The TOP 10 Seafood Restaurants in Shanghai

What is it? Sir Elly's Restaurant serves as a cornerstone of the Shanghai dining scene. The room carries a distinct weight, greeting arrivals with a blend of professional poise and a structured environment. You immediately sense a venue that values the tradition of a formal meal.

Why we love it: The staff navigates the floor with a precision that keeps the focus on the experience at hand. Every movement feels intentional. The room maintains a level of consistency that makes it a reliable choice for a significant night out in the city.

Good to Know: Sir Elly's Restaurant maintains a formal rhythm, so arrive with enough time to let the full service unfold.

What is it? Barbarossa sits like a mirage in the center of a park lake. This Shanghai restaurant pulls you away from the pavement and into a space where the city feels a world away. You notice the romantic atmosphere immediately as the path gives way to the water.

Why we love it: The outdoor seating places you directly over the pond. Views of the surrounding skyline frame the evening, creating a backdrop that suits both quiet dates and loud, laughing groups. The air feels different here, and the usual city rush simply stops.

Good to Know: Barbarossa is built for groups, so bring a full table of friends to soak in the views together.

What is it? Xin Rong Ji stands as a destination for serious diners on Shanghai’s West Nanjing Road. The restaurant trades the city’s neon pulse for a focused, composed atmosphere. It feels intentional from the moment you cross the threshold.

Why we love it: The dining room hums with a quiet, professional energy. Staff move with practiced precision. This is a space where the atmosphere supports the meal without unnecessary distraction.

Good to Know: The yellow croaker at Xin Rong Ji (West Nanjing Road) arrives steamed in a golden broth that anchors the menu.

What is it? Hakkasan brings a sharp, moody energy to the Shanghai dining scene. The restaurant operates with a high-octane pulse. Dark woodwork and dim lighting define the space, creating private pockets within a vast, rhythmic environment.

Why we love it: The room hums with a focused, social gravity. While the layout feels substantial, the deliberate use of light and shadow ensures every table feels secluded. It captures a side of the city that feels modern and restless. The meal unfolds with a sense of choreographed timing.

Good to Know: The signature selections at Hakkasan highlight the kitchen's technical command of high-heat cooking and precise textures.

What is it? M on the Bund anchors its corner of Shanghai with the confidence of a long-standing institution. This restaurant hums with a focused energy that immediately separates itself from the city’s frantic street pace. You find a space where the service is sharp and the atmosphere feels both established and vital.

Why we love it: The dining room pulses with a choreographed grace. Conversations at the surrounding tables provide a low, steady soundtrack to the meal, while the light catches the glassware as staff move with quiet intent. We love the feeling of being at the center of the city’s culinary map without any of the over-the-top pretense often found nearby.

Good to Know: The Pavlova at M on the Bund remains a signature choice that highlights the best of the kitchen's undefined cuisine.