Shanghai has one of the best restaurant scenes in Asia. Whether you’re after local dumplings, a long lazy brunch, or a proper fine dining experience, the city delivers at every level.
This guide covers the best restaurants in Shanghai two ways — by area, so you can find something good based on where you are, and by cuisine, so you can find exactly what you’re in the mood for.
For local Shanghainese dishes specifically, see our Shanghainese Food guide.
For a broader overview of Shanghai’s food scene, see our Shanghai Food & Drink guide.
Start Here: First-Time Visitors
If it’s your first time in Shanghai, keep it simple:
- Jia Jia Tang Bao – excellent xiaolongbao at surprisingly reasonable prices
- Din Tai Fung – polished, consistent and easy, but pricier
- Lao Sheng Xing – everyday local food from a popular chain
Want more? See the Shanghainese Food guide.
Best Areas to Eat in Shanghai
Jing’an (central, easiest option)
- KLAY – Modern Indian
- Homeslice Pizza – casual pizza, reliable
- Aster By Joshua Paris – modern French with Asian influences, Michelin Guide recognised.
- Cages — Enormous sports bar near Jiangning Road with casual food (the Jambalaya pasta is the standout), live sports on countless screens and a long list of games including bowling, pool and darts. Great for adults and kids alike.
Huangpu (The Bund, best for views)
- Jia Jia Tang Bao – one of Shanghai’s best-known dumpling restaurants.
- Polux – French bistro style restaurant in Xintiandi.
- Mr & Mrs Bund – modern French, Bund views.
- Lost Heaven – bold Yunnan cuisine in a striking setting.
- Imperial Treasure – Michelin awarded Cantonese restaurant, fantastic dim sum.
Xuhui (cafés, casual dining and neighbourhood spots)
- RAC Coffee – French Gallettes (sweet and savoury). Read our RAC Coffee review.
- Atica – Great Spanish option from the Bottega group.
- Atelier No 3 – Half bar, half restaurant, with lots of dishes plus well crafted cocktails.
- Cuivre — Relaxed French bistro on Huaihai Road, chef-owned since 2011. Pet-friendly terrace, great for a casual lunch or weekend brunch.
- High Yaki — One of the best special occasion restaurants in the city. Japanese-influenced with a focus on yakitori and dry-aged beef. Book the counter seats. See our full High Yaki review.
Changning (quieter, away from the busy centre)
- The Cannery – A Shanghai stalwart, great brunch destination and frequent special deals.
- Lawry’s The Prime Rib – classic prime rib, special occasion spot.
- El Bodegon Argentine steakhouse, good value
- In & Out 一座一忘云南菜 – A great modern Yunnan restaurant. We also have a useful guide to Yunnan food.
If you’re not sure where to start, Jing’an is usually the safest bet.
Local Neighbourhood Spots (Less Touristy)
If you want something more local, skip the big areas and go where people actually live and eat.
- Lao Sheng Xing – a chain, but still gives a solid local xiaolongbao experience.
- Yang’s Dumplings – chain specialising in pan-fried shengjian buns.
- Huxi Old Alley Noodles – local dry noodles, two locations, consistently reliable.
Browse by Cuisine
Shanghai’s international restaurant scene is one of the best in Asia. Whether you’re a visitor after something familiar or an expat craving a taste of home, you’ll find it here.
Shanghainese
Shanghainese cuisine is known for its rich, slightly sweet flavours and comforting dishes like xiaolongbao and red-braised pork. For a full guide to the dishes and where to try them, see our Shanghainese Food guide.
Old Jesse 老吉士 A long-standing favourite for traditional Shanghainese food, known for dishes such as hong shao rou (red-braised pork) and sweet and sour pork ribs. Expect a lively atmosphere and classic home-style cooking. 41 Tianping Road, Xuhui District | 徐汇区天平路41号
Jia Jia Tang Bao 佳家汤包 One of the best-known places in Shanghai for xiaolongbao, and still one of the best despite its popularity with visitors. The dumplings are made fresh to order with delicate wrappers and rich, piping hot broth inside. It’s very much a no-frills experience and can get busy, but the quality-to-price ratio is exceptional by Shanghai standards. 127 Huang He Road, Huangpu District | 黄浦区黄河路127号
Other Chinese Regional Cuisine
Beyond Shanghainese food, Shanghai has excellent representation from across China — Cantonese, Sichuan, Hunan and Yunnan in particular.
