Safety Score
7/10
Currency
CNY
Language
Mandarin
Timezone
Asia/Shanghai
About Shanghai
Shanghai, a dazzling blend of East and West, captivates travelers with its stunning skyline dominated by the futuristic Oriental Pearl Tower and the historic Bund's colonial architecture. This vibrant metropolis pulses with energy, offering a rich tapestry of culture, world-class cuisine, and bustling markets, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both modernity and tradition. Explore its vibrant neighborhoods, indulge in delectable street food, and immerse yourself in the dynamic arts scene that defines Shanghai's unique character.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Shanghai is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months. These seasons offer mild and pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making it ideal for outdoor activitie
Best Restaurants in Shanghai, China
Where to Eat in Shanghai - Dining Guide
Jin Restaurant
Heavenly Jin provides an awe-inspiring dining experience with its breathtaking views of Shanghai and its exquisite Chinese fine dining, despite being pricey and sometimes quiet.
- +Unmatched views
- +High-quality food
- +Unique dining experience
- -Expensive drinks
- -Occasional emptiness
Epices & Foie Gras
Epices & Foie Gras in Shanghai offers an exceptional dining experience with exceptional food and service, as praised by many reviewers.
- +Delicious food
- +Great wine selection
- +Excellent service
- -Mediocre steak
- -Limited bourbon selection
Heritage by Madison
Heritage by Madison in Shanghai was a beloved dining destination known for its creative Asian-American cuisine and attentive service.
- +Creative dishes
- +Attentive service
- +Great for groups
- -Now closed
Fu He Hui
Fu He Hui in Shanghai provides an exceptional dining experience with its Michelin-starred vegetarian menu, extraordinary service, and beautiful presentation.
- +Michelin-starred
- +Exceptional service
- +Beautiful presentation
- -Pricey
- -Mild flavors
黄浦会
The 黄浦会 in Shanghai is highly praised for its exceptional Cantonese cuisine, breathtaking views, and impeccable service. The restaurant offers a unique fine dining experience set in a captivating blend of shikumen and art deco interior.
- +Exceptional cuisine
- +Breathtaking views
- +Impeccable service
- -PROXIMITY: Overlooking Huangpu River and the Pearl Tower
Sir Elly's
Sir Elly's in Shanghai provides an unforgettable dining experience with its luxurious atmosphere, exquisite food, exceptional service, and stunning views of the Bund and Huangpu River.
- +Exquisite food
- +Luxurious atmosphere
- +Excellent service
- -PROXIMITY: Breathtaking view of the Bund and Huangpu River
Xindalu China Kitchen
Xindalu China Kitchen in the Hyatt on the Bund in Shanghai offers an exceptional dining experience with a variety of delicious dishes, including the highly-praised Peking Duck, prepared by skilled chefs in an open kitchen.
- +Perfect Peking Duck
- +Open Kitchen
- +Excellent Service
- -Expensive
- -Limited Wine List
Mercato
Mercato in Shanghai offers an exquisite Italian fine dining experience with an incredible view of the Bund. Guests appreciate the top-notch cuisine and professional service despite the noise level at peak hours.
- +Authentic Italian cuisine
- +Professional service
- +Great view
- -Loud noise
- -Inconsistent desserts
Shanghai French Concession Needle General Yard Former Site
The Shanghai French Concession in Xintiandi is a vibrant and historic district, offering a unique blend of 1800s Shikumen architecture and modern lifestyle amenities, all with a delightful French flair.
- +Historic area
- +Modern amenities
- +Unique architecture
- -Gets crowded
Da Vittorio Shanghai
Alimentari & Degusteria
Mr&Mrs Bund
Fu 1088
Fu 1088 offers an immersive dining experience in a 1920s Shanghai townhouse, serving sophisticated Shanghainese cuisine in traditionally furnished private rooms. Despite some mixed reviews on specific dishes, the overall experience is praised for its ambiance, service, and signature dishes.
- +Traditional decor
- +High-quality cuisine
- +Private dining
- -Pricey
- -Some dishes underwhelming
Le Comotoir De Pierre Gagnaire
Le Comptoir De Pierre Gagnaire in Shanghai offers a pleasing dining experience with amazing food and warm hospitality. The restaurant's service is accommodating and the interior is tastefully decorated, providing a great ambiance.
- +Delicious food
- +Warm hospitality
- +Good ambiance
- -Room for improvement
- -Overpriced
Bistro 321 VILLA LE BEC
Bistro 321 VILLA LE BEC in Shanghai is a chic French restaurant offering a unique dining experience with a beautiful decor, fantastic atmosphere, and excellent service. The menu changes seasonally and the wine list is extensive.
- +Beautiful decor
- +Excellent service
- +Seasonal menu
- -High prices
- -Taste preferences
La Cabane
La Cabane in Shanghai is a delightful spot offering top-quality French cuisine, especially cheese fondue, with professional and friendly service.
- +Delicious cheese fondue
- +Professional staff
- +Quality French cuisine
- -PROXIMITY: Next to the Pushkin monument
夏朵花园
夏朵花园 is a charming Western-style restaurant in Shanghai that delivers delicious cuisine and good service in a cozy and unique atmosphere.
- +Great ambiance
- +Delicious food
- +Reasonable prices
- -PROXIMITY:
Senso Italian Restaurant
Senso Italian Restaurant in Shanghai is highly recommended by patrons for its authentic Italian cuisine, romantic atmosphere, and excellent service. Its dishes, especially the pasta and pizza, are praised for their amazing flavors.
- +Authentic Italian cuisine
- +Friendly staff
- +Excellent service
- -PROXIMITY:
La Creperie
La Creperie in Shanghai is a highly regarded French restaurant offering delicious food, excellent coffee, and friendly service in a pleasant atmosphere.
