Shanghai
If you’re squabbling over what to eat for lunch, brunch or dinner, settle your differences at smart-casual Yi Cafe. With 11 open kitchens and a walk…
Must-see restaurants in Shanghai
French Concession
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…
Shanghai
This tiny spot at the foot of Qibao’s main bridge has by far and away the best xiǎolóngbāo ('little steamer buns') on the block. Dumpling fillings include…
French Concession
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…
Shanghai
This small but established joint is dedicated entirely to the humble grilled-cheese sandwich. Choose from 25 different types of melts, from turkey to Thai…
The Bund & People's Square
Nowhere's more fitting for a spot of high tea than the former British Consulate. Enjoy cucumber sandwiches, scones and English breakfast tea overlooking…
French Concession
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…
The Bund & People's Square
French chef Joël Robuchon has earned two Michelin stars for his Bund 18 restaurant. Much the same as in his other luxury restaurants, this is definitely…
French Concession
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…
French Concession
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…
The Bund & People's Square
Pitched somewhere between Gotham City and new Shanghai, Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s dimly lit, copper-appliquéd temple to gastronomy was adorned with a…
Shanghai
Foodies will adore this French-Asian minimalist place with an open kitchen and nice red-brick courtyard. It serves uber-creative cold and hot sharing…
Shanghai
Housed in a sleek industrial space, adjacent to a former aeroplane-hangar-turned-gallery, this is easily the best place to grab a bite in the area. It has…
French Concession
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…
French Concession
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…
The Bund & People's Square
With a prime central location near People’s Park, Huanghe Rd covers all the bases from cheap lunches to late-night post-theatre snacks. You’ll find large…
French Concession
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…
French Concession
Holders of two Michelin stars, T'ang Court serves delicious suckling pig and Cantonese seafood dishes. The dim sum is faultless, be sure to finish with a…
Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant
Shanghai
A not-too-busy branch of the famous Shanghai dumpling restaurant, where you cannot go wrong with the reasonably priced xiǎolóngbāo dumplings. There's the…
French Concession
After the success of the Jing'an branch, Brut has opened a more spacious outlet with high ceilings and bright splashes of colour. It serves the same…
Shanghai
You've got to like it spicy if you're going to savour the cuisine from the land south of the clouds. The Yunnan dishes here really work for vegetarians –…
Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant
The Bund & People's Square
The purveyors of some of Shanghai's best-loved dumplings have several branches around town, and this is one of the less crowded. It's inside the lively…
Hongkou & North Shanghai
Excellent cafe with branches all around the city, and possibly the best spot for a western-style lunch in north Shanghai. Decor is mall hip, open plan…
The Bund & People's Square
A relatively quiet branch of the famous chain specialising in mouth-watering sesame-seed-and-scallion-coated shēngjiān (生煎; fried dumplings).
Shanghai
Your body is a temple, so treat it with respect by dining at this fab ground-floor meat-free restaurant slung out behind the Jing'an Temple. You can slurp…
French Concession
Some of the best Shanghainese kitchens are holes in the wall. These aren’t the domain of international superchefs; they’re unpretentious and family run –…
Shanghai
All the restaurants in this swish selection come with breathtaking views into the Shanghai void from the Grand Hyatt. Canton serves modern Cantonese that…
French Concession
Subway-tiled walls and exposed warehouse piping, Liquid Laundry will almost have you thinking you're in NYC. This vast gastropub offers several options –…
French Concession
Despite the alarming name, there’s nothing remotely barbaric about the food here. Instead, you get fine MSG-free Yunnan cuisine served by friendly staff…
Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant
Shanghai Old City
Renovated to spanking modernity in 2018, this is Shanghai’s most famous dumpling restaurant – some love it, others see an overrated tourist trap. Decide…
Shanghai
On the 10th floor of the Superbrand Mall, this branch of South Beauty is a little scuffed around the edges these days but it still cooks up classic dishes…
French Concession
Shanghai has more popular Yunnan restaurants, but intimate Julie's offers a more homely and rustic French Concession ambience, with lashings of wild…
French Concession
Whether you're craving a healthy sit-down lunch or a takeaway treat, Baker & Spice has you covered. The long wooden communal table suits solo diners,…
French Concession
A top place to soak up a hangover, Hungry Lung's serves global comfort food with an East-meets-West vibe. Brunch-like dishes include eggs Benedict, potato…
Shanghai Old City
Housed in Hotel Indigo, Char is a wildly pricey steakhouse. Park yourself on a sofa against the window or in a comfy chair facing Lujiazui for optimum…
French Concession
On a strip best known for its nightlife, chic bakery and cafe Pain Chaud gives good reason to get here earlier in the day. Join the queue drooling over…
French Concession
A kitsch communist pop art–decorated space with a lovely courtyard and a good happy hour (50% off house wine, beer and cocktails daily). On the menu are…
Shanghai
Super modern, minimalist Pie Society is the place to come for a British food fix. It does a good line in pie flavours, from the blue moo (blue cheese and…
French Concession
Apollo is the ultimate date spot. It serves beautiful Latin American small plates in its intimate dining room. Order up tostadas with pico de gallo plus…
The Bund & People's Square
This reasonably priced pâtisserie by celebrity French-chef Joël Robuchon opened alongside Atelier in 2016. Grab tongs and a tray, and peruse the pleasing…
