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$$ | Changning |
Part of the renovated Columbia Circle complex, the carousing spot for American expats in the 1930s, Blackbird features different spaces on three levels. The chic first-floor lounge serves contemporary cocktails and Chinese-influenced small plates and casual mains; the fine-dining Table Black, one level up, has a regional-Chinese tasting menu; and the lovely rooftop space is complete with an outdoor bar and an herb garden that supplies the downstairs kitchens.
1262 Yan'an Xi Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, China
Known For
- Interesting wine and cocktail lists
- Good outdoor space
- Polished yet casual atmosphere
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$ | Pudong | Coffee
This branch of Brut Eatery is a good choice if you're staying near Century Park and/or are traveling with children. The casual café offers a good selection of Western-inspired dishes, with the occasional Asian touch, and has a large play area where kids can run about while you relax and sip coffee.
199 Fangdian Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, China
Known For
- Family-friendly
- Chicken and waffles
- Adorable ceramic mugs created by the founder
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$$$$ | The Bund |
Though the decor here is thoroughly modern, it still evokes old Canton, with gorgeous tiled floors and painted murals of women in qipao dresses. The classic Cantonese dishes have been refined, elevated, and updated to perfectly match the stunning contemporary view of the Pudong skyline.
3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, 200000, China
Known For
- Whole abalone puffs
- Cantonese barbecue platter
- Sauteed beef with matsutake mushroom
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$$ | Xintiandi |
From the team behind local craft brewery Boxing Cat and American eatery Liquid Laundry comes this hip Southeast Asian fusion concept. Spread over two floors and tucked into a renovated shikumen on Xintiandi's main drag, the space is beautiful by day, when it's flooded with light, but you should come in the evening when you won't feel so bad sampling the excellent cocktails.
No. 19, Lane 181, Taicang Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, 200000, China
Known For
- Butter chicken
- Lemongrass carnitas banh mi
- Scallion-oil noodles
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$$ | The Bund |
Hong Kong "Demon Chef" Alvin Leung does playful, inventive, excellent takes on Hong Kong street food at this casual-concept restaurant, where a dimly lit interior features neon signs and pumping music. If you're feeling flush with funds, book a seat at Leung's upscale Bo Shanghai speakeasy (it's hidden behind an unmarked wall), for a fine-dining tour of regional cuisines remixed with Western flair.
5 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, 200000, China
Known For
- Over-the-top hipness
- Barbecue pork buns
- Chili crab xiaolongbao
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$ | French Concession | Coffee
Laptop-equipped freelancers and other trendy locals frequent this petite, friendly, Australian-style café. The menu focuses on breakfast/brunch fare; small plates, often featuring local ingredients; and, of course, delicious hot- or cold-brew coffees.
12 Xiangyang Bei Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, China
Known For
- Avocado toast
- Pumpkin spice latte
- Meeting place for local creatives
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$ | 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
Known For
- Pork soup dumplings
- Fried pork cutlet
- Wonton soup
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$ | French Concession | Coffee
Ginger is a Southeast Asian eatery with a strong European flavor. The food is excellent, and the intimate indoor space, the patio, and the relatively tranquil park-side setting make it a good place to enjoy quiet conversation over a meal or a cup of coffee.
91 Xingguo Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, 200031, China
Known For
- Laksa
- Crispy honey-herbed chicken
- Black cod with lemongrass
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$$$ | Xintiandi |
Perched on the sixth floor of the Ascott Residences, this modern American eatery has a lust-worthy terrace—complete with a sleek firepit—that looks onto a park and surrounding cityscape. Trendy young Chinese pack out the 1960s-inspired space; brunch is particularly popular.
282 Huaihai Zhong Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, 200000, China
Known For
- Chicken and waffles
- Red velvet sundae
- Slow-roasted beef rib rack
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$$ | French Concession |
By day, this modern gastropub appeals to families with its crispy pizzas and other delicious lunch and brunch favorites. At night, house-brewed beer, good cocktails, and Friday and Saturday DJ events attract a trendy party crowd.
1028 Huaihai Zhong Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, 200031, China
Known For
- Buzzing brunches
- Rotisserie chicken
- Inventive pizzas
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$$$ | The Bund |
Open into the wee hours, chef Paul Pairet's Bund-side eatery features not only satisfying modern French dishes but also a lengthy list of wines by the glass. If you're not a night owl, come for lunch or brunch, when the terrace views of Pudong's skyine are especially gorgeous.
18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, 200002, China
Known For
- Late-night bites
- Romantic setting
- Locally renowned chef
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$ | French Concession | Coffee
The tiny RAC empire occupies a courtyard at the juncture of Anfu Lu and Wukang Lu. Streetside, it has takeaway coffee and ice cream (summer only) windows; in the courtyard, it has a relaxed French eatery that serves delicious sweet or savory crepes, as well as other casual brunch and lunch fare.
322 Anfu Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, China
Known For
- Avocado toast
- Natural wine
- Breton-style galettes
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$$ | French Concession | Coffee
This multilevel space offers several venues in one spot. The café has light, Asian-influenced fare, as well as good coffee and coffee or tea cocktails; the upstairs restaurant with New York–inspired decor touches serves modern dim sum and well-done fusion dishes; and the adjacent Sober Society bar features excellent cocktails as well as the Tipsy Room (a secret bar within the bar).
99 Yandang Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, China
Known For
- Uni ban mian (sea urchin noodles)
- Foie gras "Snickers"
- Inventive cocktails
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$$$ | Jing'an |
Helmed by Bina Yu, a young Korean chef who trained under Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Together typifies Shanghai's contemporary dining scene—a sleek but casual setting serving unfussy but interesting food. Developed and co-owned by the Neri & Hu design firm, the space is brilliant, as is Yu's thoughtful blend of French and Korean flavors.
546 Yuyuan Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, China
Known For
- Octopus with gochujang (red-chili paste)
- Ume miso–glazed salmon
- Rustic, home-style cakes and ice cream
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$$ | French Concession |
Closed Permanently
After a globetrotting childhood and a stint at New York's Gramercy Tavern, Austin Hu returned to Shanghai and opened Madison. There's a heavy emphasis on carbs and butter, and every weekend the light-filled space is packed with equal parts locals and foreigners, all hungrily digging into banana-stuffed French toast at brunch. Dinner at the Nouveau American eatery is more refined, and includes such favorites as bone marrow crostini and a refreshing salad with blue cheese from Beijing.
3 Fenyang Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, 200231, China
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$ | Jing'an |
Closed Permanently
On a bustling section of Nanjing Xi Lu, the Onion is a simple Cantonese restaurant serving quality Cantonese dishes at reasonable prices. The decor is light and airy, with well-spaced tables and efficient service. This is a very low-stress restaurant, and a great destination for a simple and satisfying meal. The menu is extensive, and there are also lunch specials and dim sum.
881 Nanjing Xi Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, 200041, China
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No credit cards
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$ | French Concession | Coffee
Closed Permanently
Serving up delicious house-made desserts, Vienna Café is a Shanghai institution. This place is definitely not trendy, nor is it trying to be anything other than an Austrian coffeehouse. With a wood-paneled main dining room and a tiny solarium, this is perfect setting for a hearty lunch, weekend breakfast, or an afternoon coffee break. Indulge yourself with the Sachertorte, and never mind the effects on your waistline. Prices are higher than they would be in Europe, but Vienna Café's ambience is a rarity in the alleged Paris of the East.
25 Shaoxing Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, 200020, China
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No credit cards