The location of The Commune Social feels a little out of place. As we walked down the residential neighbourhood and wandered from the high-rise to the low-rise, what came into view was a glasshouse infront of a red brick building. This widely talked about restaurant by Chef Jason Atherton was brought together by award winning Shanghai design firm – Neri & Hu and Singapore restauranteur and hotelier Loh Lik Peng, who also owned Unlisted Collection. Stepping into the garden of the restaurant felt like stepping into another sanctuary. It’s like dining at your own backyard and thankfully, the weather was perfect for us to enjoy

The restaurant was also linked to a retail store for you so if the place happens to be full, you can browse around while waiting for your table

We were among some of the early guests so I had the opportunity to snap some photos around. Circling around an industrial themed design, the whole place emits a casual yet enjoyable environment. Food was served tapas style and there was a Chef’s Choice Lunch menu which you can choose 3 dishes at RMB 188 and topped up RMB 62 for the 4th dish

Starting with a glass of white. The Roussane is very good

Grilled Matsutake, Shitake, Grape, Rosemary Jelly, Mushroom Chips

A very earthy dish, I love the combination of the various fungus. And much more the addition of the mushroom chips which added an element of surprise to the appetiser. You feel like you are having the different ways mushroom can be done

Fried Seabass, Celeriac Puree, Yogurt-Lime Sauce, Avocado, Watercress

I thought the Seabass was pretty well done with a nice crisp texture

Curried Scallops, Raw Cauliflower, Golden Raisins and Citrus Yoghurt RMB 92

The scallop was more like a ceviche to me, which honestly the whole dish wasn’t that impressive

Complimentary frozen popcorn which we were so excited about

I have to say they do serve a legit cup of coffee, which I was very impressed. The coffee was smooth, velvety with a nutty aftertaste

The desserts menu was curated by Chef Kim Melvin which you have 10 choices to choose from. Talk about being spoilt for choices. But then again when sometimes you have too many to choose from, you don’t know what to order

Warm Poached Pears, Cinnamon Honey Cake, Salted Caramel & Jasmine Tea

I really like this. The honey cake was nicely balanced with cinnamon and not too dry. But I was more impressed with the cream-like pear filling that was on top the honey cake. I felt this was something different and probably worth ordering. Though highly recommended for sharing

Passion Fruit Posset, Frozen White Chocolate, Macaroon Crumble RMB 62

I honestly don’t know how to appreciate this. It was an extreme end of too sweet and too sour. lol

With compliments from The Commune Social

This place has all the right vibes. It felt like to see and to be seen kind of place. Service was attentive and the food was pretty decent I think. Would love to try their cocktails if I had the opportunity. And if location isn’t a problem, I thought it is probably worth checking this place out. But bear in mind they had a No Reservation policy, but on the other hand, hey, they have a No Service Charge as well

The Commune Social

511 Jiangning Lu, near Kanding Lu

江宁路511号， 近康定路