Imperial Treasure Fantastic Cantonese dim sum, Michelin-starred and not cheap — but if you go at lunch and stick to dim sum, it’s still reasonable value. For dessert, the 样子甘露豆腐花 is a must. 99 Beijing Road East, 4th Floor | 北京东路99号
Jade Garden A Hong Kong chain with several locations, serving very good authentic Cantonese dim sum at lunch. In the evening the focus shifts to more substantial dishes. IAPM Shopping Mall, 999 Huaihai Middle Road, 3rd Floor | 环贸广场淮海中路999号三楼
Han Lin Xuan Authentic Cantonese dim sum on the 5th floor of Times Square on Huaihai Road. More traditional than some of the other options, with less of the modern takes on classic dishes, but a solid choice. Times Square, 5th Floor, 99 Huaihai Middle Road, Huangpu District
Sichuan Citizen A foreigner-friendly take on Sichuan cuisine with familiar dishes in a comfortable setting. Good if you want the flavour without the full intensity of traditional Sichuan spice, and the menu is in English. 2/F, 378 Wukang Road | 武康路378号2楼 | Tel: 021-5404 1235
Di Shui Dong Very popular with expats and locals alike, this Hunan restaurant has been around for the best part of 20 years. The cumin spare ribs are a must. 2/F, 56 Maoming South Road | 茂名南路56号2楼 | Tel: 021-6218 1476
In & Out 一座一忘云南菜 A great modern Yunnan restaurant with dishes full of flavour. Portions aren’t huge, which means you can order widely — my favourites include the sautéed Tai An potatoes, fried pine mushrooms, beef with mint and the smoked eggplant. See our Yunnan food guide for more. 72 Xingguo Road, Changning District | 长宁区兴国路72号 | Tel: 021-6299 1171
French
French restaurants in Shanghai range from grand brasseries with Bund views to relaxed neighbourhood bistros that feel like they could be on a Parisian side street. Here are some of the best.
Cuivre One of Shanghai’s most enduring French restaurants, chef-owned and run by Michael Wendling since 2011. Cuivre sits away from the expensive showiness of The Bund and Xintiandi, which is precisely part of its appeal — this is casual, relaxed, unstuffy French cooking at its best. The menu covers classic French dishes alongside some surprises, including what many regulars consider the best burger in the neighbourhood. The must-order dish is the rocket and spinach salad with bacon and goat’s cheese. At weekends there’s a brunch menu with classic options including potato rosti with smoked salmon and eggs benedict. The terrace is pet friendly and a great spot for outdoor dining when the weather plays along. 1502 Huaihai Middle Road, Xuhui District | 淮海中路1502号
Polux A French bistro-style restaurant in Xintiandi by acclaimed chef Paul Pairet, offering high-quality cooking in a more relaxed setting than some of its neighbours. A good choice when you want something refined without the full Bund price tag. North Block, No. 5, Lane 181 Taicang Lu, Huangpu District | 黄浦区太仓路181弄5号新天地北里
Mr & Mrs Bund Another Paul Pairet creation — a long-standing modern French restaurant with great views and a loyal following, and one of the better-known brunch destinations in the city. Note that the balcony area is for admiring the view only; table seating is inside. 6/F, Bund 18, 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, Huangpu District | 黄浦区中山东一路18号6楼
British
British food in Shanghai is more limited but better represented than you might expect, from pubs serving classic comfort food to proper pie shops.
The Guinness Social A British-owned bar and restaurant in Tianzifang serving all the classics — pie and mash, fish and chips, full English breakfast — plus a Sunday roast every week with all the trimmings including Yorkshire pudding and cauliflower cheese. It can be tricky to find in the Tianzifang maze: enter from Taikang Road exit 1 and walk about 150 metres. Lane 210, Taikang Road | 黄浦区泰康路210弄7号
Pie Society A small shop on pedestrianised Xingfu Road just off Panyu Road. The focus is British-style pies and they’re great — my personal favourite is The Premiership, filled with spicy Balti chicken. They also do fish and chips and a full English breakfast. 381 Panyu Road, Xingfuli Block B, Unit 102 | 长宁区番禺路381号幸福里B楼102室
Indian
Shanghai has a growing Indian food scene, from casual curry houses to more refined modern dining.
Klay Not a traditional Indian restaurant — more modern in style, but easily one of my favourite places in the city. At the helm is British-Indian chef Hardeep, who has created some outstanding dishes. They have a fully stocked bar and a wide range of wines, beers and cocktails, making this a great choice for a boozy brunch or a great night out. 1124 Beijing Road West, Jing’an District | 静安区北京西路1124号 | Tel: 021-5278 8175
Vedas A much more traditional Indian restaurant that has been around for over 20 years. All the classics are here: Mutton Rogan Josh, Aloo Gobi, Tadka Daal and more. 83 Changshu Road, Jing’an District | 静安区常熟路83号 | Tel: 021-6445 8100
Italian
Italian food in Shanghai ranges from traditional trattorias to more modern upscale dining.
