Shanghai is China's largest city and a global financial hub, where gleaming skyscrapers tower over historic colonial-era buildings along the iconic Bund waterfront. A dynamic metropolis blending East and West, Shanghai offers world-class dining, vibrant arts and culture, and remarkable contrasts between ancient gardens and futuristic architecture.
Shanghai's cuisine (Hu Cai) is characterized by rich flavors using soy sauce, sugar, and Shaoxing wine, with an emphasis on freshness and seasonal ingredients. The city is famous for xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), red-braised pork belly (hong shao rou), smoked fish, drunken hairy crab (seasonal in autumn), and pan-fried buns. Beyond local specialties, Shanghai has evolved into one of Asia's premier international dining cities, with exceptional French, Japanese, Italian, and Southeast Asian options, plus the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in mainland China.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Shanghai.
Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)
Thin-skinned steamed dumplings filled with pork and a pool of hot broth — Shanghai's most iconic food. Bite carefully from the side to sip the broth first.
Where to try: Nanxiang Mantou Dian (Yu Garden), Din Tai Fung (IFC Mall)
Price: ¥28-68/basket ($4-9.50)
Shengjian Bao (Pan-fried Pork Buns)
Shanghai's other legendary dumpling — pan-fried until crispy on the bottom, then steamed to create a juicy pork filling inside. Topped with sesame and scallion.
Where to try: Yang's Fry Dumplings (multiple locations), Da Hu Chun
Price: ¥12-18/4 pieces ($1.70-2.50)
Hong Shao Rou (Red-braised Pork Belly)
Meltingly tender pork belly braised in soy sauce, rice wine, and rock sugar — a classic Shanghainese comfort dish found in every local restaurant.
Where to try: Jian Guo 328, Fu 1088, any local restaurant
Price: ¥38-148 ($5-20)
Drunken Hairy Crab (Seasonal)
Female hairy crabs marinated in Shaoxing wine and served raw — a prized autumn delicacy available October-December. Rich, creamy roe is the highlight.
Where to try: Fu 1088, Yongfoo Elite, upscale Shanghainese restaurants
Price: ¥200-400+ ($28-55)
Shengdi (Deep-fried Pork Cutlet on Noodles)
Shanghai-style fried pork cutlet served over thick wheat noodles in a savory broth — a beloved local lunch dish found at hole-in-the-wall noodle shops.
Where to try: Lao Ban Mian local noodle shops, Huangpu District
Price: ¥15-25 ($2-3.50)
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Nanxiang Mantou Dian
Founded in 1900, this legendary dim sum restaurant in Yu Garden Bazaar is famous for inventing the xiaolongbao soup dumpling. The original upstairs restaurant has queues that start before opening, but the ground floor takeaway counter offers the same dumplings to go.
Known for: The original xiaolongbao maker since 1900
85 Yuyuan Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Din Tai Fung
The world-renowned Michelin-starred dumpling chain is arguably the best place to eat consistent, high-quality xiaolongbao in Shanghai. The kitchen is visible through glass — watch chefs pleat exactly 18 folds per dumpling.
Known for: Michelin-starred xiaolongbao with perfectly pleated 18-fold skins
Unit 401-402, Shanghai IFC Mall, 8 Century Avenue, Pudong
Mr & Mrs Bund
Paul Pairet's acclaimed modern bistro on the Bund is one of Shanghai's most beloved restaurants, combining playful French cuisine with stunning Lujiazui views. The Late Night Menu served from 10:30PM is a popular option after a night out.
Known for: Playful fine French dining with Bund views and legendary late-night menu
6/F, Bund 18, 18 Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu
Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet
The world's most unique dining experience: a single 10-person table with a 20-course tasting menu synchronized with 360-degree projections, scent diffusion, and custom soundscapes. Widely considered one of Asia's best restaurants with three Michelin stars.
Known for: Three Michelin stars — the world's most immersive dining experience
Location revealed upon reservation, Shanghai
Fu 1088
Hidden inside a labyrinthine collection of restored 1930s French Concession villas, Fu 1088 serves refined traditional Shanghainese cuisine in extraordinary private dining rooms. The experience recreates the elegance of Republican-era Shanghai entertaining.
Known for: Refined Shanghainese cuisine in restored 1930s villa with private dining rooms
375 Zhenning Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai
Lost Heaven
A beautiful restaurant in a restored heritage building near People's Square serving the spicy, aromatic cuisine of Yunnan Province with Southeast Asian influences. The striking tribal-inspired decor and lively atmosphere make it one of Shanghai's most atmospheric dining experiences.
