Top 10 Must-Visit Restaurants in Shanghai

Elizabeth · 2025-06-13 20:43:59


Top 10 Must-Visit Restaurants in Shanghai


Leveraging my husband's company headquarters in Shanghai and our extensive network of local friends, I combined personal experience and trusted local recommendations to curate this list.

If needed, you can use the "Ask a Local" feature in our app, and we’ll do our best to assist you with your booking. 


1. Lao Zheng Xing Restaurant (Fuzhou Road Branch) 老正兴菜馆（福州路店）



  • Address: No. 556 Fuzhou Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China。黄浦区福州路556号
  • Why Visit: As a time-honored Shanghainese (Benbang) restaurant, Lao Zheng Xing is known for its classic rich and savory flavors, as well as traditional “Xibang” style specialties—especially its river-fresh dishes, making it an ideal place to experience authentic Shanghai cuisine.
  • Recommended Dishes: Youbao Shrimp, Braised Pork Intestines with Greens (Caotou Quan Zi), Braised Crucian Carp Maw (Qingyu Tufei), Braised Sliced Fish (Hongshao Huashui)
  • Average Cost per Person: Approximately 150 RMB
  • Business Hours: 11:00–14:00, 17:00–21:00
  • Rating: 4.2
  • Reservation: Reservation is recommended, especially for private rooms in advance. Call: +86 21-6322-2624


2. Gong Yan 宫宴



  • Address: Building 1, No. 1485 Beijing West Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai, China。上海市静安区北京西路1485号1幢
  • Why Visit: Gong Yan is the nation’s first Han-culture culinary theater, offering an immersive experience that merges banquets, cuisine, rituals, and music to re-create ancient court dining traditions. Through Han-style attire, light-and-shadow dining shows, and classical dance performances, guests journey back in time to appreciate China’s historical food and etiquette culture—an excellent choice for high-end Han cultural dining.
  • Recommended Dishes:
    • Traditional Steamed East China Sea Yellow Croaker: Tender and juicy, prepared with classic steaming techniques for a delicate texture.
    • Braised Pork (Hong Shao Rou): Rich and savory sauce; fatty yet not greasy, a classic Benbang flavor.
    • Imperial Pastries: Intricately crafted, visually appealing, and delicious.
  • Average Cost per Person: Lunch ~398 RMB, Dinner ~498 RMB (after limited-time discounts: 298 RMB and 398 RMB respectively).
  • Business Hours: Monday–Sunday, 10:00–14:00; 17:00–21:00
  • Rating: 4.5 (highly praised for its unique experience and reputation).
  • Reservation: Mandatory; recommended one month in advance with a deposit of 100 RMB per person plus a 15% service fee. Call: 021-60706661 / 021-60706662


3. Lü Bo Lang (Yuyuan Branch) 绿波廊（豫园店）



  • Address: No. 115 Yuyuan Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China。黄浦区豫园路115号
  • Why Visit: Lü Bo Lang is a famous Shanghainese restaurant noted for its exquisite dim sum and traditional dishes—an especially good choice for tourists seeking to explore Shanghai’s culinary culture.
  • Recommended Dishes: Crab Roe Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao), Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish, Eight-Treasure Spicy Sauce, Gourd-Shaped Pastries
  • Average Cost per Person: Approximately 250 RMB (dining hall). Private room: 3,688 RMB per room, deposit: 500 RMB.
  • Business Hours: 11:00–14:00, 17:00–20:30
  • Rating: 4.2
  • Reservation: Reservation is recommended, especially on holidays. Call: +86 21-6328-0602