Bottega Incredibly popular casual restaurant and bar, originally from Beijing and now with two Shanghai locations. Lively atmosphere, DJ later in the evening, and an impressive bar and wine room. No bookings, but there’s a dedicated waiting area. The pizzas use authentic imported ingredients with 24-hour fermented dough and have won multiple awards. The Brussels sprouts side dish is better than it has any right to be. Kwah Centre, 108 Xiangyang Bei Lu, near Huaihai Zhong Lu | 嘉华中心1楼, 襄阳北路108号
Da Marco One of the oldest Italian restaurants in Shanghai — I first came here in 1999 when it was one of only a handful of Italian options. Long waits for tables are rarer now than they once were, but booking is still advised. Da Marco remains one of my favourites: the food is good, prices are very reasonable, and the vibe is hard to beat. Being regulars means we always get complimentary Prosecco on arrival. You can still occasionally spot the original chef and owner Marco Barbieri, who has been in Shanghai since the mid-1990s. 1/F, Golden Bridge Garden, 103 Dong Zhu’anbang Lu, near Jiangsu Lu, Changning District | 东渚安浜路103号1楼
Japanese
Japanese food is hugely popular in Shanghai, with everything from high-end omakase counters to casual ramen shops.
High Yaki One of my favourite restaurants in the city and often my choice for special occasions. Not a traditional Japanese restaurant, but strong on yakitori, sashimi-based dishes and yakiniku — barbecued dry-aged beef with many cuts to choose from. The thinly cut A5 Wagyu ribeye barely needs cooking and melts in the mouth, though at around 158 RMB a slice, order wisely. The menu has plenty of more affordable dishes too, so a healthy mix won’t break the bank. Book seats at the counter if you can — watching the kitchen in full swing is half the experience. See my full High Yaki write-up for more. 481 Jianguo Xi Lu, near Yueyang Lu, Xuhui District | 建国西路481号
Ochiyo A more traditional Japanese experience, focused on raw fish served omakase style — you pay a fixed price and the chef selects dishes based on what’s fresh and in season. Expensive, but the quality and knife skills are beyond question. Note that they have recently moved, so double-check the address before you go. 2nd Floor, 1398 Kaixuan Road, Changning District | 长宁区凯旋路1398号2楼
Ramen Mitsuyoshi 满吉拉面 Gets mentioned on almost every best ramen list in Shanghai and for good reason. This is the original location of what has since become a small chain. Fantastic pork bone broth ramen with the trademark text-printed seaweed. Small space, expect a wait, worth it. 501-2 Liyuan Lu | 丽园路501号-2号
Niku Niku Oh!! Kome (肉肉大米) is a great Japanese hamburger steak chain that offers great quality, freshly ground hamburgers as part of a set meal that also includes unlimited broccoli, soup and imported Japanese rice for well below 100¥. Various locations including 1618 Nanjing Road West 黄南京西路1618号久光百货B1层
North American
The Cheesecake Factory Don’t let the name fool you — this is a fully-fledged restaurant with an enormous menu of American comfort food. Portions are huge, so order carefully. Personal favourites are the Gumbo and the fish tacos. Gets very busy at peak times across all three Shanghai locations: Taikoo Hui, Taikoo Li and Disney Town. 3rd Floor, Taikoo Hui Mall, 288 Shimen Yi Road, Jing’an District | 静安区石门一路288号
Cages A huge sports bar with casual food (burgers, pizza, salads, pasta), countless screens for live sports and a long list of games — bowling, pool, pinball, basketball hoops, darts and more. Great for adults and kids alike. My pick from the food menu is the Jambalaya pasta. 3rd Floor, 428 Jiangning Road, Jing’an District | 江宁路428号3楼
Lawry’s The Prime Rib The original opened in Beverly Hills in 1938. This is Lawry’s second attempt at Shanghai after a previous location in Xintiandi closed — when that one went dark I used to fly to Hong Kong for my fix, so having it back is very welcome. Not cheap, and firmly in special-occasion territory. Just get the beef — ideally the Lawry’s cut. It comes with the famous spinning salad and Yorkshire pudding, which as a Brit is the only thing I’d change, but the beef more than makes up for it. B1, 168 Wuyi Road WYSH development, Changning District | 武夷路168号B1
Spanish
Tomatito A reliable tapas restaurant now in its second Shanghai location. Good selection of tapas and mains, and a great choice for weekend brunch on the sprawling balcony when the weather cooperates. Always on my list for Restaurant Week. 3rd Floor, 168 Hubin Road, Huangpu District | 黄浦区湖滨路168号3楼
Atica The newer option, on the fifth floor of a former hotel with a roof patio and indoor seating. Sister restaurant to Bottega — these people know what they’re doing. The Spanish tortilla, Jamon platter, prawns in garlic oil and Padron peppers are all excellent. See our full Atica review. 5th Floor, 82 Xinle Road, Xuhui District | 徐汇区新乐路82号5楼
Modern and International
Aster by Joshua Paris A modern chef-led restaurant blending different influences with a strong focus on seasonal ingredients and presentation. Recently recognised by the Michelin Guide 2026. See our full Aster review. 2nd Floor, 150 Yongyuan Road | 永源路150号2楼
Brunch: Where To Eat In Shanghai
Weekend brunch has always been a popular expat ritual in Shanghai — lazy, sometimes boozy, and taken seriously by some of the city’s best restaurants. Here are some of the top options:
Polux — Paul Pairet’s French bistro in Xintiandi does brunch in a stylish but unfussy setting, with outdoor seating available. Good quality cooking without the full Bund price tag.
