50 Shanghai Restaurants to Try Before You Die
One thing Shanghai has a lot of: options. From the finest dining in the world to cheapest street food you can imagine, there’s a ton of great food here. We picked 50 spots you really need to try while you’re here.
WANG BAO HE
Address: 603 Fuzhou Lu
Tel: 021 63223673
What you should try: Crab Meat Xiao Long Bao, Hairy Crab, Crab Meat with Tofu
With over 200 years of history, Wang Bao was established during the Qing Dynasty and is known for its amazing crab dishes. Graceful, light tasting and true to its original flavors, try their crabs with yellow wine for the optimum Shanghai seafood experience.
CANTON 8
Address: 63 Ru Nan Jie
Tel: 021 31658198
What you should try: Bamboo Shoot Spinach Dumpling, Stir-fry Fungi Noodles, Almond Egg White Tea
Michelin 2 Star Restaurant Canton 8 is often known as the “Cheapest Michelin 2 Star Restaurant in Town.” Offering an affordable selection of Cantonese dishes, select dishes that smack of luxury for just a fraction of the price. Be sure to make a reservation though.
ULTRA VIOLET
Website: www.uvbypp.cc
Tel: 021 31658198
What you should try: Molecular Dishes
Ultra Violet is one-of-a-kind in every way. They provide diners with a multi-sensory experience that has one them across-the-board international acclaim and attention. With only 10 seats, make a reservation online, and enjoy this avant garde molecular gastronomy while being treated to a ride around old Shanghai.
CLUB JIN MAO
Address: 86/F, Grand Hyatt Shanghai, 88 Century Square Avenue
Tel: 50471234-8690
What you should try: Crystal Prawn Dumplings, Deep Fried Prawns, Jellyfish Head with Vinegar
On the 86th floor of the Grand Hyatt, this oriental restaurant serves up seasonal seafood over a breathtaking cityscape view. Prioritizing quality and flavor, the menu changes with the season and incorporates the latest food trends.
XIN RONG JI
Address: 170 Nanyang Lu
Tel: 021 62891717
What you should try: Wild Large Yellow Croaker, Pan Fried Coiliaspp, Hand-Peeled Tofu
An exquisite menu of classic Chinese dishes, Xin Rong Ji uses its grey and white architecture, as well as natural elements like its small bridge and lake to evoke a sense of tranquility for its diners.
ADA PANCAKES
Address: 181-27 Rui Jin Er Lu
What you should try: Spring Onion Pancake
For just RMB 5, get their piping-hot Spring Onion Pancakes. Following a 30 year old recipe, each pancake is first pan fried on both sides, then baked In the oven, and each batch quickly sells out so get in line and pay attention to what’s going on.
FLAIR ROOFTOP
Address: 8 Century Square Avenue, The Ritz Carlton Shanghai, Pudong
Tel: 021 20201717;021 20201888
What you should try: Afternoon Tea Set Menu, Cocktail, Seafood Platter
Contemporary Flair Rooftop is nestled on the 58th storey of the Ritz Carlton Shanghai. With a rustic and loft-like design, enjoy the Huangpu river over some Asian food and alcoholic delights.
BAO LUO
Address: 271 Fuming Lu
Tel: 021 54037239/ 021 62792827
What you should try: Swiss Steak, Seafood Dough Fritters, Bao Luo Pot Stickers
Bao Luo is one of Shanghai’s hottest spots in the city, always packed with foreigners and locals alike. It’s good food, authentic atmosphere, and a fun evening of dining.
BEI WAN XIN
Address: 462 Huaihai Zhong Lu
Tel: 021 63855284
What you should try: Vegetable Bun, Meat Bun, Shao Mai
Established in the 1940s, the local favorite is here is their signature shao mai, as well as vegetable and meat buns. Maintaining their quality through the ages, expect well-filled and tasty buns that bring back a hint of the past.
WUJIE BUND 22
Address: 4/F, Bund No. 22, Zhongshan Dong Er Lu
Tel: 021 63752818/ 021 63752861
What you should try: Deep Fried Beancurd Skin, Ou He, Cai Hong
Injecting new life and setting the way for vegetarian cuisine, Wujie combines modern art and various cooking techniques to create a nutritious and creative vegetarian menu.
