I’ve been writing about Shanghai food and drink since 1999 and the city still surprises me. Whether you’re here for a week or you’ve just moved to the city, this is one of the best places in the world to eat and drink — and that’s not hyperbole.
For visitors, Shanghai is an introduction to some of the finest Chinese regional cooking you’ll find anywhere, from delicate xiaolongbao in a no-frills dumpling shop to bold Yunnan flavours and refined Cantonese dim sum. For expats settling in, the good news is that you won’t be living on local food alone unless you want to — the international dining scene here is genuinely world-class, with everything from a proper British pie to Michelin-recognised modern cuisine.
Looking for specific restaurant recommendations? See our Where to Eat in Shanghai guide for the best options by area and style.
The sections below will point you in the right direction, whatever you’re looking for.
Shanghai Food & Drink: Where to Start
Shanghai has one of the most diverse food and drink scenes in Asia — local street food, world-class fine dining, and everything in between. Whether you’re here for a few days or settling in long-term, use the sections below to find what you’re looking for.
Shanghainese Food
If it’s your first time in Shanghai, local food is where to start. Shanghainese cuisine is known for its rich, slightly sweet flavours — and its dumplings in particular are world-famous for good reason.
→ Shanghainese Food Guide
→ Shanghai Dumplings Guide
→ Xiaolongbao vs Shengjian
→ Best Xiaolongbao in Shanghai
Restaurants in Shanghai
Beyond local food, Shanghai’s international dining scene is one of the best in Asia. French bistros, Japanese omakase counters, modern Indian, Argentine steakhouses, British pubs with proper Sunday roasts — it’s all here, and much of it is genuinely excellent.
→ Where to Eat in Shanghai — browse by area, cuisine and occasion
Brunch in Shanghai
Weekend brunch is an institution for Shanghai expats — lazy, often boozy, and taken seriously by some of the city’s best restaurants. Options range from relaxed neighbourhood bistros to Michelin-recognised spots.
→ Best Brunch in Shanghai — top picks across the city
Coffee Shops in Shanghai
Shanghai reportedly has more coffee shops than any other city in the world. Independent cafés are everywhere, particularly in the former French Concession, and the quality is consistently high.
A few well-known spots:
Metal Hands — A very popular independent café on Nanchang Road, known for creative drinks like the Dirty Pistachio coffee. Always busy for good reason. 234 Nanchang Road, Huangpu District
Onirii Coffee — A small, cosy spot just off Huaihai Road with hand drip options, matcha drinks and a quieter atmosphere than most. One of my personal favourites. 366-1 Changle Road, Huangpu District
Manner Coffee — It’s a chain with locations all over the city, but it’s consistently good whilst also being excellent value for money. Bring your own cup for 5 RMB off your already cheap beverage.
A full guide to the best coffee shops in Shanghai is coming soon.
Bars in Shanghai
From rooftop terraces with skyline views to neighbourhood wine bars and serious cocktail dens, Shanghai’s bar scene punches well above its weight.
A few places worth knowing about:
Flair Bar — On the 58th floor of the Ritz-Carlton in Pudong, this open-air rooftop bar has views that still justify the prices. One of the few tourist-list recommendations I’d stand behind without hesitation.
Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 58th Floor, 8 Century Avenue, Pudong
Sober Company — One of Shanghai’s top cocktail bars, now inside the INS complex within Fuxing Park. Multiple floors, different vibes on each level, serious drinks upstairs.
109 Yandang Road, Huangpu District
Barbarossa — A favourite of mine for 2 decades, this restaurant and bar is located in the middle of People’s Park by a small lake with a balcony overlooking the lake. Their 2-for-1 happy hour is a great deal and includes spirits, wines and beer.
231 Nanjing Road West, Huangpu District
A full guide to the best bars in Shanghai is coming soon.
Planning your time in Shanghai?
From the Bund to hidden neighbourhood gems, our Things to Do in Shanghai guide covers the city’s top sights, food streets and local experiences.
Explore more
Where To Eat In Shanghai | Shanghainese Food | Supermarkets in Shanghai