Does Xia Rooftop Bistro Offer Vegetarian And Vegan Options?

One of my favorite rooftop spots to recommend, xia rooftop bistro tends to sit in the mid-to-upscale range — not absurdly pricey but definitely a step above fast casual. For light bites and starters you can expect roughly $8–$15, with shareable plates and flatbreads more like $14–$25. Main courses usually fall between $16 and $35 depending on protein and how adventurous the dish is. Drinks push the total up: beers and wine by the glass are often $8–$14, cocktails hover around $12–$18, and a craft cocktail plus a main and a small plate will usually put you around $30–$50 per person. They sometimes run a weekend brunch or tasting evening where a fixed menu can be $35–$65 if you go full experience. For a casual date or meet-up I typically budget $40–$60 each if cocktails are involved, but you can definitely do a lighter visit for under $25 if you stick to a couple of mains and water. I love that the price feels fair for the skyline view and relaxed vibe — it’s the kind of place where I’ll splurge for sunset once in a while and save for it the rest of the month.

Golden hour at Xia Rooftop Bistro turns the food into theater, and their signature plates are the main acts. I usually start with the yuzu tuna tartare — bright, citrusy, and surprisingly crunchy thanks to a layer of toasted sesame crumbs. It feels fresh and modern, like the kitchen wanted a clean opener that still hits hard. For a heavier main, their smoked soy-glazed pork belly is the kind of dish that makes me close my eyes mid-bite: silky fat, lacquered glaze, and a little char that sings with pickled cucumber on the side. Another favorite is the truffle mushroom risotto; it’s creamy without being cloying and gets a rustic boost from shiitake and oyster mushrooms. Dessert and drinks deserve a shout, too — the mango sticky rice with coconut foam is playful and not-too-sweet, and their signature rooftop cocktail (a smoky citrus mix with a rosemary spritz) pairs beautifully with anything on the menu. I always leave feeling like I’ve had a small, perfectly curated meal that rewards lingering over the view.

Nan Xiang Restaurant is one of those places I've visited a few times with friends, and their menu does have some vegetarian-friendly choices, though it's not the main focus. They specialize in Shanghainese cuisine, which traditionally includes a lot of meat and seafood, but there are still dishes like 'Braised Bamboo Shoots' or 'Stir-Fried Seasonal Greens' that are solid options. I remember their 'Vegetarian Spring Rolls' being particularly crispy and flavorful—definitely worth trying if you're looking for something light. That said, if you're a strict vegetarian, it's good to ask about broth or sauce ingredients since some might contain traces of meat or seafood stock. The staff has always been helpful when I've asked for adjustments, though availability might vary depending on location. It's not a fully vegetarian restaurant, but with a bit of menu navigation, you can find satisfying choices.

Totally digging the vibe up there, so here's what I usually tell friends: Xia Rooftop Bistro opens every day at 11:30 AM and wraps up service at 11:00 PM. If you’re looking to grab a late bite, the kitchen typically takes last orders around 10:30 PM, but the bar sometimes keeps pouring a bit later on Friday and Saturday nights — think midnight-ish for cocktail service when the crowd's right. I like to split visits depending on mood: brunch or early-lunch crowds around noon, golden-hour window seats around 5:30–7:30 PM, and a cozier, music-driven scene after 9. The rooftop is weather-dependent, so the open-air sections might close earlier in bad weather, while the indoor area stays on its normal schedule. If you’re planning something special, I’d aim for a reservation in the evening — the sunset views fill up fast. For me, those 11:30–23:00 hours strike a perfect balance between daytime chill and night-time energy; I always try to catch the sunset up there.

The rooftop at Xia absolutely doubles as a little live-music hideaway on many nights — I’ve been a few times and it always feels like a compact festival under the stars. They bring in local acoustic acts and small jazz trios, and some weekends feature a DJ spinning mellow sets that fit the sunset-to-night shift. The sound setup is intimate rather than stadium-level, so it's perfect for conversations that don't get drowned out; there's usually a small raised area or corner for performers and a subtle PA system. On the private-event side, Xia handles birthdays, rehearsal dinners, small corporate mixers, and engagement parties. They offer tailored menus, cocktail packages, and basic AV (microphone and small speaker) — you can request extra touches like string lights, a custom cake setup, or a plated tasting menu. The staff coordinates timing and weather contingencies for the rooftop, and I found their event manager responsive when I helped a friend plan a surprise. All told, it's one of my favorite spots for a cozy, memorable night with live tunes and skyline views; I always leave humming a song.

I was excited to dig into this because dietary restrictions are close to my heart — good news up front: Yue Bistro does offer both vegan-friendly and gluten-free options, though the depth of choices depends a bit on location and how adventurous you want to be. On the vegan side, they tend to lean into vegetable-forward small plates and clever swaps: think vibrant stir-fried greens, braised mushrooms, tofu preparations, and rice- or vegetable-based bowls that can be made without animal stock. A lot of classic Cantonese-style dishes translate well when the kitchen swaps out oyster sauce or fish broth for vegetarian sauces. For gluten-free diners, rice, congee, and many steamed dishes are naturally safe, and the staff can usually swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy alternative. I’ve seen them mark a handful of dishes on the menu as gluten-free and they’ll often list common allergens if you ask. That said, I always watch for hidden ingredients: many Chinese-style sauces, dumpling wrappers, and marinades contain wheat or fish products. Cross-contamination is possible in a busy kitchen, so if your sensitivity is severe, let the server know and ask about separate prep or cookware. Desserts like sorbets or coconut-based sweets are often safe vegan/gluten-free choices. Overall, I left impressed by how flexible the place can be — tasty, thoughtful options that don’t feel like afterthoughts.