The Best Shanghai Restaurants & Authentic Shanghai Cuisine
Expert-curated guide to the finest Shanghai restaurants worldwide. From legendary xiaolongbao shops to Michelin-starred fine dining, discover authentic Shanghainese cuisine.
Top Picks
Our favorite Shanghai restaurants right now
Jia Jia Tang Bao
Shanghai, Huangpu District
Fu He Hui
Shanghai, Changning District
Yang's Fried Dumpling
Shanghai, Multiple Locations
Old Jesse
Shanghai, Xuhui District
Lost Heaven
Shanghai, Bund Area
Explore by Cuisine
Dive into the rich traditions of Shanghai cooking
Benbang (Home-Style)
Benbang cuisine is the soul of Shanghai cooking — the original home-style food that locals grew up eating at their grandmothers' tables. Distinct from other Chinese regional cuisines, Benbang is defined by its 'red-braising' technique (hongshao),...
Explore dishes →Xiaolongbao & Dim Sum
Xiaolongbao — literally 'little basket buns' — are Shanghai's most famous culinary export and arguably the world's most beloved soup dumpling. Each delicate dumpling encases a seasoned pork filling suspended in a rich, savory broth that magically...
Explore dishes →Hairy Crab
Every autumn, Shanghai enters a state of collective obsession with one ingredient: the hairy crab (da zha xie). These palm-sized freshwater crabs, named for the dark hair-like filaments on their claws, emerge from lakes around the Yangtze Delta —...
Explore dishes →Street Food
Shanghai's street food scene is where the city's culinary energy is at its most raw and democratic. It's a world of sizzling griddles, steaming bamboo baskets, and the intoxicating aroma of soy, sesame, and spice that fills narrow lanes at all...
Explore dishes →Fine Dining
Shanghai's fine dining scene has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades, evolving from a handful of hotel restaurants into one of Asia's most exciting gastronomic destinations. The city now boasts multiple...
Explore dishes →Shanghai Restaurants Near You
Find authentic Shanghai restaurants in cities worldwide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shanghai cuisine known for?
Shanghai cuisine, or Benbang cuisine, is known for its sweet and savory soy-based braised dishes, soup dumplings (xiaolongbao), and an emphasis on fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients like hairy crab.
What is the average cost of a Shanghai restaurant meal?
Street food and casual spots range from RMB 20-80. Mid-range restaurants average RMB 100-250 per person. Fine dining tasting menus start from RMB 500 and can exceed RMB 2,000.
When is hairy crab season in Shanghai?
Hairy crab season runs from September through December, with October and November being peak months when the crabs are at their richest and most flavorful.
Do I need reservations for Shanghai restaurants?
For popular and fine dining restaurants, reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and during holidays. Many top restaurants book out weeks in advance.
What are the must-try dishes at a Shanghai restaurant?
Essentials include xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried buns), hongshao rou (red braised pork), yan du xian (bamboo shoot soup), and hairy crab in autumn.
Are there vegetarian Shanghai restaurants?
Yes! Shanghai has a strong Buddhist vegetarian tradition. Restaurants like Fu He Hui offer world-class vegetarian tasting menus, and many local spots serve vegetable-focused dishes.