Certain restaurants create lasting impressions by telling a story, and a meal at Fifty 8° Grill weaves an evocative tale. Go back in time to the 1930s, where dark leather, satisfying spirits and plenty of steak reigned supreme during a night out.
Housed within Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai, this new restaurant oozes classic Manhattan with its patterned floor and impressive glass-enclosed wine case. Large windows and alfresco tables on a lush green space prevent any stuffiness, and an affable staff is on hand to create a cohesive experience from start to finish.
Housed within Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai, this new restaurant oozes classic Manhattan with its patterned floor and impressive glass-enclosed wine case. Large windows and alfresco tables on a lush green space prevent any stuffiness, and an affable staff is on hand to create a cohesive experience from start to finish.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- While you may be taken aback by the design of Fifty 8° Grill — the name referring to the idyllic core temperature of a medium rare steak — the modern-French food by famed chef Richard Ekkebus takes center stage.
- A smattering of mouth-watering meat plates such as black pepper beef short rib or pork belly with clove, mustard and brown sugar are cooked to perfection thanks to their preparation over a wood fire.
- Any good meal requires a glass or two of wine to wash everything down, especially at Fifty 8° Grill, who recently nabbed the award for “Best New Wine List” from the China Sommelier Association.
- Between the lush landscape, convenient water location (sunset cruise, perhaps?) and modern backdrop of the Mandarin Oriental, this Shanghai restaurant holds a prime spot of real estate.
- With Dutchman Richard Ekkebus at the helm, the menu at Fifty 8° Grill is French, modern and meant for sharing — a winning conglomeration in our opinion.
Things to Know
- You’ll find Fifty 8° Grill inside luxury hotel Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai in the city’s Lujiazui district. One of the great things about the restaurant’s location is its close proximity to the Huangpu River thanks to the hotel’s waterfront locale.
- Serving both lunch and dinner, planning an outfit for a meal at Fifty 8° Grill will vary depending on the time of day. If you stop in around lunchtime, the vibe will undoubtedly feel a little more relaxed.
- When the dinner hours roll around, you’ll notice a more sophisticated ambiance that directly correlates with how people are dressed. A stylish outfit for women (a trendy dress or slacks with heels and a blouse) and a button-down shirt for men seems the most appropriate.
The Food
- Starters on the restaurant's dinner menu run the gamut from tomato salad with molasses and sherry vinaigrette to hand-carved charcuterie selections or caviar.
- When it comes time for a main course, choose from a variety of beef that’s grilled over a wood fire such as flank steak or pork belly, and you can choose from tasty toppings such as caramelized garlic or pan-fried foie gras.
- If you’re not in the mood for meat, you can also order plates such as turbot with porcini and green peas or whole Boston lobster with seaweed butter.
- But be sure to save room for dessert — there’s a sweet selection of treats including poached peach in Lillet Blanc syrup, chocolate soufflé or hibiscus sorbet.
The Chef
- You may be familiar with Richard Ekkebus — he’s made a name for himself as the chef at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong’s Amber restaurant, and now he’s taken his skills to Fifty 8° Grill as its chef consultant.
- Born in Holland, the Dutchman boasts an impressive culinary background, from his time working with French foodies such as Alain Passard, Guy Savoy [of Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Restaurant Guy Savoy in Las Vegas] and Pierre Gagnaire [of Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Twist by Pierre Gagnaire, also in Las Vegas] to his stints in Mauritius and Barbados.
- Committed to using fresh produce — a concept he inherited from his grandparents, who were restaurant owners — you’ll discover sourdough fresh out of the oven, hand-carved charcuterie and a variety of tasty dishes that are sure to whet your palate.
Getting There
111 Pudong Road South, Pudong, Shanghai 200120
TEL86-21-2082-9938
Fifty 8° Grill
