The buzz: The new Waldorf Astoria on the Bund is the gift that keeps on giving. After the launch of their Long Bar and tea room earlier this fall, they’ve just opened their signature restaurant, Pelham’s. Named in honor of Sir Warren Pelham who established the Shanghai Gentleman’s Club on the site of the current hotel in 1910, the restaurant is redolent with old-school flair as well as ultra-modern touches. Head chef Brian Chan is fresh from the New York Waldorf Astoria’s kitchen.

The décor: Pelham’s is small enough to feel intimate without being cramped. The décor is a mix between contemporary minimalist and opulent parlor style. Sounds like a combo that could never work, right? Pelham’s pulls it off. From the glass-walled show kitchen to the luxurious leather-panelled walls, the contrast sits well. We especially liked the thousands of American pennies adorning the ceiling near the wine cabinets. Great feng shui, apparently.

The food: A menu of French-inspired modern New York-style seasonal treats, all well thought through and beautifully presented. The grill menu includes classics like Wagyu New York strip steak (388 RMB), Australian lamb rack (338 RMB) and US pork chop (228 RMB) while the dessert menu includes quirky twists on classics like “S’more” – a chocolate brownie crowned with graham cracker ice cream and a passionfruit marshmallow (78 RMB) and Poire William cranberry crumble (78). In a city where most dessert menus don’t get much further than tiramisu, it’s nice to see a restaurant going all out for the sweet stuff.

If the prices above make your eyes water and your wallet ache, the good news is that many items are available on the set menu – 198 RMB for two courses and 268 for three.

The drinks: With over 500 bottles of wine and a good selection of Champagne, there’s something for every palate.

Why you’ll be back: The set menu makes it a very affordable choice for a swanky dinner, and the Waldorf name is a sure fire way to impress a date or a guest.

Find it: Waldorf Astoria Club Lobby Level, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, 2 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu. 6322 9988. Open 11.30am – 3.00pm for lunch and 6.00pm – 11.00pm for dinner

More restaurants on The Bund Shanghai