Shanghai’s dining scene is one of the most exciting in the world, blending ancient local flavours, luxury French fine dining and cutting‑edge contemporary cuisine. From multi‑sensory gastronomy to beloved local classics and Michelin‑recognized temples of taste, visitors and locals alike rhapsodise about the city’s restaurants. Here’s a detailed look at some of the best restaurants in Shanghai that have consistently impressed guests in 2025–26 — whether by Michelin acclaim, glowing reviews or unforgettable food experiences.
Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet — The Multi‑Sensory Culinary Masterpiece
No visit to Shanghai is complete without dinner at Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet, one of the world’s most talked‑about restaurants. This single‑table, 10‑seat venue combines haute cuisine with visual, auditory and olfactory elements for a fully immersive dining journey. Guests sit in a space rigged with projection, sound and lighting that changes with each of the 22 courses — a performance as much as a meal. Ultraviolet earned three Michelin stars, making it one of the highest‑honoured dining experiences in the city and a must‑book for serious food travellers.
Fu He Hui — Zen‑Inspired Two‑Star Michelin Vegan Elegance
In the realm of premium vegetarian cuisine, Fu He Hui stands out. Promoted to Two Michelin Stars in the 2025 Michelin Guide, this restaurant explores the philosophy that vegan food can be as profound and creative as any meat‑centric menu. Seasonal set menus demonstrate a delicate balance of texture, aroma and presentation, using local produce with classical Chinese technique and modern innovation. Guests often describe the experience as almost spiritual, not only for the food’s subtlety but for the serene atmosphere that accompanies each course.
Narisawa — Sustainable Japanese Fine Dining With Shanghai Flair
Originally from Tokyo, Narisawa’s Shanghai outpost has added a new star to the city’s Michelin roster. The concept of Satoyama — celebrating nature’s harmony — is reinterpreted here with seasonal Chinese ingredients that evoke landscapes and seasons through taste. Signature items like the “Bread of the Forest,” baked tableside with infused botanicals, have become insta‑famous moments that reflect both gastrophilia and artistic presentation. The restaurant has impressed diners for its fusion of cultures and techniques.
Zhou She — A Michelin‑Starred Celebration of Shanghainese Flavours
Near Hongqiao, Zhou She (Minhang) offers guests a polished, locally rooted culinary experience that earned it a Michelin star in the 2025 guide. Headed by a Shanghai native, this restaurant focuses on authentic Shanghainese dishes, sometimes with inflections from Cantonese or Huaiyang traditions. Dishes such as marinated pigeon with Sichuan peppercorns, and sautéed shredded fish with chive sprouts, highlight local tastes elevated with refined technique. Many travellers note it as a place where tradition truly shines.
Gastro Esthetics at DaDong — Modern Chinese Sophistication
For contemporary Chinese cuisine with a twist, Gastro Esthetics at DaDong delivers. Also newly recognised by Michelin, the restaurant combines expertly prepared classics — such as Peking duck carved tableside — with inventive presentations and luxurious ingredients like braised sea cucumber. The interior and service strive for a modern artistic ambience, making it a favourite for diners seeking both style and substance.
Sole — Cantonese Classics With Stellar Craftsmanship
Sole is another newcomer to Michelin selection in Shanghai — this time spotlighting Cantonese cuisine. With dishes ranging from dim sum to double‑boiled soups and seafood stir‑fries, many guests praise the meticulous execution, especially standout items like scallop dumplings with crab roe. Its traditional roots combined with modern hospitality make Sole a destination for Cantonese food lovers.
Wu You Xian — Shanghai’s Starred Dim Sum Destination
A very special inclusion in the Michelin Guide was Wu You Xian, the first dim sum restaurant in Shanghai to receive a star. Known for crab xiaolongbao and over 20 dim sum varieties, its steamed buns are celebrated for their lusciously filled interiors and delicate skins. Guests often queue for a chance to taste premium dim sum options — from abalone to sea cucumber — in a setting that honours both tradition and creativity.
Classic Local Favorites With Universal Appeal
Not all top dining experiences in Shanghai come from fine dining. Some beloved local eateries — where authenticity and history impress every guest — include:
- Qiao Ai Lai Lai Xiao Long — A top‐rated spot for classic crab meat soup dumplings with over 30 years of history and consistently strong traveller reviews.
- Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant — A historic destination near Yu Garden, famous for traditional xiaolongbao with thin skins and savoury filling.
- 老兴鲜 (Huangpu) — Celebrated for its authentic Shanghai cuisine, located near Huaihai Road and Xintiandi — perfect for classic local dishes.
- Xian De Lai — Praised for old‑Shanghai style pork ribs with rice cakes, blending crispy texture with nostalgic flavours.
These places demonstrate that everything from street‑level favourites to Michelin stars defines Shanghai’s culinary identity — and many visitors find themselves returning again and again.
Fine Dining Beyond Shanghai Proper
Shanghai’s reputation as a food capital also extends to neighbouring high‑end restaurants popular with guests, such as DA VITTORIO SHANGHAI on the Bund, Le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire at Capella Shanghai, and 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana, each combining international sophistication with local flair. These establishments often pair exquisite cuisine with stunning views of the Huangpu River and the skyline, making them unforgettable dining experiences for both visitors and residents.
Why Shanghai’s Restaurant Scene Leaves a Lasting Impression
What unites these restaurants — from intimate dim sum houses to multi‑sensory haute cuisine temples — is a blend of heritage, innovation and excellence. Shanghai’s kitchens reflect a city that marries old and new, East and West, humble snacks and cosmopolitan feasts. For many guests, it’s not just a meal but a story: one of flavours remembered, service that feels personal, and cultural richness that resonates long after the last bite.
