Best Restaurants in Shanghai: Where to Eat in the City of Dreams
Shanghai is the culinary capital of China. It is a city where 100-year-old soup dumpling stalls sit in the shadow of Michelin-starred skyscrapers. The food scene is a mix of traditional Benbang (Shanghainese) cuisine, characterized by soy-infused sweetness, and international talent attracted by the city’s massive economy. You can eat a world-class croissant for breakfast, hairy crab for lunch, and high-end Italian for dinner. This guide cuts through the noise to show you the best restaurants in Shanghai, ranging from literal holes-in-the-wall to the most exclusive dining rooms on the Bund.
Must-try dishes in Shanghai
Before booking a table, you need to know what to order. These are the non-negotiables:
- Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings): Thin-skinned dumplings filled with minced pork and a hot, savory broth. Dip them in black vinegar and ginger.
- Shengjianbao (Pan-fried Pork Buns): These are thicker than xiaolongbao, fried in a shallow pan until the bottoms are crunchy, and topped with sesame seeds.
- Hongshao Rou (Braised Pork Belly): A Shanghainese staple. The meat is slow-cooked in soy sauce, sugar, and rice wine until it melts in your mouth.
- Scallion Oil Noodles (Congyou Banmian): Simple, aromatic, and cheap. Thin wheat noodles tossed in oil infused with fried scallions and dark soy sauce.
- Hairy Crab: Available seasonally (typically October to December). The roe is creamy, rich, and highly prized by locals.
- Lion’s Head Meatballs: Large pork meatballs steamed or braised with bok choy, designed to resemble a guardian lion’s head.
Best restaurants for a splurge
If you are looking for where to eat in Shanghai for a special occasion, these three spots define the city’s high-end dining.
Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet (Huangpu)
Ultraviolet is not just a meal; it is a multi-sensory experience. Located in a secret warehouse, only 10 guests are served per night. The 20-course menu uses lights, sounds, and scents to enhance the flavor of each dish. It is consistently ranked among the world’s best and holds three Michelin stars. Book months in advance.
Fu He Hui (Changning)
This is high-end vegetarian dining that will impress even the most dedicated meat-eaters. Located in a quiet villa, Fu He Hui offers set menus focused on mushrooms, seasonal vegetables, and tofu prepared with incredible technical skill. The atmosphere is zen-like and minimalist, making it a perfect escape from the city's chaos.
Yi Long Court (The Bund)
Located inside The Peninsula, this is the gold standard for Cantonese dining in Shanghai. The dining room is designed like a 1920s noble residence. Order the dim sum platter and the barbecued Iberian pork with honey. It offers a refined view of the Huangpu River without the pretension of newer fusion spots.
Best casual restaurants and local favorites
These are the workhorse restaurants of the city. They are consistent, reasonably priced, and represent the "real" best restaurants in Shanghai for daily dining.
Old Jesse (Xuhui)
Old Jesse is the quintessential Shanghainese restaurant. It is small, crowded, and serves the best braised pork belly and cod head with scallions in the city. You need a reservation to get in. If you want to understand the soul of local Benbang cuisine, this is the place to start.
Fu Chun (Jing’an)
Fu Chun is a multi-story institution on Yuyuan Road. It feels like a cafeteria but produces some of the most consistent xiaolongbao and fried pork cutlets in town. It is popular with Shanghai’s older generation, which is always a sign of quality. The ginger-soy dipping sauce here is perfectly balanced.
Din Tai Fung (Multiple Locations)
While it is a global chain from Taiwan, the Shanghai outlets are remarkably high-quality. It is the safest bet for high-standard hygiene and consistent soup dumplings. Their shrimp and pork wontons in spicy sauce are a staple for expats and locals alike. Use the location in Xintiandi for people-watching.
Benlai (Huangpu)
Benlai specializes in spicy Hunan cuisine. It is loud, modern, and very popular with a younger crowd. The signature dish is the fish head with chopped chilies. Be prepared for high heat levels and a wait for a table during peak dinner hours.
