SHAANXI Road N. is bursting with newly-opened boutiques, restaurants and cafes, many of them tucked away in the area's charming old buildings. Light & Salt Daily is one of the street's most delightful new additions thanks to its airy design and creative menu.

Occupying the first floor of a renovated villa, Light & Salt Daily is an oasis in the heart of the city. Outside, a hodgepodge of fresh herbs, flowers and greenery complement a modern outdoor seating area. Inside, the dining area is encased in sliding window walls that let in an abundance of natural light.

Executive chefs Rafael Qing and Samuel Albert offer a menu featuring classic Western dishes made with Asian elements and organic ingredients.

The foie gras creme brulee (107 yuan/US$16.7) makes a good starter. The foie gras version of the classic French dessert offers an interesting experience for the tastebuds. The warm beetroot, spiced goat cheese and peach dressing (57 yuan) has a delightfully fresh earthy taste. The dish works well thanks to the contrast between its well-chosen savory and sweet ingredients.

Cheese pasta, parmigiano-reggiano, wagyu beef fillet, wild mushrooms and fresh black truffle (256 yuan) is the highlight of the menu. Those who order this culinary extravaganza will have the chef come to their table to demonstrate how the house-made pasta is blended with aged whole-wheel parmigiano-reggiano cheese. The pasta is served with wild mushrooms with a touch of black truffle highlighting the flavor. The wagyu beef fillet cut from grass-fed Australian cattle also lives up to expectations.

Other signature dishes include the daily garden salad, with ingredients sourced straight from Light & Salt Daily's herb garden; herb butter roasted duck, stuffed with foie gras and cognac glaze and other French/Chinese fusion dishes designed to be shared at the table.

The restaurant makes an ideal space for lunch and brunch with abundant sunlight in the interior. Before leaving, don't forget to walk upstairs and check out the "Garden 27" concept from designer Alan Chan. This is a 100-square-meter "Fleur Couture" lifestyle concept store and tea room with an exclusive botanical-themed collection of lifestyle and gift products.

Light & Salt Daily

Tel: 5266-0930

Address: 407 Shaanxi Rd N.

Average per person: 250 yuan

Opening hours: 12am-10:30pm (Monday to Friday); 11:30am-10:30pm (weekends)