This guide was last updated in July 2025. Restaurant hours, prices, and availability may change. Contact restaurants directly to confirm current information before visiting.
Shanghai’s international dining scene has embraced Middle Eastern cuisine with remarkable enthusiasm, offering both expatriates and locals authentic flavors from Lebanon, Turkey, Iran, and beyond.
This comprehensive guide explores the city’s most exceptional Middle Eastern establishments, providing detailed information to help you navigate Shanghai’s diverse culinary landscape.
Our Research Methodology
This guide is based on comprehensive research including:
- TripAdvisor verified reviews and ratings analysis
- SmartShanghai editorial recommendations
- Official Shanghai tourism board listings
- Local food blogger reviews and social media feedback
- Personal dining experiences and authenticity verification
- Community recommendations from Middle Eastern expatriates
Top 5 Middle Eastern Restaurants in Shanghai
1. Efes Restaurant Turkish & Mediterranean Cuisine
Cuisine: Turkish/Mediterranean
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.7/5 (1,214+ reviews)
Ranking: #10 of 8,828 restaurants in Shanghai
Efes stands as Shanghai’s premier Turkish dining destination, earning the #10 spot among all Shanghai restaurants on TripAdvisor with over 1,200 reviews. Located in the heart of Pudong, this authentic Turkish restaurant brings Ottoman cuisine to one of the world’s most modern districts.
Signature Dishes:
- Chargrilled kebabs over real charcoal for extra smoky flavor
- Mixed grill platters with lamb, chicken, and beef
- Turkish meze selection including hummus and baba ghanoush
- Authentic raki (anise-flavored liquor) and Efes beer
Ambiance: Modern twists on Turkish classics in a casual but classy setting with both indoor and outdoor seating options.
2. Eli Falafel
Cuisine: Lebanese/Middle Eastern
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.3/5
Specialty: Vegetarian-friendly Lebanese cuisine
Recognized as “the gold standard for Middle Eastern food in Shanghai”, Eli Falafel has become a beloved institution among both locals and expatriates seeking authentic Lebanese flavors.
Signature Dishes:
- Light, flavorful falafel served with tahini sauce
- Lebanese-style hummus, labneh, and muhammara (walnut spread)
- Stuffed grape leaves and various wraps
- Salted yogurt drinks
Ambiance: Intimate setting with four tables seating eight people plus counter seating – more of a casual take-out counter than formal restaurant.
3. A Thousand & One Nights (1001 Restaurant)
Cuisine: Arabic/Pan-Middle Eastern
Style: Luxury dining with entertainment
This luxurious restaurant is located at one of Shanghai’s most prestigious addresses, offering an upscale Middle Eastern dining experience with theatrical elements.
Signature Dishes:
- Traditional hummus and tabbouleh
- Authentic shawarma with house-made bread
- Fattah Hummus (highly recommended by reviewers)
- Traditional Arabic sweets and desserts
Ambiance: Opulent Arabian-inspired décor with entertainment shows and luxury service standards.
4. Makan
Cuisine: Multi-regional Middle Eastern
Style: Casual dining with authentic atmosphere
Makan provides a more intimate Middle Eastern dining experience, focusing on traditional preparation methods and authentic flavors from various Middle Eastern regions.
Signature Dishes:
- Regional specialties from Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine
- Fresh mezze platters
- Grilled meat and vegetarian options
- Traditional Middle Eastern desserts
Ambiance: Cozy, authentic décor with traditional music and warm hospitality.
5. Garlic Restaurant
Cuisine: Vegetarian/Vegan Middle Eastern
Specialty: Plant-based Middle Eastern cuisine
Garlic stands out as Shanghai’s premier vegetarian Middle Eastern restaurant, proving that plant-based Middle Eastern cuisine can be both authentic and satisfying.
Signature Dishes:
- House-made falafel with fresh herbs
- Stuffed pita sandwiches with seasonal vegetables
- Fresh Middle Eastern salads
- Creamy tahini sauce (house specialty)
Ambiance: Casual, health-conscious atmosphere perfect for vegetarian and vegan diners.