Known for: Yunnan minority cuisine with bold spices and stunning tropical ambiance
17 Yan'an East Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Yongfoo Elite
Set inside the former British Consulate in the French Concession, Yongfoo Elite serves exquisite Shanghainese dishes in elegant heritage rooms filled with antiques and art. Dining here feels like stepping into 1930s Shanghai high society.
Known for: Refined Shanghainese cuisine in former British Consulate with antique-filled rooms
200 Yongfu Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
T8 Restaurant
Located in the North Block of Xintiandi in a beautifully restored shikumen building, T8 serves refined contemporary cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere with an excellent wine cellar. A benchmark of the Xintiandi dining scene since 2001.
Known for: Elegant contemporary European dining in historic shikumen architecture
181 Taicang Road, North Block, Xintiandi, Huangpu
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
American
Boxing Cat Brewery
Shanghai's pioneering craft beer venue with its own microbrewery producing fresh ales and lagers on-site. The menu of pub classics, burgers, and pizzas pairs perfectly with seasonal limited-release beers, and live music events fill the venue on weekends.
Known for: Shanghai's original craft brewery with seasonal limited-release beers
82 Fuxing West Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
Egg
A lively breakfast and brunch institution in Jing'an known for creative egg dishes, thick-cut French toast, and excellent coffee. The weekend brunch queues are legendary, so arrive early or on a weekday for a peaceful meal.
Known for: The city's most popular American brunch spot with creative egg dishes
3/F, 399 Dagu Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai
The Nest
The North Bund's most popular sports bar and live music venue, The Nest offers excellent burgers, wings, and American pub fare alongside a huge selection of craft beers and cocktails. Live music performances most nights make it a lively after-dark destination.
Known for: North Bund's top sports bar with live music and waterfront views
6/F, 130 Beisuzhou Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai
Shanghainese
Yang's Fry Dumplings (Yang's Dumplings)
A legendary street food chain famous for its pan-fried pork and crab dumplings (shengjian bao) — crispy on the bottom, juicy and soupy inside. The queue can be long but moves fast, and each order takes only minutes.
Known for: Shanghai's most famous pan-fried dumpling institution
97 Huanghe Road, Huangpu District (main branch)
Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao
The Singapore-based Crystal Jade chain is well-established in Shanghai for its consistent, high-quality xiao long bao, hand-pulled noodles, and roasted meats. Multiple mall locations make it convenient throughout the city.
Known for: Reliable and consistent xiao long bao and hand-pulled noodles citywide
South Block, Xintiandi, 123 Xingye Road, Huangpu
Nan Xiang Xiao Long Restaurant
Not to be confused with the Yu Garden original, this well-regarded restaurant in the French Concession specializes in xiaolongbao and other Shanghainese dim sum standards with reliable quality and shorter queues than the famous tourist spots.
Known for: Dependable xiaolongbao and dim sum with shorter queues than tourist spots
189 Taicang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Chinese
Da Dong Roast Duck
The famous Beijing roast duck chain has a superb Shanghai outpost serving its signature thin-skinned, low-fat Peking duck alongside an extensive menu of contemporary Chinese dishes. The theatrical presentation — carving tableside — is part of the experience.
Known for: Renowned thin-skinned, low-fat Peking duck with theatrical tableside carving
5/F, IFC Mall, 8 Century Avenue, Pudong
Vegetarian Lifestyle (Zao Zi Shu)
A growing chain of stylish vegetarian restaurants inspired by Buddhist cuisine, serving creative plant-based versions of classic Chinese dishes. The dim sum brunch is excellent, and the menu caters well to vegans and those with dietary restrictions.
Known for: Stylish plant-based Chinese cuisine catering to vegetarians and vegans
77 Songshan Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Cantonese
Jiang's Kitchen
A locals' favorite tucked into the old French Concession serving authentic home-style Cantonese and Shanghainese dishes at honest prices. The kitchen is visible from the dining room, and the daily specials are always worth asking about.
Known for: Authentic home-style Cantonese and Shanghainese cooking loved by locals
54 Wulumuqi South Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
Cantonese Modern
Hakkasan Shanghai
The global Michelin-starred Cantonese brand has a spectacular Shanghai venue in Bund 18, serving elegant dim sum and contemporary Cantonese dishes in a dramatic black and gold lattice interior. The Peking duck and dim sum brunch are standout experiences.
Known for: Michelin-starred Cantonese in a dramatic black and gold interior
2/F, Bund 18, 18 Zhongshan East 1st Road
European
Commune Social
Jason Atherton's Jing'an restaurant is a lively social dining venue with tapas, small plates, and excellent desserts. The dessert bar at the back is legendary — watching pastry chefs craft intricate desserts in an open kitchen is part of the experience.
