10 Best Restaurants in Shanghai 2026: Must-Try Local Food Guide

Shanghai's dining scene is incredibly diverse, offering everything from time-honored local cuisine to the trendiest internet-famous restaurants—each one worth looking forward to. Whether you crave classic braised pork or want to explore innovative international flavors, this guide will take you on a culinary adventure to must-visit spots you won’t want to miss. There’s a vast array of options waiting for you!

Top 10 Shanghai Restaurant Recommendation

​​Shanghai Restaurant | Fu 1039​​

Fu 1039​​ is a renowned Shanghai restaurant famous for its exquisite local Benbang cuisine. It specializes in dishes such as ​​Crab Roe Tofu​​ and ​​Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs​​, as well as classic ​​Braised Pork in Brown Sauce, Shanghai-style​​. The Crab Roe Tofu is so tender it practically melts in your mouth, with the delicate flavor of crab roe perfectly complementing the soft tofu. The Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs offer a delightful balance of tangy and sweet flavors that leave a lasting impression.

• ​​Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:00-14:00, 17:30-23:00
• Address: No. 1039, Yuyuan Road, Jiangsu Road Street, Shanghai

Fu 1039

4.7/5

Global 100 - Local Restaurants

Per Person from AU$78
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Shanghai Restaurant | Ren He Guan (Zhaojiabang Road Branch)​​

Ren He Guan is renowned for its unique Benbang cuisine, making it a must-visit Shanghai restaurant highly praised by locals. Its signature dishes include ​​Sautéed Squid in Soy Sauce​​, ​​Dry-Braised Prawns​​, and ​​Braised Pork in Brown Sauce, Shanghai-style​​. The restaurant attracts countless diners with its fresh flavors and rich taste profiles. The squid is crisp-tender and infused with aromatic soy sauce, while the dry-braised prawns are celebrated for their chewy texture and rich, savory sauce. These classic Shanghai dishes leave people marveling: the authentic taste of old Shanghai is right here.

• Opening hours: 1/1-12/31 Mon to Fri：11:00-14:00 17:00-21:30, 1/1-12/31 Sat to Sun：11:00-14:00 16:30-21:30
• ​​Address​​: No. 407, Zhaojiabang Road, Shanghai

Ren He Guan (Zhaojiabang Road)

4.6/5

Global 100 - Local Restaurants

Per Person from AU$41
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​​Shanghai Restaurant​​ | ​​Lu Bo Lang (Yuyuan Branch)​​

When in the Yuyuan area, Lü Bo Lang is an absolute must-try Shanghai restaurant! Their ​​Dongpo Pork​​ is rich but not greasy, with a savory aroma that keeps you coming back for more. The ​​Bamboo Shoot Soup with Cured Meat​​ is another standout—fresh bamboo shoots and salted pork blend perfectly, creating complex layers of flavor. Every dish showcases the essence of Jiang-Zhe cuisine.

• +862163280602
• Mon to Sun：11:00-14:00 17:00-20:30
• ​​Address​​: No. 115, Yuyuan Road, Shanghai

Lu Bo Lang

4.7/5

Asia 100 - Local Restaurants

Per Person from AU$33
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​​Shanghai Old Restaurant (Yuyuan Branch)​​

The signature dishes at Shanghai Old Restaurant, such as ​​Braised Wheat Gluten​​ and ​​Four-Joy Braised Wheat Gluten​​, are must-try options. Braised Wheat Gluten is a vegetarian dish made from wheat bran, simmered with shiitake mushrooms and wood ear fungus for a savory and flavorful experience. The Four-Joy Braised Wheat Gluten adds ingredients like peanuts and carrots, creating an even richer texture and taste. Additionally, don’t miss their specialty ​​Stir-Fried Clover with Pork Intestines​​—be sure to order a portion!

