UR Shanghai
by LUXE City Guides
100 Century Ave
Smart Casual RestaurantsA feast for the eyes as well as the palate, with live Western, Chinese and Japanese show kitchens, pastry counter and huge wine cellar. Add floor-to-ceiling windows and pilot's seat vistas of river and city from one of the world's tallest buildings.
100 91/F, Park Hyatt Shanghai, Century Ave http://shanghai.park.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining/100CenturyAvenueRestaurant.html shanghai.park@hyatt.com +862168881234 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana
Glam RestaurantsRestrained Rockbund nook where chef Umberto's famed, Michelin-spangled, sophisti-modern northern Italian flavour bombs take Shanghai with serious swagger. Freshly baked bread and homemade pastas star alongside house-cured meats and heavenly imported cheeses. The walk-in wine cellar boasts 3,000+ bottles.
169 6-7/F, Associate Mission Bldg, Yuanmingyuan Lu http://www.ottoemezzobombana.com/shanghai/ infoshanghai@ottoemezzobombana.com +862160872890 Baker & Spice
Relaxed RestaurantsRefuel on homebaked goodies as you flop at the large communal table in this woody mid-shop pit stop. Can't select from the spread? The farmhouse carrot cake and a latte or, go on, glass of wine, will have you raring for retail round two.
195 Anfu Lu, by Wulumuqi Lu http://www.bakerandspice.com.cn/ +862154042733 -
Cha’s
Relaxed RestaurantsJoin the perma-lines for this retro, chequerboard floored, cantopop drenched, 1950s-esque Hong Kong diner, an enduring hit with hungry locals in search of traditional, greasy spoon 'cha chaan teng' staples.
30 1/F, Sinan Lu, by Huaihai Zhong Lu +862160932062 Chun
Relaxed RestaurantsThe framed sign at this private kitchen (read: four-table foodie desti) is a Chinese lament that Kelly Hoppen refused to do the interior. No menu, no English – eat what the chef serves. The real deal for market-fresh, home-style Shanghainese cuisine. Book ahead and arrive on time.
124 Jinxian Lu, by Maoming Nan Lu +862162560301 Coquille
Smart Casual RestaurantsBoston lobster, Dungeness crab, oysters, abalone n' prawns – you can get the whole sea-bang with the most splurge-worthy platter in town. Banker-turned-restaurateur John Liu's bi-level bistro is a paean to fab, forward French cuisine. More like cui-scene!
29-31 Mengzi Lu, by Xujiahui Lu +862133768127 Crystal Jade
Relaxed RestaurantsA heaving glass n' granite delight, serving up plenty of loud Cantonese din plus a sprinkle of Shanghainese hustle and a dash of Beijinger bustle. Dim sum, duck and crispy pork belly are the standouts.
Bldg 6-7, Sth Block Xintiandi, Lane 123 Xingye Lu http://crystaljade.com/ +864009219021 Cupola at Three
Glam RestaurantsSpecial occasion, you say? Imagine an intimate, romantic rooftop dining room just for two, with iconic Bund skyline panorama, a butler, the sommeliers and chefs of Jean-Georges and complete privacy. The mood is set; the rest is up to you. Lunch & dinner daily.
3 7/F, Three On The Bund, Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu http://www.threeonthebund.com/dining.php?concept_id=7 andrew.wu@on-the-bund.com +862163210909 D.O.C. Gastronomia Italiana
Relaxed RestaurantsDon't be fooled by the industrial-cool vibe, this nabe Italian bistro is all heart n' soul. The downstairs buzzes with the piece de resistance, a massive pizza oven, while upstairs awaits a sunny patio and fine dining space.
5 Dongping Lu, by Hengshan Lu http://docitalian.com/ reservations@docitalian.com +862164739394 Di Shui Dong
Relaxed RestaurantsSpicy, sour, and earthy nibbles hailing from Mao's birthplace (Hunan) in an expansive upstairs country-style room, plus private dining dens. Locals flock here for taste bud tingles, large portions and budget-friendly prices in a super casj and frill-free atmosphere. Don't miss the spareribs.
