Kitchen 88 - it was opposite Dragonfly and it had an English menu.  Sadly this was one of the few restaurants I felt brave enough to try without the reassurance of a guide book - sad, because it was probably my best meal in China.

Even though the waitress didn’t speak English I’d learnt enough to point to a couple of options and rub my tummy to show I hadn’t been feeling well.  She pointed to the chicken with soy bean topping, some broccoli with garlic and that was that! 

She also brought tea to the table before I’d even ordered - common in a lot of more down to earth places - it’s free and their way of welcoming you.

The food was sensational and I’m pleased to say there is even a sister restaurant - Kitchen 4 in Beijing, but I didn’t get to try it.  The only downside was that the toilets were really not great (ideally go in the spa across the road before you get here!)

They don’t have a website but you can email them at Kitchen88sh@gmail.com or Kitchen4bj@gmail.com

The Peninsula Hotel The Lobby - also worth a mention as the blueberry pancakes were very good here, and they even refilled my little bowl of blueberries when I asked.

Drink: The Snow Flower cocktail (like a Grasshopper with coconut) at the ground floor Compass Bar at The Peninsula Hotel was wonderful, and I highly recommend it for a mellow drink or two.

Watermelon juice is on most menus, which I love - but did not enjoy the papaya juice!

Coffee: If you’re out and about and need coffee or just a little sit down and recovery from culture shock then I highly recommend Ciao (aka Ciao Bambino) at The Langham, Yangtze Boutique.  Another nice, although more expensive option if you find yourself nearby is the Puli Hotel - wonderful staff and venue but about £7 for a latte.  Of course, if you stay at Les Suites Orient you can use the espresso machine in your room, or the coffee machine in the lobby!  Or pop into a supermarket for a can of milky Nescafe.