Viva la France! Our French Hot Spot Guide is Here!
Unless you're living under a rock, you'll know that France snagged a World Cup victory last night. If you can't get enough of France, you can still ride on that victorious wave and give your bellies a treat! So, here are all the places you can go to indulge in your French fever. Ranging from comfort foods to fancy feasts, we've got you covered.
Comfort Foods
Dodu
Address: 81 Changshu Lu, near Julu Lu
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 6pm - 10pm; Sunday, 12pm - 10pm
Tel: 021 6431 5176
Price: About RMB 100/person
Dodu, on Changshou Lu, is a cozy and intimate French rotisserie. Seating only 18-persons, Dodu is small in size, but packs a punch with huge flavors and French flair.
Half Chicken sharing for two begins at RMB 108
La Cabane
Address: 1-2 Taojiang Lu, near Dongping Lu
Tel: 021 3356 2388
Hours: Monday to Friday, 5pm - 2am; Saturday and Sunday, 11am - 2am
Price: About RMB 200/person
One well-known specialty of France is cheese, right? Creamy, chewy, sticky, spongy, they've got it all with more than 100 kinds of cheeses for your taste bud pleasure too. There’s also Raclette, and their gargantuan traditional Savoyard dish which consists of melting pieces of cheese over potatoes, cold cuts and some other vegetables inside.
Raclette RMB 188
The energetic and friendly team from La Cabane hits home with their comfortable chalet wooden decor and comfort food that is well-French.
La Creperie
Address: 1 Taojiang Lu, near Dongping Lu
Tel: 021 5465 9055
Hours: Daily, 11am - midnight
Price: About RMB 157/person
Whether you are looking for a savory galette or sweet crepe, La Creperie has it all! This is the casual spot you will enjoy, as it does provide a taste of France.
Café des Stagiaires
Address: 158 Julu Lu, Datong Mill, B1
Hours: 5pm – 2am
Tel: 021 6312 9302
Price: Around RMB 50 per person
This is by far one of the hot spots to go if you want to celebrate like a World Cup champ, day in and out. Located in Found 158, its outgoing environment makes it a fun spot to gather in.
Casual
La Saleya
Address: 570 Changle Lu, near Xiangyang Bei Lu
Tel: 021 5403 6957
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 11:30am to 2pm, 6pm to 10pm; Saturday, 11:30am to 10:30pm; Sunday, 11:30am to 9:30pm
Price: About RMB 220/person
Considered to be of the oldest French restaurants in Shanghai (since 2003) Le Saleya is a Family-style establishment nestled on Changle Lu. Come here if you enjoy French classics in a casual and friendly environment. Enjoy a meal of Escargots or poivrons marines. They also have a hearty fondue that is not to miss. Main courses have meat or fish base and are all perfectly executed.
Oxalis
The Dauphine Potato
Address: The Waterhouse Hotel, The Cool Docks, 1F, 1-3 Maojiayuan Lu, near Zhongshan Nan Lu
Tel: 6080 2918
Hours: Daily. Lunch, 12pm - 2:30pm; Dinner, 6pm - 10pm
Price: Around RMB 300/person
We were beyond sad to see Table No. 1 go. However, chef Jonas Noël is breathing new life into something we didn’t know needed it. With his contemporary French cuisine, rustic décor, and playful incorporation of backstory and meaning into dishes (both the food and the ceramic platters they're served on), Oxalis is worth the trip down to the Cool Docks area.
Epices & Fois Gras
Address: 309 Hong Kou Lu, A1-05
Hours: Daily, 11:30am - 10pm
Tel: 021 5169 0989
Must Try: Fois Gras
Price: About RMB 383/person
Trilogie de foie gras (RMB 168)
We expect a lot from a restaurant with "foie gras" in the name, and Epices & Foie Gras doesn’t disappoint. This starter has three different preparations: terrine with Calvados, pan seared with five spices, and royal of foie gras with apple. It’s a great way to start a meal.
Le Bistrot de Racine
Address: 609 Changde Lu, near Wuding Lu
Hours: Daily, 11:30am to midnight
Tel: 021 5271 5067
Price: About RMB 300/person
Located right in Jing’an, Le Bistrot de Racine offers an intimate environment on Wuding Lu. The menu offers the staple French classics such as fois gras and tartare but they also incorporate other European elements to their food which is worth checking out.
Coquille Seafood Bistro
Address: 29 Mengzi Lu, Huangpu District
Tel: 021 33768127
Hours: Daily 5:30pm - 9:30pm
Price: Average RMB 300/person
Bone Marrow Orecchiette (RMB 168)
It all lies in the details here at Coquille - French village-inspired furniture, shell motifs, soft lighting, and Jo Malone fragrance makes up for a great dining experience. It's not only about the interiors though, they've earned a great reputation for fresh seafood as well as beautiful French cuisine, upgraded with a slight Asian twist. If you're looking for a spot to wine and woo someone, this classy little bistro is definitely the place to go.
