The Ultimate Guide to Shanghai Restaurants(China): Best Dishes, Locations, and Reviews

 

Shanghai is a culinary paradise, offering a diverse range of flavors, from traditional Chinese dishes to innovative modern cuisine. Whether you’re visiting Shanghai for the first time or are a frequent traveler, finding the best Shanghai restaurants can make your trip unforgettable. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most iconic Shanghai restaurants, highlight must-try dishes, and provide location recommendations to help you navigate this vibrant city’s food scene. We will also take a closer look at one standout Shanghai restaurant that has earned rave reviews—Shanghai Garden.

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📌China Shanghai Restaurants -What Makes Shanghai Restaurants Unique?

Shanghai restaurants offer a unique blend of flavors influenced by the region’s history, culture, and geography. Shanghai cuisine, also known as Hu Cai, is known for its balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. Some dishes are marked by their use of fresh ingredients, delicate textures, and a focus on sauces, such as soy and sweet soy.

Shanghai restaurants stand out for their specialty dishes like soup dumplings (xiaolongbao), braised pork belly (hong shao rou), and shengjianbao (pan-fried buns). These iconic dishes, combined with the city’s diverse dining atmosphere—from street food to high-end dining—make Shanghai a top destination for food lovers.

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📌Best Dishes at Shanghai Restaurants

When visiting Shanghai restaurants, there are several must-try dishes that showcase the unique flavors of Shanghai cuisine:

a. Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao)
Perhaps the most famous dish in Shanghai, soup dumplings are delicate dumplings filled with a flavorful broth and seasoned meat. When you bite into one, the soup bursts out, offering a combination of rich flavors and textures.

b. Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou)
Hong shao rou is a traditional dish made with pork belly slow-cooked in a sweet soy sauce, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich, savory flavor. This dish is a staple in many Shanghai restaurants and is often served as a main dish with rice.

c. Shengjianbao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns)
These buns are similar to xiaolongbao, but they are pan-fried to achieve a crispy bottom. The interior is filled with juicy pork and broth, offering a delightful crunch paired with soft, flavorful filling.

d. Shanghai-style Noodles (Shanghai Chao Mian)
These stir-fried noodles are a simple yet delicious dish, often prepared with vegetables, soy sauce, and your choice of meat. It’s a must-try for noodle lovers who want to experience the authentic taste of Shanghai.

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📌Recommended Shanghai Restaurants: Where to Find the Best Dishes

There are numerous Shanghai restaurants around the city, but here are a few standout locations where you can experience the best of Shanghai cuisine.

a. Din Tai Fung(China)
Known globally, Din Tai Fung is another iconic name in the world of Shanghai restaurants. Their soup dumplings are some of the best in the world, and their attention to detail in every dish ensures a top-notch dining experience. With locations around the world, it’s a must-try for anyone craving Shanghai’s signature flavors.

• Address: Multiple locations worldwide
• Website: Din Tai Fung

b. Old Shanghaiv(China)
For an authentic and immersive experience, Old Shanghai offers traditional dishes in a setting that transports you straight to the heart of Shanghai’s vibrant food scene. Their soup dumplings, shanghai-style noodles, and braised pork belly are crowd favorites.

• Address: 1234 N. Main St., Shanghai, China
• Phone: +86 21 5555 1234
• Website: Old Shanghai

 

c. Shanghai Garden (USA)

If you can’t come to Shanghai, China to taste it now, and you’re in the United States.
One of the most beloved Shanghai restaurants, Shanghai Garden has earned a reputation for serving authentic Shanghai dishes with a modern twist. Located in Centennial, Colorado, it offers a range of dishes that highlight traditional Shanghai flavors, including their famous soup dumplings and braised pork belly. Customers rave about the restaurant’s excellent service, cozy atmosphere, and consistently delicious food.

• Address: 3015 W. 44th Ave, Centennial, CO 80211
• Phone: +1 (303) 478-4780
• Website: Shanghai Garden

 

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📌Top Shanghai Restaurants and Must-Try Bistros

 

High-End Restaurants

1. Fu 1088 (福1088)

• Website: Not available
• Address: 375 Zhenning Rd, Jing’an District, Shanghai, China
• Phone: +86 21 5239 1088
  • For a cozy private dining experience, explore authentic Shanghainese dishes at Fu 1088, located in a historic villa.

2. YongFoo Elite (雍福会)

• Website: www.yongfooelite.com
• Address: 200 Yongfu Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China
• Phone: +86 21 5466 2727
  • Visit YongFoo Elite’s official website to discover its luxurious dining experience.

3. Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet

• Website: www.uvbypp.cc
• Address: Secret location; provided upon reservation
• Phone: +86 21 6142 5198
  • Book your multi-sensory dining adventure through Ultraviolet’s website.

4. Lost Heaven

• Website: www.lostheaven.com.cn
• Address: 38 Gaoyou Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China
• Phone: +86 21 6433 5126
  • Discover Yunnan-inspired dishes in a stunning setting at Lost Heaven.

5. T’ang Court

• Website: www.langhamhotels.com
• Address: Langham Hotel, 99 Madang Rd, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
• Phone: +86 21 2330 2288
  • Enjoy Michelin-starred cuisine at T’ang Court.

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📌Traditional Shanghainese Cuisine

6. Jesse Restaurant (老吉士酒家)

• Website: Not available
• Address: 41 Tianping Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China
• Phone: +86 21 6282 9260
  • Sample traditional dishes like braised pork at Jesse Restaurant, a local favorite for authentic flavors.

