Speak Low — Restaurant in Shanghai

We speak highly of Speak Low! No reservation can be made prior arrival. It is supposed to be a hidden speakeasy bar but no longer such a secret, with the constant inflow of customers.

Speak Low deserves its position both The World’s and Asia’s 50 Best Bars lists. I have been to a number of Asia Top 50 bars in Hong Kong and Malaysia, and I must say that this one is on top of my list!

We gained access through a sliding bookshelf inside a cocktail equipment outlet and head for the second floor where we were able to sit at the bar table.

The third floor is a more popular choice but second floor is more lively. We started with a Fuxing Cooler and Serenity. The first one is some kind of chinese wine with oolong tea and a layer of cheese, while Serenity is very refreshing, combining Vodka with lichee cello. Both were great!

The vibe was so good and welcoming, we shared our drinks flavour and experience with a couple beside us. Making new friends at a bar, why not!

We didn’t want to leave and opted for another signature cocktail, which is Sawadee-cup, made with brown butter washed rum, Thai iced tea and apioca bubbles.

Considering the taste, atmosphere and the creativity of the bartender, the prices of Speak Low Shanghai are surprisingly reasonable and definitely...

Even though google maps is restricted in China, the bar is located correctly and worth a visit!

This is one of four Shingo Gokan’s cocktail bars in Shanghai. And you can see his signature everywhere (glasses, liquor, pictures etc).

Atmosphere 9/10 Hidden entrance behind a bookshelf of a bar tools shop “OCHO”. Very cool upscale-pub atmosphere. Intimate/dark lighting and great vibe. A lot of typical details for Shingo’s bars.

Drinks 8.5/10 Recommendation: Quintessence #2 Stylish menu with a decent selection catered to western cocktail culture. Had the Quintessence and Earl Grey MarTEAni. Both delicious. Garnish is very simple. This speakeasy has the funniest coasters I have encountered! Love the fun element. Unique glasses and ice cubes for all drinks.

Service 9/10 Friendly and attentive team. Water served on the spot. The seating system and waitlist logic could be improved - there is no way to reserve upfront and some people end up standing.

Bar was #32 Asia’s best bars 2021

Since google maps doesn’t work properly in China, i can recommend an Instagram account with exhaustive review of all major cocktail bars for China:...

It was packed the Saturday night I came in, so I didn't get food and just had one cocktail, but I still walked away impressed.

The bar felt plucked right out of the heights of of the cocktail renaissance of SF and NYC, complete with the suspender-wearing bartenders (but no waxed mustaches). The ice cubes were oversized and clear as glass, tiki drinks were swizzled with a bois lele, the bartenders stirred and shook with panache.

And of course my drink was excellent. I had an interesting negroni riff loaded with spices. I wish I could've tried more.

The vibe of the place was great. Service was excellent. The music they had going on the background was an especially fascinating throwback to 2010s big American city cocktail culture: a mix of minimal techno, deep house, and Brainfeeder-style hip hop beats.

I can't recommend this place enough and I'm eager to come back when I can actually get a...