7 Best Restaurants in Shanghai

Haidilao is globally famous not just for its hot pot, but for its legendary, over-the-top customer service. The sensory experience starts in the waiting area, where guests can enjoy free manicures, snacks, and shoe shines. Inside, the atmosphere is high-energy, highlighted by the 'Noodle Dance' where chefs perform acrobatic dough-twirling at your table. Historically, it revolutionized the Chinese dining industry by prioritizing service quality. Expert recommendation: Order the 'Hand-pulled Noodles' to see the performance, and try the four-grid soup base to sample different flavors like spicy Sichuan and tomato. Pro Tip: This branch at People's Square is extremely busy. Use their online queuing system via WeChat to book a spot before you arrive. If you are dining late, it is one of the few places open 24 hours, perfect for a post-nightlife meal.

Mr & Mrs Bund is a high-concept 'modern eatery' by chef Paul Pairet, offering a playful and approachable take on French classics. The decor is chic and whimsical, featuring a massive communal table and a terrace with one of the best views in Shanghai. The sensory experience is casual yet upscale, with a menu designed for sharing and a lively, cosmopolitan soundtrack. It represents the fun, energetic side of the Bund’s fine dining culture. Expert recommendation: The 'Long Short Rib' and the 'Lemon & Lemon Tart' (a whole lemon hollowed out and filled with sorbet and cream) are iconic dishes. Pro Tip: They are famous for their late-night menus and 'Buy One Get One' deals on cocktails after 10:00 PM, making it a perfect spot for a late dinner with a spectacular view.

As the elite private-dining arm of the Xin Rong Ji group, Rong Fu Yan represents the pinnacle of Taizhou and Shanghainese fusion, focusing on the absolute purity of seasonal ingredients. The interior is a masterclass in understated luxury, providing a private, temple-like atmosphere for high-end gastronomy. Experts suggest the crispy 'baby pigeon' and the wild-caught yellow croaker as mandatory orders. Pro tips: The menu changes daily based on what was caught in the East China Sea that morning; communicate your preferences to the manager during booking. This is a high-budget destination suitable for special occasions. Reservations are mandatory and often involve a pre-payment or deposit for private rooms.

Located within the historic Peninsula Shanghai, Bao Li Xuan is a Michelin-starred temple of Cantonese fine dining that fuses British colonial elegance with Chinese imperial grandeur. The atmosphere is opulent yet intimate, featuring turquoise tones and lacquered wood. Expert recommendation: The signature abalone and the honey-glazed BBQ pork are culinary benchmarks. The panoramic view of the Bund from the adjacent terrace is the best in the city. Pro tips: A strict 'Smart Casual' dress code is enforced (no shorts or flip-flops). Window tables are limited and usually require a minimum spend or booking weeks in advance. Lunch dim sum offers a slightly more accessible entry point to this ultra-luxe experience.

Fu 1039 is housed in a beautifully preserved 1930s heritage villa, offering an immersive 'Old Shanghai' dining experience. There is no main dining hall; instead, guests dine in private rooms that were once bedrooms and parlors, filled with antique furniture and gramophones. The sensory experience is nostalgic and exclusive, making you feel like a guest at a private colonial-era banquet. The menu focuses on refined versions of classic Shanghainese comfort food. Expert recommendation: Their 'Smoked Fish' and 'Braised Pork with Abalone' are exceptional. Pro Tip: Because it is a villa-style restaurant with only private rooms, it is perfect for business dinners or special family occasions. Reservations are strictly required, and the entrance can be easy to miss—look for the unassuming gate on Yuyuan Road. It offers a level of privacy and history that is rare in the city.

Located in the heart of Yu Garden, this restaurant is the historical home of Nanxiang Xiaolongbao, dating back to 1900. It is a multi-level establishment where the ground floor serves take-out and the upper floors offer a refined sit-down experience. The sensory experience is defined by the sight of endless towers of bamboo steamers and the bustling atmosphere of the Yuyuan Bazaar. It is a cultural landmark for Shanghainese culinary heritage. Expert recommendation: The 'King-Size Crab Roe Soup Bun' served with a straw is a viral favorite and a unique way to enjoy the broth. Pro Tip: Skip the massive lines on the ground floor and head to the second or third floor for better quality and service. Expect to pay a premium for the view of the Bridge of Nine Turnings from the window seats.

Da Hu Chun is a time-honored brand representing the 'full-leavened' style of Shengjianbao (pan-fried buns), which differs from the thin-skinned style found at Yang's. Historically established in 1932, it has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its commitment to traditional craftsmanship. The sensory experience is nostalgic, featuring a simple, old-school interior where the focus remains on the thick, doughy buns and their meaty, juice-filled centers. Expert recommendation: Pair your buns with a bowl of 'Curry Beef Soup' for the quintessential Shanghainese breakfast experience. Pro Tip: This specific branch near the Bund is popular with locals and tourists alike; expect a short wait during peak hours. Use the self-service kiosks or window to order, and be sure to dip your buns in the local black vinegar to cut through the richness of the pork.