on a sweet note, with two sensory-stimulating slices of cake: cloud 9 chocolate cake (RMB 30) and a vanilla, mocha and praline-layered cake (RMB 32).

At Embre, the sense of taste certainly matters, but not exclusively; here one can truly sit back, relax and enjoy.

Food: 4/ Service: 3/ Atmosphere: 4/ Cost for two (excluding drinks): RMB 185

Embre
Opening time: Daily 11am-1am. All cards.
Address: Building 3, 188 Changshu Lu, by Anfu Lu
Tel: 021-54036690