Shanghai Food & Drink Gossip : June 2024


By Sophie Steiner


Buckle up baby, this summer is going to be a steamy ride. 

Maybe it's the endless plum rains or the record-breaking, undulating heat waves making people go cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs, but everyone who is anyone seems to opening a restaurant or bar this month.

On the flip side, a few too many Shanghai institutions are shutting their doors for good.

Some real high highs and low lows felt – a bona fide Shanghai F&B rollercoaster.

Goodman, Image by Sophie Steiner/That's

Let's start with the good news, and some big openings, namely Goodman – Shanghai's first and solely smash burger dedicated venue by a powerhouse team of Yaya's (Andrew Moo, Dan Li, and Warren Pang) and Bastard (Jiro Hsu and Michael Janczewski).

The crew celebrated their Grand Opening last Thursday to a crowd that spilled onto the street until the wee hours of the morning, even earning a visit from Shanghai's finest.

(If the cops don't show up, is it even a party?)

READ MORE: It's All Good at Shanghai's Newest Burger Obsession: Goodman

Coa, Image by Sophie Steiner/That's

Another wavemaker of a (re)opening took place mid-month with the Temple to the Agave Gods, Coa Shanghai, reopening following their unexpected closure this past January.

Opening night saw lines down the Fuxing Lu block just to snag a coveted seat (mezcal drink in one hand, taco in the other).

We've heard it's remained just as busy every day this week; the (well-deserved) hype continues. 

READ MORE: Temple to the Agave Gods – Coa Shanghai is Back!

Image courtesy of VERIE

Ex-Da Vittorio pastry chef Frederic Jaros and wife Xinxin Wu are opening two-story VERIE Bakehouse (standing for Very Effortless Refined Inspiring Everyday) in Xintiandi in early August.

The bakery will serve up Michelin-level baked goods, featuring viennoiseries (French style 'bready' breakfast pastries) and birthday cakes on the first floor.