Sense 8

Dim sum highlights the Sense 8 menu.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Cantonese restaurant Sense 8 first opened in Shanghai around two years ago and has since earned a reputation for its extravagant interior design as well as its hours-long line at the door. The new outlet at Xintiandi, opened at the beginning of this year, is just as tough to get in - if anything, it attracts more passers-by/tourists/nearby office workers to join the line. The restaurant this month added another eight tables on the terrace of the two-floor restaurant, offering morning tea starting at 8 am and evening snacks till midnight, as well as its signature, old-school dim sums. While you may not get to enjoy the pompous antique furniture and decorations of the restaurant, which is supposed to be its highlight, the gentle spring breeze and view of Shanghai's disappearing lane houses might be a good trade.

Lane 181-8, Taicang Road, Xintiandi, Shanghai. 021-6373-1888.