HONG ZHANGXING
Address: 10/F, 288 Guangxi Bei Lu/ 1 Yunnan Nan Lu
Tel: 021 63529700 (Nanjing Lu Branch)/ 021-63281551 (Yunnan Nan Lu Branch)
What you should try: Mutton, Spring Onion Pancake, Mutton Dumplings
Founded in 1891, the century-old restaurant serves up its legendary mutton hotpot. Cooked over a charcoal pit, be treated to an 80’s style hotpot dining experience, an uncommon sight today.
JIAN GUO 328
Address: 328 Jian Guo Xi Lu
Tel: 021 64713819/ 021 54199077
What you should try: Spring Onion Noodles, Saucy Pig Liver, Red Braised Pork
Taiwanese owned Jian Guo 328 uses natural and healthy ingredients to create local delights. Well-cooked without any preservatives, try out a healthier version of your favorite chinese dishes.
MR & MRS BUND
Address: 6/F, Bund No. 18, Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu
Tel: 021 63239898
What you should try: Steak, Foie Gras, Cod
By Chef Paul Pairet, French-styled Mr & Mrs Bund has a classic menu of well-loved French favorites and wines. A family-style service, you’ll be charmed by Imaad Rahmouni’s interior design and awed by Pairet’s culinary masterpieces.
LAO ZHENG XING
Address: 556 Fuzhou Lu
Tel: 021 63222624
What you should try: Cao Tou Quan Zi, Deep Fried Prawns, Eight Treasure Spicy Sauce
Using special cooking techniques, Lao Zheng Xing builds its brand upon authentic Shanghainese dishes and history. Founded in the Yuan year, it is now one of the most famous Shanghainese restaurants in town.
MOOSE
Address: No. 119, 1 Xin Hua Lu
Tel: 021 62055058
What you should try: Double Yolk Prawns, Vegetarian Crab Noodles, Stewed Small Cattle
Housed in a 3-storey villa on Xin Hua Lu, Moose’s kitchen is manned by Chef Paul Zhu, who specializes in Huaiyang cuisine. The restaurant also houses an oyster bar, balconies, as well as a whisky and cigar bar for those who love a good puff.
TANG COURT
Address: 5/F, Langham Hotels, 99 Madang Lu
Tel: 021 23302430
What you should try: Specialty Beef Ribs, Smoked Fish, Foie Gras Custard Pastry
Internationally-acclaimed Cantonese restaurant T’ang Court has not only won the coveted Three Michelin Star, but has also been listed by Forbes as one of the “Recommended Rated Restaurants” and Elite Traveler’s “Top 100 Restaurants”. Showcasing the beauty of Tang Dyansty, feast on Cantonese delights and bask in the refined elegance fit for imperial royalty.
M ON THE BUND
Address: 7/F, Bund No. 5, 20 Guangdong Lu
Tel: 021 63509988
What you should try: Creamed Egg White Pancake, Steak, Foie Gras
Overlooking Pudong and the beautiful waterfront, M on the Bund offers a modern European feast, including hot favorites like its crispy suckling pig and smoked salmon. It was previously visited by world royalty, including the Queen of the Netherlands and Thailand, and listed as one of Conde Nast “Top 100 Restaurants”
A WEN YESHI DOU JIANG YOUTIAO SHOP
Address: 360 Jingli Lu
Tel: 021 58805827
What you should try: Steamed White Chicken, Chicken Porridge, Chicken Noodles Soup
From 7-9pm, drop by A Wen Yeshi and have your favorite supper combination- Youtiao and Soymilk. One of the city’s most popular supper spots, enjoy the beloved snacks that made them famous as well.
XIAO PUDONG BAI ZHANJI
Address: 360 Jingli Lu
Tel: 021 58805827
What you should try: Steamed White Chicken, Chicken Porridge, Chicken Noodles Soup
An age old Shanghainese favorite, known for its juicy steamed white chicken, enjoy a portion of their famous meat with their famous pot stickers or porridge.
