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• Published date: 26 June 2022
• Publication title: Shanghai Daily

Some Shanghai diners have been having speakeasy moments in restaurants lately, with shady outside glass, dark rooms, no photos, low-key conversation, and a watchful eye out for strange people who look like they want to listen in.

The catering industry has been hurt by the lockdown measures, and many residents are hoping that restaurant dining will resume soon as a sign of normalcy.

ccording to Shanghai's latest pandemic control measures, dine-in service will be allowed from Wednesday.

"I always open my arms to poems and lands far away. The recent wish list is fine dining in restaurants with friends," said Cookie, a Lonely Planet author and a gourmand fan based in Shanghai. She used to dine out two or three days a week before the lockdown.

Dining has a deeper meaning for Lao Shang. As a real estate company officer, he finds it nearly impossible to find a place in downtown to meet clients and business partners. "Socializing is important for business development. If the restaurants open, it is a sign that the hustle and bustle of city life are back," he noted.

Since June 1, some cafes and restaurants opened briefly before being forced to shut again over recurring cases.

Except for the three suburban districts of Jinshan, Fengxian and Chongming, all other eateries in Shanghai are prohibited from offering dine-in service, according to a notice released last Monday by the Shanghai Commission of Commerce.

The policy was strictly followed. Five Guys on Huaihai Road M. closed its streetside entrance and now only serves burgers and drinks for pickup and takeaway.

Most restaurants have put up clear signs saying "No Indoors Service" or "Please Don't Sit."

Uniformed officers now patrol Yongkang Road in Xuhui District, which is often crowded with expats, coffee lovers and pet owners.

"We've been told not to put tables and chairs along the roadside or we'll be fined," a coffee shop employee said.

few small establishments remain open, but only to "VIPs and acquaintances."

n Italian restaurant in Huangpu District admitted to allowing outdoor dining for "old clients and friends" of about 20 people. It, however, insists on reservations while discouraging walk-in dining.

Recently, netizens on WeChat and Douyin shared their speakeasy experiences in order to secure a dining table.

To enter restaurants, they must use excuses such as "looking for a friend inside" or "finding a place to rest" and show reservation information or even "codes," with doors closing immediately. They must sometimes...