MoCA's new creative restaurant & lounge, Art Lab, boasts an incredible view of the metropolis and parkview from within the heart of Shanghai. The restaurant's fine dining experience is integrated with artworks and designs of artists brought to you by MoCA. Art Lab is an art and design project that transforms the third floor of MoCA Shanghai into a 'living' exhibition. Through contemporary artworks, music, design, and inspired cuisine and cocktails, Art Lab provides an innovative environment for creative encounters.

A Gallery for Foodies

Finding Art Lab is like walking through a secluded hide-out in Shanghai's mini green shrubbery. Almost by fortunate accident, you come across a large glass building that resembles a green house. The only difference is that this one houses pieces of eclectic and modern art, as well as a restaurant with the same concept. From lavender-infused duck consommé with foie gras ravioli (YY48) to wasabi cheesecake with peas (YY60), one can tell that the head chef has done a fair bit of his own experiments in the kitchen. The consommé was refreshing with clean flavors carrying through, though the ravioli was a touch undercooked for our liking. Choosing a more eclectic dessert can be risky but sometimes rewarding. This time however, wasabi, crispy green peas and a candied tomato for a garnish were a little bit too far off the beaten track and a bit sullied as the dish was served alongside a main course that they'd forgotten to bring out earlier. We were told that the double-up was because the chef "wanted to go home." Despite this, other more simplistic dishes such as the crab and avocado timbale with gazpacho (YY98) and truffled risotto with pan-seared foie gras (YY128) were executed well. The veal loin with purple potatoes was tender and succulent; perfect with a glass or two of Shiraz (YY48). Needless to say, Art Lab was designed and decorated with an artist's eye and was almost quite enchanting. --Mary E.