4. Ren He Guan (Zhaojiabang Road Branch) 人和馆（肇嘉浜路店）



  • Address: No. 407 Zhaojiabang Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China。徐汇区肇嘉浜路407号
  • Why Visit: Boasting a strong old-Shanghai vibe, elegant décor, and live theatrical performances, Ren He Guan offers attentive service and authentic dishes—a great spot for foreigners to experience Shanghainese cuisine and cultural ambiance.
  • Recommended Dishes: Braised Pork (Hong Shao Rou), Braised Pork Chop with Scallions (Cong Kao Da Pai), Four-Joy Kao Fu (braised wheat gluten), Sweet and Sour Ribs
  • Average Cost per Person: Approximately 203 RMB
  • Business Hours: 11:00–14:00, 17:00–21:30
  • Rating: 4.5
  • Reservation: Reserve one month in advance, especially for dinner. Call: +86 21-64030731


5. Nanxiang Mantou Dian (Yuyuan Branch) 南翔馒头店（豫园店）



  • Address: No. 87 Yuyuan Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China。黄浦区豫园路87号
  • Why Visit: Nanxiang Mantou Dian is the originator of Shanghai xiaolongbao, famed for its thin wrapper, juicy filling, and flavorful broth—a must-visit food landmark for tourists.
  • Recommended Dishes: Crab Roe Soup Dumplings, Traditional Pork Xiaolongbao, Shrimp and Pork Xiaolongbao, Nanxiang Drunken Chicken
  • Average Cost per Person: Approximately 103 RMB. Private room: 3,000 RMB/room, deposit: 1,000 RMB.
  • Business Hours: 7:30–20:30
  • Rating: 4.3
  • Reservation: Reserve 3–6 days in advance. Call: +86 21-63554206


6. Din Tai Fung (鼎泰丰)



  • Cuisine: Taiwanese
  • Address: 2/F, Building 6, Xintiandi South Block, Lane 123 Xingye Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China。黄浦区兴业路123弄新天地南里6号楼2楼
  • Why Visit: A globally renowned xiaolongbao chain, Din Tai Fung is celebrated for its meticulously crafted dumplings and top-notch service, making it especially popular among foreign visitors.
  • Recommended Dishes: Xiaolongbao, Spicy Wontons (Red Oil Chaoshou), Crab Roe Xiaolongbao
  • Average Cost per Person: Approximately 160 RMB
  • Business Hours: 11:00–15:00, 16:30–21:00
  • Rating: (Not provided, typically highly rated)
  • Reservation: Reservation recommended during peak hours. Call: +86 21-63850030


7. Siji Minfu Roast Duck Restaurant (Waibaidu Bridge Branch) 四季民福烤鸭店（外滩外白渡桥店）



  • Address: 3/F, North Rainbow Annex, Chengtou Holdings Building, No. 130 Wusong Road, (300m North of Waibaidu Bridge), Shanghai, China。上海市吴淞路130号城投控股大厦辅楼彩虹北3层（外白渡桥北行300米）
  • Why Visit: Siji Minfu is a well-known Beijing roast duck brand; its first Shanghai branch continues the high-quality Jing (Beijing) cuisine tradition while incorporating local Shanghai elements. The restaurant is famous for its authentic Beijing roast duck and refined Northern Chinese dishes, set in a space blending Beijing culture and modern style—ideal for family gatherings, business dinners, or letting foreign guests experience Jing cuisine.
  • Recommended Dishes:
    • Crispy Roast Duck: Crispy skin, tender meat, served with sweet bean sauce, cucumber slices, and hawthorn sticks for a rich flavor.
    • Prince’s Roast Lamb (Beile Kaorou): Lamb grilled in traditional style, tender and aromatic.
    • Marinated Pea Shoots (Qiaoban Doumiao): Sweet and sour, refreshing complement to roast duck.
    • Deep-Fried Meatballs (Ganzha Xiaowanzi): Crispy outside, tender inside, served with three dipping sauces.
    • Almond Tofu: Sweet but not cloying, silky texture, strong almond fragrance.
  • Average Cost per Person: Approximately 189 RMB
  • Business Hours: 10:30–21:30 (open year-round)
  • Rating: 4.5 (based on Dianping reviews)
  • Reservation: Private rooms require advance booking (10+ guests). The main dining area does not accept reservations and uses on-site ticketing. Call: 021-56056620, 13310199575


