INTIMATE, BUSY BISTROS BITE INTO NATION'S RESTAURANT INDUSTRY

Innovative takes on regional dishes inspire new dining trend

Late one evening last month, after a high-energy Mayday rock concert at Shanghai Stadium, Yu Zhuo and her friends found themselves still buzzing with excitement. They weren't ready to end the night, so they headed to Cila, a cozy bistro tucked away in Shanghai's Xuhui district known for its inventive northwestern fare.

It was already past 11 pm, and the kitchen had closed, but a selection of appetizers and grilled skewers were still on offer. Yu, a 33-year-old publishing professional, who had traveled from Beijing for the band's 25th anniversary tour, ordered a drink and a few dishes to share.

"After the concert, I needed to unwind with friends and food," she said. "The energy from the show could finally find its release."