- +Quality food
- +Excellent coffee
- +Friendly service
- -Slightly pricey
Traditional Shanghai Cuisine
Traditional Shanghai Cuisine offers an excellent dining experience with its authentic, delicious Shanghainese dishes, fast and polite service, and its opulent, nostalgic décor.
- +Authentic cuisine
- +Excellent service
- +Opulent décor
- -PROXIMITY:
French Concession
The French Concession in Shanghai is a picturesque district offering a tranquil escape from the city's hustle with its beautiful villas, unique boutiques, and high-end eateries, all nestled under a canopy of Platanus trees.
- +Beautiful ambiance
- +Unique shops
- +High-quality goods
- -Local unfamiliarity
Shanghai Library
The Shanghai Library is a highly-regarded destination with a large collection of both English and Chinese books, and is appreciated for its cleanliness and professional management. Its collection of old and rare books makes it a must-visit for book lovers.
- +Large collection
- +English books available
- +Clean environment
- -Not visually striking
Shanghai Casanova Italian Restaurant
Shanghai Casanova Italian Restaurant is a charming, high-end eatery with stunning views of the Shanghai cityscape. The food is consistently praised for its quality and presentation, and the staff is noted for their excellent service and English-speaking abilities.
- +Scenic views
- +Quality food
- +Exceptional service
- -High prices
- -Difficult to locate
Songfang Restaurant
Songfang Restaurant in Shanghai offers a unique, bear-themed experience with a variety of beverages that are both visually appealing and tasty. Despite some crowd-related issues, the place is popular and attracts a lot of visitors.
- +Unique presentation
- +Quality drinks
- +Trendy ambiance
- -Crowded
- -Expensive
Yuanyuan
Yuanyuan offers a delightful dining experience with excellent food and service, making it perfect for group meals and business dinners.
- +Local delicacies
- +Excellent service
- +Suitable for groups
- -PROXIMITY: Near the Courtyard
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Best Restaurants in Shanghai - Where to Eat Guide
Discover the best restaurants in Shanghai with our guide to the top 25 dining spots in Shanghai, China. Whether you're after authentic local cuisine, international flavours, street food, or fine dining, Shanghai's food scene caters to every palate and budget.
Top-rated restaurants in Shanghai include Jin Restaurant, Epices & Foie Gras, Heritage by Madison, each known for standout dishes and memorable dining experiences that capture the flavours of China.
The best restaurants in Shanghai span everything from neighbourhood eateries and rooftop bars to upscale tasting menus. Eating well in Shanghai is part of the experience — take your time exploring different areas and cuisine styles rather than sticking to tourist hotspots.
Use our Shanghai restaurant guide below to filter by cuisine type, price range, and location. Whether you're searching for the best China food or international options, you'll find the right place to eat in Shanghai for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shanghai
What food is Shanghai famous for?
Shanghai is known for its unique culinary scene. Explore local specialties and regional dishes at our recommended restaurants above. From street food to fine dining, there's something for every taste.
Do I need reservations at restaurants in Shanghai?
For popular restaurants, especially for dinner, reservations are recommended. Many restaurants now accept online bookings. Casual spots and lunch service typically don't require reservations.
What is the average meal cost in Shanghai?
Meal costs vary widely in Shanghai. Budget options range from affordable street food to mid-range restaurants. Check our restaurant recommendations for options at different price points.
Explore More of Shanghai
About Shanghai, China
Shanghai is one of China's most visited destinations, celebrated for The Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Tower. The city draws travellers who come to experience its unique blend of history, culture, and modern life — a character shaped over centuries that few destinations in Asia can match. Whether you're planning a short city break or a longer trip, Shanghai has enough depth and variety to reward every type of visitor.
Our free Shanghai guide covers 12 attractions and points of interest, from iconic landmarks and historic sites to local markets, parks, and neighbourhood highlights. The city's top attractions span a broad range of interests — museum lovers will find world-class collections and gallery spaces, while those who prefer open-air exploration can discover historic quarters, waterfront districts, and green spaces that reveal Shanghai's everyday character. Most major sights are reachable on foot or by public transport, making it easy to combine several stops in a single day without needing to hire a car or join an organised tour.
The food scene in Shanghai is one of the city's enduring draws. Our guide features 25 handpicked restaurants and dining spots, ranging from street food stalls and neighbourhood eateries serving authentic China cuisine to mid-range bistros and higher-end dining with atmosphere and views. Eating well in Shanghai doesn't require a large budget — some of the most memorable meals come from simple local places that most visitors walk straight past. Taking the time to explore different areas and neighbourhoods quickly reveals how Shanghai's food culture reflects the broader personality of the city and its people.
Choosing where to stay shapes the entire experience of a Shanghai visit. Our guide includes 25 vetted accommodation options across the city's main districts, covering budget-friendly hostels, mid-range hotels, boutique properties, and apartments suited to longer stays or families. Staying centrally puts the main sights within easy walking distance, but choosing a quieter neighbourhood a little further out often delivers better value and a more authentic local feel. The right area depends on what matters most to you — whether that's access to key attractions, good public transport links, proximity to the best restaurants, or simply finding a part of Shanghai that fits your pace.
A few practical details worth knowing before you travel: the local language is Mandarin; the currency is CNY; the best time to visit is The best time to visit Shanghai is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months. These seasons offer mild and pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making it ideal for outdoor activitie. Getting around Shanghai is generally straightforward — most cities in China offer a reliable mix of metro, bus, and tram networks, with central areas compact enough to cover on foot. Local customs, tipping etiquette, safety advice, and money-saving strategies are all covered in the dedicated Shanghai travel tips section of this free guide, which is updated regularly to reflect current conditions on the ground.
