Looking for somewhere to go where kids and adults can both indulge? Forget searching for a kid's menu and check out these restaurants serving small plates to satisfy the entire family. From Nordic and French cuisine to Mexican goodness, the selections here offer individual servings or shared dining experiences: your meal, your choice!
Cuivre
Image via Cuivre
On the quiet end of Huaihai Zhong Lu is the warm and welcoming CUIVRE. Chef Michael Wendling serves up a delicious menu that varies with the seasons while maintaining a Provençal influence. The flavors are rich and wholesome but not too bold for children. With their weekend brunch menu, select three courses and a fresh juice, smoothie, tea or coffee for RMB198. Plus, for an additional RMB188, you can say yes to the free-flow sparkling wine. CUIVRE could well become your favorite go-to brunch, where you know you can settle in and graze your way through the sumptuous selections on offer. There is also a kid's menu (RMB88) to satisfy any little ones who want a ham & cheese, fish or a beef tenderlion instead.
Kids' recommendations: Marinated beef croquettes, traditional French croque monsieur and waffles with vanilla cream
CUIVRE, 1502 Huaihai Zhong Lu, by Wulumuqi Lu 淮海中路1502号, 近乌鲁木齐路 (6437 4219). Mon-Fri 6pm-10.30pm; Sat-Sun midday-2pm and 6-10.30pm.
El Santo Tacos & Tequila
Image via El Santo Tacos & Tequila
One of the many great options you'll find in Found 158 is El Santo, a modern Mexican cantina and bar with alfresco and indoor dining. The 'To Share' menu has staple favorites such as guacamole (RMB68) or nachos (RMB78), and their chicken chipotle quesadilla (RMB55) is also delicious. There is also a selection of mouth-watering burritos (RMB65-88) and, of course, a range of signature tacos (RMB35-40 for one or RMB90-100 for three) to appeal to every palate.
Kids' recommendations: Baja fish taco (RMB35 each or RMP90 for three) with a serving of churros (RMB60) for dessert.
El Santo Tacos & Tequila, B/1, Found 158, 158 Julu Lu, by Ruijin Yi Lu 巨鹿路158号B1层, 近瑞金一路 (6333 2181). Mon-Thu 5pm-late; Fri-Sun 11am-late.
Funkadeli
Image via Funkadeli
Perched on the corner of Fumin Lu and Changle Lu is Funkadeli, a casual yet hip European-style bistro. Aperitifs and cocktails aside, the food is delicious, and all kids, from fussy eaters to those who will try anything, will enjoy it here. Funkadeli has once again partnered with Austin Hu to deliver an Italian-inspired brunch menu of small plates for sharing. Choose one main and one side (RMB88), and if that's not enough, add an extra main (RMB75) or side (RMB25) to really indulge. There are also freeflow beverage options and, if you really need it, a new kid's menu is available too (RMB58).
Kids' recommendations: Chicken cotoletta, pumpkin ravioli and pancakes with lemon mascarpone and blueberry sauce.
Funkadeli, 291 Fumin Lu, by Changle Lu 富民路291号, 近长乐路 (6170 1318). Daily noon–1am.
STYX
Image via STYX
STYX is a charismatic eatery inside a Yong Ping Li on Hengshan Lu. Specializing in skewers, the menu is influenced by the owner's global upbringing and travel experiences, with a Southeast Asian focus. The menu offers individual skewers or sets that comprise two skewers, a side dish and accompanying sauce (RMB58-128), which can be enjoyed solo or shared family-style. If you can't decide what to order, opt for one of the brunch sets (RMB98-148). This is a cozy and casual eatery with a tropical-themed interior that the kids are bound to enjoy. Pegged as an international house of skewers, what's not to love about 11 different options that include chicken satay, Moroccan lamb or Portobello mushrooms. And, a kids menu is coming soon!
Kids' recommendations: Argentinian beef rump skewer with duck fat potatoes (RMB98), chicken satay (RMB22) and soba noodles (RMB30-50)
STYX, Yongping Li, 199 Hengshan Lu No. 118, by Yongjia Lu 衡山路199号永平里, 近永嘉路 (5401 9356). Tue-Sun 11.30am-10pm.