56 2/F, Maoming Nan Lu, by Changle Lu +862162532689 Din Tai Fung
Relaxed RestaurantsShow up early (or prepare to queue) to this mighty Taiwanese chain, now a well-oiled and world-famous dumpling machine, for faultless soup-filled morsels and an ace Xintiandi aspect.
Unit 11A, 2/F, Bldg 6, Sth Block Xintiandi, Lane 123 Xingye Lu http://dintaifung.com.cn/ +862163858378 el Efante
Smart Casual RestaurantsMore of Willy's moreish, med-focused menu, this time in a restored French Concession colonial villa with a sunny patio. Expect perfectly aimed Spanish and Italian flavour bombs, while the deli sells specialty cured meats and small-batch imported cheeses.
20 Donghu Lu http://el-efante.com/ +862154048085 el Willy
Smart Casual RestaurantsSet foot inside this exposed brick Bund-side boite with playful painted glass sculptures, and wrap your mouth around chef 'Willy' Trullas Moreno's colourful, contempo, seasonal Spanish tidbits – and you'll instantly see why he's still going strong after all these years.
22 5/F, South Bund /Zhongshan Dong Er Lu http://el-willy.com/ +862154045757 elEFANTE
Smart Casual RestaurantsThe Med-focused sister of Shang's fave el Willy entices with the chef's tasty tapas plates and tidbits fired up over the natural charcoal grill, best enjoyed on the breezy terrace. Ace brunch, too.
Fifty 8º Grill
Glam RestaurantsVisionary Michelin-lauded Dutchman Richard Ekkebus' temple to French artisan ingredients, served in a striking Deco-esque salon. Slink into one of the leather banquettes and indulge in the coveted Blackmore purebred Australian Wagyu, grilled faultlessly over an open fire.
111 Mandarin Oriental, Pudong Nan Lu, Pudong http://www.mandarinoriental.com/shanghai/fine-dining/fifty-8-grill/ mopud-fifty8grill@mohg.com +862120829938 Fu 1039
Smart Casual RestaurantsThis alluring madame has placed everyone under a spell, in her restored 1930s villa packing piles of period charm, a tinkling piano, and top local fare incl. smoked fish and shredded tofu.
1039 Yuyuan Lu, by Jiangsu Lu +862152371878 Fu 1088
Smart Casual RestaurantsThis alluring madame has everyone under a spell, with her antique-y private rooms and old-school plates.
375 Zhenning Lu +862152397878 Gu Yi
Relaxed RestaurantsIt's worth the bonkers queue – the spiced-up Hunan chilli kicks and big-city bustle is ground zero for the style and smarty-party set. Grab a beer and go very early.
87 Fumin Lu, by Julu Lu http://guyi2001.com/ guyi@guyi2001.com +862162495628 Henan Lamian
Relaxed RestaurantsBrave the unassuming facade and no-frills 'decor' for hand-pulled noodles at this 24-hr family-run shop, staffed by young cousins from Henan province and open till late. Attracts legions of clubgoers with its after-hours crowd pleasers.
607 Changle Lu, by Donghu Lu +862154046727 Henkes
Relaxed RestaurantsSprawling, terraced trattoria and wine bar in shopping central, where Aussie chef Craig Willis dishes Med pates in a casual but polished, dim-lit atmos. The cafe counter offers carry out pastries and sandwiches.
1601 1/F, Reel Mall, Nanjing Xi Lu http://henkes.com.cn/ info@henkes.com.cn +862132530889 HoF
Relaxed RestaurantsGive into the sinful, sensual, sweet tooth seduction by a St. Regis pastry alumni, with mini-puddings, artisan chox, and airy cakes in uber stylish digs serving cocktails later. You simply can't say no...
30 Sinan Lu, by Huaihai Zhong Lu +862160932058 Jean-Georges
Smart Casual RestaurantsOh honey! It's out with the dark and in with the light, where striking layers of muted brass, glass and mirror bring this 1916 Bund-side building back to life. Monsieur JG's Asian-influenced, mod Gallic cuisine is the very tasty cherry on top.
