Must-see restaurants in French Concession

Until the beer arrives, the faint breeze from the spreading of the blue-and-white tablecloth by your waiter may be the last cooling sensation you…

The subdued evening lighting and welcoming service concoct a warm and homey atmosphere at this popular outpost of Sichuan cuisine. The extensive photo…

A smart cafeteria where you're served food at the counter and clear and stack your own plate when you've finished. Unlike school lunches, however, the…

Part deli, part Whole Foods–style grocery, plus pizzeria, grill, bakery and brunch...the hugely popular Barn has it all. Its motto is 'eat your way around…

Trust Shanghai to serve up a stylish Xinjiang restaurant – you're unlikely to find a place like this in China's wild northwest. It's a little pricey, but…

Expat favourite Green & Safe is the closest thing you’ll get to Whole Foods in Shanghai. There's open-plan dining and an inviting loft-style restaurant…

The industrial-chic interior here resembles a set from a Peter Greenaway film, from the eye-catching open kitchen to the sleek staff running around like…

Frequently crammed, this boisterous, narrow, two-floor, MSG-free spot tucked away on Jianguo Rd does a roaring trade in well-priced Shanghainese cuisine…

Ye offers sophisticated, unchallenging Shanghainese cuisine in classy Xintiandi surroundings. The drunken chicken and smoked fish starters are an…

Jesse is a popular, intimate space. So if you tend to gesture wildly when you talk, watch out with those chopsticks. This is Shanghainese home cooking at…

The reason to come to this no-frills local spot is to do as the locals do and scoop up a bowl of májiàng miàn (麻酱面, sesame noodles). At just ¥10 to ¥20…

While Lost Heaven has been around for more than a decade, it remains a stylish dinner choice with subdued red lighting and a giant Buddha dominating the…

Usually crammed, this Cantonese diner does its best to teleport you to 1950s Hong Kong, with old-style tiled floors, retro stained-glass and whirring…

It's easy to while away the hours in this adorable cafe, with a few stools and a big open window for people watching, plus a raised seating area…

This casual bistro comes courtesy of local favourite Paul Pairet. The decor and dining is everything you'd expect from a fabulous French dining experience…

Although this 1930s residence was once members only, it’s since opened to the general public as a restaurant – great news, because the decor is absolutely…

A smart place with European-style bistro decor that takes on three personas. Sober Cafe serves Japan-inspired small plates and brunch until 4pm and…

This pint-sized spot does a truly awesome bowl of pho (beef or chicken noodle soup flavoured with mint, star anise and cilantro), plus spring rolls and…

A cute and intimate spot that seats about 20 people on high tables facing a small bar or window. Foodies will enjoy the daring and intriguing veggie-heavy…

This hip bakery is a top spot to get your pastry fix and to sit down with a coffee in equal measure. Large wooden tables fill the space, while potted…