• +862163552275
• Opening Hours: Mon to Sun：11:00-14:00 17:00-20:30
• ​​Address​​: No. 242, Fuyou Road, Shanghai

Shanghai Classical Restaurant

4.7/5

Asia 100 - Local Restaurants

Per Person from AU$34
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​​Longfeng Restaurant · Peace Hotel Shanghai​​

For an authentic taste of classic Benbang cuisine, the Dragon & Phoenix Hall at Peace Hotel is absolutely worth a visit! Their ​​Eight-Treasure Duck​​ is absolutely delicious—the rich stuffing and tender duck meat will make you a loyal customer from the first bite. The ​​Pickled Vegetable Yellow Croaker​​ is also highly recommended—the distinctive pickled vegetable aroma pairs perfectly with the fresh fish, delivering the authentic flavors of Shanghai in every bite.

• Mon to Sun：11:30-14:30 17:30-22:00
• +862161386880
• ​​Address​​: 8th Floor, No. 20, Nanjing East Road, Shanghai

Dragon Phoenix

4.8/5

Asia 100 - Local Restaurants

Per Person from AU$80
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​​Shanghai Restaurant | Rui Fu Yuan (Maoming South Road)​​

At this restaurant highly favored by Shanghai locals, you absolutely cannot miss their signature dishes: ​​Braised Chicken​​, ​​Braised Pork Meatballs (Lion's Head)​​, and ​​Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs​​. The Braised Chicken combines tender meat with a rich, savory broth, perfectly capturing the essence of Benbang cuisine. The Braised Pork Meatballs, seasoned with unique spices and full of juicy flavor, make every bite intensely satisfying.

• Mon to Sun：11:00-14:00 17:00-21:30
• +862164458999
• ​​Address​​: No. 132, Maoming South Road, Ruijin Erlu Subdistrict, Shanghai

Ruifuyuan Restaurant

4.1/5

Asia 100 - Local Restaurants

Per Person from AU$30
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​​Shanghai Restaurant | Cheng Long Wang · Crab Mansion (Jiujiang Road Branch)​​

This is a super Instagram-worthy Shanghai restaurant that’s absolutely worth a visit! Their ​​Crab Roe Tofu​​ is definitely the star dish—the tofu is silky-smooth, and the rich, aromatic flavor of the crab roe is truly captivating. Also, don’t miss the ​​Spicy Crab​​—the crab meat is fresh and juicy, and the fragrant, spicy seasoning makes it completely irresistible.

​​Address​​: No. 216, Jiujiang Road, Shanghai

Cheng Long Hang

4.7/5

Asia 100 - Local Restaurants

Per Person from AU$66
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Shanghai Restaurant | ​​Lao Zheng Xing Restaurant (Fuzhou Road Branch)​​

​​When in Shanghai, you definitely shouldn’t miss this historic gem—Lao Zheng Xing Restaurant, founded in the first year of the Tongzhi era (1862), is a true classic of Benbang cuisine. Their ​​assorted fried rice​​ is bursting with color and rich, layered flavors—one bite and you won’t be able to stop!

• Mon to Sun：11:00-14:00 17:00-21:00
• +862163222624
• ​​Address​​: No. 556, Fuzhou Road, Nanjing East Road Subdistrict, Shanghai

Lao Zheng Xing

4.7/5

No. 7 of Local Restaurants in Shanghai

Per Person from AU$31
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Aunt Edamame (Jing'an Temple Branch)​​

Auntie Maodou Restaurant is definitely worth a try! Their stir-fried grass root circle is super delicious. The grass root is so tender and fresh that you can't stop eating it. The unique stir-frying method is even more unforgettable! There are also pickled fish slices. The fresh aroma of pickled fish and the tender and smooth fish slices are simply a perfect match.

• Mon to Sun：11:00-14:00 17:00-21:00
• +862154030429
• Address: Lane 115, Changshu Road, Shanghai

Aunt Edamame

4.7/5

No. 12 of Local Restaurants in Shanghai

Per Person from AU$58.3
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​​Shun Ji Restaurant (Shaanxi South Road Branch)​​

This Shanghai restaurant renowned for its quality, Shunji Restaurant, is definitely worth recommending! The oil-fried river shrimp in this restaurant is simply amazing. The delicious river shrimp, paired with the unique sauce, is simply irresistible. The tomato sauce yellow croaker is also a must-try. Its well-balanced sweet and sour taste and tender, smooth fish meat are simply irresistible.