8. T’ang Court (The Langham Shanghai Xintiandi) 唐阁（上海新天地朗廷酒店）



  • Address: 5/F, The Langham Shanghai Xintiandi, No. 99 Madang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China。上海市黄浦区马当路99号新天地朗廷酒店5层
  • Why Visit: T’ang Court is the only Chinese restaurant in Shanghai to have repeatedly earned three Michelin stars, and the only Cantonese restaurant in mainland China with that distinction. Renowned for its exceptional cooking techniques, refined dishes, and top-tier dining experience, it’s a must-visit for Cantonese cuisine enthusiasts.
  • Recommended Dishes:
    • Stir-Fried Wagyu Beef with Spring Onions: Tender Wagyu beef infused with fragrant spring onions.
    • Golden Shrimp Balls: Springy shrimp seasoned with crab roe, served with crispy “gold coin” pastries for a unique texture.
    • Swan-Shaped Salted Egg Custard Pastries (Tian’e Liusha Su): Beautifully presented, filled with sweet, molten salted egg custard.
    • Stir-Fried Lobster with Triple Onions: Succulent lobster paired with the aroma of three types of onions.
    • Honey-Glazed Char Siu: Crisp on the outside, tender inside, sweet but not overpowering—a Cantonese classic.
  • Average Cost per Person: Approximately 1,200 RMB, 10% service charge, deposit: 2,000 RMB
  • Business Hours: 11:30–14:30, 17:30–22:30
  • Rating: 4.4 (based on Dianping reviews)
  • Reservation: Reservation strongly suggested, especially for dinner. Call: +86 21-2330-2288 ext. T’ang Court


9. Stone Sal 言盐西餐厅



  • Address: 1M, Podium of Shanghai Real Estate Building, No. 9 Donghu Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China。上海市徐汇区东湖路9号上海地产大厦裙房1M号
  • Why Visit: Stone Sal is a high-end steakhouse celebrated for its premium beef, unique dry-aging techniques, and sophisticated dining experience. The restaurant sources PRIME-grade beef from Creekstone Farms in the U.S. and M9+ fullblood Wagyu from Mayura Station in Australia, aged 28 to over 200 days for intense flavor and exceptional tenderness.
  • Recommended Dishes:
    • Tomahawk Steak: M7 beef from Australia’s Rangers Valley (about 1.8 kg), seared to a perfect crust and served with Burgundy mustard.
    • M9+ Fullblood Wagyu: Highly marbled, extremely tender, and rich in flavor.
    • U.S. T-bone Steak: Combining sirloin and tenderloin in one cut—ideal for sharing.
  • Average Cost per Person: Approximately 1,000 RMB. Private room: 12,000 RMB, 10% service fee, deposit: 5,000 RMB.
  • Business Hours: Monday–Sunday, 11:00–01:00 (next day)
  • Rating: 4.4 (based on Dianping reviews)
  • Reservation: Reservation is recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. Call: +86 21-5465-1765, 16628572858 (WeChat)


10. Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet



  • Address: 6/F, No. 18 on the Bund, No. 18 Zhongshan East First Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China (meeting point). Actual dining location is “somewhere in Shanghai” (secret address). 上海市黄浦区中山东一路18号外滩18号6楼（集合地点），实际用餐地点为“上海某处”（具体位置保密）
  • Why Visit: Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet offers a multi-sensory dining experience, pairing 20 courses with tailored lighting, sound, and scents for an immersive culinary journey. Led by renowned chef Paul Pairet, the restaurant seats only ten guests per night for a highly creative menu with perfectly matched drinks—Shanghai’s only Michelin three-star restaurant of its kind.
  • Recommended Dishes: The restaurant serves a full multi-sensory menu that changes based on a theme; each course is meticulously designed to spark creativity.
  • Average Cost per Person: Approximately 5,000 RMB (includes 20 courses and 12 drink pairings).
  • Business Hours: By advanced booking only; schedule depends on the specific experience.
  • Rating: 5.0
  • Reservation: Must book 3 months in advance on the official website, deposit required.