Global Robata & Brunch at Dreamer by BIBIMI Group (Closed)
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Dreamer is a new restaurant on Wuding Lu that does robata-style charcoal grilling, serving a menu of globally-inspired dishes. Brunch on the other hand is more traditional with Benedicts, steak and eggs, and French toasts.
It's the latest from the BIBIMI Group, one of the fastest growing restaurant groups in Shanghai. The group has more than a dozen restaurants, including Barbarian, Bites & Brews, Solana, Hot Chick, and Bandit.
Keep reading for Nomfluence readers deals!
The Space
Like Bandit 1 and 2, The Dreamer space is really cool. While it may not be the right season currently, it's worth mentioning that there's a pool within the massive backyard. Expect brunchy parties come warmer months.
Dreamer is housed in a two-storey villa on Wuding Lu. The first floor is cozy and has bar counter seating facing the open kitchen. There's some inside-outside seating with in a sun-room that faces the outdoor space.
The main dining room is upstairs, and there's a balcony with more intimate seating. It's a pretty large space, suitable for big groups.
What's On The Menu
The food at Dreamer is centered around the charcoal grill, referred to as robata in their menu, Japanese for "fireside cooking." Dishes borrow from all over, featuring global flavors of coconut curry dips, Shaoxing wine marinated clams, Mexican chili, and peanut rubs.
Here's what to expect for dinner:
Lemongrass Beef Kofta (¥55/three) - Plump beef meatballs with fragrant lemongrass, served with a green chili coconut dipping sauce.
Chorizo-Manchego Cheese Croquettes (¥38/three) with a Mexican chili aioli. It's deep-fried chorizo and cheese, what's not to love?
US Prime Angus Beef (¥128) cooked a perfect medium rare, served with a teriyaki-mayo sauce and chili oil.
Duck Breast (¥88) with a sweet Peking cherry glaze, red cabbage, and celeriac purée. If you like your duck breast a little more rare like me, do request it!
Freshwater Eel (¥38) with pickled radish and fresh kalamansi. The quality of the eel is superb.
Whole Yellow Fish (¥99) with peanut rub and burnt lime. A delicate fish. Excellent for sharing.
Rock Lobster (¥388) imbued with the smokiness from the charcoal grill. The flesh is flaky and delicate, goes well with the the burnt lemon cream.
Prime Angus Beef Short Rib (¥328) with celeriac purée and parmesan cheese crisps. The short rib is slow-braised and rendered down with red wine and spices. The braising liquid is then reduced into a luscious sauce, served alongside. Extremely tender and flavorful.
Burnt Cabbage (¥35) with dried shrimp and smoked cream dressing.
Electric Lemon (¥55) - Lemon sponge cake with lemon sorbet, lemon curd, and pop rocks. A fun, light dessert.
Brunch, which is available only on the weekends, features the usual suspects like Benedicts and toasts. It's all pretty standard, enjoyable fare, and well-priced.
Here's what to expect from brunch:
American Prime Angus Beef (¥128) with potato hash, chill-spiced panko a fried egg, and spicy hollandaise.
Shrimp Shakshuka (¥99) with mildly spiced, fragrant tomato base with edamame beans, grilled tomato and spinach, poached eggs, and plump shrimp. Served with grain toast.
Breakfast Risotto (¥88) - A hearty portion of risotto with chorizo sausage, flame-grilled mushrooms, poached eggs, and a touch of truffle oil. Also served with grain toast.
Chocolate & Cheese French Toast (¥88) - Oh-so custardy French toast layered with condensed milk, chocolate, and cheese, with fruit coulis and sea salt caramel ice cream. I’m not usually impressed by desserts, but this is pretty great.
Wine & Winter Drinks
As for drinks, Dreamer is wine-forward. There are 180+ labels to choose from, spanning traditional to natural wines, full-bodied to fruity, and even ciders.
The great thing about the wines here is that they allow tastings of some bottles before you make a decision, all thanks to their trusty Coravin. If you haven't heard of Coravins, it's a handy accessory that allows you to pour wines without uncorking the bottles. Wines start at around ¥300 per bottle, ¥50 by the glass.
Mulled Wine (¥65)
There are also some classic cocktails on the menu, starting from ¥65, as well as some winter drinks.
Bloody Mary (¥70) - Pepper, salt, and Tabasco on the side for you to custom your own seasoning.
Mango Kissel (¥35) - Kissel is a Russian beverage made with fruit juice and thickened with a touch of cornstarch. This warm drink is made by steeping dried mango and has no added sugar.
Nomfluence Readers Deals
Special deals for Nomfluence readers when you visit Dreamer!
- Get 10% off your food bill.
Deals are valid until January 31, 2022. Just show this article when you dine-in to claim your deal.
Dreamer
Address: Bldg 1, 893 Wuding Lu, near Changde Lu 武定路893号1幢, 近常德路
Tel: 19102158837
Hours: Tue-Thu, 5pm-midnight; Fri, 5pm-2am; Sat, 10am-2am; Sun, 10am-midnight, closed Mondays
About Rachel Gouk
Founder & Editor, Nomfluence
Rachel Gouk is a seasoned dining journalist based in Shanghai with over a decade of experience covering food culture, restaurant developments, and the Asian culinary landscape.
