Mesa Manifesto
748 Julu Lu
Shanghai, China
PRICE: ?????
RATING: ****

A bunch of us hit up Mesa Manifesto for a swanky Friday night dinner and drinks. It’s owned by an Australian, but is a Western restaurant (the only Australian thing about it was the lamb on the menu). Formerly an old electronics factory, the restaurant is housed in a sleek, large room with large glass windows and a quasi-open kitchen.

One of the girls there knew the manager, who came round to say ‘hi’ when he really should’ve been at home due to an injured leg. We were brilliantly taken care of by the rest of his staff all night, however, and really appreciated the attentive, polite service.

They’re evidently strong on the drinks front, with an impressive winelist and delicious cocktails. Adored their (pink!) lychee martinis and they also whip up a mean smoothie. Their meals were equally as delicious, albeit expensive. We ended up with a 300? per person bill, which surprised everyone at the table as we’d expected it to be a lot less. It’s the price point that will prevent me from returning, a shame because the food was fantastic (though in small portions)!

My entree, the Honey glazed goats cheese, pine nuts, asparagus, watercress, roasted beetroot was selected for me upon their insisting that it was their star dish. I would normally never have considered ordering it otherwise! But I’m so glad I did, it was outstanding – smooth cheese with a subtle hint of sweet honey, offset by the crisp greens. My main of Risotto of snow crab, clams, salmon and prawns, citrus butter and shellfish bisque was, in my opinion, the best main on the table (yes, I sampled everyone else’s!). It was a creamy (but not too overpowering) mix of luscious seafood, so tasty and rich with flavour that it left me stunned. One of the better risottos I’ve had and I scooped every last grain up despite ordering the Large portion 😛

Dessert was a shared platter, with a dizzying array of delightful morsels. I especially loved the apple fritters, which were like little light donuts with a sweet apple flavour, topped with a light glaze. Outstanding food, just a bit on the pricey side!

Mesa Manifesto

Lovely candles

Spring rolls

A bit blinded by the camera’s bright flash

Fish roll things

Carpaccio of beef, roast garlic, goats cheese broth with homemade focaccia

Honey glazed goats cheese, pine nuts, asparagus, watercress, roasted beetroot

Spinach tart thing

Me and the girls!

Roast lamb rump, sauteed lemon spinach, garlic creamed mash and fresh mint pesto

Risotto of snow crab, clams, salmon and prawns, citrus butter and shellfish bisque

Chargrilled sirloin, chunky chips, salsa verde, butter and mustard bearnaise

With our awesome dessert platter!