Imagine dining in a dark room with only ten seats, where each course is accompanied by a unique sensory experience that includes light, sound, and smell. This is the concept behind Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet, an exclusive restaurant in Shanghai, China, that has been captivating gastronomes since its opening in 2012. With only one table and ten seats available per night, Ultraviolet offers a truly immersive and intimate experience for diners who are lucky enough to secure a reservation.
Ultraviolet is the brainchild of French chef Paul Pairet, who has made a name for himself in Shanghai with his innovative and avant-garde approach to cuisine. His other restaurants include Mr & Mrs Bund, a modern French eatery, and The Chop Chop Club, which focuses on sharing platters of meat. However, it is at Ultraviolet where Pairet’s creativity and passion for breaking culinary boundaries truly comes to life.
Each evening at Ultraviolet begins with guests being transported from a designated meeting point to the secret location of the restaurant. Upon arrival, they are led into the dining room – a minimalist space devoid of decoration or distractions. The atmosphere is set by projections on the walls and ceiling, customized music and sounds, and carefully curated scents that change with each course.
The menu at Ultraviolet consists of 20 courses, each designed to be a unique gastronomic delight. Pairet’s dishes are imaginative and playful, often taking familiar flavors and presenting them in unexpected ways. For example, one dish called “Bread as Pizza” features bread topped with tomato paste and cheese powder that melts when sprayed with hot water. Another dish titled “Fish No Chips” presents a piece of fish accompanied by an edible QR code made from potato starch that leads to a video explaining the dish’s preparation.
Pairet’s avant-garde approach extends beyond the food itself to the way it is served. Diners are often asked to participate in the presentation of their meal, such as by using a syringe to inject sauce into a dish or by donning virtual reality goggles to enhance the experience. This interactive element adds an extra layer of excitement and engagement to the dining experience.
It’s not just the food and presentation that make Ultraviolet a unique gastronomic experience – the beverages served with each course are also carefully chosen to complement and elevate the flavors. The restaurant offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic pairings, which can include wines, cocktails, beers, and even teas. The beverage selection is just as inventive as the food, with drinks like a “Coca-Cola” cocktail made with rum, lime, and cola reduction.
Securing a reservation at Ultraviolet is no easy feat – the limited seating and high demand mean that tables are often booked months in advance. The price for this exclusive dining experience is also steep, with tickets starting at approximately $600 per person for the 20-course menu and beverage pairings.
Despite its exclusivity and high price tag, Ultraviolet has received critical acclaim from both diners and critics alike. It has been awarded three Michelin stars and ranked on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
For those who appreciate unique gastronomic experiences, Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet represents the pinnacle of avant-garde dining. With its immersive sensory elements, inventive dishes, and intimate setting, it offers an unforgettable culinary journey that pushes the boundaries of what a dining experience can be.