The 1515 West Chophouse & Bar, the contemporary American-style restaurant at the Jing An Shangri-La, Shanghai, is renowned for its vintage interior design, robust wine list, and stellar steak selection.

And it is now bringing diners’ meal appreciation to another level with its new a la carte menu crafted by London-native Chef de Cuisine Lewis Scarfe. 

Image courtesy of The 1515 West Chophouse & Bar

Famed for his utmost respect for tradition, Chef Scarfe sources inspirations from seasonal flavors, allowing the quality of ingredients to shine through his straightforward cooking techniques. 

Image courtesy of The 1515 West Chophouse & Bar

With an Old Shanghai movie vibe combined with classic American bar and grill décor, the space is accented by touches from Shanghai’s black and white movie era.

Situate yourself in a cozy leather seat in the dining area, beside an enormous open fire grill, with sleek black-and-white ceramic tiles and brass pendant lights, and prepare yourself for an American steakhouse-style onslaught.

Diners entering The 1515 West Chophouse & Bar will be greeted by the smell of freshly baked bread from four large vintage cast iron ovens.

A comprehensive range of artisanal cheeses, and cut-to-order small goods from the Charcuterie Room, complement the setting. 

Begin with one of the seasonal salads, like the Avocado and Feta Salad (RMB128) with aforementioned avocado and feta, plus tomato, seasonal mixed greens, basil, and pine nuts all tossed in a light vinaigrette. 

Or opt for the tableside-prepared Caesar Salad (RMB158) or signature 1515 Cobb Salad (RMB168). 

To round out the warmer weather, The 1515 West Chophouse & Bar is serving up seasonal seafood in tapas portions, ideal for pairing with a post-work sundowner.

The Fisherman’s Bowl (RMB348/two people, RMB548/four people) is all about showcasing different techniques and textures with a myriad of nibbles, including:

• Marinated Seabass with Fennel, Red Onion, Dill and Sour Cream
• Steamed Shrimp Cocktail with Cocktail Sauce and Lettuce
• Cured Salmon with Potato Mash, Cucumber, Apple, and Wasabi
• Poached Lobster with Lettuce and Micro Greens
• Scallop Ceviche with Lime, Chili, Coriander and Olive Oil
• Seared Tuna with Sesame, Chili, Soy, and Lime

Presented via trolley service to accentuate the fully engaged dining experience, the Wagyu Beef Tartare (RMB196) showcases a tableside mixing of aged Wagyu beef, Worcester sauce and egg yolk – plus a choice of mustard, gherkins, capers, shallots, chives, Tabasco, and truffle, catered to each diner’s individual tastes.

Meat lovers will be delighted by the restaurant’s generous portioning philosophy. The restaurant features The 1515 West signature brand 1515 Stanbroke Black Angus Wagyu Australian beef. 

Sourced only from the finest Japanese Wagyu genetics, young grain-fed cattle are reared on the green pastures of pristine Stanbroke Ranch in Queensland, before being dry-aged for at least 25 days.

The house butcher presents signature prime steaks that are then sent straight to the open-flame grill.

Cuts range from Tenderloin (180 grams/RMB598, 250 grams/RMB788, 540 grams/RMB1,488) to Striploin (280 grams/RMB638, 350 grams/RMB758), from Ribeye (380 grams/868, 450 grams/RMB998) to Dry-Aged T-Bone (800 grams/RMB1,398), Dry-Aged Porterhouse (800 grams/RMB1,398) and Tomahawk (1.3 kilos/RMB2,288). 

Additionally, the steak lineup boasts an impressive spread of Rangers Valley Infinite Full-Blood M9 and Rangers Valley WX Wagyu M7+ as well as USDA Prime Grain-Fed steaks. 

All steaks can be grilled to diner’s choice of doneness, and are presented with horseradish, mustard and Dijon mustard, plus Maldona salt, lemon sea salt, rosemary salt, and Himalayan sea salt. 

Furthermore, all steaks are served with one side dish. Select from:

• Truffle Mac and Cheese
• Creamed Spinach
• Mashed Potatoes
• French Fries
• Truffle and Parmesan Fries
• Hand Cut Triple Cooked Chips & Dips
• Sautéed Mushrooms with Garlic and Herb Crumb
• Grilled Broccolini with Sesame, Chili, and Garlic
• Grilled Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan Cheese
• Romaine Lettuce Salad with Caesar Dressing
• Coleslaw

And one sauce, from Black Pepper, Truffle, Port Wine, Mushroom, Barbecue, Béarnaise, or Chimichurri. 

Dessert sees a classic steakhouse lineup, with the star of the show being the New York Style Cheesecake (RMB118) – a dense and luscious baked cheesecake served with strawberry compote and whipped cream.

Other sweet endings span Warm Chocolate Molten Cake (RMB118), Crème Brûlée (RMB118), Sizzling Bananas Foster (RMB118), and more. 

A pre- or post-dinner libation takes place in the 1515 West Bar, decorated in a classic New York style, providing views of the piazza and the former residence of Chairman Mao Zedong. 

On offer are various beverage selections of classic and distinct spirits, from which the team of skilled bartenders – led by Head Bartender William Di – produce premium drinks and cocktails for guests.

The current menu showcases 10 classic cocktails juxtaposed against 10 contemporary twists on said classic cocktails, plus four mocktails.

For the classic-inspired side of the menu, think a touch of modern technique or an unexpected flavor that brings these timeless recipes back to the fore. 

Take the West Fashioned (RMB148) for example. This riff on an old fashioned sees both toasted coconut-infused Bacardi Ocho rum and tropical galangal-infused Woodford Reserve bourbon come together with aromatic fennel seed syrup, and both chocolate and peach bitters for an anything but docile dram. 

Similarly, the Modern Eastern (RMB138) – an Eastern (hence the name) play on the traditional smoky yet sweet-sour Penicillin – uses fresh green apple muddled with jasmine-scented Dewar’s 12 Years and pear-infused Farmer’s Gin for additional tart notes. 

The curious addition of osmanthus yellow wine and homemade date syrup elevate the local tastes, while egg whites lend a creamier mouthfeel. 

A showstopper in a glass, the Savory Crusta (RMB148) blends together earthy truffle oil with Suntory Brandy VSOP, plus a homemade parmesan cheese and almond liqueur.

Green plum liqueur and honeydew melon balance both sweet and sour, while a garnish of apricot topped with shaved parmesan and toasted almond bring together all the flavors in one glorious gulp.

Image courtesy of The 1515 West Chophouse & Bar

Image courtesy of The 1515 West Chophouse & Bar

Enjoy your steak and/or cocktail while jamming out to the smooth, relaxing tunes of the in-house live band, playing every Thursday-Saturday from 8.30-11.15pm. 

For more information, please visit www.shangri-la.com/jingan/.

The1515 West Chophouse & Bar, 4/F, Jing An Shangri-La, 1218 Yan'an Zhong Lu, by Tongren Lu, 延安中路1218号, 上海静安香格里拉, 近铜仁路.