Casa 13: Mediterranean bites

Casa 13 is perhaps the prettiest member of Peruvian restaurateur Eduardo Vargas’ mini-restaurant empire. Housed in a historic three-story villa down a lane in the French Concession, Casa 13's interior is comfortable but elegant, with high ceilings, chandeliers and modern Chinese art on the walls. What sets it apart is its outdoor courtyard.  

Vargas’ Mediterranean menu features a range of share-able plates such as homey chicken stew, garlic-heavy mussels and lemony arugula salad. Wine prices are reasonable, making it easy to order a bottle to impress your date (colleagues, mother or whoever you are dining with) without feeling the credit squeeze.

Reserve a table in the garden for brunch surrounded by flowering plants and shaded by umbrellas -- you’ll feel far from the Shanghai din as you dig into Casa 13's house-special charcuterie platter of cured meats paired with fresh mozzarella, olives and a buttery terrine pate.