Restaurants in Shanghai, chosen for what they do differently. Here is where to start.

© Photo Credits: Fu 1088
01.Fu 1088
What is it? Fu 1088 sits on Zhenning Road and holds a Michelin star. It functions as a fine dining destination focused on traditional Chinese cuisine.
Why we love it: The restaurant commands a price point that reflects its status, yet the consistent quality is evidenced by the high guest rating. It provides a rare, romantic environment for those seeking a quiet meal far from the bustle of the nearby Shanghai Exhibition Center.
Good to Know: The formal, smart and elegant atmosphere at Fu 1088 necessitates a polished wardrobe that matches the restaurant's sophisticated, traditional aesthetic.

© Photo Credits: Vue Bar
02.Vue Bar
What is it? Vue Bar sits on Huangpu Road in the Hongkou District. It is a fine dining restaurant that serves international and contemporary cuisine. The space is a ten-minute walk from The Bund and sits less than two kilometers from Nanjing Road.
Why we love it: The venue manages a 4.42 rating from 141 reviews, striking a balance that caters to those seeking a romantic atmosphere rather than a frantic city pace. While the price range is high, the combination of a terrace and a view offers a specific vantage point of Shanghai that is difficult to replicate at street level.
Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at Vue Bar is strictly enforced, so leave the casual wear at the hotel before heading over from the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum area.

© Photo Credits: Yi Long Court
03.Yi Long Court
What is it? Yi Long Court sits at 32 Zhongshan Rd (E-1), just a short stroll from The Bund. This Michelin-starred venue specializes in Chinese and contemporary Asian cuisine within a setting focused on fine dining.
Why we love it: While many establishments on the Huangpu waterfront lean into the heavy foot traffic of nearby Nanjing Road Shopping Street, Yi Long Court offers a deliberate, romantic alternative. It earns its price point through a consistent execution of Chinese and contemporary techniques that justifies its Michelin status.
Good to Know: Yi Long Court requires a smart and elegant dress code, so plan your attire before walking over from the nearby Yu Garden area.

© Photo Credits: Xin Rong Ji (West Nanjing Road)
04.Xin Rong Ji (West Nanjing Road)
What is it? Xin Rong Ji (West Nanjing Road) sits on the second floor of 688 Plaza on Nanjing Road (W). This fine dining destination specializes in contemporary Chinese seafood and holds a Michelin star, while also appearing at number 50 on the current La Liste ranking.
Why we love it? The restaurant delivers a refined, high-end experience that justifies its premium price point. It manages to balance the weight of its culinary accolades with an intimate, romantic atmosphere, all while remaining a short walk from the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street.
Good to Know: Given the focus on contemporary seafood at Xin Rong Ji (West Nanjing Road), consult the staff on the day’s freshest catch to navigate the expansive menu, and note that the smart and elegant dress code is strictly observed.

© Photo Credits: Hakkasan
05.Hakkasan
What is it? Hakkasan sits at 18 Zhongshan Rd (E-1) on the Bund. This Michelin-starred restaurant specializes in Chinese, modern, and fusion cuisine.
Why we love it: While many venues on the Bund prioritize scale, Hakkasan maintains a specific intimacy that earns it a 4.60 rating from over two hundred diners. The fine dining environment balances the high-end price point with a focus on modern Chinese technique that remains hard to find elsewhere in Huangpu.
Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code is strictly enforced here, so plan your attire accordingly for a walk from nearby Nanjing Road.

© Photo Credits: Jade on 36
06.Jade on 36
What is it? Jade on 36 is a fine dining restaurant located at 33 Fucheng Rd in Pudong, Shanghai. It serves a contemporary, creative French menu in a space that features a terrace.
Why we love it: The restaurant sits a fifteen-minute walk from the Oriental Pearl Tower, offering a deliberate contrast to the density of the surrounding Lujiazui district. With a 4.20 guest rating, it remains a destination for those seeking an elevated, romantic setting that balances traditional French technique with modern, creative execution.
Good to Know: The terrace at Jade on 36 provides a vantage point for the skyline that keeps you roughly a twenty-minute walk from the IFC Mall, making it a quiet alternative to the busier malls nearby.

© Photo Credits: Barbarossa
07.Barbarossa
What is it? Barbarossa sits at 11 Nanjing Rd (W), placing it a four-minute walk from the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. This restaurant pairs French and fusion seafood in a fine dining setting that includes an integrated bar and terrace.
Why we love it: Barbarossa offers a distinct contrast to the frenetic pace of the surrounding Huangpu district. Its 4.62 rating from 52 guests reflects a consistency that justifies its place as an expensive, dedicated fine-dining room within walking distance of the Bund.
Good to Know: The terrace at Barbarossa provides a necessary escape from the city’s dense street-level bustle, though you must arrive in smart and elegant attire to be seated.

© Photo Credits: Sir Elly's Terrace
08.Sir Elly's Terrace
What is it? Sir Elly’s Terrace sits on Zhongshan Rd (E-1), a five-minute walk from the Bund. It is a fine-dining restaurant specializing in contemporary fusion and international cuisine.
Why we love it: The space commands a 4.81 guest rating, balancing its high-end price point with a commitment to the fusion format. Its proximity to the Bund makes it a logical stop for those navigating the Huangpu district, offering a contrast to the dense bustle of nearby Nanjing Road.
Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at Sir Elly’s Terrace is strictly enforced, so leave the sneakers at your hotel before heading to this side of the Huangpu river.

© Photo Credits: The Nest
09.The Nest
What is it? The Nest sits at 130 Beijing Rd (E), placing it a fifteen-minute walk from the Bund. It operates as a contemporary fine dining restaurant in Huangpu, drawing a steady crowd that has yielded a 4.77 rating from 26 reviews.
Why we love it: The venue manages a rare equilibrium, blending the precision of a high-end kitchen with a terrace that keeps the energy tethered to the street-level pulse of the city. While it sits just 800 meters from the retail throngs of Nanjing Road, the atmosphere inside feels removed enough to warrant the smart and elegant dress code.
Good to Know: The Nest leans heavily into a fusion-focused menu, so pair the more experimental Asian-inspired plates with a seat on the terrace to make the most of the view.

© Photo Credits: Fu He Hui
10.Fu He Hui
What is it? Fu He Hui sits on Yuyuan Road in the Changning District, approximately a twenty-minute walk from the Jade Buddha Temple. It is a fine dining destination that holds a Michelin star and is ranked among The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Why we love it: This is a rare instance of a high-end, luxury restaurant committing entirely to a vegan, Chinese-influenced menu. While many establishments in this price bracket rely on animal proteins to signal status, Fu He Hui commands attention through technique alone, evidenced by its status as the best restaurant in mainland China according to the 2024 Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list.
Good to Know: The kitchen’s commitment to plant-based Asian ingredients means the tasting menu shifts significantly with the seasons; check the current cycle before booking to see which botanical components take priority on your visit.








