Shanghai Daily news

The cool and contemporary feel of the new restaurant.

Some of the chefs d’oeuvre prepared by Eduardo Vargas and his team.

Hearty portions and generous pours in a sleek sophisticated and spacious settting is what 239 Restaurant & Bar has to offer.
The 239 Restaurant & Bar combines the talents of Chef Eduardo Vargas from the award-winning Azul & Viva Restaurants and the grand master of bars, Ian Robertson, formerly of Sasha’s and Face Bar.
“Since I became a chef, people asked me what I’d really like to cook. And my answer: A little braised meat, some roasted fish, side organic vegetables and the best mash potatoes you’ve ever tasted. At the end of the day, my palate craves for simplicity that doesn’t mean bland food or ‘comfort food,’” says Eduardo.
“In fact, when prepared well, simple food can have an integrity and depth of flavor that fancier dishes may lack.
The whole idea of 239 (as the address clearly states) is simple, ingredient- driven, soulful dishes that will remind our customers of why, in the first place, they love mushrooms, scallops, short ribs, or cod fish. 239’s just the place with good food and simplicity,” says Eduardo on the whole restaurant concept.
On why this collaboration is going to be a success, Ian shares, “I have always loved Eduardo’s food and the idea of food to share really attracted me. It is also great to work with someone who not only shares my emphasis on service but also shares a love of serving people.”
Strategically located in the heart of the city, 239 Restaurant & Bar opened a month ago with much pomp and vigor. It offers unique culinary experience based on sharing and innovative cooking. The restaurant is also the first in Shanghai to apply no-smoking policy from 7.30pm to 10.30pm daily. Smokers,  however, will still be able to light up their cigarettes around the bar area.
This haven of contemporary chic, located on Shimenyi Road, paves the way for Singaporean-born Executive Chef Eddie Loo, whom fans will recall from his years at Club Shanghai and Azul & Viva, to deliver eclectic collaborations that leave diners wanting for more.
Eduardo’s exquisite and contemporary food complements Chef Eddie’s finishing touches and this dynamic combination  distinguishes itself from the ubiquitous dining landscape of Shanghai. Among 239’s signature dishes are the divine Salmon Ravioli with avocado mousse & dill mustard cream, mouthwatering Grilled Kobe Strip Loin Steak with onion jam, delightful merlot reduction & tomato confit, succulent Caramelized Pork Hock with latte coffee sauce & banana-apricot chutney and the tantalizing Grilled Tuna with ponzu-yuzu sauce and cucumber salsa. Not to be missed out on the menu is the 239 Pumpkin Dessert, a slow baked pumpkin pudding with sago-coconut glaze.
The Bar at 239 is all about making people feel special and comfortable without too much fuss. You won’t find Tom Cruise wannabes tossing bottles in the air, nor will you find umbrella impaled pineapple spike maraschino cherry towers that resemble miniature versions of a Carmen Miranda headdress. You will find a smiling bartender, a well stocked bar, innovative cocktails, large strong drinks, ice cold beer glasses and people that take great delight in making your visit fun and memorable.
The music, like the decor, is sleek, sexy and mellow, no need to shout – until it’s your shout that is! Slump on a couch, prop up the bar or perch on a barstool at our long marble bar counter. If we haven’t got it, we’ll do our best to get it, if we don’t know how to make it we’ll find out, if it’s not right speak up. Ask for Ian or his sidekick Joe and they’ll fix it for you. 239 Restaurant & Bar has a seating capacity of 100 people and accommodates approximately 300 people for functions.

Address: 239 Shimenyi Road, near Weihai Road.
Hours: 11am–1am daily (Kitchen closes at 11pm). Brunch is available every Saturday & Sunday from 11am to 5pm.
Reservation: 6253 2837
Enquiries: Lis Cheah at 6253 2837 or marketing@239shanghai.com