Shanghai WOW! BEST 50 for 2018

Since 2013, Shanghai WOW! has been providing a Top 50 list of the best and most popular restaurants, bars, hotels, villas and more in and around Shanghai - and it's no different this year. We're giving out 50 awards to 100 nominees who have emerged as the best of the best in their category!

Each nominee here has earned their spot on the list and is definitely worth a visit. So, let’s recap and take a look at the best of the best this 2018!

Shanghai WOW! BEST 50

Award List

In this complicated era of new media, it’s often hard to find great content rankings and reviews. With Shanghai WOW! Best 50, we pride ourselves in providing quality rankings and reviews of the best of the best in Shanghai and have been doing so for the last six years.

With an editorial team from all over the world, we curate lifestyle content aimed at allowing readers to uncover the latest trends and discover Shanghai in an in-depth fashion. This year, we tried Japanese restaurants, cocktail bars, healthy restaurants and more all over the city, and are here to tell you what’s been outstanding.

With RMB 20 million worth of investments, the 1,00sqm space celebrates the best of Chinese architectural beauty. As controversial as it may be, it's a special twist on the concept of immersive dining, seating 12 diners and priced at RMB 4,800 per pax with a Tang Dynasty themed dining experience. Currently, the restaurant looks to refresh its menu every 6 months and promises an interactive Tang Dynasty themed experience unlike any other. 

The best hotel in Shanghai this year; a quarry hotel project that took 12 years to build and spans 88m deep, with 2 floors above ground and 16 floors below. Furnished with 336 hotel rooms, the interior is inspired by the nature that surrounds it and guests can expect a great view of the quarry and waterfall from their own observatory deck. With underwater suites and restaurant, a waterfall, air garden and outdoor adventure park, it’s no wonder the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland tops our list for best hotel this year.

One of the Top 100 Clubs in the world, the popular SOS club spans 4,00sqm and has up to 78 seats for partygoers who want to party all night long. With a 17m long shark tank, 360° LED screen and fully furnished world-class sound system, guests can opt to party in the public area or in one of the exclusive VVIP rooms.

A top winner in the 2019 Shanghai Michelin Guide, Xin Rong Ji Group picked up a Michelin star for their Huaihai Lu branch, Michelin 2-stars at their Nanyang Lu store and Rong restaurant. Capping off their strong streak, the Taizhou cuisine based restaurant saw great reviews at their newly opened Rongshu yellow fish noodle store as well.

Housing two common guests under their belt on Asia's Best Bars list - Speak Low and Sober Company - it's no surprise that the geniuses behind these two locations have topped as our Reader's Pick!

At RMB 3,500+ per person, this luxurious Japanese restaurant offers a 10-course Omakase Kaiseki with 7 kinds of alcohol pairing. Featuring the season's best, save a trip to Tokyo and enjoy a high-end Japanese dining experience right here in Shanghai.

Hidden within Hengshanfang, at RMB 12,000 per table and an average of RMB 5,000+ per person, Prince Wang only serves two tables per day and offers a private server to ensure diners enjoy dinner befitting of European royalty. Dishes served here are mainly Chinese based with western and Japanese elements.

Nestled inside Rui Jin Hotel, and built on the “less is more” concept, have the best of Chinese meets western fusion delights at nature loving and serene The Pine at Rui Jin.

One of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants from Colombo, Sri Lanka – moved into the first floor of Barbarossa, in People’s Park, Shanghai. MoC is a celebration of Sri Lanka’s seafood, founded by internationally acclaimed Chef Dharshan Munidasa, which is known for its large variety of Sri Lankan crab dishes and the chef’s masterly play of traditional Sri Lankan spices.

Designed by famous designer Kerry Hill, the hotel has 13 4-bedroom villas and 24 new suites. It's time to enjoy a rejuvenating weekend at AMANYANGYUN to see in the new year!

