Shanghai's Most Dateworthy Places & Valentines' Specials

Shanghai is a vibrant and romantic city. From fine dining to live music venues, this city has it all.  Here are our picks of great cozy and intimate venues for a romantic night out. Or, if you need a bit of inspiration for Valentines' day, get ready to amp up your love life with this romantic restaurant & drinks guide… 

ROOFTOP VIEWS

Impressive Shanghai views to sweep your date of their feet

VUE BAR

Address: 199 Huangpu Lu, Hyatt on The Bund, 32-33/F

Hours: Mon-Fri 2Pm- 2 Am ; Sat-Sun 5:30 Pm- 2 Am

Tel: [phone]

Price: RMB100 (cover charge, including 1 drink)

If you’re looking for the most astonishing view for a date, Vue bar is a pretty solid choice. The simple layout on the bar focuses on what is important…your date. With the PUdong and PUxi skyline in the background, it is the perfect setting for a romantic drink. Weather permitting, go up to the deck and take a dip in the Jacuzzi.

VALENTINES' PICK: POP AMERICAN

Address: Three on the Bund, 7/F, 17 Guangdong Lu

Tel: [phone]

Sit down at one of Shanghai’s poshiest buildings and take in the unmatched views of Shanghai’s Bund. Enjoy American cuisine with a flair.

 VALENTINES' SPECIAL

Four-course "Happily Ever After Valentines’ Day Dinner," per person, including one glass of champagne each.

 RMB 688 

Above prices are subject to 10% service charge. 

VALENTINES' PICK: JADE 36

Address: Pudong Shangri-La, 36/F Grand Tower, 33 Fu Cheng Lu, near Lujiazui Xi Lu, Pudong

Tel: [phone] ext. 6888

Located on the 36th floor of the Pudong Shangri-La, Jade on 36 offers breathtaking views of the Huangpu and Bund.

VALENTINES' SPECIAL

Chef de Cuisine Jeremy Biasiol specially prepares a 5-course menu including a glass of champagne each, complementing starters such as the Oysters, Champagne Jelly, Green Apple and Edible Flowers, Foie Gras Heart with Raspberry Jelly, Rock Candies and Lychee Sauce and Pan-Seared Scallops with Squid Ink Parsnip Puree, Caviar and Tapioca and Black Ink Tuile. 

RMB999 per person. Prices include service charge.

ITALIAN PASSION

Sensual food, provocative atmosphere

SALOTTO G

Address: 1019 Wuding Lu

Hours: Daily 11:30 Am- 1Am

Tel: [phone]

Price: Around RMB300 per person 

The place is designed as a cozy and sophisticated Italian living room with comfortable velvet sofa.  Intimacy, candles and taste to expect. You can easily place two people on one couch, in case you were wondering. 

VALENTINES' PICK: THE FELLAS

Address: 7/F, 7 Yan'an Dong Lu, near Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu

Hours: Daily 12 pm 11 pm 

Tel: [phone]

Price:  Around RMB200 per person 

Tucked away in a quiet corner on the Bund, The Fellas is the perfect mix of intimacy and Italian passion. Food is savory and the atmosphere, seductive with a view of Pudong.  

VALENTINES' SPECIAL

4 course set meal Italian style for Valentine's Day. including one bottle of Prosecco at RMB 1,188 per couple, reserve ahead

VALENTINES' PICK: MERCATO

Address: 3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, 6/F 

Hours: Daily 5.30 pm – 11 pm  

Tel: [phone]

Price:  Around RMB300 per person 

If you’re looking for something a little more modern with great cocktails Mercato is the place to be. Grab a Moscow mule on their old fashion counter and one of their incredible pizzas, some of the best in town. 

VALENTINES' SPECIAL

Signature sharing menu for RMB 1,314 per couple 

Above prices are subject to 10% service charge.

FRENCH AMOUR

When you are looking for a French kiss at the end of the evening

COQUILLE

Address: 29 Mengzi Lu, near Xujiahui Lu

Hours: Daily 6Pm- 10 Pm 

Tel: [phone]

Price: Around RMB400 per person 

 If you want to impress your date, Coquille is a no-brainer. Its immaculate shell refines a highly sophisticated culinary experience. Oysters and seafood available, as are some truly delightful salads. You can also opt for the Beef Wellington Wednesdays. Simply fabulous. 

