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. A Da Scallion Oil Pancakes

    $ | French Concession

    The scallion-oil pancakes at this shop are incredibly popular, with long lines forming from the 6 am opening time until closing—around 3 pm, which is when the pancakes usually sell out. Indeed, demand for A Da's delicious take on this traditional Shanghai street food is so fierce that the owner has placed a limit on the number of pieces each customer can order.

    120 Ruijin Er Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, China
    No phone

    Known For

    • Great craftsmanship
    • Long waits
    • Efficient service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Wed.
  • 2. Da Hu Chun

    $ | The Bund

    This hole-in-the-wall shop makes traditional Shanghaiese shengjianbao (fried soup dumplings) with wrappings that are pillowy and soft rather than thin and chewy. Take care not to scald your mouth with the piping-hot soup inside the dumplings, and try to come off-hours to avoid the inevitable morning and lunchtime crowds.

    136 Sichuan Zhong Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, 200000, China
    021-6313–0155

    Known For

    • Local favorite
    • Pork or shrimp-and-pork shengjianbao
    • Shrimp wonton soup
  • 3. Fuchun Xiaolong

    $ | Jing'an

    Outfitted to evoke 1920s Shanghai, Fuchan regularly appears on lists of the city's best soup-dumpling restaurants. This branch was renovated in 2018, making it a particularly pleasant place to soak up a retro atmosphere over breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

    650 Yuyuan Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, China
    021

    Known For

    • Pork soup dumplings
    • Fried pork cutlet
    • Wonton soup
  • 4. Jianguo 320

    $ | French Concession

    Locals and visitors alike are drawn to this restaurant for its relaxed, casual atmosphere; its home-style Shanghainese classics; and its no-MSG policy. It's often packed, so consider calling ahead, especially if you plan to order the signature "duck with eight delicacies" dish, which must be ordered in advance as it's limited to five per day.

    328 Jianguo Xi Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, China
    021-6471–3819

    Known For

    • Scallion-roasted yellow croaker
    • Scallion oil noodles
    • Hongshao rou (red-cooked pork)
  • 5. Old Jesse

    $$ | French Concession

    The well-established Old Jesse is a must-try. Its unforgettable renditions of classic Shanghai dishes are widely considered the best in town; its brusk service and ramshackle dining room are merely part of its authentic charm.

    41 Tianping Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, China
    021-6282–9260

    Known For

    • Scallion-oil noodles
    • Whole fish head with scallions
    • Hongshao rou (red-cooked pork)
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. 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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