Tucked away in Shanghai’s trendy former French Concession, The Commune Social is one of a number of restaurants in the city spearheaded by English chef and restaurateur Jason Atherton. The restaurant’s “no reservations, no service charge” policy gives it a casual, laid-back atmosphere that belies the extremely high quality of the food on offer. Dishes are served tapas-style for sharing and are influenced by flavours from Spain, England and all over Asia.

A former police station circa 1910 is home to this tapas bar exuding minimalist chic that also comes with a terrace. The chef reinvents classics with modern techniques and exotic flavours, such as the use of African spices in grilled pumpkin with cheese and nuts. Iberian pork and foie gras burger also evoke much love.

In the south, it is Cantonese cuisine (Guangdong Cai 广东菜) playing a tremendous role in representing the finest of Chinese cuisine. Its decent ingredients, elaborate cooking process, and exquisite dish presentation are brought together into peerless perfection that even has its reputation globally recognized. This region boasts a subtropical climate with a long growing season and a wide variety of flora and fauna, making it easily the most diverse of the Four Great Cuisines.

Cosy and intimate, The Commune Social has a charmingly romantic vibe that's perfect for amourous couples (or couples-to-be). Sit side-by-side at the kitchen bar and watch the team in action together, huddle up over get-to-know-you conversation at a tucked-away table or, on a warm day, have a leisurely brunch in the courtyard. The kitchen turns out inspired small plates meant for sharing and thrilling desserts that will make you fall in love whether you like it or not.

The Commune Social offers a perfect mash-up of casual cool energy and minimalistic chic décor, set in the 1910s red brick old police station in Jing’an District. This no-reservation modern tapas restaurant serves innovative small plates with influences of Asia, Spanish, and English. Try out their salt-and-pepper squid, foie gras sliders, and bone marrow then head to their breezy cocktail terrace or dessert room to cap off your dining experience.

The Place: Commune Social was one of the earlier Western restaurants in Shanghai to do creative, accomplished cooking in a very hip but casual setting (designed by Neri + Hu). The food is small plates of vaguely Spanish / modern Western cooking, like Green asparagus, fried egg, mint-pea puree, Iberico cheese and nuts, and fits perfectly into the brunch-shaped hole in your weekend. The Deal: Three dishes for 188rmb.

no. 511 Jiang Ning Lu, District de Jing’an, Shanghai, China, 200041 | CUISINES: Mediterranean, European, Spanish. A former police station circa 1910 is home to this tapas bar exuding minimalist chic that also comes with a terrace. The chef reinvents classics with modern techniques and exotic flavours, such as the use of African spices in grilled pumpkin with cheese and nuts.

The Commune Social, opened in 2013, is a tapas, dessert and cocktail bar by British celeb chef and restaurateur Jason Atherton (tel: 6047-7638, 511 Jiangning Road). Atherton’s second Shanghai venue (after Table No. 1, see ‘Bund’ section above) serves creative small plates in a simple but sleek setting, with a slither of a cocktail bar upstairs and a cute open-air courtyard.

After our brunch at Table No. 1 I was even more excited to check out Jason Atherton’s another restaurant in Shanghai – The Commune Social. Now, visiting two restaurants by the same chef in one day might seem extreme, but I promise you it was not intentional. When I was picking dinner spot for our first night in Shanghai, The Commune Social seemed closest to the hotel.

The restaurant is owned by British chef and restaurateur Jason Atherton. The eating experience is a little different in this restaurant, as the dishes are served tapas-style for sharing rather than individuals ordering single items from the menu. At The Commune Social, the dishes are influenced by the flavors of English, Spanish, and Asian food.

The inside of the restaurant is decorated with various exquisite ornaments from Spain. Thus it also can be regarded as one of the top 10 Spanish restaurants in Shanghai. Diners can see the beautiful scenery of the north Bund and Huangpu River while having the tasty paella and ham.Average cost per person: CNY270Location: No. 511, Jiangning Road

511 Jiangning Lu, near Kangding Lu 江宁路511号， 近康定路 // Tel: 60477638. Singling out one dessert to call my favorite at brunch hot spot The Commune Social is an easy choice. Pastry chef Kim Melvin’s Lemon Meringue with Basil Sorbet (¥62) is an absolute delight—it’s light, refreshing, and a great palate cleanser after a brunch/dinner.

Commune Social is a contemporary restaurant located in the old French Concession district of Shanghai. Fronted by English chef Jason Atherton, Commune Social has a casual, laid-back atmosphere. Its no reservations, no service charge policy brings a little bit of English style dining to Shanghai!

Consistency is our favorite word when it comes to restaurants, and this casual Jing’an restaurant delivers every time with contemporary, delicious food that won’t destroy your budget. Open for drinks, lunch, dinner and brunch. Open daily, 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30-10pm.

The twinkling city is home to an abundance of things to see and do, particularly on an amorous evening out with a loved one. From the beautiful bund to intimate hidden hideouts, here are the best romantic restaurants in Shanghai to impress your plus-one.

Location: No.1008 Beijing West Road 1/F, The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan, Shanghai 200041, China. Wide variety of food choices, including Asian and western cuisine, great seafood and sashimi. In this restaurant, you will find a beautiful environment.

Their dining area is split into 3 main areas – desserts, restaurant and bar, where the restaurant offers an outdoor balcony dining option where diners dine under their white umbrellas and on one of their neatly placed wooden seating.

The Commune Social is one of the top ten brunches in Shanghai. They don’t take reservations, unless you’re a VVIP regular or have mad guanxi. Pro tip: go early to get a table or be prepared to wait.

Social at The St. Regis offers a luxury Japanese dining experience with world-class service, premium ingredients, and an elegant atmosphere perfect for special occasions.