California Pizza Kitchen is back for a second try in Shanghai, and though they’ve put forth a better effort this time around, the gourmet pizza chain still has work to do. The original barbecue chopped salad (RMB65) we started with was the high point of our meal. Each bite offers tasty bits of barbecue chicken, tortilla strips, black beans, corn and cheese, blended together in a light creamy sauce. It’s an enjoyable Tex-Mex variation on a classic theme. Their roasted pork belly pizza (RMB80) is the obligatory Shanghai tribute dish. A paste made from mei gan cai (an earthy pickled green) serves as the sauce, and it’s topped with a mix of cheeses, shiitake mushrooms, grilled peppers and, of course, pork belly. What can one say of such a pizza? Only that it is not terrible and is very filling. The Milan pizza (RMB85) from the thin crust menu is one of more reliable selections. Topped with caramelized onions and sausages, it reminded us of home (though for us that means California, not Milan). Service was friendly and efficient, and the spacious tables and comfy sofas make this a good choice for families. Kids will enjoy fruit milk smoothies (RMB20) while parents chat over pints of draft Hoegaarden (RMB45).

Our rating: 3/5

DETAILS

What: California Pizza Kitchen

Where: 2/F, Bldg. 3, Lane 507, Sinan Mansions, Fuxing Zhong Lu 复兴中路507弄思南公馆3号2楼

Tel: 5465-4800

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