7. Old Jesse

• Website: Not available
• Address: 28 Taojiang Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China
• Phone: +86 21 6433 0108
  • For a quieter but equally authentic experience, visit Old Jesse on Taojiang Road.

8. Jianguo 328

• Website: Not available
• Address: 328 Jianguo West Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China
• Phone: +86 21 6471 3819
  • Enjoy MSG-free Shanghainese dishes at Jianguo 328, a budget-friendly option.

9. Xiao Yang Sheng Jian (小杨生煎)

• Website: www.xysjb.com
• Address: Multiple locations in Shanghai
• Phone: Varies by branch
  • Savor the iconic pan-fried buns at Yang’s Dumplings.

10. Fu He Hui

• Website: www.fuhehui.com
• Address: 1037 Yuyuan Rd, Changning District, Shanghai, China
• Phone: +86 21 3980 9188
  • Visit Fu He Hui for a fine-dining vegetarian experience.

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📌Casual and Affordable Dining

11. Jia Jia Tang Bao (佳家汤包)

• Website: Not available
• Address: 90 Huanghe Rd, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
• Phone: +86 21 6327 6878
  • Try affordable yet flavorful soup dumplings at Jia Jia Tang Bao.

12. Hai Di Lao Hotpot (海底捞火锅)

• Website: www.haidilao.com
• Address: Multiple locations in Shanghai
• Phone: Varies by branch
  • Enjoy personalized service and premium hotpot at Hai Di Lao.

13. Fengyu Zhuang (枫杨庄)

• Website: Not available
• Address: 126 Chengdu North Rd, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
• Phone: +86 21 6359 5558
  • Relish authentic Shanghai-style noodles at Fengyu Zhuang.

14. Wujie (大蔬无界)

• Website: www.wujie.com.cn
• Address: 22 Zhongshan East Rd, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
• Phone: +86 21 6333 1530
  • Explore innovative vegetarian dishes at Wujie.

15. Yang’s Dumplings (小杨生煎)

• Website: www.xysjb.com
• Address: Multiple locations in Shanghai
• Phone: Varies by branch
  • Find your favorite pan-fried dumplings at Yang’s Dumplings.

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📌Fusion and International Cuisine

16. Mercato by Jean-Georges

• Website: www.threeonthebund.com
• Address: 6th Floor, Three on the Bund, 3 Zhongshan East Rd, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
• Phone: +86 21 6321 9922
  • Dine with a view at Mercato by Jean-Georges.

17. Mr. & Mrs. Bund

• Website: www.mmbund.com
• Address: 6th Floor, Bund 18, 18 Zhongshan East Rd, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
• Phone: +86 21 6323 9898
  • Experience French-inspired Shanghai cuisine at Mr. & Mrs. Bund.

18. The Nest

• Website: www.thenestchina.com
• Address: 6 Zhongshan East Rd, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
• Phone: +86 21 6308 7669
  • Visit The Nest for Scandinavian-inspired dishes and creative cocktails.

19. Hakkasan

• Website: www.hakkasan.com
• Address: Bund 18, 18 Zhongshan East Rd, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
• Phone: +86 21 6321 5888
  • Savor stylish Cantonese cuisine at Hakkasan Shanghai.

20. Barbarossa

• Website: www.barbarossa.com.cn
• Address: 231 Nanjing West Rd, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
• Phone: +86 21 6318 0220
  • Relax at Barbarossa with Moroccan-inspired dishes and serene park views.

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📌Shanghai Cuisine-Why Shanghai Garden Stands Out

While there are many Shanghai restaurants around, Shanghai Garden truly shines with its commitment to providing an authentic Shanghai dining experience. The restaurant offers a blend of traditional Shanghai flavors, excellent service, and a comfortable atmosphere. The soup dumplings are widely considered some of the best in the area, and the menu features other classic Shanghai dishes like shengjianbao and braised pork belly.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular visitor, Shanghai Garden delivers a consistent and delightful dining experience every time.

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📌Customer Reviews: What People Are Saying About Shanghai Restaurants

The best way to get a sense of what a restaurant is really like is by looking at customer reviews. Here’s what people have been saying about Shanghai Garden and other top Shanghai restaurants:

• Shanghai Garden: “The soup dumplings were absolutely delicious! The broth was rich, and the dumplings were perfectly steamed. I highly recommend it!”
• Din Tai Fung: “If you love soup dumplings, this place is a must-visit! The flavors are spot on, and the service is impeccable.”

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📌Tips for First-Time Visitors to Shanghai Restaurants

If you’re visiting a Shanghai restaurant for the first time, here are a few tips to ensure you get the most out of your experience:

1. Try the Soup Dumplings – They are the signature dish at most Shanghai restaurants, and you won’t want to miss them.
2. Avoid Peak Hours – Shanghai restaurants can get busy, especially during weekends and holidays, so try to avoid peak hours.
3. Explore the Menu – While soup dumplings are a must-try, don’t miss out on other dishes like braised pork belly or shengjianbao.

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When it comes to dining in Shanghai or enjoying its flavors worldwide, Shanghai restaurants offer a culinary journey you won’t want to miss. From iconic dishes like soup dumplings and braised pork belly to unique dining experiences, Shanghai’s restaurant scene is diverse, rich, and inviting. Be sure to visit Shanghai Garden, a top-notch restaurant serving the best of Shanghai cuisine, whether you’re in Centennial or planning a trip to Shanghai itself. Happy dining!

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