Normally, we prefer not to eat in Shanghai hotels, but rather opt for free-standing restaurants. Not because the food in the numerous western-style hotels isn't good, but the whole point of exploring Shanghai is to get out and about and interact with the masses.
With that being said, one notable exception to this rule is Allure French Restaurant - the new addition to the Le Méridien Hotel on Nanjing Dong Lu. A sleek, comfortably-sized, open space (only 50 seats) on the hotel's 11th floor.
The meal we had, without question, was one of the best in all of Shanghai. And, in our opinion, Chef Michael Wendling is one of the top new chefs in town.
After being seated, we were served the chef's daily starter (on the house): a small shot glass of cream of potato soup. Although it was only a few, tasty spoonfuls, it set the tone for the meal ahead. Next came a second small plate of smoked salmon rolled with herbs and spinach sauce. It was one delicious bite.
The roasted scallops with diced bulb mushrooms and crème freiche (178 RMB) were cooked perfectly and are highly recommended.
The surprise of the meal was the La Truffle Noire - an emulsion of black truffles and white bean soup (148 RMB). To say this dish was orgasmic would be an understatement. Without question, it was the best bowl of soup we've had anywhere in the world.
For our main course, we tried the smoked black cod in nut-brown butter, stewed shallots and red wine sauce, topped with a few banana slices (238 RMB). It is also highly recommended.
The other main dish was La Boeuf - a larded beef tenderloin, braised potato & goose liver with a perigueline sauce (260 RMB). Good, but not as good as the cod.
For dessert, the Berry Crumble put us over the top. With fresh berries, cookie crumble, vanilla creme and berry ice cream served in a martini glass, it was hard to finish. But somehow we managed!
The wine list is exclusively French and set menus are also available (lunch at 128/168 RMB, dinner at 488/688/888 RMB).
If you are in the mood to splurge a little, and your first priority is the food rather than the view, then we highly recommend trying some of Chef Michael's fantastic dishes. You won't be disappointed.