Shanghai Restaurants

You'll notice that most Chinese restaurants in Shanghai have large, round tables. The reason becomes 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. Whether feting guests or demonstrating their wealth, hosts will order massive, showy spreads.

Shanghai's standing as China's most international city is reflected in its dining scene. You can enjoy xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) for breakfast, foie gras for lunch, and Korean barbecue for dinner. In many restaurants, it’s traditional to order several dishes to share among your party for family-style dining. Tipping is not expected, but more upmarket restaurants will tack on a 10%–15% service charge. Although you can eat at Chinese restaurants for less than Y50 per person, Western meals go for Western prices.

Some restaurants in Shanghai offer set lunches at a fraction of the dinner price. Check out the dining section of Time Out Shanghai, That's Shanghai or Smartshanghai.com, all of which list dining discounts and promotions around town.

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  • 1. Bellagio

    $ | Gubei

    Taiwanese expats pack the Bellagio (which also has branches in Hongqiao and downtown), so you know it offers an authentic taste of Taiwan. Carrying classic dishes such as three-cup chicken, waitresses with short, chic hairstyles move efficiently between the closely spaced black tables and red fabric–covered chairs.

    778 Huangjin Cheng Dao, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, China
    021-6278–0722

    Known For

    • Favorite with Asian and Western expats
    • Pineapple fried rice
    • Bellagio Breeze shaved ice

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted
  • 2. Brut Eatery

    $ | Pudong

    This branch of Brut Eatery is a good choice if you're staying near Century Park and/or are traveling with children. The casual café offers a good selection of Western-inspired dishes, with the occasional Asian touch, and has a large play area where kids can run about while you relax and sip coffee.

    199 Fangdian Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, China
    021-5078–2797

    Known For

    • Family-friendly
    • Chicken and waffles
    • Adorable ceramic mugs created by the founder
  • 3. Din Tai Fung

    $$ | Lujiazui

    The star attractions at this Taiwanese chain are the delicate, impeccably folded xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). Be sure to try the particularly delectable pork and black truffle version.

    168 Lujiazui Xi Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, 200120, China
    021-5047–8883

    Known For

    • Good service
    • Very family-friendly
    • About 10 locations around town
  • 4. Jia Jia Tang Bao

    $ | City Center

    The soup dumplings here are arguably the best in town; once the kitchen runs out of them, the restaurant closes for the day. It's a proper local hole-in-the-wall, with orange plastic chairs and grimy tabletops and floors, but eating here is an authentic, delicious, not-to-be-missed experience.

    90 Huanghe Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, 200003, China
    021-6327–6878

    Known For

    • Local feel
    • Crab xiaolongbao
    • Century egg and seawood soup

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner, No credit cards
  • 5. Liquid Laundry

    $$ | French Concession

    By day, this modern gastropub appeals to families with its crispy pizzas and other delicious lunch and brunch favorites. At night, house-brewed beer, good cocktails, and Friday and Saturday DJ events attract a trendy party crowd.

    1028 Huaihai Zhong Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, 200031, China
    021-6445–9589

    Known For

    • Buzzing brunches
    • Rotisserie chicken
    • Inventive pizzas

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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  • 6. Paradise Dynasty

    $ | Pudong

    While written off as gimmicky by some, this Singaporean chain's playful eight-color, eight-flavor take on xiaolongbao draws a steady stream of locals. Steamers of the soup dumplings come with small cards identifying each variety—from black truffle to garlic to foie gras.

    501 Yincheng Zhong Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, China
    021-5830–3068

    Known For

    • Eight-color soup dumplings
    • Fun, family-friendly spot
    • Great lunch option near Shanghai Tower
  • 7. Sumerian Specialty Coffee

    $ | Jing'an

    As the bags of beans sitting out, the variety of offerings, and the high prices indicate, coffee is serious business here. But the expertly prepared hot or cold brews are served without a hint of pretension, as are the salad bowls, sandwiches (on house-made bagels), and baked goods.

    415 Shaanxi Bei Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, 200040, China
    136-3651–8753

    Known For

    • Laid-back environment
    • Bulletproof coffee
    • Great selection of cakes

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 8. Yang's Dumplings

    $ | Old City

    Yang's, which has 150 branches around town, specializes in the highly addictive shengjianbao (meaty soup dumplings panfried on one side and sprinkled with sesame seeds), which come in sets of four or six. Like all the other shops, this one is a casual, in-and-out, fast-food-style place, where you order at the counter under harsh neon lights.

    489 Henan Nan Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, 200000, China
    021-6333–0212

    Known For

    • Extremely popular chain
    • Classic shrimp- or pork-filled shengjianbao
    • No-fuss approach to service

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