In need of a date night? It’s important for couples to get that alone time and Urban Family is here to help give you some suggestions for your romantic evening out. So, call the ayi, leave the kids at home for a night and enjoy some much needed one-on-one time with your significant other.

​The Place and Vibe

The Nest sits on the sixth floor of an unassuming building near the Bund. With just an understated blue-lit sign on the street, one wouldn’t expect the swanky ‘gastro lounge’ located above. However, as soon as we walked in there was no doubt that this was an upscale scene. 

The bar is the first thing guests are met with and it makes a loud statement as the centerpiece of the restaurant with an abstract lighting figure above, which resembles feathers of a bird. This artistic feature certainly sets the scene of the restaurant as a trendy spot as the lighting changes in color and blinks accordingly to the beat of the music. A warm yellow glow surrounds the restaurant and gives it an attractive hue. The kitchen is exposed and allows guests to see the hustle and bustle of chefs cooking and dishing out plates to servers (who provided excellent service).

This is certainly a good place for both a casual drink and a dining experience as guests can choose from a variety of seating options – from the bar, lounge chairs, high-top tables to dining tables. Everyone is provided a welcome drink after being seated.

The Food

The food is delectable and takes on a Northern European style. Oysters are a bit of a specialty here and we were told they sell out everyday. At RMB198 for a dozen, they are fresh and served on a bed of ice with sides of lemon wedges, shallot vinaigrette, ginger sauce and Tabasco. These babies are on promotion every Sunday and Monday, so we suggest you plan accordingly.  

Next we tried the Canucks lox salmon platter (RMB128), which came with a variety of cured salmon slices. Our preference was the applewood smoked salmon, which was divine when eaten with the buttery vodka-spiked blini and dill sprinkled on top.

Two other highly recommended appetizers are the golubtsi (RMB128) and the festive venison tartare (RMB128). The golubtsi consists of pork stew and carmelized onions in a baked cabbage roll. The venison tartare will most certainly be a hit of you are a tartare fan. The juniper berries inside, the nuts sprinkled on top, and the citrusy dipping sauce on the side worked together to create its unique flavor.

For the main, we decided to give one of their steaks a go as an entire page is dedicated to them on the menu. The steaks, which are sliced and served on wooden platters, come with two sides and are meant to be shared between two. We tried the Aussie wagyu rib-eye (RMB358), a juicy and flavorful cut cooked to a perfect medium-rare (just how we like it). The steaks also come with a variety of dipping sauces, but be sure to try the meat on its own—in our opinion, no sauce was necessary.

For dessert we tried the Nest cheesecake (RMB68), which was thick with shortbread crust surrounded by blueberries and raspberries for a fruity flavor. This wasn’t our favorite part of the meal and didn’t impress too much. We suggest ordering another savory appetizer and forgoing this dessert.

Date Night Approved

If you are looking for a trendy spot to dine at with your partner, this is an excellent place. Whether you are coming for drinks, dinner or both, the choices of seating cater to them all. The vibe is upbeat and the lighting provides a sensual atmosphere. We wouldn’t suggest bringing the kids, so save this one for a night out with just the two of you or other couples.

Price: RMB600-1000 per person

Who’s going: Couples & small groups

Good for: Dinner & Drinks