A NIANG MIAN
Address: 36 Sinan Lu
Tel: 021 53066604
What you should try: Croaker Noodles, Eel Noodles, Crab Meat Noodles
Known to be the “Best Noodles in Shanghai”, A Niang Mian is always filled with loyal fans and supporters who flock here just for their yellow croaker noodles.
THAI GALLERY
Address: Door No. 3, Jingan Park, 189 Huashan Lu
Tel: 021 62486970
What you should try: Grilled Eel, Curry Crab, Indian Fried Rice
A unique concept that blends art and food, take in the beautiful fine arts while enjoying a Thai gastronomical experience. Headed by Chef Suchat Suajasmin, each dish embodies the beautiful culture and place. When you are done eating, you can also head out to their garden for a short stroll.
DA HU CHUN
Address: 136 Sichuan Zhong Lu
Tel: 021 63130155
What you should try: Fresh Meat Pot Stickers, Prawn Pot Stickers, Small Pot Stickers
Offering authentic Shanghainese pot stickers, Da Hu Chun has stuck through the generations and is well-loved by many for its well-filled and non-oily dumplings.
RUBY'S
Address: Multiple Branches around Shanghai
What you should try: Fresh Milk, Chestnut Cake, Fresh Cream
Recreating the fresh cream cake into a local favorite, Ruby’s cakes are soft and spongy with a rich flavor and an affordable price tag.
GODLY
Address: 445 Nanjing Xi Lu
Tel: 021 63270218
What you should try: Vegetarian Duck, Crab Meat Tofu, Crab Meat Noodles
Built in 1922, the well-established Godly is famous for its extensive collection of vegetarian meat, coming in over 200 varieties. Combining local flavors with flavors from the north, it creates its menu from natural fungi, beans and vegetables.
JESSE
Address: 41 Tianping Lu
Tel: 021 62829260
What you should try: Red Braised Pork, Salted Cheese Chicken, Crab Meat Claypot Rice
Cornerstone restaurant Jesse serves up simple Shanghainese dishes like the braised pork shoulder and fish head. If you are looking for something different, make an order from their secret menu which includes Crab Meat Claypot Rice.
LAN TING
Address: 107 Songshan Lu
Tel: 021 53069650
What you should try: Chicken Bone Sauce, Deep Fried Prawn, Stir Fry Water Spinach with Fermented Tofu
One of the best street restaurants in the city, Lan Ting offers home-style Shanghainese cooking. Try out some of their hits like the chicken bone sauce and deep fried prawns.
LAN XIN
Address: 130 Jin Xian Lu
Tel: 021 62533554
What you should try: Red Braised Pork, Stir Fry Vegetable, Roast Duck
Evoking hometown vibes and run by an elderly couple, have a taste of home with their local dishes that include roast duck and red braised pork.
LU BO LANG
Address: 115 Yuyuan Nei Yuyuan Lu
Tel: 021 63280602
What you should try: Sweet Osmanthus Cake, Crab Meat Xiao Long Bao, Mei Mao Pastry
A touristy hotspot, Lu Bo Lang was once visited by American President Clinton. Styled like the Ming Dynasty, some of the highlights here are its Dim Sum which include sweet osmanthus cake and Xiao Long Bao.
MAO LONG
Address: 134 Jinxian Lu
Tel: 021 62561167
What you should try: Chili Red Braised Pork, Deep Fried Brawn, Duck
Able to sit just about 20 with its 5-table setting, the restaurant adopts the old Shanghainese cooking method in making its red braised pork. Coupled with a bowl of rice, some of the best tasting things in life are just that simple.
YANG'S FRIED DUMPLINGS
Address: 2/F, Huangpuhui, 269 Wujiang Lu, Jingan District
Tel: 021 61361391
What you should try: Pot Stickers, Beef Noodles, Sour and Spicy Noodles
Stranger to none, Yang’s Fried Dumpling is well-loved by many for their thin-skinned and tasty pot stickers. A street food must-have, order up a plate of their delicious pot stickers and beef noodles that are a perfect balance of spicy and sour.
BO SHANGHAI
Address: 20 Guangdong Lu
Tel: 021 53833656
What you should try: Hunan Orange Milk Ice Cream, Zhejiang Longjing Mudan Prawn Steamed Egg
By Chef Alvin Leung, owner of the Michelin three starred Bo Innovation, Bo Shanghai offers a stunning 12-course meal which blends innovation and the eight silos of Chinese cuisine.