EPICES ET FOIE GRAS

Address: 309 Hankou Lu

Hours: Daily 11 am-10 pm 

Tel: [phone]

Price: Around RMB 250 per person 

When it comes to romance, the French sure know what they’re doing. Seducteurs know especially that this is the right atmosphere to make sparks fly. Their cuisine is succulent, creative, and the venue is adorable. 

VILLA LE BEC

Address: 321 Xinhua Lu, near Dingxi Lu

Hours: Around RMB300 per person 

Tel: [phone]

Price: Wed-Sun 12pm- 1am; Tue 6pm- 1am 

For a total French hospitality experience, Villa Le Bec is a must. The garden is an magical hidden gem where you can enjoy a pre drink, intimately and way from intrusive eyes. 

VALENTINES' PICK: MR & MRS BUND 

Address: 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, Bund 18, 6/

Hours: Sat-Sun 11.30Am-10.30; Mon-Wed 5.30-10.30; Thu-Fri 5.30-2 

Tel: [phone]

Price: Around RMB400 per person 

Breath-taking views and simply delicious Mr & Mrs Bund is trendy and always delivers on their high expectations. Best pick if you want your date to understand something special is happening. Do you want to be my Mrs Bund? If you have a request in mind,  don’t fell shy to ask them, they are pros and can handle any romantic request

VALENTINES' SPECIAL

Candle lit dinner, and a shared menu for RMB 888 per person. Call in advance to reserve your spot.

AMERICAN ELEGANCE

Classic American. Quality that speaks for itself

CHAR

Address: 585 Zhongshan Dong Er Lu, Hotel Indigo The Bund, 29-31/

Hours: Daily 6Pm-11Pm 

Tel: [phone]

Price: RMB500 per person (steak dinner with cocktail)

CHAR, located in Indigo, an amazing atmosphere with breathtaking panoramic skyline views. The restaurant is a luxurious steakhouse which also offers seafood. We strongly recommend getting there early enough to watch a jaw-dropping sun set at the bar upstairs. If the weather is nice, enjoy the breeze in the outdoor deck overlooking the Huangpu River and South Bund.

ROOSEVELT STEAKHOUSE

Address: 160 Taiyuan Road, near Yongjia Road

Tel.: [phone]

Price: RMB 400 per person

Expect a New York styled grand entrance as you enter this dark and leathery steak house. Intimate surroundings plus amazing cuts of meat, for a minute you will feel as if you are fine dining in Manhattan. And I'm sure the Big Apple inspired more than one great love affair.

NAPA WINE BAR & KITCHEN

Address:  Bund 22, 2F,22 Zhongshan Dong Er Lu, 

Tel: [phone]

Price: RMB350

Sleek and modern, its intimate atmosphere and bar is comparable to a setting. Whether you sit in the main room or, have a view over the Bund, it is the wine selection and set menu that will keep you wanting to come back.

VALENTINES' PICK:1515 WEST CHOPHOUSE & BAR

Address: 1218 Yan'an Zhong Lu, Jing'an Shangri-La, 4/F, near Tongren Lu

Tel: [phone]

Price: Around RMB 500 per person 

Nestled inside the Kerry Jing'an Shangri-la hotel, a gorgeous fireplace at 1515 West Chophouse & Bar with seating awaits. Gracious portions of quality steak, as well as, seafood await. Have a drink at the cozy fireplace before dinner, it is decorated in a modern classical American style. 

VALENTINES' SPECIAL

A night of decadence with a 5-course set menu including oysters, foie gras, signature beef and specialties from Chef Jair.

RMB 888 per person. Above prices are subject to service charge. 

SHANGHAI EXTRAVAGENCE

Romance unique to the Pearl of the East

VALENTINES' PICK: SIR ELLY’S

Address: 32 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, The Peninsula Hotel, 13/F

Hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-2:30pm, 6pm-11pm; Sat-Sun 11:30am-2:30pm

Tel: [phone]

Price:  Around RMB500 per person 

For a night to really remember, head to Sir Elly’s from the Peninsula. From their exquisite wine list to the ambience, it is a true experience. Grab a pre dinner cocktail at the bar, or if your date falls on good weather, head up to the terrace and enjoy the sprawling view of the Bund.

