Best Places To Eat in Shanghai
Shanghai has long been a culinary crossroads, shaped by history, trade, and global curiosity—a city where tradition meets trend. From the early days of Benbang cuisine, rooted in homestyle braises and fresh river fare, to the East-meets-West fusion of Haipai, its food culture has grown alongside the city’s evolution. Today, street vendors, old teahouses, and modern bistros all contribute to a rich tapestry of flavors—timeless yet constantly reinvented.
RESTAURANT
REN HE GUAN
$$
Ren He Guan is one of Shanghai’s most acclaimed Shanghainese restaurants and proudly holds a Michelin star. Its elegant 1930s-themed interior, complete with art-deco stained glass, vintage-style booths, and live performances by singers in traditional qipao, creates a nostalgic yet refined atmosphere. The menu features top-tier local classics, including red-braised pork (hong shao rou), crab meat tofu, shengjianbao, squirrel-style mandarin fish, and shredded eel with water bamboo. Notably, the crab dishes—sourced from the owner’s own farm—are especially praised for their quality and flavor. Despite its Michelin recognition, prices remain moderate, making it a favorite among both locals and expats. With its popularity, reservations are strongly recommended, as walk-ins often face long waits. Bilingual menus are available, making it accessible to international diners.
KEY INFORMATIONS
Address: 407 Zhaojiabang Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai.
Open Days: Mon-Sun
Open Hours: 11:00am – 02.00pm and 5.00pm – 9.30pm
Contact No.: +86 21 6403 0731
Other Locations: Branches in Jing’an.
Subscribe
Did You Know?
Many classic Shanghainese dishes, like red-braised pork and crab meat tofu, were once exclusive to wealthy families and aristocrats. It wasn’t until the 20th century—when Western influence and local dining culture began to merge—that these luxurious banquet dishes slowly made their way into public restaurants and became everyday staples. So what feels like comforting home-cooked food today was once reserved for the elite.
Neighbourhoods
Explore Shanghai’s best neighborhoods and what they’re known for.
- The Bund: Upscale dining and Western-Chinese fusion.
- Xintiandi: Chic cafés and stylish restaurants.
- French Concession: Hidden gems, global cuisine, and brunch spots.
- Jing’an: Trendy eateries, expat favorites.
- People’s Square: Local chains, street food.
- Yu Garden: Traditional Shanghainese food and tourist-friendly snacks.
- Hongkou: Authentic local eats.
- Qibao Ancient Town: Street snacks.
- Lujiazui: High-end restaurants, luxury dining with skyline views.
- Tianzifang: Creative cafés and indie eateries.