I purposely did not ask too many people about their experiences further than knowing it was "amazing" because I did not want to know too much. And that proved to be a good move. This is an experience, not merely a dinner to fill your stomach. You will be transported to the riverside of Puxi with the view of the amazing skyline, Paris and the Eiffel Tower will be in your immediate view too. Marseille is in the backdrop as well. Sometimes it'll feel like you're having an LSD/acid trip at Disneyland, other times, you'll feel like a bug on a windowsill waiting for the rain to subside. They'll play with all of your senses, which is what makes this experience so unique. If I am not making sense, thats the idea, you'll need to see it to believe it. [For those who want a surprise stop reading here!]

Prepare to block out a 6 hour period for dinner. You will be gone from 6pm to midnight. It takes 6 hours, all in-- from the transportation to the nondescript location to the return to the meeting point. As there is one long table with only ten diners, it will be hard not to socialize. In fact it is encouraged from the meeting point onwards with introductions set forth by the host. Being an introvert, I was not turned off to this, as you can choose whether you want to socialize or not. There are two intermissions during the experience for you to have a smoke or a bathroom break, and during this time you are free to talk to people as well. I chose to keep to myself, while my partner was socializing with the other diners. I don't see the exercise as one where desperados use to meet people as one earlier reviewer insinuated. You do what you choose, and even at the end when you are able to meet the chef, I kept to myself as well. You're never forced to talk to anyone, but when dining, you do want to marvel at the happy surprises on your plate with everyone at the table, or at least your neighbors. On our particular night, there were probably 6 Europeans (mostly French), 2 Chinese and us (Americans). There were a few snobs (perhaps myself included) but everyone is generally friendly.

On to the food. Each course is paired with a visual masterpiece which is at times, breathtaking. We had UV Menu A, which includes 22 courses with drink pairings. The food was stellar, and I am comparing this to other restaurants around the world at this price point. My favorite was a foie gras stick shaped in a cigar, xiao long bao, fish cooked in a baguette and the lamb chops. The kobe beef was good, but still wasn't as amazing as some of the meats I have had in Japan or in NYC. The other molecular gastronomy-focused dishes were delicious. I finished all the dishes and they were clean. My least favorite were basically all the desserts, which is why I knocked one star off an otherwise five star experience. The desserts had great presentation, but the kitchen sink was just plain weird and not that tasty.

We've been to a lot of restaurants around the world at a similar price point, and I thought this was worth it for the once in a lifetime experience (but if I can I will try to go back!). Its a great place to go for a special occasion. Reservations are taken 3 months ahead. Try your luck!

I had huge expectations when I went there. I have heard a lot about this place, everybody told me how great it was.
Once I arrived, I was totally surprised. It was even better. It was not at all like my friends told me.
And that's probably the only problem about UltraViolet. There are no words which could describe what it is like.
Go there and see for yourself.

Expensive, yes. Once in a lifetime experience, absolutely! An absolutely amazing experience, meal, environment, service, everything. This was one of my major treats while I was away and was not dissapointed, simply amazing! The less you know about it before hand, the better!

Very trippy culinary experience! Paul Pairet has managed to put together a really different kind of concept at Ultraviolet. You could not ask for any more ambience; the food is extremely well thought yet seemed effortless, every single course was executed to perfection and paired with the most exquisite wines out there. If you are a food enthusiast and you are in Shanghai,this place should not be missed. Reservations are a must,in fact it is the only way to dine here so plan ahead. Be prepared to shed some hard cash to dine at Ultraviolet, but know that it is totally worth it, for you will have an unforgettable evening. Chef Paul Pairet: You are something else!

At least now I have a very clear answer for that party question - "So what was your most memorable meal ever?"
Ultraviolet Shanghai exceed expectations even though they were very high to begin with. I went with 4 mates form Sydney, Australia. We all agreed that even thought the price was approx 850USD, it was good value believe it or not.