Where to Eat in Shanghai
Shanghai's food scene blends traditional Shanghainese cuisine with influences from across China and the world. From soup dumplings to Michelin-starred restaurants, here's where to eat. For tips on avoiding overpriced tourist restaurants, see our Local Tips page.
Must-Try Foods
Click any dish for the full guide
Xiaolongbao (小笼包) — Soup Dumplings
Steamed dumplings filled with pork and hot soup. The signature Shanghai dish. Bite the top, slurp the soup, then eat the rest — never bite the whole thing at once.
📍 Jia Jia Tang Bao (黄浦区黄河路), Din Tai Fung (multiple locations), Fu Chun (静安区)
Shengjianbao (生煎包) — Pan-Fried Buns
Crispy bottom, fluffy top, filled with pork and soup. Breakfast favorite. The soup inside is scorching hot — poke a hole first to let steam escape.
📍 Xiaoyang Shengjian (小杨生煎, multiple branches), Yang's Fry Dumpling (吴江路)
Hairy Crab (大闸蟹)
Seasonal delicacy (Oct-Nov) from nearby Yangcheng Lake. The roe is the prize — rich, creamy, and intensely savory. Best at specialist crab restaurants during peak season.
📍 Season: Oct-Nov | 💰 ¥80-300 per crab depending on size
Scallion Oil Noodles (葱油拌面)
Simple but iconic: noodles tossed in caramelized scallion oil and soy sauce. The best versions have deep-brown scallions almost burnt into the oil.
📍 Any old Shanghainese restaurant | 💰 ¥15-25
Red Braised Pork (红烧肉)
Slow-braised pork belly in soy sauce, rock sugar, and Shaoxing wine. Meltingly tender and sweet — Shanghai's comfort food. Every family has a recipe.
📍 Jesse Restaurant (杰西餐厅, French Concession) | 💰 ¥40-60
Restaurant Recommendations
🍜 Budget (Under ¥50)
- Jia Jia Tang Bao (黄河路90号) — Legendary pork xiaolongbao, ¥12 for 6
- Xiaoyang Shengjian (multiple branches) — The go-to shengjianbao chain, ¥10 for 4
- Yunnan Road Food Street (云南南路) — Scallion oil noodles, scallion pancakes, tofu dessert
- Breakfast carts near subway exits — Jianbing, soy milk, youtiao. ¥5-15
🍽️ Mid-Range (¥50-200)
- Din Tai Fung (环贸iapm商场, 徐汇区) — Consistent xiaolongbao, always a queue. ¥80-120/person
- Lost Heaven (外滩22号) — Yunnan cuisine with Bund views. ¥100-150/person
- Jesse Restaurant (湖南路, French Concession) — Shanghainese home cooking. ¥60-90/person
- Chun (巨鹿路) — Modern Shanghainese in a 1930s villa. ¥120-180/person
⭐ Fine Dining (¥200+)
- Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet — 10-seat multi-sensory Michelin 3-star. ¥6000+/person. Book months ahead
- T'ang Court (朗廷酒店, 黄浦区) — Cantonese fine dining, Michelin 3-star. ¥500-800/person
- Mr & Mrs Bund (外滩18号) — French fusion with Bund views. ¥400-600/person
- 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana — Italian fine dining, Michelin 2-star. ¥500+/person
💡 Pro Tips
- • Make reservations for popular restaurants (especially weekends)
- • Download Dianping app (Chinese Yelp) for reviews
- • Learn to eat xiaolongbao: bite top, slurp soup, eat rest
- • Breakfast street food is safe and delicious