Akanee Thai Izakaya

Akanee Thai Izakaya is a Shanghai restaurant serving contemporary Thai food at about $25 per person. The most useful way to frame it is simple: choose it if you want Thai flavors in a contemporary, casual setting.

The recommendation is clearest for diners who like contemporary Thai cooking. Akanee Thai Izakaya’s listed cuisine is contemporary Thai, the signature dishes include both familiar Thai references and more playful combinations. Casual dress fits the venue, so it can work for an easy meal in Shanghai.

Contemporary Thai dishes are the main reason to go

The best grounded way to approach Akanee Thai Izakaya is through its named signature dishes. They give the clearest picture of the restaurant’s style: grilled Panang chicken, Pad Thai Orecchiette Pugliesi, Tom Yum Goong, Stir-Fried Spicy Squid, Grilled Giant River Prawn, Kaphrao Beef Rice, Chili and Ginger Fish, Thai Tea Pudding with Salty Cheese Cream, Thai Style Coconut Gelato.

Those dishes point to Thai anchors such as Panang, tom yum, kaphrao, chili, ginger, Thai tea, coconut while presenting them in a contemporary way. The Pad Thai Orecchiette Pugliesi is the clearest example of that direction, pairing a recognizable pad Thai idea with an unexpected pasta shape. If that sounds appealing, Akanee Thai Izakaya is likely a good fit.

The dependable facts are the cuisine, casual dress code, approximate $25-per-person price, the listed signature dishes.

A casual Shanghai option for modern Thai flavors

Akanee Thai Izakaya’s strongest appeal is the combination of contemporary Thai cooking and an approachable price point. At about $25 per person, it can make sense for a casual meal in Shanghai.

For planning, keep expectations practical: the confirmed details do not establish a specific address, neighborhood, lunch service, tasting menu, counter seating, delivery, takeout, or dietary-accommodation policy. If any of those details matter to your visit, confirm directly before going. For broader planning around the city, use our full Shanghai restaurants guide, if the trip needs hotel or bar research, check our full Shanghai hotels guide and our full Shanghai bars guide.

The main caveat is expectation-setting. If the priority is a specifically traditional Thai meal, the contemporary framing may not be what you want. If the priority is contemporary Thai food in Shanghai at an approachable price, Akanee Thai Izakaya is a sensible name to keep on the list.