Shanghai’s food scene is a delicious blend of tradition and innovation, offering everything from Michelin-starred dim sum to cozy street-food stalls. For a taste of old-school Shanghainese flavor, head to Green Waves Pavilion (Lao Jiu Guang Can Lu), a historic restaurant near Yu Garden. Try their signature suckling pig and hairy crab roe noodles—dishes that have delighted locals for decades. If you’re after something modern, Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet in Jing’an offers a mind-bending, multi-course tasting menu with edible flowers and liquid nitrogen twists. For a middle-ground mix of classic and creative, Fu 1015 in the Bund serves upscale Shanghainese dishes like lion’s head meatballs and crab roe tofu with a chic riverside view.
How can I book a table at Shanghai’s top dining spots?
Shanghai’s hottest restaurants often require advance planning. For fine-dining spots like Ultraviolet, book weeks or even months ahead via their official website—tables fill fast! More casual eateries, like the dumpling houses in Hongkang Road, might let you walk in, but popular ones like Wu Jiang Xian Shao (for pan-fried pork buns) get packed. Use apps like OpenTable, Meituan, or Alipay’s Dianping for reservations. Some places, like Xiao Long Qiao (Little Bridge) in Huaihai Road, accept WeChat reservations—just message them directly. Pro tip: Ask your hotel concierge to call tricky spots; they often speak Chinese!
What attractions are near Shanghai’s best restaurants?
Many iconic eateries are tucked beside must-see landmarks. After dining at Green Waves Pavilion, stroll to Yu Garden for classical Chinese gardens. If you’re at Ultraviolet, explore Jing’an Temple and its bustling night market. The Bund’s Fu 1015 is perfect for post-meal riverside walks past colonial-era buildings. For a full day, pair Xiao Yang Sheng Mian (near People’s Square) with a visit to the Shanghai History Museum—their hand-pulled noodles are worth the wait!
Top Restaurant-Attraction Pairings:
| Restaurant | Nearby Attraction | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Green Waves Pavilion | Yu Garden | 5-minute walk |
| Ultraviolet | Jing’an Temple | 10-minute taxi |
| Fu 1015 | The Bund | Right outside! |
| Wu Jiang Xian Shao | Hongkong Road Market | 3-minute walk |
Are there any unique cultural experiences tied to Shanghai’s food?
Absolutely! Go beyond eating to live the culture. Take a morning tea ceremony at Ling Long Ting in Old French Concession—sip jasmine tea with delicate mooncakes. For hands-on fun, join a dumpling-making class at Shanghai Cooking School, where you’ll learn to fold jiaozi like a pro. Craving nightlife? Hit Xintiandi’s rooftop bars for cocktails with a hutong vibe, or join a food-themed night tour through Nanjing Road’s glowing neon alleys.
Any tips for navigating Shanghai’s restaurant scene like a local?
To avoid tourist traps, follow these rules:
- Ditch the English menus—places with only Chinese signs (like Wu Jiang Xian Shao) are more authentic.
- Use cash or mobile payments—some hole-in-the-wall spots don’t take cards.
- Timing matters: Locals dine early (before 6 PM) or late (after 8 PM) to beat crowds.
- Ask for “local specials”: Say “Lao Ke Ren Dian De Shi Jiao” to get off-menu gems.
- Download DiDi: This taxi app is cheaper than metered cabs and gets you to far-flung eateries fast.
With these tips, you’ll eat like a Shanghainese in no time—no chopstick skills required!