Have you ever wandered the bustling streets of Shanghai, only to be overwhelmed by the tantalizing aromas wafting from hidden alleyways and sleek high-rise eateries? Whether you’re a local or a traveler, finding the best restaurants near you in Shanghai can feel like uncovering a treasure trove of flavors. The city’s culinary landscape is a vibrant mix of tradition and innovation, where centuries-old recipes meet cutting-edge gastronomy.

Shanghai is a city that never sleeps, and neither does its food scene. From steaming baskets of xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) to avant-garde tasting menus, there’s something for every palate. But with so many options, how do you decide where to dine? That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve curated a list of the 20 best restaurants near you in Shanghai, ensuring you’ll never have to settle for a mediocre meal again.

20 Must-Try Meals in Shanghai’s Best Restaurants

Before diving into our restaurant recommendations, here’s a sneak peek at 20 unforgettable meals you can enjoy in Shanghai. These dishes represent the city’s culinary diversity, from street food to fine dining:

Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings) : A Shanghai classic, best enjoyed at Din Tai Fung or Jia Jia Tang Bao.

Truffle Bao Buns : A vegetarian delight at Fu He Hui.

Lemon Tart : A zesty dessert at Mr & Mrs Bund.

Egg Caviar : A luxurious starter at Jean-Georges Shanghai.

Truffle Pasta : A rich Italian dish at 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana.

Crab Roe Xiaolongbao : A decadent twist on the classic dumpling at Fu Chun Xiaolongbao.

Braised Pork Belly : A hearty Shanghainese dish at Old Jesse.

Fried Goat Cheese : A unique Yunnan-inspired appetizer at Lost Heaven.

Iberico Pork : A Spanish tapas favorite at Commune Social.

Lobster Roll : An indulgent American classic at Highline.

Black Truffle Pizza : A gourmet pizza at Mercato.

Peking Duck : A Cantonese masterpiece at Hakkasan.

Scallion Oil Noodles : A simple yet flavorful dish at Chun.

Beef Noodle Soup : A comforting bowl at Lin Long Fang.

Pan-Fried Dumplings : A crispy delight at Yang’s Fry Dumplings.

Stinky Tofu : A bold street food choice at Shouning Road.

Grilled Skewers : A smoky treat at Shouning Road Food Street.

Bubble Tea : A refreshing drink at Tian Zi Fang.

Fried Squid : A popular street snack at Tian Zi Fang.

Egg Waffles : A sweet ending to your food adventure at Tian Zi Fang.

Now that your taste buds are tingling, let’s explore the restaurants where you can savor these incredible meals.

Before diving into our top picks, it’s important to understand how we selected these restaurants. Our goal was to create a well-rounded list that caters to diverse tastes, budgets, and dining preferences. Here’s what we considered:

Flavor, presentation, and authenticity were top priorities.

We looked for restaurants that offer more than just a meal—think stunning views, unique themes, or exceptional service.

We scoured platforms like TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and Dianping to gauge public opinion.

Each restaurant is conveniently located, making it easy for you to visit.

Whether it’s a budget-friendly street food stall or a high-end dining experience, we ensured every recommendation offers great value.

If you’re looking for a dining experience that transcends the ordinary, Ultraviolet is a must-visit. This Michelin 3-star restaurant offers a multi-sensory journey, combining food, sound, and visuals to create an unforgettable meal. The seasonal tasting menu is a masterpiece, with each course designed to evoke emotions and memories.

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For a high-end vegetarian experience, Fu He Hui is unparalleled. This Michelin-starred restaurant redefines plant-based cuisine, offering dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. The truffle bao buns and mushroom dishes are particularly noteworthy.

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Located on the Bund, Mr & Mrs Bund offers modern French cuisine with a breathtaking view of the Huangpu River. The restaurant’s elegant ambiance and innovative dishes make it ideal for special occasions.

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Helmed by celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, this restaurant is a haven for French-Asian fusion cuisine. The egg caviar and chocolate dessert platter are must-tries.

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This Michelin-starred Italian restaurant is renowned for its truffle dishes. The truffle pasta and seafood platter are standout options.

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No visit to Shanghai is complete without trying xiaolongbao, and Din Tai Fung is the gold standard. Their pork xiaolongbao and shrimp fried rice are crowd favorites.

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For a more local experience, head to Jia Jia Tang Bao. This no-frills eatery is famous for its crab roe xiaolongbao.

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8. Yang’s Fry Dumplings

If you prefer your dumplings pan-fried, Yang’s Fry Dumplings is the place to go. The pork shengjianbao are crispy, juicy, and utterly satisfying.

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9. Fu Chun Xiaolongbao

This hidden gem is a favorite among locals for its traditional Shanghainese dishes. The crab roe xiaolongbao and wonton soup are must-tries.

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For classic Shanghainese cuisine, Old Jesse is a top choice. The braised pork and drunken chicken are particularly popular.

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Inspired by the flavors of Yunnan, Lost Heaven offers a unique dining experience. The fried goat cheese and pineapple rice are standout dishes.

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This Spanish tapas restaurant is perfect for sharing plates. The Iberico pork and churros are must-tries.

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13. Mercato

Jean-Georges’ Italian restaurant is known for its black truffle pizza and seafood pasta.

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This modern Cantonese restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience. The Peking duck and dim sum platter are must-tries.

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Hidden Gems and Street Food

This tiny restaurant is a local favorite for its scallion oil noodles and braised pork belly.

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Famous for its hand-pulled noodles, Lin Long Fang is a must-visit for noodle lovers.

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17. Da Hu Chun

A historic restaurant known for its pan-fried dumplings and sesame balls.

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18. Shouning Road Food Street

This bustling street food hub is perfect for adventurous eaters.

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19. Tian Zi Fang Street Food Stalls

Located in a creative arts district, these stalls offer a variety of snacks and drinks.

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20. The Nest

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Dianping and Meituan are invaluable for finding reviews and ratings. These platforms are widely used by locals and offer detailed insights into restaurants, from menus to customer photos.

Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and shop owners often know the best spots. Don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation—locals are usually happy to share their favorite hidden gems.

Areas like Nanjing Road, Yuyuan Garden, and Wujiang Road are foodie paradises. These bustling hubs are perfect for sampling a variety of dishes in one place.

Follow hashtags like #ShanghaiFood or #RestaurantsNearMeShanghai on Instagram and Weibo. For more in-depth guides and personal recommendations, check out my blog, thefoodnearme, where I regularly share tips, reviews, and hidden culinary treasures in Shanghai.

Visit During Off-Peak Hours: To avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience, try visiting popular spots during weekdays or outside peak meal times.