VALENTINES' SPECIAL

6-course lobster and rose champagne special pairing for RMB 2,200 per person. Above price maybe subject to service charge. Advanced reservation recommended at 2327 2888 ext. 6696

VALENTINES' PICK: LONG BAR

Address: Waldorf Astoria Club, 2 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu

Tel: [phone]

In the historic landmark Long Bar, located inside the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. From the grand entrance, you can hear the sounds of the jazz music slowly seducing you. Order a cocktail at one of the world's oldest bar that has stood through time and enjoy the evening jazz performance.

VALENTINES' SPECIAL

Sip on Rose champagne and savor two Fine de Claire oysters on Valentine’s day with the jazz music for an added romantic atmosphere. CNY 488 per couple or RMB 258 per person. Prices are subject to service charge. 

VALENTINES' PICK: CATHAY ROOM

Address: 20 Nanjing East Road, Fairmont Peace Hotel, 9/FL

Tel: [phone]

This landmark hotel has historically served as a glamorous playground for the elite, where every night was an extravagant gala event and veritable Parisian fashion show. Walking through the hotel brings you back to the art-deco era of Shangai glam. 

VALENTINES' SPECIAL

Dine at the Cathay Room where the Old Jazz Band provide live music entertainment. A romantic set dinner is set at RMB 889 per person along with a US Net-a-porter gift voucher and a chance for a Huangpu river deluxe yacht cruise. Price is subject to a service charge. Book in advance.

LATIN SOUL

Passionate, colorful and playful

EL WILLY

Address: 22 Zhongshan Dong Er Lu, Bund 22, 5/F

Price: RMB 150  (per person)

Pamper your date with elegance and joyfulness at El Willy . The homely style service will makes you directly comfortable and so as their tapas (their Baltic salmon tapas are incredible). Their interior design is not distracting to the eye, and the hints of vibrant color in the soft decor creates a lighthearted and cheery ambience.

VALENTINE’S PICK: MAYA

Address: Lane 568, Julu Lu, Shanghai Grand Club, 2/F

Hours: Mon-Fri 5pm-late; Sat-Sun 11am-late

Tel: [phone]

Price: Around RMB250 per person 

Maya is our recommendation if you want to splash some color in your date and liven things up a bit. It blends coziness, originality and all the ambiance of Mexico! They want their guests to have fun, and that’s exactly what you’ll get on a date there. 

VALENTINES' SPECIAL

Couple’s shared menu featuring shared coconut scallop cheviche, warm seafood salad, and shared mains: :spicy tamarind glazed halibut with mexican rice, chickpeas, and cilantro relish and ancho crusted duck breast with sweet potato puree, pickled raisins, hibiscus reduction. 

RMB 688 per couple.

SOUTH EAST ASIAN & INDIAN 

Enjoy a tropical escape in the middle of winter

COBRA LILY

Address: Lane 181, Taicang Lu, Xintiandi, No 19-20

Tel: [phone]

Price: Around RMB200 per person 

Spices enhance taste, create savory symphonies and wake up hidden desires as you warm your tongue. Recently opened Thai specialists, Cobra Lily is definitely a sexy venue which might just inspire some dangerous games. Expect a DJ, lounge bar and delicate cuisine.  

BOMBAY BISTRO

Address: 47 Yongfu Lu, 2/F

Hours: Daily 6pm- 12 pm 

Tel: [phone]

Price: Around RMB150 per person 

For those who like sparks but not the fire, try Bombay Bistro. This Indian venue perfectly handles spices. It goes up and then stopping before you hit the point you can’t take it anymore. Like some other kind of pleasure, Indians are inspiring in terms of love affairs. We recommend you to try their Butter chicken, which is absolutely to die for. 

VALENTINES' PICK: GINGER

Address: 91 Xingguo Lu, near Hunan Lu

Ginger is a pan Asian restaurant with their inspiration taken from Japan, South East Asia ad Mediterranean. It’s atmosphere is cozy and romantic, suitable for a great date night out.

VALENTINES' SPECIAL

4 course dinner for RMB 628 per couple, featuring appetizers and main courses such as spicy miso pork belly, 48-hour slow cooked boneless short ribs,  tom ym risotto. Call in advance for booking. 

