Best 9 Places to Eat In Shanghai  

From dumpling stalls that locals swear by to sky-high restaurants with killer views, these are the 9 places where Shanghai’s magic hits your plate.

With neon skylines, winding alleyways, and the mouthwatering scent of street food in the air, Shanghai is a city that feeds both appetite and curiosity. From colonial-era mansions turned into elegant restaurants to hole-in-the-wall dumpling joints with lines out the door, the city offers a dining experience as unforgettable as its skyline. Whether it’s bold, modern flavors at Ren He Guan or nostalgic comfort dishes that feel like home, Shanghai’s food scene is as rich and colorful as the culture it springs from. Here are 9 of the best places to eat in Shanghai. So, empty your belly and stack your wallet, as we traverse through crispy fried shrimps, crab cakes, pork belly, and more!  

Known for its 1930s Art Deco ambiance and authentic Shanghainese cuisine, Ren He Guan is a crowd pleaser when it comes to traditional flavors with finesse. Try out their iconic Shanghainese dishes, such as sweet plum shrimp, crab roe rice, tender finless eel, and water bamboo in a warm, golden lighting and vintage décor. Don’t leave without having their hong shao rou (red-braised pork belly)—it’s what put this restaurant on the map—Looking for some fun? Engage in afternoon mahjong game sessions for a slice of culture, delivered right to your table.

Address: 45CP+HW5, Taogan Rd, Songjiang District, Shanghai, China, 201602

Lost Heaven, where red walls, lanterns, soft lights, and intricate mahogany furniture come together to offer a dramatic dining experience to you, offers a flavorful journey across the Tea Horse Road in China. Tucked away in the French Concession, this restaurant will transport you to Burma, Yunnan, and Tibet with their spicy Burmese tea leaf salad, smoky mushroom stews, crab cakes, braised coconut chayote, and stir-fried pork with chive flowers. What you can’t miss here is signature Da Lian Chicken with Chili and Green Onions—bold, totally addictive, and fiery—prepared with crisp chicken chunks bathed in the bold splash of scallions and diced chillies. 

Address: 38 Gaoyou Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China, 200031

Located on Yongfu Road in Xuhui, Yongfoo Elite, once a secret clubhouse, has now secured a place in the Michelin Guide. Set in a meticulously restored 1930s villa that had served as the British Consulate, you will be amazed by the next-level take on regional classics prepared by a veteran named Chef Zhou Tielong with 40+ years of experience in Shanghai meals. The star of the show? Braised Pork Belly With Pu’er Tea that perfectly melts in your mouth, combined with earthy tea tones. Also, try out their seasonal delights like hairy crab roe and fresh river shrimp.

Address: 200 Yongfu Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China, 200031

The Commune Social offers a perfect mash-up of casual cool energy and minimalistic chic décor, set in the 1910s red brick old police station in Jing’an District. This no-reservation modern tapas restaurant serves innovative small plates with influences of Asia, Spanish, and English. Try out their salt-and-pepper squid, foie gras sliders, and bone marrow then head to their breezy cocktail terrace or dessert room to cap off your dining experience.

Address: 511 Jiangning Rd, Jing'An, Shanghai, China, 200041

Established in 1999 by famous Australian restaurateur Michelle Garnaut, M on The Bund is located at the top of the phenomenal Nissin Shipping Building at No. 5 The Bund. The signature meals include Crispy suckling pig, salt-encased lamb leg, and Pavlova steals the limelight, or you can also have some Progressive European cuisine with a touch of the Middle East.

Address: 20 Guangdong Rd, Waitan, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200002 

Jesse Restaurant, aka "Old Jesse", is well-known for its hearty and savory Haipai cuisine on Tianping, and locals swear by this place. Some of the best dishes are the xintailuan (red dates filled with sticky rice), hong shao rou (red-braised pork belly), sautéed river prawns (hexia), and the popular dish of tangcu paigu (sweet and sour pork)! Make sure to try out their cold starters, like sweet red jujubes stuffed with glutinous rice, fresh shrimp stir-fries, and mixed mushrooms with bean-curd sheets.

Address: 41 Tianping Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China, 200001

Housed in a beautifully preserved 1920s French-style mansion, Fu 1039 offers a nostalgic glimpse into Shanghai’s Belle Époque. Stepping inside feels like entering a different era, with antique furnishings—some dating back to the 19th century—adding to the charm. Though not Michelin-starred, the restaurant has earned recognition in the Michelin Guide for its refined take on home-style Shanghainese cuisine. Signature dishes include black fungus with sour chili, pan-seared goose liver with blueberry sauce, and delicately steamed “Shi” fish enhanced with fragrant rice wine.

Address: 1039 Yuyuan Rd, 1039, Changning District, China, 200031

Located on the 6th Floor, Mr & Mrs Bund is an upscale dining destination that combines traditional French cuisine with inventive and modern twists of diverse cultures. The restaurant lets guests enjoy classic dishes, such as oysters, clams, poached whelks, Boston lobster, duck foie gras, and Wagyu entrecote ribeye. You can cap off your dining experience with a soufflé Grand Marnier, lemon tart, strawberries with chantilly, or decadent chocolate mousse.   

Address: The Bund No.18, 6层18 Zhongshan Rd (E-1), 18, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200002

Located in Huangpu District, Jia Jia Tang Bao is a great local institution and a household name throughout the city for xiaolongbao, delicious soup dumplings bursting with flavor. Inside, you will find hand-scrawled menus and metal stools, adding to the charm. Enjoy the pork and crab roe, or the classic egg-filled dumplings, and you’ll come to realize why this is one of the best places to eat in Shanghai.  

Address: 90 Huanghe Rd, People's Square, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200003