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 https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/china/park-hyatt-shanghai/shaph/dining 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, Yuan Ming Yuan 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 -
Bird & Bitter
Relaxed RestaurantsClever compact duo turning out pretty global plates one side (Bird), and coffee and cocktails t'other (Bitter). Chef Chris Zhu's ever-changing menu of stars playful, inventive creations like tom-yumified baby squid and fried cauliflower with onion puree and honey miso.
50 Wuyuan Lu, near Changshu Lu 13501726412 Bistro 321 Le Bec
Relaxed RestaurantsMuch loved by les Francais, this convivial dining room inside the exquisitely reno'd 1920s Villa le Bec plates up classic Gallic with an Asian twist. The laidback, Euro vibe feels a world away from Mao-mao land, especially when sipping aperitifs in the sprawling garden during the summer. Book in advance to snag one of the two sittings per night.
321 Xinhua Lu, near Dingxi Lu http://lebec.com.cn/en/ villalebec@lebec.com.cn +862162419100 Brut Cake Cafe
Relaxed RestaurantsDishy husband-and-wife duo rustle up American fusion delights such as PB lattes and fried chicken waffles alongside an eclectic trove of treasures. A homey shop n' flop combo in Downtown Shanghai.
232 Anfu Lu, by Wulumuqi Lu http://brutcake.com/ 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 Mengzi Lu, by Xujiahui Lu http://www.coquille.com.cn/ +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 cupola@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.
Dao Jiang Hu
Relaxed RestaurantsSingapore domin-eat-trix Betty Ng (owner of Ginger, see Restaurants) whips up taste-tastic regional Chinese flaves with a side order of goss in camp and cheery chinoiserie digs. Better still, it's all blissfully MSG-free, with GF options avail. Heyday Jazz Club (see Bars) is on hand for pre or post.
50 Tai'an Lu, near Xingguo Lu http://www.daojianghu.sh.cn hello@daojianghu.sh.cn +86 21 3226 5680 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 for lunch or dinner (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 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 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 Ginger by the Park
Relaxed RestaurantsOne of Shanghai's cosiest terraced brunchlings in a leafy corner of the FFC. Spicing up healthy servings of SE Asian fare with a remix of Japanese and Med flair. Look out for the nigari tofu and delicious shakshuka, served with a side of pic-perfect park aspects.
91 Xingguo Lu, near Hunan Lu http://www.gingerfoods.com/ info@gingerfoods.com +86 21 3406 0599 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 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 Michy starred 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 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 and day-to-night scene. We particularly love the laidback weekend brunch starring eggs Benny and an artery-lining fry up – 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 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 https://www.jean-georges.com/restaurants/china/shanghai/mercato Kevin.Hu@on-the-bund.com +862163219922 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 PHÉNIX eatery & bar
Smart Casual RestaurantsMod elegance abounds at this sophisty sanctuary where Chef Michael Wilson’s produce-driven, Michy-spangled French delights (oysters, confit lamb, and a decadent peanut butter parfait, to name a few) and verdant JingAn Park outlooks lure a biz and leisure crowd. Triff value set lunch.
Level 2, The PuLi Hotel and Spa 1 Changde Lu https://www.thepuli.com/en/shanghai-jingan-luxury-puli-hotel-dining/phenix-eatery-bar/ phenix@thepuli.com +862122166988 -
Qimin
Relaxed RestaurantsFarm-fresh veg and lush, additive-free broth lands this hot pot in top spot for warming comfort sups. Relaxed industrial-market interiors with a sprinkling of dangling light bulbs set the scene for a casual evening of deliciousness.
3/F, 191 Hengshan Lu, near Yongjia Lu +86 21 6466 5912 Seventh Son
Smart Casual RestaurantsLocal connoisseurs beeline to this contempo Michy-starred humdinger. Stick to the dim sum classics (only 30 to choose from!) at this prodigal Hong Kong export – your tastebuds and wallet will thank you. Shanghainese soup dumplings (xiao long bao) are a no brainer.
2nd Floor, E2-E3 Kerry Centre, 1515 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Changde Lu https://www.seventhson.hk/ +86 21 6266 3969 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.
2/F 378 Ferguson Lane http://citizenshanghai.com/ +862154245886 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 Taian Table
Smart Casual RestaurantsAn interactive, intimate dining experience awaits at German pan man Stefan Stiller’s Michy starred counter. Opt for a counter perch or 4-person booth from which to sample the experimental, seasonal 14-course tasting menu (there's also a 10-course iteration for veg-heads). Reservations by website only – book well in advance.
161 Bldg 1, Lane 465, Zhenning Lu, near Xinzha Lu http://taian-table.cn The Beach House
Relaxed RestaurantsStylish lounge bringing a taste of the Hamptons to Shanghai via easy-breezy decor with nautical accents and low-slung couches, stellar seafood plates n' lashings of fizz. The chic, laze-tastic terrace is perf for day-to-night lounging in the summer.
758 2/F, Julu Rd, near Fumin Lu +862162669818 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 RestaurantsSpanish miracle worker Sergio Moreno 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 Together
Smart Casual RestaurantsA star chef (Bina Yu), a darling designer (Neri&Hu) and a master patissier (Kim Melvin) walk into a bar, and French-Asian fare has never looked or tasted so damn good. Bold flavour combos like octopus tentacles coasted in gochujang and ume-miso glazed salmon are served as share plates or solo ventures. Superbly priced wine list.
546 Yuyuan Lu, near Zhenning Lu +86 21 5299 8928 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 at one table. Book this 3-Michy starred showstopper well in advance.
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 - China Kitchen
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 https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/china/hyatt-on-the-bund-shanghai/shang/dining 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 +862163112323 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