3 4/F, Three on the Bund, Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, enter on Guangdong Lu http://jean-georges.com/ jacky.goergler@on-the-bund.com +862163217733 Jesse
Relaxed RestaurantsYou're here for the scrumptious, seasonal cooking, not the drab décor (or contortionist's loo). Pack into the diminutive diner to scarf Shang staples like drunken crab, braised pork shoulder, and sweet dates stuffed with glutinous rice. This branch is the original, and the best, so book ahead.
41 Tianping Lu, by Huaihai Lu http://www.xinjishi.com/ +862162829260 Kappo Yu
Smart Casual RestaurantsLittle sis to Oyama and a starlet in her own right, with a bang-on seasonal 10-course kaiseki served at a lipstick red bar counter, or in two small tatami private rooms. Book ahead.
33 Wuxing Lu, by Huaihai Zhong Lu http://fulufamily.com/ +862164667855 Liquid Laundry
Relaxed RestaurantsNot your regular rinse n' dry. Kelly Lee's upscale micro brewhouse is a real crowdpleaser, with buzzing all-day atmos, a dozen rotating brews on tap (try the Workday IPA or Puxi Patrol Porter), a cocktail bar churning out crafted mixes, bourbons and whiskys... And then mop it all up with wood-fired pizzas and homemade charcuterie.
1028 Huaihai Zhong Lu, 2/F K Wah Centre http://www.theliquidlaundry.com/ +862164459589 Lost Heaven
Smart Casual RestaurantsSultry, tribal villa sought out by Shang's movers and eaters in search of unique, piquant dishes hailing from the Yunnan province, featuring Thai, Laotian and Burmese border influences. The French Concession outlet, with its enchanting decor, subtle candlelight is more romantic than bigger Bund-side sib.
38 2/F, Gaoyou Lu, by Fuxing Xi Lu http://lostheaven.com.cn/ contact@lostheaven.com.cn +862164335126 Lynn
Relaxed RestaurantsWhack on your stretch slacks and gorge on toothsome Shanghai and Hong Kong delights in this stylish resto, which is especially packed on the weekends with all-you-can-eat dim sum.
99-1 Xikang Lu, by Nanjing Xi Lu +862162470101 M on the Bund
Smart Casual RestaurantsSlinky pet with pops of indigo, and a veritable Shang institution for both its unbeatable Bund-site terrace, as well as its ace fare from eggs benny to a shareable Danish Smorrebrod. Whatever you do, don't miss the Pavlova for dessert.
5 7/F, Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, cnr Guangdong Lu http://www.m-restaurantgroup.com/mbund/ reservations@m-onthebund.com +862163509988 Masala Art
Relaxed RestaurantsSop up the fragrant curries and flavours of Rajasthan and beyond, all without fear of Delhi belly, at this spartan, simple, and perennially popular parlour. Bollywood-themed banquet in the back room for last-minute parties.
397 Dagu Lu, by Shimen Yi Lu http://masaalaart.com/ +862163273571 Maya
Smart Casual RestaurantsMore Tinseltown chic than Tex-Mex, with hacienda-like arches, off-white and sandy hues, Latin beats and a spruce crowd. Dive headfirst into tacos and tequila, then when you're as stuffed as a chile relleno, retire to the Hustlers Lounge.
568 2/F, Clubhouse, Shanghai Grand Plaza, Julu Lu http://maya-shanghai.com/ maya-rob@cosmogroup.cn +862162896889 Mercato
Smart Casual RestaurantsJean-Georges shows off his inner Giorgio with crowd-wowing seasonal Italian plates including fan favourite wood-fired pies and handmade pastas, served up in a rough-luxe rustic riverside looker. From oui to si!
3 6/F, Three On The Bund, Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, enter on Guangdong Lu Kevin.Hu@on-the-bund.com +862163219922 Mia’s Yunnan Kitchen
Relaxed RestaurantsPull up a pew at one of the communal wooden tables in this earthy neighbourhood go-to, and tuck into a guilt-free feast of home-style Yunnan delights.
