Shanghai Restaurants

You'll notice that most Chinese restaurants in Shanghai have large, round tables. The reason becomes clear the first time you eat a late dinner at a local restaurant and are surrounded by jovial, laughing groups of people toasting and topping off from communal bottles of beer, sharing cigarettes, and spinning the lazy Susan loaded with food. Whether feting guests or demonstrating their wealth, hosts will order massive, showy spreads.

Shanghai's standing as China's most international city is reflected in its dining scene. You can enjoy xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) for breakfast, foie gras for lunch, and Korean barbecue for dinner. In many restaurants, it’s traditional to order several dishes to share among your party for family-style dining. Tipping is not expected, but more upmarket restaurants will tack on a 10%–15% service charge. Although you can eat at Chinese restaurants for less than Y50 per person, Western meals go for Western prices.

Some restaurants in Shanghai offer set lunches at a fraction of the dinner price. Check out the dining section of Time Out Shanghai, That's Shanghai or Smartshanghai.com, all of which list dining discounts and promotions around town.

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  • 1. Sui Tang Li

    $$$ | Jing'an

    On the second floor of The Middle House Residences, this polished restaurant delivers excellent contemporary renditions of regional Chinese fare, including modern takes on dim sum. Stellar service and tasty Chinese-inspired cocktails combine with the elevated cuisine to make this a must-try eatery.

    366 Shimen Yi Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, China
    021-3216–8068

    Known For

    • Black-truffle soup dumplings
    • Panfried foie gras and chicken dumplings
    • Jasmine tea-smoked pomfret
  • 2. Blackbird

    $$ | Changning

    Part of the renovated Columbia Circle complex, the carousing spot for American expats in the 1930s, Blackbird features different spaces on three levels. The chic first-floor lounge serves contemporary cocktails and Chinese-influenced small plates and casual mains; the fine-dining Table Black, one level up, has a regional-Chinese tasting menu; and the lovely rooftop space is complete with an outdoor bar and an herb garden that supplies the downstairs kitchens.

    1262 Yan'an Xi Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, China
    187-0199–0479

    Known For

    • Interesting wine and cocktail lists
    • Good outdoor space
    • Polished yet casual atmosphere
  • 3. Fuchun Xiaolong

    $ | Jing'an

    Outfitted to evoke 1920s Shanghai, Fuchan regularly appears on lists of the city's best soup-dumpling restaurants. This branch was renovated in 2018, making it a particularly pleasant place to soak up a retro atmosphere over breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

    650 Yuyuan Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, China
    021

    Known For

    • Pork soup dumplings
    • Fried pork cutlet
    • Wonton soup
  • 4. Madam Zhu's Kitchen

    $ | Hongqiao

    Mall shoppers appreciate this mid-range, sit-down Chinese chain for its expansive menu of excellent contemporary dishes inspired by flavors from across the country.

    100 Zunyi Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, China
    021-6237–0681

    Known For

    • Roast duck
    • Fried rice cake with pork and shepherd's purse
    • Braised pork with cuttlefish
  • 5. Raw Eatery and Wood Grill

    $$$ | Jing'an

    If you've tired yourself out on the city's excellent Chinese food and just want a steak, head to this often-packed but laid-back Spanish eatery. It relies on incredibly high-quality ingredients and a Josper charcoal oven to make the magic happen.

    98 Yanping Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, China
    021-5175–9818

    Known For

    • Foie-gras terrine
    • Chilean Wagyu beef tartare
    • Josper-oven steaks

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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  • 6. Sumerian Specialty Coffee

    $ | Jing'an

    As the bags of beans sitting out, the variety of offerings, and the high prices indicate, coffee is serious business here. But the expertly prepared hot or cold brews are served without a hint of pretension, as are the salad bowls, sandwiches (on house-made bagels), and baked goods.

    415 Shaanxi Bei Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, 200040, China
    136-3651–8753

    Known For

    • Laid-back environment
    • Bulletproof coffee
    • Great selection of cakes

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 7. Taian Table

    $$$$ | Changning

    For a treat, head to Stefan Stiller's Michelin-starred Taian Table, where most seating is at a bar that wraps around a truly open and impressively orderly kitchen. The meticulously prepared dishes on the (mandatory) eight-course tasting menu change regularly and can be supplemented with equally well-made classic dishes and seasonal specials from an à la carte menu.

    No. 161, Lane 465, Zhenning Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, China
    173-0160–5350

    Known For

    • Sea urchin on sourdough
    • Lobster royal
    • Roasted cauliflower with beef cheek
  • 8. Together

    $$$ | Jing'an

    Helmed by Bina Yu, a young Korean chef who trained under Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Together typifies Shanghai's contemporary dining scene—a sleek but casual setting serving unfussy but interesting food. Developed and co-owned by the Neri & Hu design firm, the space is brilliant, as is Yu's thoughtful blend of French and Korean flavors.

    546 Yuyuan Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, China
    021-5299–8928

    Known For

    • Octopus with gochujang (red-chili paste)
    • Ume miso–glazed salmon
    • Rustic, home-style cakes and ice cream

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