Shanghai WOW! 50 Best for 2016

What an amazing year it's been in Shanghai! It was filled with openings, closings, incredible dishes, cocktails, luxury dining environments and skyline views. Here at Shanghai WOW! Our team of international editors and critics spent 2016 visiting hundreds of venues throughout the city, looking for the best of the years best. We are proud to reveal our results, here are the 50 Best in a variety of special categories. 

Gorgeous and enormous, this 4-storey bungalow has its very own “Silk Road”, as well as the amazing Lost Bakery and More Than Eat.

Bo Shanghai combines Chinese cuisine with international ingredients. A one-of-a-kind culinary journey.

Opposite has a dark basement with mysterious drinks, and a 2nd floor restaurant with light and amazingly innovative European cuisine.

Located in a 3-storey white, gold and green covered building in the Shanxi Bei Lu and Beijing Xi Lu district. Their food complements the cultural-rich history of Shanxi Bei Lu.

Located at Bund 18, this self-proclaimed Michelin 31 Star restaurant, is famous for their impeccable French afternoon tea and its iconic red and black color tones. 

Headlining the dessert world in New York for 13 years and a new comer to Xintiandi, this restaurant has received rave reviews over its exquisite desserts and decor. Order their 3-course dessert menu, which is served on Hermes plates. 

Located at Bund 18, this is Joel Robuchon’s first restaurant in China. This 2-Michelin star restaurant combines Japanese cuisine with Spanish street snacks. It’s open kitchen concept allows diners to watch the chefs prepare their meals. 

Alan Wong’s is a favourite of President Obama, his natural Hawaiian ingredients and flavours are truly something special here.

Enjoy the picturesque Huangpu riverside view over a unique menu that aims to preserve and present natural ingredients in their best form.

This Beijing, establishment puts out a new menu every season, their speciality is still the classic Peking duck, cooked in the traditional way. 

Modern ambiance, Californian fusion foods, and easily the best balcony this year.

European style seafood restaurant and bar, an ideal place to enjoy stunning views of the cityscape.

Headed by an ex chef from Michelin one star Bombana restaurant, they use simple ingredients in amazing ways, a RMB 398 meal for 2. 

French steak bistro with some of the best red wines in the city.  

This family-owned Italian restaurant evokes ancient Roman vibes, there’s a Chef Table on the 2nd floor, and a more laidback café on the 1st. 

Modern Italian meets classic at Casanova, providing a sensory culinary experience. They offer perfectly made Italian dishes in an exquisitely romantic setting.

Japanese restaurant on the Bund, one of the Top 6 restaurants in the world. 

Headed by a Chinese chef, and with fresh seafood ingredients brought in daily, you can taste the chef’s love for his skill and cuisine.

Specializing in innovative French seafood, try out their fresh, quality oysters that are both fleshy and springy.

Yongjia Lu’s Oyster Kitchen is every oyster lover’s paradise. 20 of the finest types of oysters from around the world are available. 

Green & Safe serves traditional European classics and allow diners to shop in their farmer’s market. 

Sproutworks is for all the health nuts who enjoy guilt-free dining experience and a nutritious fare of vegetables, nuts, meat, grains and more.

Incredible American food and drinks with bund views and atmosphere to match.

The most popular Italian restaurant in Venice is here in Shanghai. This restaurant has not stopped impressing over its 40 years of its operation, and is not going to disappoint anytime soon.

This elegant Cantonese restaurant combines Western and Eastern cuisine. The food is the result of a strict cooking and selecting process, where only the finest ingredients and skills make the cut. 

Unveiling a new look this year, Shari amps up its luxury and elegance with its new store front, and continues to feed the lucky masses with its intricate and flavorful menu offerings. 

Delicious seafood dishes, they also sell fresh product caught from the Eastern Sea daily. 

Famous Singapore restaurant that has the food to back up its impressive reputation.

Authentic Thai food prepared fresh, it’s not wonder Mi Thai landed itself on the Michelin list of recommended foods this year. 

Agreed by the people of Milan to be one of the most beautiful restaurants, Thai gallery is in hidden among Jingan Park. 

Killer beers and a recently opened Donghu Lu location, there’s a lot to love about this place. 

Over 400 different types of alcohol from all over the world, the bar/restaurant has over 40 different types of fresh brew and broadcasts the latest sporting events. 

Luxurious is an understatement here, they offer the freshest and most valuable ingredients of the sea.

A traditional Cantonese restaurant in Xintiandi, the head chef here has many years of experience working in top-notch hotels and starred restaurants. 

A part of the Muse Group, the restaurant’s best seller is its Rich Wife hotpot.  

This renowned Taiwanese Hotpot shop is well-decorated with stone, gold elements and wood. Wait time for a table can be up to 4 hours. 

A music café by musicians Lee Zong Sheng and A Xin, Lee’s Lee Guitars and A Xin’s StayReal Café is lined with handmade guitars and the rich aroma of coffee. 

