By Wil Turner (CityWeekend)
Updated: 2006-04-26 09:04

With a view of Xujiahui Park and a wine list borrowed from Cameo upstairs, the brand new Oriental Asian Restaurant is off to a good start despite its unambitious name.

Oriental's swish begins with the glass elevator, which is an impressive entrance to the decorative yet deft interior. The pale colors balance the gilded touches, leaving an impression of quiet opulence.

Our party of four was escorted down the main aisle, with its countries-of-the-world tiles, to an excellent, if slightly rickety, table. The dishes, which are divided by meat content and then national flags, have been pulled from a wide range of Southeast Asian countries.

The Baked Lemon Chicken (RMB 55), green and red curry (also RMB 55 each) and Vietnamese Beef Noodles (RMB 40) were surprisingly generous portions. The curries had a reassuring spice, and the noodle broth, proclaimed as excellent on the menu, lived up to its billing.The menu featured dessert options such as Rice with Mangos (RMB 35) and Baked Taro (RMB 30) and received high praise from all.

With a successful menu and an excellent night vista overlooking the park, Oriental is set to be a summer dining hotspot.

Location: 3/F, No. 392, Tianpinglu
Tel: 021-64476579
Perfect for: An early evening date