[Shanghai] I took a double-take when I saw a Gucci Café at iAPM Mall. Since when the Italian luxury fashion had, or needed a café around?
This is different. This is Shanghai. A city where brands matter, and the new-rich have reached another level of sophistication.
Gucci’s first restaurant is called 1921 Gucci Café, located 3 stories above the brand’s Shanghai boutique and offers a full-service menu. There is direct access from the lift up from within the store.
“1921” pays tribute to the year of the label’s foundation.
The luxury brand operates two cafés in Florence and in Tokyo, but this is their first proper Italian restaurant.
While reservations were booked months prior during opening days, the hype would have come down, and I walked in easily to a half-empty restaurant.
Interestingly, the indoor section was quiet, but outdoor al fresco area was relatively occupied – I think the Shanghainese need to smoke.
The interior was classily done, yet not over the top – golden shades, plush turquoise-coloured velvety seats, 1921 Gucci logo branded on almost everything from silverware to napkins. I did expect it to be swankier.
Lunch would be a more affordable, with mains of Linguine, Grilled Calamari, Grilled Red Snapper Fillet and Pan-Seared Chicken Breast, priced between 128RMB and 148RMB (SGD$26 – SGD$30).
Dinner items are about double the price.
The young tai-tais can take a relaxing Afternoon tea set (398RMB for 2 persons, SGD$81.10), Tiramisu or Chocolate Lava Cake (80RMB, SGD$16.3) for desserts.
The Warm Chocolate Lava Cake, didn’t flow, was decent but not fantastic.
My sense is that people come to the Gucci restaurant (during the initial days) to just to tick-off their been-there-done-that bucket list, and post photos on Weibo.
1921 GUCCI Restaurant
Shop 413, 4/F, IAPM Mall, No.999 Huaihai Middle Road
淮海中路999号环贸iapm商场4层
Tel: +86 21 3356 3525
Opening Hours: Lunch 11:30am – 2:30pm (Mon-Sun)
Dinner 6:30 pm – 10:30pm (Mon-Sun)
Google Maps – Gucci Cafe (iAPM)
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