Food and Restaurants

Shanghai’s restaurant business is fiercely competitive, forcing owners to continually push the bar higher. As more foreigners and Chinese continue to pour into Shanghai, expect to see Chinese food get more experimental and your choices of Western and Asian food expands. Like bars and nightclubs, new restaurants open and close here by the day. For the latest hotspots, it’s always wise to consult the local English publications.

Throughout China, Shanghainese cuisine is known for being sweet and oily. For a true Shanghai specialty, try the hairy crab, a fresh water crab that becomes mature in fall – the crab roe is delectable. Another popular dish is the drunken shrimp – live shrimps are marinated in an alcohol-based marinade. They’re a bit hard to eat because they squirm and jump in your hands, but they’re delicious. A variation on this is drunken crab, where raw pieces of crab are marinated in a similar sauce. For street food, Shanghais most famous contributions are the steamed buns (Xiaolongbao) or fried meat dumplings (Shengjianbao). Dining options are numerous in Shanghai. Because of Shanghais large ex-pat community, cuisines from all over the world are available, delicate Japanese sushi to tender Brazilian barbeque. Choices are unlimited and so are the prices, from dining to jumping stall to stall eating street food, its all deliciously available. Most restaurants take reservations, and they are advised as the Shanghainese love to eat out.

Chinese Restaurants in Shanghai

1221
Chic and quiet, 1221 is a favorite restaurant for romantic meals and large get-togethers. The heady orange and white interior sets the pace for unearthly dining. The drunken crab appetizer is a local delight. All major credit cards are accepted.
Address: 1221 Yan'an West Road

Bao Luo Restaurant
This place is packed almost anytime, day or night, but it's also deceptively large with spacious diningrooms and numerous private rooms tucked into the old building's nooks and crannies. For some Shanghainese favorites, try the red dates stuffed with sticky rice, the crabmeat tofu soup or the incredibly rich and tender dongpo meat. The service staff is competent and fast and large parties, often drinking Shaoxing wine give the restaurant a heady, frenetic atmosphere.
Address: 271 Fumin Road, Luwan District

Meilongzhen
Another Shanghai establishment, Meilongzhenis a favoritewithboth locals and guests. Established in 1938, the colonial flare is maintained with its classic décor of marble furniture and paneled walls. Sichuan influences run throughout many of the dishes. Try the Sichuan duck or the Meilongzhen Special Chicken for a real treat. All major credit cards are accepted.
Address: No. 22, Lane 1081, Nanjing West Road, Jing'an District

Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant
If there were ever a Shanghai institution for snack food and traditional local fare, this place is it. Not only is it located in the beautiful and historic Yu Garden, it's widely known throughout the city as the place to go for steamed dumplings. The restaurant complex actually consists of three separate dining rooms with prices increasing as you ascend. In the two upstairs dining rooms, traditional Shanghainese dishes and Cantonese dim sum abound. It fills up fast and waiting for a table is not uncommon. Even with the crowds and noise, if you want a taste of old Shanghai, don't miss the place. Look for the lines.
Address: 85 Yu Garden Road, Nanshi District

Foreign Restaurants

Da Marco
Though quality Italian Restaurants continue to open both on their own and within fine hotels, Da Marco has true Shanghai staying power. A favorite with Italians living in Shanghai and with diners searching for true European ambiance, Da Marco offers fine Italian cuisine and a wide selection of wines. The squid ink pasta is an adventurous dish while the pizzas always please.All major credit cards are accepted.
Address: 103 Dongzhu Anbang Road, Jing'an District

Malone's
Originally opened by a Canadian chain, Malone's is Shanghai's premier Americanstyle sports bar and grill. They easily make the best burgers in town and their fries are crispy and light. Big screen televisions make it an ideal place to take in large sporting events and by night, livebands often whipthe crowd into a frenzy. All major credit cards are accepted.
Address: 255 Tongren Street, Jing'an District

M on the Bund
This may be Shanghai's most distinctive place for fine dining and classy drinks. Located on the 7th floor of the Huaxia Building on the Bund, magnificent views can be had of both Pudong and of the Bund's colonial masterpieces. Even if youdon't want to eat there, the sprawling terrace is the perfect place for a few drinks after work or before a night out on the town. M on the Bund has helped Shanghai win international acclaim as a city for hautecuisine. The menu is continental and European chefs prepare dishes with imagination and flair. The wine list is extensive and the bakery competent. If you're still not convinced, try the set lunch at RMB 98 or the Sunday brunch for RMB 188. All major credit cards are accepted.
Address: 7/F, 20 Guangdong Road, Huangpu

Sasha's
Kitted out in the palatial old Song Family Estate, Sasha's serves up continental fare with knowledge and expertise. Sit in the large, oak-paneled dining room where Chiang Kai-shek usedto eat or in theambling garden. Large fans resembling palm leaves sweep across the room in the summer recalling a scene out of Burmese Days. Sasha's is probably best known for their Sunday brunch serving up incomparable Eggs Benedict and Eggs Florentine. Their food is always fresh and in recent years, summertime sees a large barbecue set up in the gardens. Choose from several different English beers on tap or browse through theextensive lists of wine and cordials. Sasha's is an ideal place to try and recapture Shanghai's colonial elegance. All major credit cards are accepted.
Address: House 11, 9 Dongping Road, Xuhui District