Le Salon de Joël Robuchon
Address: L109, 1601 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Changde Lu
Hours: Restaurant 11:30am - 10:30pm; Bakery 10:30am - 9:30pm
Tel: 021 6019 6666
Average price: Lunch: RMB 200/per person, Dinner: RMB 400/per person
Unlike the upscale restaurant on the Bund, Le Salon offers a more relaxed atmosphere while maintaining high-quality food at the core of its fine dining experience. In addition to regular business lunches, afternoon tea sets and dinners, the new restaurant dedicates an entire wall for its selection of great wines from all over that you can enjoy either at the dinner table or from their gorgeous lounge that adopts a red interior and theater-like decor.
Entrecôte
Address: Room L1-002, Poly Sunny Walk Plaza, 230 Ruiping Lu, near Kaibin Lu
Tel: 021-5757 8878
Hours: Daily, 11:30am - 10pm; between 2:30pm - 5:30pm only coffee, tea and pastries
Price: RMB 250/person
Making the trip to Entrecôte down at the West Bund is totally worth it for a surprising (and economical) taste of France in Shanghai. Nevertheless, its primo street side location and the gorgeous warm gold interior filled with iconic French artwork and lit by fancy pants chandeliers is something to behold. The intricate mosaic flooring is the finishing touch.
Entrecôte is named after a very thin boneless ribeye that can be seared to a perfect medium rare in a matter of minutes; this time window is very precarious and requires extra care in the kitchen. Here you choose the size of steak you prefer (RMB 178-258 at dinner; RMB 98-198 at lunch): 170g, 225g or 280g. They all come with a lovely fresh garden salad with mustard vinaigrette and walnut plus warm, freshly baked bread to start. Your steak comes with crisp and hard to resist hand-cut fries that are free flow.
French inspiration is clear in the décor choices
Paris Bleu Bistro Club
Address: Building 5, Unit 105, 123 Xingye Lu, near Madang Lu
Tel: 021 63220121
Hours: Daily, 11am - 11pm
Price: RMB 265/person
The ground floor of Paris Bleu is styled as a lively French bistro bar. There's a smooth curved wooden bar, wooden chairs and marble tables, as well as elegant glass railings and a mosaic floor; with a fresh hint of mint in the air and rosemary on the tables instead of flowers. It's fresh and practical. It's more than just a pleasant French Bistro club. There is a modern take on the food as well as an exciting atmosphere.
Bistro 321 Le Bec
Address: 321 Xinhua Lu, Changning District
Tel: 021 62419100
Price: Average RMB 300/person
Bistro 321 Le Bec was opened and is managed by Michelin-starred French chef Nicolas Le Bec, so expect nothing but delicious French food. The venue moulds a pretty little bar with a modest terrace into a French-style villa that is as cozy as it is charming. They are especially well-known for their desserts, so make sure to save some space after your meal. It's a relaxed and casual atmosphere, surrounded by good service and importantly, good food.
Alan’s Bistro
Address: 445 Zhong Zhan Dong Yi Lu
Hours: Daily 5:30pm - 10pm
Tel: 021 6329 1699
Price: Around RMB 300 per person
By walking into Alan’s Bistro, your eyes are treated to an abundance of coziness and elegance. What immediately catches the attention is the impressive open kitchen, where you can see the team fussing like tireless bees. This ballet of saucepans, knives and other tools you might not recognize is fascinating.
Fancy
Le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire
Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li
Address: 480 Jianguo Xi Lu
Reservation Hotline: 021 5466 9928
Price: RMB 300/person
Located inside Capella Hotel, you will find the home of the legendary chef Pierre Gagnaire’s: le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire. Featuring a casual-chic dining environment, le Comptoir serves French cuisine that is simple, honest and elegant.
Bistro by Yannick Alleno
Address: 1195 Changning Lu, Raffles City, 1/F, Gukian Room 6, near Kaixuan Lu
Tel: 021 6088 1677
Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:30am - 10pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11:30am - 11pm
Price: RMB 400/person
Bistro by Yannick Alleno is situated in one of the freestanding buildings, so they offer outdoor seating for that Paris street-side feel. They modeled the sparse décor off the original flagship restaurant, including an open kitchen, making food the emphasis rather than design. It will achieve great ambience when full of people, and they are not there yet. What they do have is a small following of regular diners from residences and offices nearby.
Charcuterie platter (left) features imported meats, chicken terrine, country pate, house made pickles and 12 and 36 months aged comté cheese. The escargot recipe (right) is from Alléno’s mom.
While the average spend for dinner is RMB 500 per person, they encourage all day casual dining. This means if you want to waltz in for happy hour (Monday to Friday, 4pm-7pm; Saturday to Sunday, 2pm-4pm) to have a cocktail and some rillettes, then, by all means, do it. If you do, get the Odéon (RMB 98, 58 at happy hour) a nice bubbly mix of gin, dry apple cider, ginger and lemon with the rabbit rillettes (RMB 88). Add on the French charcuterie and comté cheese platter (RMB 288) or garlic, parsley and butter laden escargot in mushroom caps (RMB 238) for larger groups.