This entire hotel boasts a modern Italian design and is the world's 6th and Shanghai's 2nd BVLGARI Hotel, promising great views of both Puxi and Pudong. They have a total of 6 restaurants and bars, 82 rooms and suites - each averaging 60sqm and more.

Over the course of 16 years, 80s born Chef Matsuno creates a modern Matsuno-style Omakase meal with beef and sea urchin roll, cuttlefish sushi and more. One not to be missed.

Located at Bund 22, this elegantly designed and newly opened Japanese restaurant specializes in Sushi. It will impress your tastebuds and is considered one of the most impressionable spots in town.

American entrepreneur and hotelier, Ian Schrager brought the EDITION Hotel to Shanghai. Located on Nanjing Dong Lu, Schrager oversees the entire hotel’s concept and design, creating a luxurious hotel with 145 guest room and suites - with penthouse going up to RMB 120,000 per night. There are a total of 3 different concept restaurants as well as bars for guests to enjoy as well. 

Under Swire hotels, The Middle House was designed by Milan designer Piero Lissoni who fused a minimalistic approach with Shanghainese elements to create a beautiful space.

Spanning 5 years and with investments up to RMB 40 million, French restaurant Maison Lameloise has been taking France by storm over the last century. Housed in the Shanghai Tower on the 68th floor, you can now have a signature French meal 314m above ground with a RMB 10 million furnished kitchen without leaving the city!

The new Kathleen’s Waitan is located at South Bund and serves Western cuisine. Enjoy a scenic view of the bund over delicious delights.

This therapeutic hotel houses 325 guest rooms categorized under seven different types, and all furnished with natural stone-material bathtubs, private dining rooms and more.

With 95 guest rooms, you can enjoy a luxurious hotel experience with morning yoga, health and wellness programs and more at the Naked Hub. Plus, who wouldn't want to stay in a European-style castle?!

The signature restaurant at AMANYANGYUN uses traditional herbs, fresh fish and chilli to create their Jiangxi delights. With seven private dining rooms, enjoy a serene oriental dining environment like no other.

The natural bamboo design in the restaurant creates a serene ambience to accompany a menu of fusion, Cantonese, Shanghainese, Sichuan dishes and more - including sweet vinegar yellow fish, and spring onion foie gras mousse.

With more than 200,000 visitors daily, the LuOne mall spans over 90,000sqm. Created by famous architect Moshe Safdie, the mall is furnished with a 10m water feature, starry dome ceiling and more.

Consolidating different international and local brands including Lady M, LeTAO Cafe, SAMO and mall, Grand Gateway 66 is the latest fashion landmark in Xuhui district.

As the country’s third Alila hotel, located in Wuzhen, this is the city’s first high-end international hotel. Each guest room here spans from 108sqm and the place has an all-day Japanese restaurant, garden bungalow, bungalow with swimming pool, floating marketing and more.

By Jaya Ibrahim, AHN LUH LANTING has 88 luxurious guest rooms and villas, starting from 60sqm to 260sqm. Get a quick escape from city life and see the beauty of modernity meets tradition here.

Located in the world’s 6th and country’s 2nd BVLGARI Hotel, Il Bar is on the hotel’s 47th floor and, to date, has been visited by numerous celebrities and stars.

Modern European restaurant Café Gray Deluxe is located in Taikoo Hui and has three open terraces, allowing diners to enjoy the surrounding view over a lovely al fresco meal. The main terrace also has a bamboo decorated section for a more intimate setting for those who wish for a more private meal.

Daimon reinvented itself with a members style concept and, known for their Teppanyaki delights, sits and serves up to 12 with a personalized server tied to each table. 

Taian Table has always been the vision of Chef/Founder Stefan Stiller. The menu revolves and changes every month, using well-sourced seasonal produce to create completely new dishes in a 10- to 12-course menu. The food revolves around interactive and intimate dining – a real fun project.

