Shanghai’s Must-Visit Restaurants in 2024

Shanghai, China’s most dynamic and culturally diverse city, boasts a unique culinary style known as ‘Benbang’ (本帮菜) or ‘Hu cuisine’ (沪菜). So, you just finished our Shanghai Food Tours and are looking for a deeper dive into the city’s food scene? You’re in the right place! Originating in communal neighborhoods, this cuisine emphasizes the natural essence of fresh, seasonal ingredients—from vegetables and seafood to delicate water plants. Influenced by nearby regions like Zhejiang, Suzhou, and Anhui, these dishes balance light, delicate flavors with just the right hints of sweetness and savory depth.

With countless dining options, finding the best spots can be overwhelming. But don’t worry—we’ve done the legwork for you! We’ve handpicked a selection of must-visit spots, from upscale restaurants to cozy neighborhood favorites. These venues offer Shanghai classics and often provide English menus or helpful photos. Even if they don’t, we’ve highlighted their signature dishes for you. Use this guide to dive into Shanghai’s rich, diverse flavors!

Crab Meat Noodle House (庄氏隆兴·蟹粉面道)

If Beijing is renowned for its Peking Duck, Shanghai proudly offers its Crab Meat and Crab Roe dishes. As you step into this restaurant, you can directly observe the chef’s skillful hands swiftly cracking open crabs, expertly extracting their succulent meat and vibrant roe. Every piece is carefully collected and transformed into a luscious golden topping, ready to grace your choice of noodles or rice.

The richness of the crab roe provides a decadent ‘golden therapy’ for your taste buds. Whether served over tender noodles or fluffy rice, this dish promises a delectable experience that embodies the essence of Shanghai’s culinary tradition.

Restaurant Name: 庄氏隆兴·蟹粉面道（南京东路店） Zhuang Shi Long Xing

Where it’s located: Zhejiang East Road#441, Huangpu District, Shanghai

What to Order:

Braised Noodles with Crab Roe 蟹粉黄金捞面
Braised Rice with Crab Roe 蟹粉黄金捞饭

What We Love: A must-go gem if you are a crab-lover!

Average Price: 110 RMB/Person

Opening Hours: 10:30-21:30 Daily

Show Your Taxi Driver: 庄氏隆兴·蟹粉面道（南京东路店）

Map: Google Map (requires VPN in China) or Chinese Map

Ben Bang Cuisine (晓平饭店)

To blend in as a true Shanghainese, visiting this charming local restaurant along a bustling street is a must. Initially serving just its neighborhood, it gained popularity through word of mouth for its meticulously crafted dishes. Over time, the menu has expanded to blend authentic Shanghai flavors with enticing influences from nearby provinces. Despite its cozy size, the restaurant provides a vibrant dining experience, often drawing enthusiastic crowds, especially during peak hours.

Fresh seafood and vegetables are transformed into delectable creations, each dish showcasing the chef’s remarkable talent. Imagine diving into a plate where the delicate flavors of perfectly cooked seafood meet the crisp freshness of locally sourced vegetables. Every bite is a burst of rich, satisfying flavors that not only delight your palate but also leave you yearning for more.

Pro Tip: Visit at lunchtime or during off-peak dinner hours to avoid long waits.

Restaurant Name: 晓平饭店 Xiao Ping Restaurant

Where it’s located: Nanjing East Rd#636, Huangpu District, Shanghai (close to People’s Square Subway Station, exit 14)

What to Order:

Tomato Beef with Silky Eggs 番茄牛肉滑蛋
Fried Rice with Pickled Vegetables and Meat 咸菜肉炒饭
Rice Wine Flavored Soybean Sprouts 酒香海南大豆苗
Garlic Butterflied Shrimp 蒜蓉粉丝开片虾

What We Love: Imagine living here and popping over to your neighbor’s for homemade lunch!

Average Price: 130 RMB/Person

Opening Hours: 11:00-14:00 17:00-21:00 Daily

Show Your Taxi Driver: 晓平饭店

Maps: Google Map (requires VPN in China) or Chinese Map

Michelin Starred Benbang Cuisine (人和馆)

Imagine dining in 19th-century Shanghai at this Michelin-starred gem, where the vintage décor and authentic atmosphere transport you straight to the city’s golden era. If you appreciate old-world charm and evocative narratives, you’ll fall in love with this place.

The menu features a unique array of seafood and seasonal vegetables, masterfully prepared to capture the essence of Shanghai’s culinary heritage. Among the highlights is their signature Drunken Crab—tender crab meat soaked in rich, aged Chinese wine, enhancing its natural sweetness. Another standout is the Stir-fried Baby Bok Choy with Chicken Oil, a delightful dish that brings out the richness of local greens. The Sweet and Sour Smoked Fish, a harmonious blend of light sweetness and savory soy sauce, offers a perfect balance of fish flavors.

