Shanghai

A Future Perfect
Quirky and cool

No. 16, Lane 351 Huashan Lu
021 6248 8020

The newest endeavour by the owners of Arch restaurant and bar, also in Shanghai, is a perfect example of the creative vibe driving the Shanghai culinary scene these days. Artful, comfortable and tasty is how they do it at A Future Perfect, from the cutting-edge (yet comfortable) design to the imaginative menu descriptions, it's sure to get the inspiration flowing. And there's nothing wrong with a good, affordable meal to bolster the brain cells - choose from salads, burgers, pastas and fish made with fresh ingredients and just the right seasonings. Big wooden tables are perfect for spreading out documents over coffee, and in warmer months a large courtyard patio might just entice a late lunch meeting to stretch into early evening cocktails.

Beijing

Green T. House
For the ultra-hip set

6 Gongti Xi Lu, Sanlitun
010/6552-8310

Green T. House is Beijing's best offering for the ultra-hip. A cool, contemporary environment with streamlined surfaces congregates with touches of the Orient. Owner Jin R (dubbed Beijing's "Queen of Style") is China's only female master chef and a classical musician, artist and calligrapher; it's clear that she makes no distinction between the arts and the art of fine food. The cuisine is neo-classical and features dainty dishes with eclectic names like "a small autumn landscape veal", "curly chicken in unbelievable crispy Sichuan pepper" and "when a fish is jumping in the river". Dripping with class and peopled with China's up-and-coming nouveau riche set, this is Beijing's best bet for a high-power business lunch - thus, reservations essential.