Jean Georges
Address: 3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, Three on the Bund
Tel: 021 6321 7733
Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:30am - 2:30pm, 6pm - 10:30pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11:30am - 3pm, 6pm - 10:30pm
Price: RMB 500/person
In Shanghai since 2004, Jean Georges at Three on the Bund is an early establishment that bringing modern French cuisine to life. After receiving a Michelin star last year, they are not slowing down at all! Although their signature dish is the caviar egg, they also constantly re-invent comfort favorites.
The caviar egg has been a staple on Jean Georges' menu
Akme
Address: Level 1, 55 by The Group, No. 55 South Wulumuqi Road
Hours: Daily, 6pm - 10pm
Tel: 021 6428 9799
Price: RMB 588 per person
Akmé is the third brainchild of Michelin Star chef, Akrame Benallal. He is already well known for his other two restaurants, Restaurant Akrame, located in Paris and Hong Kong. From the time these two restaurants opened, they have not seen a quiet day. Constantly packed with diners, searching for the sophisticated taste, getting a table is hard. In Paris especially, RSVP in advance is required to secure a seat.
L'ATELIER de Joël Robuchon
Address: 18 Zhongshan Dong Y Lu, Bund 18, 3FL
Tel: 021 6071 8888
Hours: Monday to Friday, 5:30pm - 10:30pm (except Thursday and Friday, open until 11pm); Saturday, 11:30am - 11pm; Sunday, 11:30am - 10:30pm
Price: RMB 1400 per person
Michelin 2-star, L'ATELIER de Joël Robuchon is a 32-seater interactive restaurant located at the Bund. His iconic red and black interior boasts classic French cuisine with a modern twist. Owner Joël Robuchon is an accomplished chef whose chain of restaurants currently holds 25 Michelin stars.
Mr & Mrs. Bund
Address: 6FL, 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, Bund 18
Hours: Monday to Wednesday, 5:30pm - 10:30pm; Thursday and Friday, 5:30pm - 2am; Saturday, 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 2:30am; Sunday, 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 10:30pm
Tel: 021 6428 9799
Price: RMB 900/per person
This restaurant from F&B genius Mr. Paul Pairet is located on the 6th floor of Bund 18 and offers modern French cuisine in an airy and elegantly designed environment. This is also one of the highly recommended restaurants around town known for their brunches.
Sir Elly’s Restaurant & Bar
Address: 32 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, 13Fl, Peninsula Hotel
Tel: 021 2327 6756
Hours: Monday to Friday, 12pm - 2:30pm, 11pm - 11pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11:30am - 2:30pm
Located in the Peninsula hotel, this 1 Michelin star restaurant boasts contemporary French cuisine with views overlooking the Huangpu River. With an outside bar, it is a perfect combination of spectacular views and delicious cuisine.
Phénix Eatery & Bar
Address: 1 Changde Lu, Puli Hotel, 2nd Floor
Tel: 021 2216 6988
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 6:30am - 10:30am, 12 - 2:30pm, 2:30pm - 5:30pm, 6pm - 10pm; Sunday, 6:30am - 10:30am, 11:30am - 2:30pm, 12pm - 2:30pm, 2:30pm - 5:30pm, 5:30pm - 9pm
Price: Average RMB 600 per person
Located within the Puli hotel, the 1 Michelin star (2017 and 2018) Phenix Eatery & Bar brings exquisitely modern cuisine to Jing’an district. What is worth trying is the slow-cooked shoulder of lamb.
Bakery & Sweets
Fournil
Address: 609 Changde Lu, near Wuding Lu
Tel: 021 5283 3527
Hours: Daily, 7am - 9am (Friday, closes at midnight)
Price: RMB 100/per person
Shanghai has an affinity with fine bakers. And who can bake better than the French! Located at the intersection of Wuding Lu and Changde Lu is a heaven for all bakery lovers. From freshly baked bread to delicate pastries, it is not only delicious to eat but also a feast for the eyes.
Pierre Marcolini
Address: 300 Huaihai Zhong Lu, K11
Tel: 021 6333 7318
Price: RMB 300/person
Pierre Marcolini, the Haute Chocolaterie has chocolate to stir your senses. Sour, strong, spicy, fruity, nutty, all of these mixed in your mouth giving you an incredible sensation of wellbeing. They also developed infusions from cocoa bean peels. Located at K11, they even have their own coco lounge bar.
Pain Chaud
Address: 41-43 Yongkang Lu, near Jiashan Lu
Tel: 021 5456 5220
Hours: Daily, 7:30am - 9:30pm
Price: RMB 100 per person
If pain au chocolate is your jam, then you will find a slice of heaven at Pain Chaud. Their croissants and baguettes are oven fresh - pair that with a cup of coffee and your morning is set.
Cover image source: ripplesdaily.com