Pro Tip: To skip the crowds, visit during early-lunch or off-peak dinner hours.

Restaurant Name: 人和馆 Ren He Guan（肇嘉浜路店）

Where it’s located: Zhaojiabang Road#407, Xuhui District, Shanghai

What to Order:

Cooked Drunken Crab 熟醉蟹
Stir-fried Baby Bok-choy with Chicken Oil 鸡油炒小青菜
Shanghai-style Sweet&Sour Smoked Fish 本帮熏鱼

What We Love: Enjoy old-Shanghai dishes when immerse yourself back in the golden era

Average Price: 200 RMB/Person

Opening Hours: 11:00-14:00 17:00-21:30 Daily

Show Your Taxi Driver: 人和馆（肇嘉浜路店）

Maps: Google Map (requires VPN in China) or Chinese Map

Old Shanghai Rice Cake Dessert (沈大成)

You can’t miss this beloved Chinese Rice Cake dessert spot in the heart of a vibrant district. These rice cakes, adored for their soft, chewy texture, come in a variety of sweet and savory options. Crafted from perfectly steamed or sticky rice, each one is filled with an array of delicious ingredients. Imagine sinking your teeth into a rice cake and feeling it gently dissolve in your mouth, releasing the rich, comforting flavors of its filling. Whether you prefer the subtle sweetness of red bean or the savory depth of minced pork and egg yolk, each bite transforms into a little taste of paradise.

Pro Tip: They have locations throughout the city, but this one is a must-go. Here, you can also enjoy a range of classic Shanghai dishes alongside your rice cakes, making it the perfect stop for a truly local dining experience.

Restaurant Name: 沈大成 Shen Da Cheng

Where it’s located: Nanjing East Rd#636, Huangpu District, Shanghai (close to People’s Square Subway Station, exit 14)

What to Order:

Striped Red Bean Cake 条头糕
Soybean-filled Golden Rice Ball 金团
Green Rice Ball with Salted Egg Yolk and Pork Floss Stuffing 蛋黄肉松青
Savory Pork-Filled Mooncake 鲜肉月饼

What We Love: The unique red bean and meat-stuffing flavor rice cake, right downtown.

Average Price: 20 RMB/Person

Opening Hours: 7:00-21:00 Daily

Show Your Taxi Driver: 沈大成（南京东路店）

Maps: Google Map (requires VPN in China) or Chinese Map

Zen Vegetarian Cuisine (五观堂素食)

For 20 years, this Zen-inspired vegetarian spot has been quietly serving up tranquility. The moment you step in, you’ll be greeted by a wave of calm and a warm welcome.

The menu here sticks to the Zen philosophy of simplicity and purity. You can forget about imitation meats—instead, you’ll enjoy fresh, locally sourced ingredients that highlight the natural flavors of each season. Every dish is thoughtfully presented and perfectly seasoned to bring out its true taste while keeping things light and healthy.

To make your experience even more special, you can choose to sit at communal tables, in private dining rooms, or on an outdoor terrace with lovely street views. Whether you’re catching up with friends or savoring a quiet moment alone, this place is a cozy haven where you can relax.

Restaurant Name: 五观堂素食（新华路店） Wu Guan Tang Su Shi

Where it’s located: Xinhua Road #349\359, Changning District, Shanghai

What to Order:

Nine Treasures Box 九珍盒 (a curated selection of nine unique and beautifully presented vegetable dishes)
Seasonal Vegetables in Curry Sauce with Xinjiang Naan 咖喱时蔬·配新疆烤馕
Pepper-Stuffed Mashed Potato and Sweet Potato 一品鲜
Salt and Pepper Mushroom Skewers 椒盐杏鲍菇烤串

What We Love: Creative and delicate vegetarian sanctuary for all-type of eaters.

Average Price: 130 RMB/Person

Opening Hours: 10:30-20:30 Daily

Show Your Taxi Driver: 五观堂素食（新华路店）

Map: Google Map (requires VPN in China) or Chinese Map

Our Shanghai Food Tours:

Shanghai Coffee & Breakfast Food Tour

$59 USD

This tour explores the city’s dynamically evolving French Concession neighborhood while visiting the trendiest cafes alongside traditional street-food vendors and longstanding local restaurants.

8:30am Daily

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3 Hours

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Walking Tour

Shanghai Evening Food Tour

$69 USD

Try at least 10 dishes on a journey through the clandestine cuisine of old-Shanghai, hiding in plain sight in the French Concession.

6:30pm Daily

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3.5 Hours

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Walking Tour

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