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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 load
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 o
You'll notice that most Chinese restaurants in Shanghai have large, round tables. The reason becomes clear the first tim
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.
Southern China's Yunnan cuisine—with Burmese, Vietnamese, and Thai influences—is highlighted at this restaurant, which has a second location in the Former French Concession. Though service at this branch lacks a bit, the dining room is romantic, with dim lighting and exotic, traditional decor; in warmer months, try for a table on the spacious roof deck.
17 Yan'an Dong Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, 200001, China
Though the decor here is thoroughly modern, it still evokes old Canton, with gorgeous tiled floors and painted murals of women in qipao dresses. The classic Cantonese dishes have been refined, elevated, and updated to perfectly match the stunning contemporary view of the Pudong skyline.
3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, 200000, China
Outfitted in gorgeous pale wood with an aesthetic that feels almost Japanese in its minimalism, this light, airy shop specializes in one thing: crab noodles. They don't come cheap, but you can taste the care and craftsmanship in each serving—plus, the premium bowls are topped with gold flakes.
59 Guangdong Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, 200000, China
This hole-in-the-wall shop makes traditional Shanghaiese shengjianbao (fried soup dumplings) with wrappings that are pillowy and soft rather than thin and chewy. Take care not to scald your mouth with the piping-hot soup inside the dumplings, and try to come off-hours to avoid the inevitable morning and lunchtime crowds.
136 Sichuan Zhong Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, 200000, China
Hong Kong "Demon Chef" Alvin Leung does playful, inventive, excellent takes on Hong Kong street food at this casual-concept restaurant, where a dimly lit interior features neon signs and pumping music. If you're feeling flush with funds, book a seat at Leung's upscale Bo Shanghai speakeasy (it's hidden behind an unmarked wall), for a fine-dining tour of regional cuisines remixed with Western flair.
5 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, 200000, China
Prolific restaurateur Jean-Georges Vongerichten's namesake restaurant has delighted Shanghai for quite a few years now, but Mercato is a whole different animal—one where the kitchen really shines with its smaller plates and pizza. Also polished is the industrial chic interior featuring iron, steel, reclaimed wood, and black-leather and wooden chairs that celebrate form and function.
17 Guangdong Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, 200002, China
Open into the wee hours, chef Paul Pairet's Bund-side eatery features not only satisfying modern French dishes but also a lengthy list of wines by the glass. If you're not a night owl, come for lunch or brunch, when the terrace views of Pudong's skyine are especially gorgeous.
18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, 200002, China
To reach this Paul Pairet (of Mr & Mrs Bund fame) restaurant, you board a minibus bound for a secret, 10-seat location, somewhere near Suzhou Creek, where you're served several courses, each one paired with customized video projections, songs, and aromas. Several different dining experiences are offered, but all of them are as pricey (seats start at Y4,000) and exclusive (deposits and reservations accepted three months out) as they are unique.
18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, 200002, China
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