SHANGHAI EXPRESS

With its exuberant palette, elaborate Chinoiserie and lavish take on Chinese fare, Madame Shanghai is a riotous new addition to the Sydney dining scene. The Darlinghurst den, situated across from Hyde Park, dishes up elevated yum cha at lunch and shaokao- style (barbecue) dishes at dinner; spatchcock with hoisin citrus glaze is a standout. Shanghai native Chris Yan helms the kitchen, while mixologist Kate McGraw offers cocktails prepared with rare and aged spirits in the bar. To channel ‘30s Shanghai, designer Melissa Collison looked to Chinese medallions, painterly carpets and rattan fans.