There are so many amazing restaurants in Shanghai, this list just barely scratches the surface. But, it’s a start. These are some of my favorites.
Cantonese
Crystal Jade – Xintiandi. Crystal Jade has several outlets in Shanghai but I like the Xintiandi location best. I think the noodle soups taste better here. You can do typical dim sum for lunch or a selection of dumplings and dishes for dinner.
Shanghainese
1221 is a favorite of local expats. It’s lively and the tea service is great to watch.
Fu 1039 is in an old villa. It's great for larger groups or intimate tête-à-tête as all tables come with a private, period-decorated room.
Din Tai Fung – Dragon Gate Mall
Din Tai Fung – Xintiandi
You can read all about my devotional love for the xiao long bao and Din Tai Fung should you wish. DTF is a great lunch choice but don’t miss out if dinner is the only option.
People 7
Reserve first, you’ll get a password to get in the door and this saves the embarrassing wait as you try to crack the code to enter. Sound scary? Don’t be frightened, the door gimmick isn’t nearly as bad as the bathroom trick (push on the opposite side of the door handle). Worth it for the sautéed spinach…
Hunanese
Yan Qing Road #132
A dive of a place with the BEST duck soup in the world. THE WORLD, I tell you.
Guyi Hunan
Order whatever you want on the menu but be sure to include at least three orders of the pork ribs. In fact, forget it, don’t order anything else…
Sichuanese
South Beauty - Sichuan food is spicy. If you can’t get to the province itself, try South Beauty in Shanghai.
Yunnanese
Lost Heaven has a cool,dark bar below and super-chic-Asian interior above. The food purports to be Yunnanese but is a delicious eclectic mix of southern Chinese and Burmese.
Southern Barbarian - unlike Lost Heaven, Southern Barbarian is anti-interior-design. They are all about the food. With a Yunnanese chef from a village on the southern border of Yunnan and Vietnam and ingredients that are flown up from Yunnan, the food is incredible. Three words: fried goat’s cheese (yes, there is cheese in China!)
Yangzhou Cuisine
Nanling Restaurant is a low-key place with delicious food. Yangzhou cuisine, is known for the chef's amazing knife work.
Other
Hot Pot King - Winter food. Comfort food. Hot food.
