Goga, Shanghai
The Xuhui district, the popular tree-lined district in Shanghai, is home to Goga. Hidden just around the corner, we find this small 20 seat restaurant with roof top patio. Shanghai is home to fine culinary dining from Japan, Italy, France, as well as regional Chinese and with Goga, we see (and taste) decent American food.
Owner Chef, Brad Turley, hailing from San Francisco bay area – as evident from his name card, honed his chops with Roy Yamaguchi from Hawaii’s Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine, also with 10+ years in Vietnam and Shanghai at New Heights and Maya, to develop is unique American Asian menu.
Goga’s offerings are separated into Fins, Field, and Flesh, which is seafood, salads, and meats. But I didn’t come for anything off the menu. I had heard about the burger, which wasn’t listed in the menu. I knew I had to have it. I have to confess – I’m the type of guy, who orders mac’n cheese and burgers at fine dining restaurants. I’m a sucker for comfort foods. Though sometimes, I know the chefs put these items on the menu, since they are their favorites, as well. Or sometimes, I think its to appease the children and kids. Regardless, I usually order it myself, usually at the expense of the amusement of my dining compatriots.
I didn’t even know how much it was. But I didn’t care. It was probably the best burger I had in Shanghai. Certainly better than the Burger and Beer Wednesday special at the Waterhouse.It was a juicy burger with aoli sauce, season tomatoes, and blue cheese. A nice combination of flavors which crumbled in my hands into my mouth. The truffle-oiled fries were crispy with mayo dipping sauce. I like! But I won’t go into my personal preference to more soggy fries.
We also ordered the Miso Broiled Black Cod and started with the Pumpkin & Apple Soup and Uni & Avocado. The moist, flakey, and buttery cod was good and something I recommend. The soup had bold flavors in a combination I had never tasted. It was spicy and sweet, with a reminiscent flavor of Christmas apple cider. The uni appetizer was nice little starter to get my juices flowing.
I am looking to go again to enjoy the Autumn weather and to sit on the roof top patio. Right now is about the best time to enjoy outdoor dining in Shanghai, as well as at Goga.
What to Order: The off the menu burger. What not to Order:
Rating 3 Pigs Price Range 2 $/¥/NT
Links Dianping, Enjoy Shanghai, Time, Concierge, Shanghai Expat, Jing Theory, Smart Shanghai, Dining Secretary, City Weekend, City Weekend Listing
Goga 岳阳路1号, 近东平路 1 Yueyang Lu, near Dongping Lu +86 21 6431 9700
Goga is one of Shanghai tastiest American bistros
Goga’s dining room is cozy and only seats about 12 people, plus anyone who wants to sit at the bar.
The open kitchen, which is just behind the bar, fills the room with aroma.
During the spring and autumn months, the outdoor seating on the roof get really crowded fast.
Uni & Avocado RMB 65, sea urchin, lemon avocado, grill crostini. Yummy! I love uni
Pumpkin & Apple Soup RMB 45/50 for split, candied bacon, celery leaves, maple bourbon creme. A very nice soup with great spicy and complex flavor from the bourbon
Miso Broiled Black Cod RMB 120 (half order) RMB 230 (full order), shrimp shiitake salsa, edamame jus, truffle kabayaki. Nice flakey fish, probably my favorite fish. Goga is known for its Asian/Japanese dishes with American influences.
The secret, off-the-menu, and famous Goga burger. Quite possibly the best burger in Shanghai!
The fries. Flavorful and crispy. Nice touch with the leafy greens. But I kinda prefer fries a bit soggy, but nonetheless still good.
People I’ve met, friends, and other foodies have all raved about Goga. I’m glad I was finally about to make a visit. Next time, I hope to try some other dishes.
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