 EAST ASIAN DELICACIES

Light and gentle

SHARI

Address: 630 Yongjia Lu

Tel: [phone]

This upscale Japanese restauant lounge is housed in the gorgeous  mansion of a former shanghai tycoon in the French concession.The usual array of Sushi, Sashimi and other Japanese dishes are paired with artistic surprises and dally catch flown in fresh from Japan. In addition to an extensine collection of wine and sake, the garden terrace is especially gorgeous in the spring months, 

LOST HEAVEN

Address: 17 Yan'An Dong Lu, No 1

Hours: Daily 5:30pm-2am

Tel: [phone] ‎

Price: Around RMB250 per person 

Mysterious romances have their roost at Lost Heaven. The ravishing décor will teleport you far away from Shanghai and its noisy crowds. Experiment with dishes from another world before experimenting afterwards at home. Antique magic will pave your way throughout the evening. 

HAKKASAN

Address: 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, Bund 18, 5/F

Hours: Mon-Thu 5.30Pm- 3 Am ; Fr-Sat 11Am-1Am ; Sun 11Am- 12Pm

Tel: [phone]

Price: Around RMB650 per person 

Other atmosphere, same excellence, Hakkasan is an outstanding place for a luscious night.  Attentive but not intrusive service will lend you some intimacy. It is the night to approach your crush, step by step, like a tiger waiting to catch its prey. You can savor some Cantonese delights before moving on to a main meaty meal. 

VALENTINES' PICK: DOZO

Address:1717 Nanjing West Rd, Wheelock Plaza, 2FL

Tel: [phone]

Their ambience and service is fantastic, whether it is impressing a date or for a person new to Shanghai. The food is stylishly presented in a modern chic setting.

VALENTINES' SPECIAL

Couple’s set dinner at Dozo includes a wide variety of Japanese favorites such as, grilled meats, udon, sashimi, hotpot and more with two glasses of sparkling Chandon for RMB 520 per couple. 

VALENTINES' PICK: CHI-Q

Address: Three on the Bund, 2FL, 3 Guangdong Lu

Tel: [phone]

CHI-Q reflects an audacious interpretation of the sharing style colorful cuisine, in a modern setting that allow the focal point to be the food, and also your date. It is a new take on Korean cuisine that is unlike others. 

VALENTINES' SPECIAL

A special menu is created with a round of cocktails at RMB 598 per person. Above prices maybe subject to 10% service charge

COCKTAIL CHARM

Short and sweet with all the right flavors

SPEAK LOW

Address: 579 Fuxing Zhong Lu, Xuhui District

Tel: [phone]

Cost per drink: Cocktails RMB 65 – 120

Speak Low is one of Shanghai's most celebrated "speakeasy" style cocktail bars, no mean feat considering the regularity with which they've been popping up. To get in, you'll have to enter a bar supplies store on Fuxing Zhong Lu and push on – what else? – a bookcase. The first room is a classically refined speakeasy and things only get more opulent from there – in total there are three rooms, each of which ascend in order of exclusivity and each with their own drinks menu, put together by the bar's famed bartender owner Shingo Gokan of New York's Angel's Share.

EL OCHO

Address: 99 Taixing Lu, 3/F, near Wujiang Lu 

Hours: Daily 6Pm- 3 Am 

Tel: [phone]

Price: Around RMB 90 the drink  

El Ocho has also a dark and sexy atmosphere. Old-fashioned drinks and black leather sofas help you to introduce some cheeky chatter. Take advantage of the shadows to whisper some undisclosed desires. It’s a date after all, so why should we talk about the weather?

MOKKOS

Address: 1245 Wuding Xi Lu, Room 103

Hours: Daily 6pm-2am

Tel [phone] 

Price: RMB200 per person 

It's a super tiny venue and no menu, perfect for two people to explore and exchange drinks together. 

LOGANS PUNCH

Address: 99 Taixing Lu, Bldg A, 2/F, Room 20

Hours: Daily 6pm- 1 am 

Tel: [phone]

Price: Around RMB 200 per person 

“Bars should be like great sex, it’s consenting adults doing something they love in a setting where no one can judge and everyone leaves satisfied and slightly sticky.” These are the word from Logan’s punch and we agree whole-heartedly. We are talking about a date, don’t be shy. For sure this is one of the best picks to have an entertaining night with a date.

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