On the 5th floor of Bund No.3, Canton Table fuses both modern and traditional concepts into its luxurious place with 3 riverside large private dining rooms and 6 smaller rooms that sit 4 - 8 people.

Known for its high-end seafood there are 10 private dining rooms here, each with its unique theme and design to provide a delectable feast and quality dining experience for its guests.

On the 5th floor of Plaza 66, Taste Paradise spans over 1,500sqm with more than 200 seats and 12 dining rooms. Since its opening, it has remained one of the top Cantonese restaurants on Nanjing Xi Lu. 

For 3 years running, Canton 8 has been awarded the Michelin 2 stars and, located in the central Bund area, promises classic Cantonese dishes we all love. The restaurant also has 4 private dining rooms for those who wish for a private and exclusive dining experience.

Clinching top spot on the Nanjing Xi Lu food list on Dianping, Exquisite Bocuse has 10 private dining rooms, 4 sofa seats, 3 counter seats and more. They deliver dining experiences for all occasions, from business meetings to family functions, friend gatherings and more.

The Lady Bund offers creative Chinese delights with a French and Italian twist. Dine in their public area or in the artistic and luxurious private dining rooms for a fancy night out.

On Bund No. 5, this yellow fish restaurant has been operating for two generations. Serving wild yellow croaker fish from the East Ocean, the freshest catch reaches the restaurant daily and the team whips up authentic quality seafood delights for its diners.

An iconic Hong Kong style hotpot place, the new restaurant’s interior is inspired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and allows diners to enjoy quality hotpot amidst beautiful art and exhibits.

Having been open in Tokyo for 15 years, and clinching Top 50 Best Bars in Asia and No.2 in Japanese Bar Trench, Ars & Delecto is located along Jinxian Lu and provides a European minimalistic style bar that combines the best of Paris, Tokyo and Shanghai.

They took over the streets of Hong Kong with its beer pong, but this year ARENA LUXE took on a cafe and bar concept right here in Shanghai. They've gone on to clinch many awards for its live bartending performance and incredible technology too.

Probably the most mature, subdued and classy joint from cocktail bar impresario Daniel An, Atelier is an austere, classic bar lounge where they serve up lots of very rich, bronze, and smoky drinks. Heavy syrups and bitters, for people in suits and "chief something" in their job title. You can also enjoy making your own barrel drinks.

Re-creating the best of the 80s, Shingo Gokan and Steve Schneider partner up to create a 16-item cocktail menu that captures the best of the era.

On 758 Julu Lu, the 8-seater Mirai Waki uses 3D and incredible technology to create a high-end illuminated dining experience. 

Taking in nine guests on a reservation basis daily, the private restaurant offers the best and rarest grilled delights in a 12-course Special Uni Omakase feast for around RMB 3,000 per person.

Founded in Hong Kong, PAUL LAFAYET is a well-known authentic French dessert brand that is committed to popularizing French sweets in Asia, and thus becoming one of the famous representative brands. It is a family-run patisserie house where you can enjoy a taste of love and happiness.

The old-fashioned French bakery has amassed a huge following in its five-year span and, known for its quality bread and dessert, charm customers with its creative pastries and beautiful 2-storey white and wood-filled space.

Within the bustling Huaihai Zhong Lu commercial circle, Mia Fringe spans over 2,000sqm and creates a reflective art space with its impressive collection of food and fashion for guests.

Within the 90-year old bungalow on Yuyuan Lu, the post office turned mall is an art and cafe space. With a total of 3 floors, it is made up of Akimbo Cafe Lab, concept store P.O. Box, Aura.a and pop-up stores.

On Julu Lu, the Sichuan restaurant challenges diners pre-existing knowledge of Sichuan cuisine and brings long-lost delights back in a new fashion.

In a century-old villa on Xinhua Lu, MOOSE was awarded a Michelin one-star and the 3-storey space comprises of a banquet hall, backyard garden and private dining rooms. The chef here has had over 30 years of culinary experience and is known for his Huaiyang dishes.

