Top 8 Must-Try Shanghai Chinese Restaurants in 2025

Shanghai’s dining scene is a dynamic fusion of centuries-old culinary traditions and modern innovation.

Whether you crave succulent soup dumplings, fiery hot pot, or elegant Cantonese banquets, the city offers an endless array of exceptional Chinese restaurants.

This guide spotlights eight must-visit shanghai Chinese restaurants, each selected for its signature flavors, atmosphere, and guest acclaim.

You’ll find an overview table, in-depth profiles, practical dining tips, and direct reservation links to help you plan the perfect meal.

Overview Table of Top 8 Restaurants

Restaurant	District	Specialty	Price Range
Jin Xuan Chinese Restaurant	The Bund	Cantonese Dim Sum	$$$
Hakkasan	The Bund	Modern Cantonese	$$$$
Summer Palace	Pudong	Peking Duck & Banquet	$$$$
Shanghai Haidilao Hot Pot (Zhangyang)	Pudong	Sichuan-Style Hot Pot	$$
Yang’s Fry-Dumpling (Wujiang Store)	Huangpu	Sheng Jian Bao	$
Din Tai Fung	Xintiandi	Soup Dumplings	$$
Jia Jia Tang Bao	Huangpu	Xiao Long Bao	$
Lost Heaven on the Bund	The Bund	Yunnan Cuisine	$$$

Source: TripAdvisor “Find Restaurants – Shanghai; Chinese Cuisine”

Why These Shanghai Chinese Restaurants Matter

Shanghai’s gastronomic identity is built on a delicate balance of sweet, savory, and umami notes.

The city’s coastal location ensures abundant seafood, while waves of migration brought regional specialties—from Guangdong dim sum to Sichuan mala.

Together, these influences have created a dining landscape where every meal can become an unforgettable experience.

Our selection reflects:

Historical significance and longevity in Shanghai’s restaurant scene
Consistent high ratings and guest reviews on TripAdvisor and Time Out
Signature dishes that define each restaurant’s culinary artistry
A range of price points, from affordable street eats to upscale banquets
Convenient locations and reliable reservation systems

In-Depth Profiles

1. Jin Xuan Chinese Restaurant

Located on the 3rd floor of the Four Seasons Hotel at The Bund, Jin Xuan delivers a refined Cantonese experience.

Warm wood accents, gentle jazz, and a view of the Huangpu River set the tone for dim sum and banquet specialties.

Signature dishes include the barbecue pork buns and steamed prawn dumplings, each handcrafted by chefs trained in Hong Kong’s finest kitchens.

Weekend dim sum service requires a reservation at least three days in advance.

2. Hakkasan

Hakkasan marries sleek modern design with elevated Cantonese fare.

Hidden behind a minimalist façade on Yan’an Road, the restaurant features private dining rooms and an open kitchen bar.

Must-tries include the wild mushroom stew in clay pot and black cod in salted plum glaze.

Their signature cocktails blend Asian ingredients like jasmine tea and yuzu, making Hakkasan a complete sensorial journey.

3. Summer Palace

Set within the Grand Hyatt Shanghai in Pudong, Summer Palace is renowned for its Peking duck banquet.

The restaurant’s mirrored columns and crystal chandeliers evoke a grand old-world charm.

The duck arrives carved tableside, served with handmade pancakes and hoisin sauce.

For an elevated experience, request the chef’s seasonal seafood platter featuring braised abalone or lobster.

4. Shanghai Haidilao Hot Pot (Zhangyang Road)

Haidilao revolutionized hot pot with its legendary service and adaptable broths.

At the Zhangyang Road location, diners choose from spicy Sichuan mala, nourishing tomato, or mushroom and seaweed bases.

The mandatory apron, free manicures, and noodle-pulling performance ensure an entertaining meal.

Order the high-quality beef slices, homemade fish balls, and a side of golden pumpkin porridge.

5. Yang’s Fry-Dumpling (Wujiang Store)

Yang’s pioneered the art of sheng jian bao, pan-fried soup dumplings with crisp bottoms and juicy interiors.

The Wujiang Store’s open kitchen lets you watch each bun sizzle on the griddle.

Opt for classic pork or try the vegetarian mushroom version. Pair with a side of spicy vinegar dip to balance richness.

6. Din Tai Fung

This Taiwanese export maintains its spotless reputation in Shanghai’s Xintiandi district.

Soup dumplings arrive with ultra-thin skins and hot, flavor-packed broth.

The truffle soup dumpling elevates the classic with aromatic black truffle oil.

Complement your order with wok-fried noodles and sautéed green beans in garlic sauce.

7. Jia Jia Tang Bao

A local institution, Jia Jia Tang Bao serves some of Shanghai’s most authentic xiao long bao.

Tucked along Huanghe Road, the restaurant offers only a handful of bench seats, encouraging quick turnover.

The small menu focuses on soup dumplings and side dishes like seaweed and bean jelly.

Lines form early, so plan for an off-peak visit around 14:00.

8. Lost Heaven on the Bund

Lost Heaven transports diners to Yunnan Province with tribal décor, flickering lanterns, and lush greenery.

Their signature Yunnan mushroom pot blends local fungi with chili-lime dressing.

Don’t miss the crispy tea-smoked ribs and spicy coconut curry shrimp.

Weekend live music adds a vibrant backdrop to this all-day venue.

Dining Tips for Shanghai Chinese Restaurants

Learn key Chinese menu terms—bao, rou, jiaozi—to navigate dishes confidently.
Carry a screenshot of your reservation confirmation; many venues require QR code entry.
Use WeChat Pay or Alipay to settle bills quickly—cash is increasingly uncommon in upscale spots.
Order family-style and share multiple dishes; portion sizes vary widely.
Visit casual outlets like Yang’s and Jia Jia between 14:00–16:00 to avoid lines.
For formal banquets, inquire about set menus and dietary restrictions at booking.
Dress smart-casual for high-end restaurants; some enforce dress codes after 18:00.
Always ask for the chef’s specials or seasonal items—they often showcase unique produce.

Planning Your Shanghai Dining Adventure

Start by mapping your itinerary geographically.

Pair Huangpu favorites like Jin Xuan and Lost Heaven on the Bund with nearby strolls along the historic waterfront.

Schedule hot pot at midday—Haidilao’s spicy broth is perfect for combatting Shanghai humidity.

End evenings in Xintiandi or The Bund, where Din Tai Fung and Hakkasan keep loyal night-owl crowds well into midnight.

Use ride-hailing apps like Didi to navigate between districts, and download each restaurant’s WeChat mini-program for up-to-date menus and peak-hour alerts.