Shanghai’s 91-Year-Old Western Restaurant Reopens—And Locals Return for the Old Flavors

A Shanghai restaurant with a 91-year history has reopened on Huaihai Road. Red House Western Restaurant returned after an upgrade, keeping its best-known dishes while adding coffee, baking and new social spaces.

A Shanghai Landmark Reopens on Huaihai Road

Red House Western Restaurant officially reopened on November 8 after its renovation. The restaurant was founded in 1935 and became known locally as “Red House” because of its red exterior. It was officially recognized as a China Time-Honored Brand in 2011.

The restaurant closed for an upgrade in March and returned for trial operations on September 30. The reopening has attracted longtime customers who came back for the memories associated with the restaurant.

From a Restaurant to a Place to Stay

The renovated restaurant covers nearly 1,000 square metres across four floors. The first floor has a bakery and coffee area; the second floor includes the main dining room and a bar; private rooms occupy the third and fourth floors.

The new layout combines coffee, baking, full meals and social dining in one red-brick building. The idea is to make the brand more than a place for one meal—it is now also a space where customers can spend time and experience the building.

Classic Shanghai Western Food, Plus New Dishes

The menu keeps the restaurant’s classic trio: potato salad, borscht and fried pork chop. It also continues to serve dishes such as baked escargots and baked clams.

More than 20 new dishes have been added, including braised beef and herb-roasted chicken. The restaurant has also created around 12 cocktails for the updated dining experience.

For Shanghai residents, Red House is part of the city’s food memory. For international visitors, it offers a look at how Shanghai developed its own style of Western food—and how a historic restaurant is trying to remain part of the city’s everyday life.

The restaurant’s return is also being seen as part of the wider renewal of Huaihai Road, where historic brands are being combined with retail, culture and new lifestyle experiences.