Known for: Jason Atherton's social dining with an iconic open dessert counter
511 Jiangning Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai
French
Jean-Georges Shanghai
Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Shanghai outpost on the Bund offers his signature light, herb-forward French cuisine with stunning river views. The restaurant consistently ranks among the city's best and holds two Michelin stars.
Known for: Two Michelin stars; Bund views with herb-forward French cuisine
4/F, Three on the Bund, 3 Zhongshan East 1st Road
Fusion
Fennel Fusion Food & Wine Bar
A charming wine bar and restaurant on a quiet French Concession lane serving European-inspired dishes with Asian touches alongside an excellent wine selection. The cozy garden terrace is one of Shanghai's best for a leisurely summer dinner.
Known for: Charming garden terrace wine bar in a quiet French Concession lane
2-B Taojiang Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
Health Food
Sproutworks
A health-conscious fast-casual chain serving customizable grain bowls, salads, and smoothies with locally sourced ingredients and sustainable packaging. Multiple French Concession and Jing'an locations make it a popular lunch destination for health-conscious locals.
Known for: Sustainable health-food bowls with locally sourced seasonal ingredients
358 Kangding Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai
Hong Kong Cantonese
Cha's Restaurant (Cha Can Ting)
An authentic Hong Kong-style tea restaurant (cha can ting) in the French Concession that has become a cult destination for its authentic milk tea, pineapple buns, and Cantonese comfort food. The worn formica tables and fluorescent lights perfectly replicate the Hong Kong original.
Known for: Cult Hong Kong tea restaurant with legendary milk tea and pineapple buns
30 Sinan Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
International
Wagas
A beloved café and restaurant chain with multiple locations citywide, Wagas serves fresh salads, grain bowls, wraps, smoothies, and excellent coffee. A reliable, healthy option in a city where Western dietary needs can be hard to accommodate.
Known for: Shanghai's most popular healthy café chain with citywide locations
Multiple locations (flagship: 1 Lujiazui Ring Road, Pudong)
International Café
Baker & Spice
Shanghai's favorite European-style bakery café with multiple French Concession locations, offering outstanding sourdough breads, pastries, salads, and café dishes. A perfect spot for a leisurely breakfast or weekend brunch in the leafy neighborhood.
Known for: Best European-style bakery and café brunch in the French Concession
195 Anfu Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
Italian
Mercato
Jean-Georges' casual Italian restaurant on the Bund serves wood-fired pizzas, housemade pastas, and fresh salads with quality Italian ingredients in a lively, informal setting. The antipasti bar and after-work aperitivo are popular with Shanghai expats.
Known for: Wood-fired Italian in an informal Bund rooftop setting
6/F, Three on the Bund, 3 Zhongshan East 1st Road
Mexican
Taco Popo
A beloved casual Mexican restaurant in the French Concession serving creative tacos, burritos, and margaritas at reasonable prices. A popular stop for expats craving quality Mexican food in a casual setting.
Known for: French Concession expat favorite for creative tacos and margaritas
7 Dongping Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
Modern Asian
People 7
A dramatic dining experience in a custom-designed space with rotating art installations on People's Square, serving inventive modern Asian cuisine. Chef's choice tasting menus change seasonally to reflect the best local produce.
Known for: Seasonal modern Asian cuisine in a stunning art-filled dining space
805 Nanjing West Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai
Moroccan
Barbarossa
A magical restaurant and bar on the edge of People's Park lake, Barbarossa creates a North African fantasy atmosphere with Persian rugs, tent canopies, and lanterns. The shisha terrace and cocktail bar overlooking the water are Shanghai's most atmospheric outdoor drinking spots.
Known for: Magical Moroccan lakeside bar in People's Park with shisha and cocktails
231 Nanjing West Road (People's Park), Huangpu
Shanghainese Breakfast
Bao Lo Ge
A hole-in-the-wall breakfast institution open since the 1980s, Bao Lo Ge serves the quintessential Shanghai morning meal: crispy jianbing (Chinese crepes) and doujiang (soy milk) alongside deep-fried crullers (youtiao). Arrives with neighborhood workers at 6AM.
Known for: The quintessential Shanghai breakfast: jianbing and warm soy milk since the 1980s
Near 58 Yuyuan Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Shanghainese Home Cooking
Jian Guo 328
A cult local favorite for authentic Shanghainese home-style cooking at very reasonable prices. The small, crowded restaurant is packed with locals enjoying braised pork belly, shrimp wontons, and other classic Shanghai comfort dishes.
Known for: Beloved local institution for authentic home-style Shanghainese cooking
328 Jianguo West Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
Shanghainese Street Food
Little Fang's Dumplings
A beloved street stall near the French Concession serving freshly boiled wontons in broth and fried dumplings from a tiny street-side kitchen. The kind of old Shanghai eating experience that is becoming harder to find as the city modernizes.