Detailed Restaurant Information
Location and Contact Details
Efes Restaurant
- Pudong Branch: 665 Shangcheng Lu, 1st Floor, Block B, Lujiazui 1885 Culture Center, Pudong District
- Puxi Branch: 620 Huashan Road, Jing’an District
- Reservations: Pudong: +86-21-50677716, Puxi: +86-18121161177
- Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Nearest Metro: Lujiazui Station (Line 2) for Pudong branch
A Thousand & One Nights
- Address: 2/F Oudeng Building, No.10 Hengshan Lu, Near Wulumuqi Nan Road, Xuhui District
- Phone: 021-64731178
- Hours: 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM
- Nearest Metro: Changshu Road Station (Line 1/7)
Eli Falafel
- Multiple Locations: Including Wulumuqi Zhong Lu, Jiujiang Road, and Fucheng Road
- Style: Primarily take-out with limited seating
- Hours: Varies by location (typically 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
Restaurant Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price Range | Halal | Vegetarian Options | Reservation | Alcohol |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Efes | Turkish/Mediterranean | ¥150-300/person | Yes | Extensive | Recommended | Yes |
| Eli Falafel | Lebanese | ¥60-120/person | Yes | Extensive | No | No |
| 1001 Nights | Arabic/Pan-ME | ¥200-400/person | Yes | Available | Required | Yes |
| Makan | Multi-regional ME | ¥100-200/person | Yes | Available | Recommended | Limited |
| Garlic | Vegetarian ME | ¥80-150/person | Yes | Exclusive | No | No |
Dining Districts and Neighborhoods
Pudong (Lujiazui)
- Best for: Upscale dining with city views
- Recommended: Efes Restaurant
- Transportation: Easily accessible via Metro Line 2
Xuhui District
- Best for: Traditional atmosphere and luxury dining
- Recommended: 1001 Nights
- Transportation: Multiple metro connections
Jing’an District
- Best for: Casual dining and takeaway options
- Recommended: Eli Falafel branches
- Transportation: Central location with excellent connectivity
Cultural and Dietary Considerations
Halal Certification
Most established Middle Eastern restaurants in Shanghai maintain halal certification, catering to Muslim dietary requirements.
Always confirm current halal status when making reservations.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
- Extensive options: Eli Falafel and Garlic Restaurant
- Good selection: Efes and Makan
- Limited but available: 1001 Nights
Alcohol Service
- Full bar: Efes, 1001 Nights
- Limited selection: Makan
- No alcohol: Eli Falafel, Garlic Restaurant
Practical Dining Tips
Best Times to Visit
- Lunch: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (quieter, better for business meals)
- Dinner: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (full menu, livelier atmosphere)
- Weekend: Reservations strongly recommended
Payment Methods
- WeChat Pay and Alipay universally accepted
- Credit cards accepted at upscale establishments
- Cash still recommended for smaller venues
Ordering Recommendations
- For groups: Share mezze platters for variety
- Solo diners: Ask about lunch specials and combo meals
- First-time visitors: Request server recommendations for authentic dishes
Seasonal Dining Guide
Spring (March – May)
- Perfect weather for outdoor dining at Efes
- Fresh spring vegetables featured in seasonal mezze
Summer (June – August)
- Indoor dining recommended due to humidity
- Refreshing yogurt drinks and cold mezze popular
Fall (September – November)
- Ideal season for trying hearty stews and grilled meats
- Comfortable weather for exploring different neighborhoods
Winter (December – February)
- Cozy indoor dining with warm bread and tea
- Traditional comfort foods like lentil soup featured
Special Dietary Accommodations
Gluten-Free Options
- Most restaurants can accommodate with advance notice
- Rice-based dishes and fresh salads widely available
- Confirm preparation methods to avoid cross-contamination
Children’s Options
- Efes and Makan offer child-friendly dishes
- Simple grilled chicken and rice commonly available
- Most restaurants welcome families
Conclusion
Shanghai’s Middle Eastern restaurant scene offers remarkable diversity and authenticity, from Eli Falafel’s gold standard Lebanese cuisine to Efes’s top-rated Turkish dining experience.
Whether you’re seeking a casual lunch, an elegant dinner, or vegetarian specialties, these establishments provide genuine Middle Eastern flavors in China’s most international city.
The key to maximizing your Middle Eastern dining experience in Shanghai lies in understanding each restaurant’s unique strengths – from Efes’s charcoal-grilled specialties to Garlic’s innovative vegetarian creations.
We recommend exploring multiple venues to fully appreciate the rich diversity of Middle Eastern culinary traditions represented in Shanghai.
Planning Your Middle Eastern Food Journey
- Start with: Eli Falafel for authentic Lebanese basics
- Upgrade to: Efes for a comprehensive Turkish experience
- Celebrate at: 1001 Nights for special occasions
- Explore: Makan for regional specialties
- Discover: Garlic for innovative vegetarian options
