Top 5 Places to Eat in Shanghai

Written by Alexander Kopp, Wei Li
18/08/2025
Stunning night view of Shanghai's skyline with illuminated skyscrapers and reflections.
虎 曼, Pexels

Shanghai's culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry, offering an impressive range of experiences from exquisite fine dining to beloved street food, reflecting its global metropolis status and rich cultural heritage.

1. Taian Table

Cuisine: Innovative European

Taian Table offers an immersive dining experience, where I find myself seated around a chef's counter, observing the meticulous preparation of each dish. The Michelin three-star establishment presents an innovative and sophisticated multi-course menu that changes every six to eight weeks, ensuring a fresh and original culinary journey with each visit. The ambiance is refined, making it a memorable choice for a special occasion.

Price: Approx. ¥2,000+ / $275+ USD per person for tasting menu

Getting There: Located at No.161, Lane 465, Zhenning Road, Changning District. While not directly on a metro line, a taxi or ride-hailing service is the most convenient way to reach this fine dining destination. It is a short taxi ride from Jiangsu Road Station (Metro Lines 2, 11).

2. Fu He Hui

Cuisine: Vegetarian Chinese Fine Dining

Stepping into Fu He Hui, I am greeted by the serene elegance of a colonial-style townhouse, which sets a tranquil backdrop for its exquisite vegetarian tasting menus. This Michelin two-star restaurant masterfully crafts perfectly balanced, healthy, and innovative Asian dishes, demonstrating that plant-based cuisine can be both opulent and deeply flavorful.

Price: Approx. ¥800-1,500 / $110-200 USD per person for tasting menu

Getting There: Found at 1037 Yuyuan Lu, Changning District. It is conveniently located for a leisurely stroll from the Jiangsu Road Metro Station (Lines 2, 11), or easily accessible by taxi.

3. Ren He Guan (人和馆)

Cuisine: Shanghainese (Benbang Cuisine)

Ren He Guan truly embodies the essence of traditional Shanghainese cuisine. As a Michelin one-star establishment that remains remarkably affordable, it is where I go for authentic local flavors. Signature dishes like the succulent braised pork belly (金牌红烧肉) and the comforting crab meat rice (蟹粉饭) showcase the distinctively sweet and savory profile of Shanghainese cooking.

Price: Approx. ¥250 / $35 USD per person

Getting There: One of its well-known branches is located at 107 Nanchang Road, Huangpu District. It is within walking distance from South Huangpi Road Metro Station (Line 1) or Xintiandi Metro Station (Lines 10, 13).

4. Yang's Fried Dumpling (小杨生煎 / Yang's Shengjian)

Cuisine: Shanghainese Street Food (Shengjian Bao)

For a taste of Shanghai's iconic street food, I always head to Yang's Fried Dumpling. Their Shengjian Bao, or pan-fried soup dumplings, are a must-try. Each dumpling boasts a delightfully crispy bottom, a tender, juicy pork filling, and a delicate dough, often sprinkled with chopped scallions and sesame seeds. While many fillings are offered, the classic pork is consistently the highlight.

Price: Approx. ¥10-20 / $1.5-3 USD for a portion

Getting There: With numerous outlets across the city, a convenient location is on Huanghe Road, very close to People's Square (Metro Lines 1, 2, 8). Another popular spot is on Wujiang Road, near Nanjing West Road Metro Station (Lines 2, 12, 13). These are easily accessible by metro and on foot.

5. Jia Jia Tang Bao (佳家汤包)

Cuisine: Shanghainese Street Food (Xiaolongbao)

Jia Jia Tang Bao is my go-to for perfectly crafted Xiaolongbao, the famous steamed soup dumplings. This popular local spot focuses on quality, with dumplings steamed to order, ensuring the wrapper is delicate and the soup filling is piping hot and flavorful. The crab and meat soup dumplings are a particular specialty and are highly recommended.

Price: Approx. ¥15-30 / $2-4 USD for a basket

Getting There: Located at 90 Huanghe Road, Huangpu District. It is situated on a popular food street and is just a short walk from People's Square Metro Station (Lines 1, 2, 8), making it very easy to reach.

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