I recently had the pleasure of visiting Cloud 9, a delightful restaurant located on the 89th floor of Jin Mao Tower, during a sunny Saturday afternoon in May. Designed by the renowned architectural studio Adrian Smith + Gordon, the restaurant boasts an impressive view of both Pudong and Puxi, leaving visitors in awe of the breathtaking scenery. As part of the esteemed Grand Hyatt Hotel, Cloud 9 offers a luxurious dining experience that combines stunning design with exceptional hospitality.

Opting for the set lunch, I was pleasantly surprised by the excellent value for money. For just 498RMB, my companion and I were treated to a delightful array of dishes. The meal started with a lovely bread basket accompanied by warm butter bread and multicereal bread, setting the stage for what was to come.

Our appetizers consisted of a Burrata cheese and tomatoes salad, which although not bad, would have benefitted from the addition of cherry tomatoes for a better flavor combination. The Prawn Yuzu salad, on the other hand, was a highlight, offering a well-balanced and tasty blend. The prawns were wonderfully fresh and juicy, leaving us satisfied.

Moving on to the soups, we indulged in an asparagus soup with crab meat that was delicate and warm, providing a comforting start to the main course. The Spring chickpea soup with crispy Serrano was enjoyable in taste, although I must admit that I couldn't detect any traces of Serrano, which was a slight disappointment.

For our main courses, we relished a spicy seafood pasta with black spaghetti and a delectable tomato sauce, complemented by squid and clams. It proved to be a flavorful and enjoyable dish. The pan-fried tenderloin with seasonal vegetables was cooked to perfection, just as we had requested—medium rare. The meat was tender and juicy, and the accompanying vegetables added a nice touch to the dish.

To conclude the meal on a sweet note, we savored two delightful desserts. The black forest cake was nice, offering a classic and satisfying flavor. The pineapple jasmine cheesecake, on the other hand, was a true standout. It exuded elegance and boasted a distinct, flavorful taste.

In an effort to enhance the dining experience, I decided to pair my lunch with a glass of wine. Unfortunately, my initial choice, the Gaja Ca' Marcanda Promis, was unavailable. Instead, I opted for a Giorgio Pelissero Langhe Nebbiolo. This wine, known for its elegance and complexity, offered a rich and velvety experience on the palate. However, I must note that it was served at a temperature that was too cold, which affected its full expression. Even by the time I reached the dessert, the wine had not reached the ideal temperature, slightly dampening the overall enjoyment. Nonetheless, I could still appreciate the wine's potential and the character it brought to the meal.

The staff at Cloud 9 were welcoming and friendly, and they made an effort to bridge any language barriers that arose during our visit. Although the restaurant wasn't bustling with patrons, the frequency at which the dishes arrived was a bit too rapid, not allowing us enough time to fully savor and appreciate each course.

Despite these minor setbacks, I left Cloud 9 with an overall positive impression. The value for money, combined with the stunning views and friendly staff, make it a restaurant I would be eager to revisit for dinner.