Known for: Authentic old Shanghai street wontons and fried dumplings, vanishingly rare today
Julu Road near Xingguo Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
Sichuan Hot Pot
Hot Pot House (Xiao Long Kan)
One of China's most popular Sichuan hot pot chains, Xiao Long Kan delivers an authentic mala (numbing-spicy) broth experience with premium ingredients. The theatrical service — servers in traditional costume — and customizable spice levels make it popular with tourists and locals alike.
Known for: Theatrically served authentic Sichuan mala hot pot with customizable spice levels
4/F, 168 Suzhou Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai
Spanish
El Willy
Award-winning Spanish restaurant by chef Willy Trullas Moreno on the Bund, serving creative small plates alongside an excellent Spanish wine and cocktail selection. The South Bund setting and vibrant atmosphere make it a top date night choice.
Known for: Creative Spanish tapas on the Bund from award-winning chef Willy
5/F, 22 Zhongshan East 2nd Road, Huangpu
Steakhouse
Shook! Shanghai
A high-energy multi-concept restaurant in Jing'an featuring an open kitchen and interactive grill stations serving prime steaks, fresh sushi, and international dishes. One of Shanghai's best Sunday brunches with unlimited prosecco.
Known for: High-energy multi-concept with Shanghai's best Sunday unlimited brunch
1 Changde Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai
Food tours & tastings in Shanghai
Eat your way through Shanghai with a guide.
Browse food experiences in ShanghaiWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Jianbing (Chinese Savory Crepe)
Thin wheat crepe spread with egg, hoisin sauce, chili, and crispy wafer — the most popular breakfast street food throughout China.
Find it at: Street carts near metro stations and residential areas, active 6-10AM
Tanghulu (Sugar-coated Fruit Skewers)
Hawthorn berries or other fruits dipped in hardened sugar syrup on bamboo skewers — a traditional winter snack popular at Yu Garden Bazaar.
Find it at: Yu Garden Bazaar, Nanjing Road, Qibao Ancient Town
Rou Jia Mo (Chinese Pork Burger)
Slow-cooked pork belly stuffed into a toasted flatbread bun — often called China's answer to the hamburger. Popular at lunch carts near office areas.
Find it at: Street carts and small shops throughout the city
Egg Waffles (Hong Kong Style)
Golden bubble waffles made to order and folded around ice cream or eaten plain — a popular sweet street snack spreading from Hong Kong cafes.
Find it at: Nanjing Road pedestrian area, Xintiandi
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Yunnan Southern Road Food Market
A local wet market in the old city neighborhood serving the community with fresh produce, live seafood, tofu, and breakfast snacks in an authentically local atmosphere.
Hours: 5:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Sinan Mansions Farmers Market
Weekly organic and artisan food market on Sundays in the gardens of Sinan Mansions, featuring local produce, homemade preserves, and specialty foods from small producers.
Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Sundays only)
Fuyou Road Antique and Snack Market
A weekend antique market near Yu Garden with street food stalls selling traditional Shanghai snacks like smoked fish, turnip cake, and rice wine.
Hours: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM (weekends)
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Download Dianping (Chinese Yelp) for the most current local restaurant recommendations
For popular restaurants, queue systems are common — get a queue number at the door and wait
Many restaurants require WeChat Pay or Alipay — have cash as a backup for street food
Hairy crab season (October-December) is the best time to try premium Shanghainese cuisine
Breakfast is a cultural experience — visit a local market for jianbing, youtiao, and warm soy milk
Ask for 'bu yao la' (no spice) if you can't handle heat in Sichuan or Hunan restaurants
- Vegetarian
- Increasing number of vegetarian options at modern restaurants; Buddhist temple restaurants (Jade Buddha Temple) offer excellent vegetarian Chinese cuisine; the Zao Zi Shu chain is fully vegetarian
- Halal
- Halal restaurants available near Xiaotaoyuan Mosque in Huangpu; Muslim-majority areas in Hongkou have halal options
- Gluten free
- Difficult due to widespread use of soy sauce; communicate clearly with staff — say 'wu mai fen' (no wheat flour); Japanese restaurants often have gluten-free soy sauce options
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ¥20-50 per meal ($3-7) | Street food stalls, local breakfast spots, cafeteria-style local restaurants |
| Mid-range | ¥100-300 per meal ($14-42) | Sit-down restaurants with table service including a shared dish plus rice or noodles |
| Upscale | ¥500+ per person ($69+) | Michelin-starred and fine dining restaurants on the Bund and in Xintiandi |