• Mon to Sun：11:00-14:00 17:00-21:00
• +862162567783
• Address: 5th Floor, No. 5-7, South Shaanxi Road, Shanghai

Shun Ji

4.9/5

No. 11 of Local Restaurants in Shanghai

Per Person from AU$52
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Top 5 Must-Try Shanghai Foods

Shanghai is a food lover’s dream come true, with a rich culinary heritage that offers a wide variety of flavors and textures. If you're planning a trip to this vibrant city, here are the top five must-try Shanghai dishes that will make your taste buds sing.

1. Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)

Xiaolongbao are perhaps the most iconic dish to come out of Shanghai. These delicate, steamed dumplings are filled with a savory pork filling and a generous dose of hot, flavorful soup. When you bite into one, the broth bursts in your mouth, making it a truly unique experience. Often served with a side of vinegar and ginger, they are the perfect combination of textures—soft and chewy dough, savory filling, and the comforting liquid inside. Finding a good spot to enjoy them is a must on any food tour of Shanghai.

2. Shengjianbao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns)

Shengjianbao are the crispy, golden cousins of Xiaolongbao, with a delicious twist. These pan-fried buns are filled with pork, but unlike their steamed counterparts, they're crisped up on a hot griddle until the bottom is golden and crunchy. The tops are soft and slightly doughy, and when you take a bite, you'll get a mix of crispy crunch and juicy filling. They're often served with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a touch of green onion, making them an irresistible snack or breakfast treat.

3. Hong Shao Rou (Red-Braised Pork Belly)

This dish is all about the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of braised pork belly, cooked slowly to perfection in a rich sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and a blend of spices. The result is a sweet and savory glaze that coats each tender piece of pork. The slow cooking process makes the pork incredibly tender, so much so that it nearly melts in your mouth with every bite. Often served with a side of vegetables or rice, it’s a rich and comforting dish that captures the essence of Shanghai’s culinary heritage.

4. Lu Rou Fan (Braised Pork Rice)

Lu Rou Fan is a beloved comfort food in Shanghai, especially for those looking for something hearty and satisfying. This dish features ground pork braised in soy sauce and a mixture of aromatic spices, served over a bed of steamed rice. The tender, flavorful pork and rich sauce soak into the rice, making every bite comforting and savory. It’s simple but full of flavor, often served alongside pickled vegetables to balance out the richness.

5. Smoked Fish (Xun Yu)

For something a little different, Xun Yu (smoked fish) is a Shanghai delicacy that offers a smoky, slightly sweet flavor profile. The fish, typically small, is marinated and then smoked to give it a deep, rich flavor. The fish is often served with a soy-based sauce, which adds a savory complexity. The texture is tender yet firm, and the smoky flavor lingers on your palate, making it a unique and memorable dish to try.

How to Get to Shanghai?

Shanghai is well-connected by air and rail, making it easily accessible from both domestic and international locations. Below are the main transportation options, along with exclusive Trip.com recommendations for booking your travel.

By Air: Shanghai PVG & SHA Airport

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shnaghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) are two main airports serving the city, with flights to/from major global destinations.

Trip.com Flight Recommendations:

1. Cheap Flights to Shanghai → Search and compare prices from 1000+ airlines worldwide.
2. Airport Transfers → Pre-book a private car or shuttle from CKG Airport to your hotel.

By Train: High-Speed Rail (HSR) & Conventional Trains

Shanghai is a major railway hub in China, with high-speed trains connecting to most cities.

Major Train Stations in Shang4:

• Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station​​: The main high-speed rail hub, with services to Hangzhou (1 hour), Nanjing (1.5 hours), Beijing (4.5–5.5 hours), and other major cities.
• ​​Shanghai Railway Station​​: Offers both high-speed and conventional trains to destinations such as Suzhou, Nanjing, and Xi’an.
• ​​Shanghai South Railway Station​​: Primarily serves trains to southern cities, including Hangzhou, Ningbo, and parts of Fujian province.

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Shanghai Hotel Recommendations

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