45 Anfu Lu, by Changshu Lu +862154035266 Mr & Mrs Bund
Smart Casual RestaurantsBrasserie dishes under French food wizard Paul Pairet's influence, plus global delicacies to please the Shang clique in svelte, silver-grey surrounds with a snazz patio-ette and coveted Pudong views.
18 6/F, Bund 18, Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, by Nanjing Dong Lu http://mmbund.com/ info@mmbund.com +862163239898 Mr. Willis
Relaxed RestaurantsPull up a leather-backed chair in this chillaxed, urban timber loft, with sunlight streaming in and steaming pots of java, and tuck into the sophisti mod Med comfort fare plus breakfast classics.
195 3/F, Anfu Lu, by Wulumuqi Lu http://mrwillis.com.cn/ info@mrwillis.com.cn +862154040200 Pin Chuan
Relaxed RestaurantsExpat fave in an old Shang mansion with outdoor patio, where gentle tongue-tickling spices are whipped into creative dishes by three master chefs from the Sichuan capital. The chilli rating system is helpful for timid taste buds, while spice lovers go bold.
47 Taojiang Lu, by Wulumuqi Nan Lu http://www.pinchuan-china.com/ enquiry@simplythegroup.com +862164379361 -
Shintori
Smart Casual RestaurantsThis industrial minimalist jaw-dropper combines sky-high ceilings, mezzanine seating, and open kitchen with uber-hip vibe and Nippon plates. Follow the bamboo path through the unmarked entrance, and imbibe at svelte urbane lair People 7 pre or post.
803 Julu Lu, by Fumin Lu +862154045252 Sichuan Citizen
Relaxed RestaurantsFiery, palate-tickling central Chinese spice, served in a sultry, kitschy-chic bamboo and wood outfit. The menu runs the gamut from simple stir-fries and veggie pleasers to bold delicacies like tongue, tripe, and spicy pig's heart.
30 Donghu Lu, by Huaihai Lu http://citizenshanghai.com/ +862154041235 Spicy Joint (Xin Xiang Hui)
Relaxed RestaurantsCraving a Chengdu peppercorn sensation? Follow the hip young thangs to the tables at this bright, mod spice box, and then dig into the satisfying and tongue-numbing signature Sichuan menu.
500 4/F, Jinling Dong Lu, People’s Square, by Xizang Lu admin@xinxianghui.com +86214001001717 Sumerian Coffee
Cafes & CoffeeshopsJing'an stalwart roasting their own artisan beans in wood-beamed surrounds, plus the house line of Boom Boom Bagels and locally-crafted Strictly Cookies.
415 Shaanxi Bei Lu, near Beijing Xi Lu http://www.sumeriancoffee.com/ +8613564755689 Sushi Oyama
Smart Casual RestaurantsBook ahead for a coveted perch in this itsy bitsy 14-seat talk of the town, and sample chef Oyama-san's divine daily omakase, sourcing raw cuts jet-fresh from Japan.
20 2/F, Donghu Lu, by Huaihai Lu http://fulufamily.com/ +862154047705 The Bull & Claw
Relaxed RestaurantsIndustrial vibe and convivial atmos, but who's really paying attention to the decor when you have live lobsters flown in daily from Nova Scotia, Australian prime steaks, and 18 craft beers on tap? Triff brunch and service, too.
110 Fenyang Lu, near Fuxing Zhong Lu http://www.thebullandclaw.com/ +862133567608 The Cannery
Smart Casual RestaurantsBringing a mid-century mod Vancouver vibe to downtown Shanghai is this glowing, amber-lit, copper-ceilinged, plate-glass window'd sib to The Nest. Flip-fresh Canadian West Coast seafood is the star attraction – think oysters and lobster – and a booze cruise of craft 'tails, beers, bourbons, ryes and Canook whiskies. With top service to boot, all that's missing is the Mounty. Res essential.
1107 Room 106, Building 1, Yuyan Lu, near Jiangsu Lu +862152760599 The Chinoise Story
Smart Casual RestaurantsThis dramatic, curvaceous jewel with creamy booths and lofty ceilings is home to Hong Kong-born and Toronto-based star chef Susur Lee's steamy, sumptuous mouthfuls, deftly imbued with Western flair.
