Between Sky and City: The Unique Experience of Flair Rooftop Restaurant & Bar in Shanghai

The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong: A Symbol of Contemporary Luxury

Opened in 2010, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong has established itself as an emblem of luxury hospitality. Located in the heart of the lively Lujiazui financial district, within the prestigious Shanghai IFC complex designed by architect César Pelli, the hotel occupies the top 18 floors of the tower. Its 285 elegant rooms and suites, inspired by 1930s Art Deco style reinterpreted with a contemporary touch by Richard Farnell, offer spectacular views of the Bund and the city. Between its refined spa, renowned restaurants, and exclusive Club-level spaces, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong combines sophistication with modernity. We had the pleasure of visiting, and it was at Flair, its iconic rooftop bar, that we enjoyed an unparalleled view of Shanghai.

A Panoramic Window on Shanghai's Skyline

Perched on the 58th floor of the luxury hotel, Flair Rooftop Restaurant & Bar stands out with a refined design that subtly marries modernity and a sense of heritage. Designed by Japanese firm STRICKLAND, the space draws inspiration from Shanghai's cosmopolitan spirit and cultural legacy. The interior, with its elegant geometric lines, combines wood, stone, and diamond-shaped metal lattices, creating an atmosphere that is both contemporary and warm. Every detail evokes the city's identity, harmoniously connecting its historic Art Deco charm with the modern energy of Lujiazui.

The outdoor terrace, spread across two levels, offers a truly unique visual experience. Semi-private sofas and daybeds invite relaxation, while the panoramic view embraces the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Bund, and the Huangpu River. A real gem atop the skyline, Flair is not just a rooftop—it becomes an urban stage where design and landscape converge to offer an unforgettable setting, both by day and at sunset.

A Culinary Journey by Chef Simone Yapp

At the helm of Flair Rooftop Restaurant & Bar's gastronomy, Chef Simone Yapp brings over thirty years of experience gained in Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, and now Shanghai. Driven by boundless passion and sharp creativity, he reinvents Asian classics with a sharing-style menu inspired by the concept “Reborn from Memories.” His dishes bring together flavors from Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, China, and Thailand, served as refined tapas, complemented by a sushi and seafood bar. To accompany these delights, an adventurous cocktail menu—featuring Asian-inspired creations and an impressive selection of artisanal vodkas and rums—completes this inventive and elegant culinary experience.

When Asia Is Savored as Tapas atop Shanghai

We began our dinner with two cocktails, each with distinct personalities. Color of Fall subtly blends Cointreau with Chinese rice wine Huang Jiu, enhanced by osmanthus, verjuice, and plum powder. Its golden hue evokes Shanghai's autumn—yellowing parasol tree leaves, delicate floral scents, and culinary traditions. On the palate, the balance of fruity sweetness, light acidity, and floral notes creates an elegant and nostalgic experience. My husband chose the bolder The Tip of the Nose, featuring a 12-year-old Singleton Scotch single malt enriched with unexpected hints of peanut butter, cocoa, and cherry. This surprising mix, rich and enveloping, evokes a fleeting, almost intimate memory—a sensation that lingers delicately.

The dishes that followed continued this sensory exploration. The Vietnamese Lemongrass Shrimp Spring Rolls brought the freshness and liveliness of Vietnamese cuisine, combining lemongrass-scented shrimp, crisp vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all enhanced by a tangy note. Next came the California Rolls, a timeless classic revisited with refinement. Filled with eel, crab, tamagoyaki, and avocado, then wrapped in bright tobiko, they blended sweetness, crunch, and oceanic richness. The delicate Toasted Brioches topped with marinated and grilled wagyu, accented by pickled vegetables, achieved a perfect balance of intensity, tenderness, and freshness.

Continuing on, the Miso Cod Fish stood out as a signature dish: generous portions of caramelized cod, tender and subtly enhanced by crispy quinoa, accompanied by young shoots and sautéed mushrooms. Garlic-lime mayonnaise perfected the ensemble, creating a dish that was both refined and comforting. The Chicken Satay, grilled to perfection, captivated with its creamy, aromatic house-made peanut sauce, balanced by a marinated cucumber condiment that added freshness and liveliness.

Finally, the tasting ended on an elegant sweet note. The Mango, a tropical cake paired with intensely flavored sorbet, offered an ideal contrast between smoothness and freshness, highlighted by a minimalist presentation that showcased the fruit's vivid color. To conclude this culinary journey, the signature dessert “Coconut, coconut, coconut…”—served in a coconut shell—offered a playful variation on the theme: ice cream, jelly, crispy chips, and crumble intertwined in a harmonious play of textures. Fresh, indulgent, and creative, the desserts perfectly embodied the inventive spirit of Flair Rooftop Restaurant & Bar.

My Opinion

Flair embodies the perfect harmony of design, gastronomy, and panorama. With its inventive cuisine, daring cocktails, and stunning view of Shanghai's skyline, it offers a memorable experience that blends elegance, conviviality, and modernity. A place not just to dine, but to experience Shanghai from its very summit.

Practical Information

Many thanks to Flair Rooftop Restaurant & Bar for the invitation to discover their establishment. Of course, all opinions expressed in this article are entirely my own!