TAI KANG FOODS
Address: 766 Nanjing Dong Lu
Tel: 021 63221279/ 021 63222897
What you should try: Meat Mooncake, Salted Egg Yolk Mooncake
Located in the French Concession, find mooncakes fresh out of the oven. Meat mooncakes here retail at RMB 4.5 for 1. If you are not a fan, try out some of the other ready-made foods in the various delis here.
HONG FANG ZI XI DIAN
Address: 1/F, First Food, 720 Nanjing Dong Lu
What you should try: Moss Cake, Original Bai Tuo, Almond Pastry Row
The first French Hong Fang restaurant in Shanghai, the restaurant offers traditional French dishes. We recommend their moss cake, which is freshly made, with a crispy exterior and creamy interior.
SHEN DA CHENG
Address: 636 Nanjing Dong Lu
Tel: 021 63224926/ 021 63225615
What you should try: Tiao Tou Gao, Qing Tuan, Shuang Niang Tuan, Crab Meat Xiao Long Bao
Serving the best of Shanghainese snacks, expect to find delights such as Tiao Tou Gao, Shuang Niang Tuan, Qing Tuan and Crab Meat Xiao Long Bao here. What is even better is their hefty portions and affordable prices.
NANXIANG STEAMED BUN (CITY GOD TEMPLE)
Address: 85 Yuyuan Lu
Tel: 021 63554206
What you should try: Crab Meat Xiao Long Bao, Fresh Meat Xiao Long Bao, Crab Meat Soup Dumpling
Established in 1900, Nanxiang has expanded internationally with branches in South Korea and Japan. But nothing beats where it started out, here in Shanghai. Do try their Crab Meat Soup Dumpling and Xiao Long Bao, which many flock here for.
YE OLDE STATION
Address: 201 Caoxi Bei Lu
Tel: 021 64272233
What you should try: Shanghai Smoked Fish, Crab Noodles Tofu, Stir Fry Prawn
A traditional Shanghainese restaurant located in a French monastery, the restaurant is a blast from the past, with black and white photos of old Shanghai, typewriters and sound machines. Preserving traditional cooking techniques, dishes here are simple and clean cut, without any frills.
SHANGHAI TANG
Address: 373 Huangpi Nan Lu
Tel: 021 63773333/ 021 63037777
What you should try: Wasabi Prawn, Jiangnan Red Braised Pork, Small Cattle Stew
Enter Shanghai Tang and be entranced by the cage like lighting, jade green windows and Ming and Qing dynasty home ware and embroidery. Fit for an emperor, the lavish family-friendly restaurant specializes in local Shanghainese delights.
DE XING GUAN
Address: 471 Guangdong Lu
Tel: 021 63522535
What you should try: Pig Trotter Spicy Minced Meat Noodles, Pig Trotter Fish Noodles, Eight Treasures Duck, Eight Treasures Spicy Sauce
Century-old shop De Xing Guan pays homage to old Shanghai in its antique furnishing and menu. Quality service and food, we recommend the pig trotter, which is well-cooked from a lovely broth.
DING TE LE ZHOU MIAN GUAN
Address: No. 494 22 Huaihai Zhong Lu
Tel: 021 51079177
What you should try: Fried Pork Cutlet, Mushroom Scallop Lean Pork Porridge, Yellow Croaker Noodles
A classic on Huaihai Lu, some of the must-orders here include crispy pork cutlet, mushroom scallop lean pork porridge and yellow croaker noodles.
MADAME GOOSE
Address: Room 422, 4/F, Shanghai Skymall, 5001 Du Shi Lu
Tel: 021 54700508
What you should try: Specialty Roast Duck, Goose Char Siew Pastry, Madame Goose Favorite Platter, King Prawn Dumpling
Goose-themed and Michelin one star restaurant Madame Goose, comes with an affordable price tag at just RMB 100. Known for its goose dishes, try their succulent roast goose, that is crispy and not too oily.
