More or less stumbling in at random, on one of those can’t-be-bothered-cooking kinds of days, we were glad we chose Oyster Bistro from among the many newish eateries to have popped up in past year or two on Hubin Lu in Jiangning District.
Truth be told, there have been restaurants dotted along the road that runs parallel to, and a little south of, Shengtai Lu, for many years. But previous experience was spotty at best.
That all changed with Oyster Bistro. And as we discovered, there is a good explanation in the fact they know what they’re doing. For this is the same Oyster Bistro that has been in business over 15 years on Hubei Lu in Gulou District.
Before extolling their many virtues, we normally leave the criticisms to later in these reviews to avoid putting readers off, but it’s more logical in this case to get them out of the way first.
It’s the frequency of the word “platter” on the printed menu. And its misrepresentation of reality.
“Baked Potato Platter” is thick cut French fries, wedges and onion rings; “BBQ Platter” is sausages with potato; “Movenpick Ice-Cream Platter” is three scoops of different flavours; and any of the many oyster platters is oysters on a cake stand.
Consult the online version via the QR code on each table for a more accurate photo semblance of each dish, thankfully also one that doesn’t mention “platter” all the time.
Being four in our party on this occasion, The Nanjinger ordered Ham and Arugula Salad, Hungarian Red Wine Oxtail Soup and all of the aforementioned platters, but the price of the Movenpick job will make your eyes water.
On to business. For we need to have a talk. About sausages. At Oyster Bistro they are neither sweet or German; they’re spicy. Hazarding a guess they be Spanish in origin, this platter was a most welcome surprise for the taste buds.
This correspondent cannot testify as to the oysters on account of an allergy but his dining companions assured they were up there too. They sure disappeared fast enough.
It’s all served up in a standout dining environment, characterised by being tastefully simple and complimented by seating that is stylish, plush but functional. But the ambience is tainted by just one thing; cables all over the floor in the outside eating area.
Still on that subject, a trip to the bathroom is a must for any diner. Immaculately clean and very retro, with wrought-iron fixtures and wooden toilet seats.
Oyster Bistro is located at 2A, 102 Hubin Lu 湖滨路湖滨公寓 2A栋一层102号. Tel: 86190977 / 17702510977.