Best cheap eats and street food
You don’t need a big budget to find the best restaurants in Shanghai. Some of the most memorable meals cost less than five dollars.
Yang’s Fry Dumplings (Multiple Locations)
Yang’s is the most famous spot for shengjianbao (pan-fried buns). The bottoms are thick and crunchy, while the soup inside is piping hot. They have expanded into a massive chain, but the quality remains high across the city. Look for the bright pink signage.
Wei Xiang Zhai (Huangpu)
Located on Yandang Road, this tiny shop is famous for its Sesame Paste Noodles (ma jiang mian). The sauce is thick, nutty, and slightly spicy. It is a true "no-frills" experience—you pay at the counter, get a plastic token, and squeeze into a shared table.
Jia Jia Tang Bao (Huangpu)
For xiaolongbao that rivals the high-end spots at a fraction of the price, go here. They make everything to order. The pork and crab roe dumplings are the standout. Get there before noon, as they often sell out of the most popular fillings by lunch.
Street Food: Jianbing (Any busy street corner)
Jianbing is the ultimate Shanghainese breakfast crepe. It is cooked on a flat griddle, filled with an egg, scallions, cilantro, hoisin sauce, and a crispy cracker (baocui). You can find vendors in the early morning near metro stations or tucked into wet markets.
Best breakfast and brunch
Shanghai has a massive café culture. If you need a break from traditional Chinese fare, these spots lead the way.
RAC II (Xuhui)
RAC is the king of the Shanghai brunch scene. Located in a stylish courtyard in the Former French Concession, they specialize in savory galettes and sweet crepes. The coffee is excellent, and the vibe is peak "cool Shanghai." Expect a long wait on weekends.
Polux (Xintiandi)
A French bistro by the same chef behind Ultraviolet, Polux offers a more accessible way to taste Paul Pairet’s cooking. The eggs benedict and croque monsieur are highlights. Sitting on the outdoor terrace in Xintiandi is one of the best ways to spend a Saturday morning.
Bread ETC (Multiple Locations)
This is a reliable bakery and café for those who want a heavy breakfast. Their shakshuka and fresh-baked sourdough are standard-bearers in the city. Large windows and communal tables make it a great spot for remote work or a casual family breakfast.
Best rooftop or view dining
The Pudong skyline is one of the most iconic views in the world. These restaurants capitalize on that backdrop.
M on the Bund (The Bund)
M on the Bund was one of the first high-end restaurants to open on the Bund and remains a classic. The terrace offers an unobstructed view of the Lujiazui skyline. The food is European-inspired, with their "Pavlova" being a mandatory dessert order.
Flair Rooftop (Pudong)
Located on the 58th floor of the Ritz-Carlton, Flair is the highest outdoor terrace in China. While it is technically a lounge/bar, they serve excellent Southeast Asian tapas. The view of the Oriental Pearl Tower is so close it feels like you can touch it.
Char Bar and Grill (South Bund)
Situated in the Hotel Indigo, Char offers a slightly different perspective of the river. It focuses on premium steaks and seafood. The atmosphere is more masculine and moody than the bright lights of the mid-Bund, making it a great date spot.
Best food neighborhoods to wander
If you don’t have a specific destination, head to these neighborhoods:
- The Former French Concession (Wukang Road/Anfu Road): This is the heart of the city’s trendy café and bistro scene. You will find artisanal bakeries, wine bars, and fusion restaurants every ten meters.
- Jing’an (Wuding Road): A hub for expats and young professionals. This area has a high concentration of casual international dining, from Mexican tacos to Japanese yakitori.
- Huangpu (Yunnan South Road): One of the city’s oldest food streets. It is the best place to find traditional steamed poultry, old-school noodle shops, and traditional Muslim-Chinese lamb skewers.
- Pudong (Lujiazui): While mostly corporate, the malls here (like IFC and Super Brand Mall) house high-end branches of famous restaurants from all over Asia.
Operating hours and reservation requirements in Shanghai change frequently; always check a local app like Dazhong Dianping before visiting.