RAC Coffee — A Xuhui neighbourhood favourite with a menu that covers galettes, crêpes, brunch classics and sandwiches, all done well in a relaxed café setting. One of the more original all-day brunch spots in the city. See our full RAC Coffee review.
The Cannery — A Shanghai stalwart and one of the most reliable brunch destinations in the city. Order 3 dishes for 198 RMB, so two people can share 6 small plates for 198 RMB each. Good value for the quality.
Aster by Joshua Paris — Recently recognised by the Michelin Guide 2026, Aster also offers a weekend brunch menu. One of the more refined options if you want something special.
Cuivre — Casual, relaxed and unstuffy, with a weekend brunch menu that includes classic options like potato rosti with smoked salmon and eggs benedict. The pet-friendly terrace is a bonus when the weather is good.
Mr & Mrs Bund — Another Paul Pairet venue and one of the better-known brunch spots in the city, with great Bund views. Note that table seating is inside; the balcony is for views only.
Tomatito — A popular Spanish tapas restaurant with a long terrace that makes it a great choice for outdoor weekend brunch when the weather is good.
Highline — American-style brunch with a nice outdoor terrace, conveniently located near Xintiandi. The menu covers the classics: eggs benedict, chicken and waffles and more. A solid choice if you want a relaxed outdoor brunch in a central location near Xintiandi.
Must-Try Food Experiences in Shanghai
If you want to experience Shanghai food properly, start with these:
Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao)
This is what most people come for. Delicate dumplings filled with hot broth and pork.
- Jia Jia Tang Bao – excellent xiaolongbao at surprisingly reasonable prices.
- Din Tai Fung – more comfortable, very consistent, more pricey.
To understand the different types of dumplings you’ll come across, see our Shanghai dumplings guide.
For street food and classic xiaolongbao in a historic setting, see my Yu Gardens Shanghai guide.
Shengjianbao (Pan-Fried Dumplings)
Crispy on the bottom, soft on top, and filled with juicy pork.
- Yang’s Dumplings – the most well-known option, easy to find across the city.
For more dishes, see the Shanghainese Food guide.
Hot Pot
A social meal where you cook meat and vegetables in a bubbling pot of broth at your table.
- Hai Di Lao – famous for service and reasonable pricing, a good introduction to hotpot.
Late Night Eats: Where To Eat In Shanghai
Shanghai is a late city. If you’re out late, you’ll still find plenty of options.
- BBQ skewers
- Noodle shops
- Small local restaurants
If it’s busy, it’s usually a safe bet.
Sweet Treats & Dessert Spots
Shanghai does desserts well, especially if you’re in the mood for something light after a meal.
- Azabuya – matcha-focused soft serve and Japanese-style ice cream
- Lady M – famous for mille crêpe cakes, great for a sit-down dessert
- Häagen-Dazs – easy to find, reliable if you just want something familiar
- Dairy Queen – quick, cheap and everywhere
Insider Tip: Use Dianping
Most restaurants in Shanghai are listed on Dianping. It’s the easiest way to find where to eat in Shanghai close to where you are and see what locals actually rate highly. But be careful, if venues have maximum ratings (5 stars) it’s often too good to be true. Sometimes it’s the ones with more modest ratings (because they focus on the food and aren’t chasing ratings) that are the true gems.
You can:
- Search for restaurants near you
- Check real reviews
- See photos of dishes
- Access discounts not available in-store
See the Essential Apps guide for how to use it
Quick Picks: Where to Eat in Shanghai
If you don’t want to overthink it, start here:
- First time in Shanghai: Din Tai Fung
- Best Xiaolongbao experience: Jia Jia Tang Bao (soup dumplings)
- Easy area to explore and eat: Xuhui
- Best for a mix of everything: Jing’an
- Best views: The Bund
- Best brunch: Polux — French bistro in Xintiandi with outdoor seating
Final Tips
- If a place is busy, that’s usually a good sign
- Don’t rely too much on Google Maps reviews in Shanghai
- Be flexible, some of the best meals are unplanned
Shanghai is one of those cities where it’s hard to eat badly.
Explore more:
Travel Essentials | Things To Do | Supermarkets in Shanghai | Shanghai Dumplings