A menu as futuristic as it looks, the café offers a techie dining experience of coffee, snacks and drinks. At night, watch the lights change as the place transforms into a venue of the future.

Retro vibes and a private cinema highlight this subtle Shanghai gem.  

A new project by the boss of Flask, the nursery was inspired by the movie ‘The Martian’. Their drink menu is definitely for the girly girl and is categorized into 4 different sections – seasonal, refreshing, classic and spirit forward. 

There are many Constellation branches around Shanghai but Exclusive has only top shelf liquor, and a perfect setting to drink it in.

The iconic hotel at Shanghai Disneyland follows a new-age design style, and offers a breathtaking riverside view. 

‘7-star’ Shanghai Wanda Reign Hotel is the latest luxury and high-end location for the rich and wealthy. 

Boutique hotel with scenic views, it’s an ideal place for those seeking a tranquil weekend getaway.

Hangzhou’s Park Hyatt hotel officially opened in September this year, and reflects Jiangnan poetry and natural landscapes in its spatial design. 

A new age luxury hotel, it is a stone’s throw away from the iconic Xihu and beer factory. It also has Hangzhou’s only open-air garden courtyard.  

Within Pudong Shangri la hotel, this buffet cannot be matched in Shanghai.

The biggest green oasis in Shanghai, the 5-star centre has a Camphor Park on its first floor, and a seafood restaurant that sells King Crab, Japanese dishes and slow cooked barbecue lamb leg. 

A place that regularly has A-listers like Steve Aoki, DJ Mag No. 8 in the world, DJ R3hab and more. 

Private and expensive, Linx is the best KTV spot for the rich and luxury-loving party people.. 

BoboLEE is a cake shop by Maggie Austin, with talent on full display through the fondant art in the beautiful and intricate 3D flowers and cake designs. 

The most popular high-end Japanese French restaurant in town, only traditional baking methods and quality ingredients are used.

Pudong Scena hotel has various hollow design elements on its walls and ceilings. Diners not only love the beautiful environment but also their Italian menu and extensive breakfast and lunch menu options. 

A 100% authentic Danish cafe, the popular hangout on Xikang Lu is colorful and well-decorated. 

Awarded No. 15 in the 2016 World Best Bar, the place is also famously known for their cocktails. 

Xintiandi spot with an ultra secret entrance and design from World War II. 

Breaking traditional bar concepts, this bar is a 100% Bordeaux concept bar. Dim with soft lighting and wooden furnishings, it’s a refreshing upgrade from your average watering hole. 

The first modern French restaurant in the city, it has been opened for over 9 years by a lovely couple who invested their time and soul into the place. Choose from over 800 types of wine, which are inexpensively offered at 20-30% below market price. 

Looking to escape the city life? Anantara Spa in The Puli Hotel can help you unwind with their programs that combine traditional and modern spa techniques, and forefront technologies in spa care.

A garden spa concept, Banyan Tree Spa uses Asian therapy methods that have been passed down through the generations. Found at the Bund, this 3-storey compound is made up of a total of 11 treatment rooms, a beauty salon and nail place.

Suitsupply on Anfu Lu is located in a century-old building and offers customised tailoring services for men. 

The customized shoe shop creates personalized shoes from over 68 different types of leathers, 200 styles and a myriad of colors. At RMB 1480 per pair, the brand hopes to provide an affordable shoe customization.

Founded in 2002 from Denmark, the brand’s design has been collected by New York Art Centre and Pompidou Museum.

The new boutique furniture shop features works by 82 designers from 27 countries. Affordable and endlessly stylish.

Akin to a European villa, Moose has an open concept oyster bar on the 1st floor and a cinema on the 2nd. 

With 9 different sized private dining rooms, the Ningbo cuisine spot caters to groups of all sizes and serves delicious. 

Muse Group’s new Karaoke shop brings Karaoke back into style. Partnering up with the Bund 3D countdown show, expect a one of a kind tech experience with professional DJ set up and futuristic style.

An entertainment centre with KTV, dining options and professional party planning services, Mago offers mid to high-end services and restaurants.

In Shanghai since 2003, they reopened in October this year, keeping their classic red ambiance and passion for live jazz intact. 

Retro Jazz bar Heyday has an undisputedly good taste in music. All their bartenders are clad in shirts, vests and bow ties, evoking a classic gentlemanly charm. 

The charming French bakery and café on Fergueson Lane, uses quality flour to make their breads. The bakery also offers healthy desserts. 

Lost Bakery is part of Lost Heaven in their Silk Road building. It is a French bakery that sells desserts and quality breads that is bound to please. 

Boasting a paranomic view of Shanghai city centre, it has the 4th Bulgari Hotel in the world and the first Bulgari apartment in the world. 

Cuihua Tiandi opened its doors last May, a project 14 years in the making. It offers fashion, business and lifestyle options and is regarded as the Xintiandi of our age.