On the 47th floor of the BVLGARI Hotel Shanghai, the place was awarded a Michelin one-star in the first three months of its opening. Chef Niko Romito hopes to bring joy to his diners and present the best of Italian food and delights through his restaurant here. 

The modern and forward thinking LAGO continues its Mediterranean romantic theme by getting Julian Serrano onboard with its creative Michelin star menu. And just look at that view.

One of the newer restaurants by Joël Robuchon, enjoy a stylish light afternoon tea here with their 3-tier platter that sees a complete taste and menu makeover.

On the 47th floor of BVLGARI Hotel Shanghai, Il Bar provides unparalleled cityscape views and are open to hotel guests only. Their afternoon tea set menu goes up to RMB 1,788/pair and diners can expect Champagne and European caviar.

On Wukang Lu, the French restaurant is by Chef Jérôme Tauvron who has accumulated 14 Michelin stars in his decorated culinary career. Located in a century-old building, this private and romantic restaurant serves over 230 types of wine that goes best with the food here.

Save a trip to Paris and enjoy old-fashioned French delights at Le Bistrot de Racine, which houses a private wine cellar with some of the best wines from the French regions.

On Anfu Lu, the Latin American menu comprises of beautiful homemade desserts and Latin dishes, managed by Danish Chef Frederik who adopts a Nordisk Mad food concept for healthier offerings.

The lifestyle concept and design are what attracts people to Moka Bros. Apart from their avocado shrimp roll, diners often come for their Mexican chicken rice and creative fresh delights. The restaurant pushes out timely boxing, yoga and fitness programs, promoting an active lifestyle.

From Tokyo, % Arabica has been taking over Shanghai and recently opened its largest % Arabica branch, as well as a second branch in Shanghai at the Bund. Enjoy a cup of freshly roasted coffee in its beautiful store for a perfect afternoon break.

Peet’s Coffee brings some of the best and finest coffee beans from the East African region through its anniversary celebration and is known for its in-depth study on roasting coffee beans. 

The Japanese legend is now here in Shanghai at Xintiandi, serving its famous double baked cheesecake and saving us a trip to Hokkaido for its cheesy bakes. 

As New York’s No. 1 dessert, Lady M combines the best of French and Japanese desserts and serves its Shanghai customers in its all-white store with delicate design.

Offering an all-round old Shanghai experience, taste classic Jiangzhe and local dishes and see them in a new light at The Bund Restaurant.

Located within an English-style building, which was the previous address for The Times newspaper and Metro City Bank, the 600sqm garden has a superb service crew, 4 private dining rooms and a Michelin one-star award. It is a great place for banquet and for those looking for authentic Shanghai delights.

The ZUK Bar is located within The Sukhothai Shanghai - the world’s second Sukhothai hotel. The bar is decorated in a vintage fashion and Italian bartender, Vincenzo Pagliara, charms the crowd with his menu of 16 natural cocktails.

Offering a panoramic view of the Huangpu river, with an accompanying beautiful swimming pool on the North Bund, sunbathe in the day, enjoy an afternoon tea or enjoy some drinks under the stars at the WET® Bar.

LION restaurant in Xintiandi is operated by a Malaysian team and is known for its Nanyang Chinese delights and Eastern flavors. 

Nestled on the quiet Yuyuan Lu, Together is run by chef Bina Yu who serves Korean and French fusion dishes, and has had past experience at the Jean Georges restaurant in New York.

Known for their M8-9 Australian steak and Japanese hot pot, the grilled selection uses authentic and imported Australian beef. The store adopts a 1 server to 1 guest policy, ensuring a premium dining and service experience.

On Yuyuan Lu, the Korean restaurant adopts an industrial theme and sits up to 8 diners. The place is manned by 5 Korean chefs and uses cutlery from Korea. We recommend trying the grilled pork neck meat when here.