FU 1015
Address: 1015 Yuyuan Lu
Tel: 021 52379778
What you should try: Smoked Fish, Red Braised Pork, Soymilk and Dough Fritters Ice Cream
Known as one of the best restaurants in Shanghai, Fu 1015 encapsulates the beauty of 1920s China. Headed by Chef Tony Lu, he recreates the best of Shanghai seafood delicacies like the abalone tarts.
FU 1039
Address: 1039 Yuyuan Lu
Tel: 021 52371878
What you should try: Smoked Fish, Red Braised Pork, Drunken Chicken
Set in a 1930s villa on Yuyuan Lu, experience the life of the rich and famous with their chandeliers, deep blue suede chairs and a private garden setting. As exquisite as their setting, the menu boasts of Shanghainese delights like Drunken Chicken and Red Braised Pork.
FU 1088
Address: 375 Zhen Ding Lu
Tel: 021 52397878
What you should try: Smoked Fish, Red Braised Pork, Wasabi Sesame Prawn, Grilled Cod
Injecting modernity into Old Shanghai and a part of the Fu chain of restaurants, some of our recommendations include their juicy smoked fish, sweet and well-marinated red braised pork, and sour and crispy grilled eel.
LOST HEAVEN ON THE BUND
Address: 17 Yan’an Dong Lu
Tel: 021 63300967
What you should try: Wild Vegetable Pancake, Spring Onion Chilli chicken, Sour and Spicy Prawn
Flagship store of Lost Heaven, have some authentic Yunnan food and enjoy the countryside spirit at this charming spot. For those up for pre or post meal drinks, head to the restaurant’s beautiful terrace on the 3rd floor that allows you to enjoy Shanghai’s cityscape.
JING XI HUI
Address: Jing Xi Hui, B5 Villa, 1665 Hongqiao Lu
Tel: 021 62625677
What you should try: Abalone Soup, Goose Head, Chaozhou Stir-fry Vegetable with Rice, Dong Qing Hua Yu
Revamping the traditional Chao Zhou cuisine, taste the simplicity of the cuisine in its Dong Qing Hua Yu and Goose Head. Do note that reservations are required due to their limited rooms available.
BISTRO 321 VILLA LE BEC
Address: 321 Xinhua Lu
Tel: 021 62419100
What you should try: Foie Gras with Vegetables, Mashed Potato, Layered Pastry, Steak
By French Chef Nicolas Le Bec, the restaurant serves up French Classic like Foie Gras with Vegetables and desserts like layered pastry. With a private garden outback, have a piece of France in Shanghai here.
WEI XIANG ZHAI
Address: 14 Yan Dang Lu
Tel: 021 53839032
What you should try: Sesame Noodles, Deep Fried Pork Cutlet
Serving some of the most well-loved Shanghainese noodles, the store specializes in sesame noodles. Making the best out of local favorites, imagine thick aromatic home made sesame sauce complementing the springy noodles and juicy pork cutlet.
MASION DE L'HUI
Address: 59, Sinan Lu
Tel: 021 53822757/ 4008202028
What you should try: Deep Fried Prawn, Crab Meat Shark’s Fin Noodles, Foie Gras
Located in a 3-storey English villa, now known as the Excellent Heritage Building, Maison De L’Hui puts a trendy twist to local and Cantonese dishes, reflecting the elegance and refined beauty of the culture.
YONGFOO ELITE
Address: Former Consulate-General of the United Kingdom Shanghai, 200 Yongfu Lu
Tel: 021 54662727/021 64719181
What you should try: Deep Fried Prawn, Crab Meat Shark’s Fin Noodles, Foie Gras
Serving the Consulate General office of UK for years, Yongfoo Elite is one of the most premium private dining places. Members-only, the restaurant houses many antiques and art pieces, that complement the elegant ambience and gourmet delights.
FU HE HUI
Address: 1037 Yuyuan Lu
Tel: 021 39809188
What you should try: Truffle Eggplant, Bamboo Shoot Matsutake Soup, Lion’s Mane Bun
Along with Fu 1039, 1088 and 1015 comes Fu He Hui. Representing fortune, harmony and wisdom, the vegetarian restaurant serves a collection of classics and modern dishes.
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