If you're looking to escape from pretentiously chic restaurants or the suffocating bustle of the city proper, a trip to Embre could be soul refreshment. Embre takes an organic approach to both food and decor.

With bare floors, wood plank walls and an abundance of windows and fresh flowers, the restaurant feels sun dappled and wholesome. Even the menu asserts, "Eating is an Art and a meal should be a pleasure." The kitchen believes in doing simple things well using fresh ingredients, herbs and produce. The Roasted Wild Mushroom and Water Chestnut soup at 25 is a luxurious bowl of earthy, creamy goodness. An overly ambitious creation, however, was the Risotto of Pumpkin and Crab 25. The combination of flavors faltered, and the risotto was undercooked. A wiser choice would be the lamb chops. Tender and served with deep green pools of pureed mint, this dish left us scouring for one last bite. With fresh ingredients, artful presentation, and a delightfully understated ambiance, we may well go back for more.

Embre Restaurant and Cafe
Perfect For: a long, leisurely lunch
Address: No. 3, Lane 188 Changshu Lu
Tel: 021-54036690