East meets West at the Andaz Xintiandi Shanghai Kitchen Studios, which serves a buffet brunch menu of irresistible seafood, Cantonese and Shanghainese dim sum.

In the Waterhouse at South Bund, Oxalis is known for its value-for-money modern French dishes, headed up by Executive Chef Jonas. Diners can choose to dine in the courtyard or outdoors for their French brunch.

Awarded the German Design Award, the modern and luxurious place is known for its Sichuan delights including red braised beef head, abalone and more.

Offering some of the best and classic dishes, the restaurant adopts a white and gold collect scheme and incorporates south Sichuan elements into its menu.

One to look out for at Jing’an Kerry Center, the epic Hong Kong hot pot place provides great food, service and ambience.

Modern in design, FCC's latest concept combines Sichuan hot pot with fresh water fish and seafood, making it the first of its kind in Shanghai.

A new food landmark on Nanjing Xi Lu, the restaurant was awarded Top 10 interior design in Asia by International Restaurants and Bars Design Awards. It combines modern western design elements with traditional Japanese architecture and serves a creative modern Japanese menu for customers to discover.

Set in an heritage building overlooking the heaving canyon of Nanjing Dong Lu a minute walk from the bund, FOGO is a rooftop lounge bar and restaurant for neighborhood people, but accessible to all. They are a concept that links East with West, and European cuisine with the exotic possibilities of ingredients from the five other continents. 

The boxing club is a dark fighting club and fitness center with neon lightings and quick music. Fitness enthusiast can expect to burn up to 1,000 calories with a quick 45-min workout here!

Pure Fitness iapm offers state-of-the-art equipment, Group Exercise exhilaration, innovative programmes and Personal Training to fulfil your fitness aspirations. Totalling 30,100 square feet with Members lounge, nood food counter and access to podium outdoor area. 

This new lifestyle space finally opened to the public after 70 years. Visit Columbia Circle, located near Sunke villa, and check out all the popular restaurants and bars.

The popular landmark once housed INSEA and, after 692 days of renovation, now features 9 new restaurants and bars for diners to discover.

Shanghai’s first Australian Wagyu Wine Restaurant, Kanpai Wine Club opened in November and offers 110 types of wines from all over the world, including rare Italian fines and premium graded ones.

Hidden within the new Zhonghai Huanyu Shopping Center, Le Coq Wine & Bistro has a 6m high and 17m long alcohol cabinet housing 5,000 types of spirits and 250 types of white and red wine. Staff here have to climb up the stairs in order to reach for the premium spirits here.

Founded in San Diego, California, Stone Brewing is the eighth-largest craft brewer in the U.S. With the opening of their taproom in Shanghai, they aim to show the public that there are more ... and better ... choices beyond the world of industrial beer.

On 758 Julu Lu, the 2-storey space offers freshly brewed craft beer, BBQ, pizza, fresh oysters and more. On the fourth floor, guests can even chill out at the 350sqm in the winter, which comes equipped with a fireplace.

The world’s 7th Mercedes me store is a popular lifestyle space with eastern and western delights, shopping, car exhibitions and test drives. The only thing that the place does not sell is cars. The 1,250sqm space is part of the brand’s project and an extension of Mercedes definition and interpretation of luxury. 

By Zwilling J. A. Henckels and Cornelia Poletto, The Twins combines both east and west designs and is located in Zwilling J. A. Henckels flagship store on the second floor. The Mediterranean themed place has a casual and fine dining section for diners to enjoy food options that cater to their needs.

With 6 therapy rooms, including 2 VIP and 4 individual rooms, The Spa at The Shanghai EDITION cleverly leverages an aperture design concept to create different light effects. Through the careful use of organic ingredients, heated stone massages and more, you can relax and unwind with a premium spa experience here. 