59 Jinjiang Hotel Shanghai, Maoming Nan Lu http://jinlu-china.com/ +862164451717 The Commune Social
Smart Casual RestaurantsMaze alum Scott Melvin helms Jason Atherton's convivial triple-whammy tapas, dessert, and cocktail bar, housed in a red brick former police station with fab terrace. After, try the cheekily monikered Jing'An Juice at the upstairs bar.
511 Jiangning Lu, by Kangding Lu http://communesocial.com/ info@communesocial.com +862160477638 Tomatito
Smart Casual RestaurantsDown the dim-lit alley you go for cuisine king Willy Trullas Moreno's relaxed n' quirksome tapas tiger. Sitting below El Ocho (see Bars) this colourful, collectable-strewn cookie serves deliciously simple Spanish staples like ceviche, patatas bravas, sardines and paella, sluiced with sangria, natch. Sit at the bar if you're happy to take your chances, otherwise res essential.
99 2/F, Zhong Plaza / Taixing Lu, by Nanjing Xi Lu +862162598671 Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet
Glam RestaurantsAn all-out ultra-feast of swirling visuals, diffused aromas, ambient sounds and avant-garde tastes for 10 extremely lucky guests.
Wei Jing Ge
Smart Casual RestaurantsZip up the old wing lift to this wood beamed attic for regional Shanghai, Canton and Huaiyang fare. No Bund views, it's all about the food in this antique-filled fine diner arranged over six intimate dining rooms. Consult the sommelier.
2 Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu http://www.waldorfastoriashanghai.com/english/dine_in_style/wei_jing_ge shawa.fb@waldorfastoria.com +862163229988 Xiao Yang Sheng Jian
Relaxed RestaurantsA firm favourite for delectable pan-fried pork dumplings, a Shanghai street food classic. Hot soup within so crunch with caution. Look for the hot pink 'Yang's Fried Dumpling' sign and the snaking line of hungry, patient patrons. The beef soup is also a treat.
269 2/F, Wujiang Lu, by Taixing Lu +862161361391 Xibo
Relaxed RestaurantsSample seriously full-bodied, veggie-heavy provincial flavours from the hills of northwestern Xinjiang in a lively, atmossy eatery with charmant roof terrace. No kitschy tribal tat here, plus the owners donate a quarter of their profits to charities in western China.
83 3/F, Changshu Lu, by Julu Lu http://www.xiboxinjiang.com/ info@xiboxinjiang.com +862154038330 Xindalu
Smart Casual RestaurantsSmart and contemporary, with a glassy open kitchen featuring four separate cooking stations for China's greatest hits. Date and applewood-fired Peking duck emerges from a BJ-style brick oven, tended to by chefs direct from the capital, and is served with all the trimmings in a refined marble and stone atmos.
199 Hyatt on the Bund, Huangpu Lu http://shanghai.bund.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html shanghai.bund@hyatt.com +862163931234 Yè Shanghai
Smart Casual RestaurantsShanghai-chic tea house reinterpreted, courtesy of architect Tony Chi, in a trad, slate-roofed shikumen with sleek interiors. Choose from an extensive menu of elegant dishes from the region and its neighbouring provinces. On the weekends there's dim sum brunch, or catch evening jazz performances in the upstairs dining room.
338 Hse 6, North Block Xintiandi, Huangpi Nan Lu http://elite-concepts.com/ yss@elite-concepts.com +862163112323 Yi Café
Relaxed RestaurantsThe ultimate foodie buffet, with 12 live cooking stations spanning the globe, plus a fresh juicing counter and decadent dessert display. One thing's for sure – it's a far cry from your average ho-hum hotel brunch.
33 Pudong Shangri-La, Fucheng Lu http://www.shangri-la.com/shanghai/pudongshangrila/dining/restaurants/yi-cafe/ +862168828888 Zao Zi Shu
Relaxed RestaurantsNot only is there no decor to speak of, but also no meat, no seafood, no alcohol, and no MSG. So what the hell's going on? Terrific veggies, that's what.
258 Fengxian Lu http://jujubetree.com/ service@jujubetree.com +862162157566