Stone Brewing Tap Room
Image via Stone Brewing Tap Room
Stone Brewing Tap Room on Yuyuan Lu is the Southern California craft beer brand's first flagship outlet in Asia. Their desire to up the quality of craft beer in China has the Shanghai location offering their renowned brews to pair with a full menu of globally influenced and gastropub-style food. Whether you're looking for a hearty meal or a snack to tide the kids over while you enjoy a cold one, it's worth adding Stone to your list of places to check out. The menu is extensive and includes a kid's selection along with small plates and snacks. While essentially a pub meal, with options like the samurai burger and misoyaki butterfish (RMB178), it's no ordinary menu.
Kids' recommendations: Chicken tenders (RMB48), macaroni & cheese (RMB58) and fried rice (RMB38) with a s’mores dessert (RMB68).
Stone Brewing Tap Room, 1107 Yuyuan Lu, by Fenggang Lu 愚园路1107号, 近凤冈路 (6226 2510). Mon-Wed 11.30am-midnight; Thu-Sat 11.30-2am; Sun 11.30am-midnight.
The Cannery
Image via Natalie Foxwell
Oozing a casual vibe with an enviable garden, The Cannery is a definite if you're after an extended family brunch. During the warmer weather, the restaurant frontage is opened up for pleasant dining inside or out. This restaurant and bar present a food and drinks culture inspired by the west coast of Canada. Order a variety of dishes to share such as the kale Caesar or the charred reuben sandwich, all the while enjoying a cold beer or botanical cocktail. The brunch set includes a choice of three dishes for RMB198, with each additional dish priced at RMB68. Or for those with a bigger appetite, choose a larger sharing plate from the a la carte menu.
Kids' recommendations: Southern fried cod sliders, milk and cereal waffles and almond maple granola with vanilla yoghurt and fresh fruit.
The Cannery, 1107 Yuyuan Lu, by Jiangsu Lu 愚园路1107号, 近江苏路 (5276 0599). Mon-Fri 5.30pm-1am; Sat-Sun 11.30-1am.
The Nest
Image via The Nest
Close to The Bund is this living-room style restaurant serving high-quality dishes at a reasonable price. While evenings at The Nest include partygoers enjoying artisanal cocktails with cool beats, the weekend brunch is a chilled out affair that families can enjoy. Serving Scandinavian-inspired dishes that range from Nordic Benedict to roast lamb, you can choose any three dishes and a welcome drink for RMB198. Each additional plate is then RMB68. With such a broad array of options, the kids will undoubtedly expand their palate and find a favorite dish.
Kids' recommendations: classic grilled cheese sandwich, cod & chips and brioche French toast to finish.
The Nest, 6/F, 130 Beijing Dong Lu, by Yuanmingyuan Lu 北京东路130号6楼, 近圆明园路 (6308 7669). Mon-Fri 5.30pm-late; Sat-Sun 11.30am-late.
Tomatito
Image via Tomatito
Close to Jing'an Temple on Taixing Lu is the cozy yet stylish Spanish tapas restaurant Tomatito. This restaurant under the el Willy group dials things back a bit, presenting tapas as they are meant to be: light-hearted and well-priced hearty snacks. The brunch deal at this quirky restaurant is great for families: four dishes at RMB128 with an additional RMB80 getting you free-flow house wine or cava.
Kids' recommendations: Spanish omelet with potatoes, chicken croquettes, homemade meatballs in natural tomato sauce with a sweet finish of cream puffs with a drizzle of chocolate.
Tomatito, 2/F, 99 Taixing Lu, by Nanjing Xi Lu 泰兴路99号2楼, 近南京西路 (6259 8671). Mon-Sun 11am-3pm (lunch), 5.30-10.30pm (dinner). Fri-Sat 5.30-11.30pm (dinner), Sat-Sun 11am-3pm (brunch).
[Cover image via Cuivre]