The top-notch spa offers wellness and therapy programs including yoga and reflective exercises to help guests unwind and feel rejuvenated. The place even offers customized packages tailored to the customer’s needs.

At 62 Xinhua Street in Shanghai, a stone's throw from the famous Villa LE BEC restaurant & Bistro 321, Chef Nicolas Le Bec opened a French-style grocery café and a wine shop and wine bar. Unique in Asia, one of the largest selections selected live from the best winemakers, over 400 references self-service to drink on the spot, to take away or to deliver at home!  The 62 is the ideal place for all lovers of good taste, for adults and children.

Mercado 505 is where you will experience the freshest food imported from far away lands. They specialize in charcoal grill seafood and meat, which are a must-try there; the raw selection of seafood, seasonal special dishes are not to be missed.

On Changle Lu, the green space emulates the elegance of old Shanghai and adopts a nautical theme. Within the boutique, guests are served juicy beef, osmanthus sweet rice cake with ice-cream and more childhood delights.

The Taizhou Uncle Rong Fish Soup Noodle serves the authentic Taizhou Fish Soup noodle made from different types of yellow croaker fish. The fish type is selected based on season and each bowl retails for RMB 128.

Within the Xintiandi commercial circle, through the window to the south, these service apartments have amazing views of Taipinghu Park and offers 24 hours room service to provide residents with a 5-star hotel-like experience.

Sunac, Shanghai creates an oriental cultural charm and Zen space by creating the central courtyard with five elements including water, islands, trees, stones and corridors. It redefines superposed structure by innovating the shape of "品". You can also enjoy the terrace and garden, providing an extremely comfortable living experience.

As FLASK GROUP’s 5th venue, the 700sqm terrace has 168 seats and 15 pillars. Adopting a Greek look and feel, it serves local craft beer, cocktails and also some snacks.

At the Rockbund, Speak Low's boss collaborated with Zhang Jun to create this Chinese bar which offers huangjiu, baijiu, wine, whisky, rum and Chinese snacks.

On Donghu Lu, the membership bar has a hefty entrance fee of RMB 38,800 and has a private collection of whisky, including the Hibiki 30, 25-year-old Yamazaki and 54 poker card series by Hanyu.

The new mysterious bar spans 5m high inside and stores countless precious spirits and alcohol. The VIP area is fully equipped with spirits, including entry-level whisky, Queen Elizabeth II 90th birthday collection alcohol and other rare Asian finds.

Scarpetta is a beautiful candle lit trattoria with a gourmet pizza emphasis. Its gorgeous white washed brick walls and intimate natural setting make it a perfect date night spot.  

It’s motto: “Simple food. Executed well. To satiate.” With nothing to hide behind, the simplest food is often the hardest. Don’t miss their truffle foie gras pizza or signature clam pizza and their creamy mentaiko pasta. 

The refreshing and trendy place is a great dating, business meeting, partying, restaurant spot all in one, with value-for-money afternoon tea sets and romantic ambience.

Be rewarded with RMB 100,000 in our search for 1 lifestyle curator

Position: Shanghai Lifestyle Curator

Working Hours: Flexible and remote working style

Salary: Above RMB 100,000 and experience 2018 Best 50 Brands

Requirements: Charismatic and Outstanding, with a strong video follower base and deep understanding of Shanghainese lifestyle. Not limited to either males or females.

Giveaways and Discounts

InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland: Enjoy a night's stay here worth RMB 4,000

LIANGSHE: Have an immersive and interactive Tang Dynasty dining experience worth RMB 4,800

SOS: For members, party at one of the world’s Top 100 Clubs worth RMB 50,000

Yu Zhi Lan: Enjoy luxurious Sichuan dishes worth RMB 1,000

Naked Retreat: Enjoy a one night stay in Moganshan worth RMB 5,500

Discover more of these luxurious experiences today!

Join Shanghai WOW!'s WeChat and bring home discounts and giveaways, worth more than RMB 100,00!