With two 2017 Michelin Compass award restaurants in its compound, many come to The Peninsula Hotels to dine at the Yi Long Court or Sir Elly’s. 

Park Hyatt hotel’s Masters of Food & Wine event invites chefs from all over the world. This year, 4 legendary French chefs put up luxurious culinary performances and show for the crowd, and tickets were sold at a new high, at RMB 6288 per person with an additional 15% charge.

On the banks of Disney holiday resorts, Yi Ou Lai is home to over one hundred international high-end brands and offers a European shopping experience. 

Reel Shanghai is the emblem for fashion, culture and innovation. Located near Jingan Park, this new modern lifestyle concept shopping centre has a giant crystal ball on the outside to represent the whimsical and modern theme of the place.

Directly combining transport and shopping, The Hub is a one-stop lifestyle and shopping area. 

World renowned chef Jean Gorges opened his famous restaurant on Bund 3 back in 2004. After 12 years, the restaurant has revamped itself and enhanced its spatial design with an all white setting that complements the impeccable, elite cuisine it offers. 

Hakkasan lands its biggest space in the world in Shanghai. Adapting to the local culture, Hakkasan combines the beauty of Chinese Cantonese cuisine and British food in this world-class dining affair. 

On Bund 5, this Michelin one star restaurant offers freshly chilled beef, large jugs of alcohol and friendly staff, making it the perfect big group party spot to celebrate any festive occasion.

Specializing in grilled beef, this 5 year old shop opened a new outlet in town this year. Upholding its belief in only using premium quality, this restaurant is a popular due to its modern style and quality food.

The Cannery, sister of The Nest brings the best of West America to the city with an assortment of seafood, reasonably priced dishes and warm service.

Opened and run by Brian McKay and Sally Dai, Shake is a legendary bar that is headed by female head chef Danyi. It’s retro décor is reminiscent of the 60s world of Mad Men with brick walls, checkered sofas and gold ceilings.

The ever-stylish Muse Group has been open for over 11 years, and throughout the decade, we have seen  new iconic restaurants serving a variety of cuisines like The Nest, Capo, HIGHLINE, The Cannery, MUSEK and more. 

Established in 2010, the team consistently pushes itself to create new masterpieces with quality ingredients. Some of their best restaurants include Australian Henkes, Italian Bang by Mr Willis and local Michelin one star restaurant Mi Thai.

The first indoor biking compound, replace your daily booze with an upbeat biking dance party. Train with world class trainers and your favorite tunes for that summer bod you have been dreaming of. 

Dumbells, medicine balls, rowing machines and an assortment of other body shredding realness. This is a fitness loving community that works with you to pursue your fitness goals.

Retro working area, WeWork is a conducive working environment that also provides flower arrangements, yoga and boxing lessons to its members.  

A co working space that spans 2400 sqm, the compound has an office, meeting room, recording studio, recreational area, table tennis studio, bar and an outdoor entertainment area for staff to unwind while working.

An average of RMB 300+ per person, Daimon Bistro gives diners a run for their buck. Enjoy a good drink and excellent service with your meal, and be blown away by the Bistro’s charm. 

Sister to trendy restaurants Liquid Laundry and Boxing Cat, expect an upscale drink menu, with spicy mixes from all over Asia. While you’re here, take the opportunity to explore the secret second level space in the restaurant. 

Carrying a hundred years of Shanghai’s history, enjoy cuisines of the world, from Chinese foods and afternoon tea to Western seafood flavors, alongside aged Pu’er tea.

A poet and writer, the boss injects his love for arts and literature into this cozy tea house unlike any other. 

Modern and simply designed, Jing caters to food lovers looking to learn more about the Chaozhou cuisine. 

Often known as Kunqu legend, Xu Ling Yun dream home, the restaurant uses ingredients from all over the world to create its classical and creative Cantonese dishes.

The brain child of Chef Alan Yu, 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo’s Shanghai has an art gallery within its dining area, 3 private dining rooms all classically and luxuriously decorated. 

Jingzhuting Garden is owned by an antique enthusiast couple who hope to provide an interesting dining experience amid ancient collectibles over dishes that reflect the best foods of the past.

Headed by celebrity chef Diego Gueereo, Sabor is known for its original and out of this world menu. Fixing the price at RMB 300 for 8 dishes, RMB 400 for 9, RMB 500 for 11, the well-thought out secret menu and meal cannot get any more affordable than this.

Lunette by Amanda is housed in a French bungalow  and specializes in low temperature molecular cuisine, experimenting with different cooking methods and making them from creative ingredient combinations. 

Only using natural and organic elements in its interior and exterior design, the beautiful yard doubles up as a health centre with a comprehensive wellness program. 

HSP mental training facility helps with maintaining a healthy mental well-being with its rejuvenating space. Relax your mind, unwind and detox with their program that blends exercises with Eastern therapy and the philosophy of energy.