Shanghai Restaurants

Shanghai Restaurant Reviews

When eating out, you'll notice most Chinese restaurants in Shanghai have large, round tables. The reason will become clear the first time you eat a late dinner at a local restaurant and are surrounded by jovial, laughing groups of people toasting and topping off from communal bottles of beer, sharing cigarettes, and spinning the lazy Susan loaded with food.

Dining out with friends and family isn't just a favorite social activity; it's a ritual. Whether feting guests or demonstrating their growing wealth, hosts will order massive, showy spreads. Although take-away boxes for leftovers are starting to become popular, proud hosts wouldn't deign to use them. Shanghai's standing as China's most international city is reflected in its dining scene. You can enjoy jiaozi (dumplings) for breakfast, foie gras for lunch, and Kobe beef teppanyaki for dinner.

It's traditional to order several dishes, plus rice, to share among your party. Tipping is not expected, but sophistication still comes at a price. Although you can easily eat as the locals do at Chinese restaurants for less than Y40, even simple Western meals will cost you a more Western price.

Most restaurants in Shanghai offer set lunches—multicourse feasts—at a fraction of the usual price. It's the best dining deal going, allowing you to eat at local Chinese restaurants for Y25 or less and at such places as M on the Bund without completely blowing your budget. Also, check out the "Restaurant Events" section of That's Shanghai, or Smartshanghai.com, which list dining discounts and promotions around town.

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