Top 10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Shanghai

Pierre Gagnaire's Shanghai outpost brings the legendary French chef's avant-garde approach to Xujiahui, offering creative, multi-layered dishes that challenge and delight in equal measure. The signature langoustine with Thai-inspired aromatics demonstrates Gagnaire's genius for unexpected flavor combinations—delicate seafood elevated by citrus, herbs, and spices that somehow achieve perfect harmony. The intimate, modern space attracts serious gastronomes who view dining as exploration rather than mere sustenance, and the tasting menus require surrendering to the chef's vision for an evening. With only 13 Google reviews, this remains delightfully under-the-radar, offering cutting-edge French cuisine without the scene-y crowds that plague more publicized establishments.

The Peninsula Shanghai's dining room embodies old-world elegance with art-deco design elements, crystal chandeliers, and service so polished it feels effortless. Their signature Peking duck, carved tableside with theatrical precision, represents a perfect marriage of tradition and refinement—crispy skin, succulent meat, and house-made pancakes served with all the classic accompaniments. The restaurant attracts a discerning clientele who appreciate timeless luxury and impeccable attention to detail, from the Christofle silverware to the sommelier's encyclopedic wine knowledge. For special occasions that demand grandeur without ostentation, few Shanghai venues match The Peninsula's ability to make guests feel genuinely pampered.

Perched on the 36th floor of the Shangri-La, Jade on 36 offers contemporary French cuisine with jaw-dropping panoramic views across the Huangpu River and Lujiazui skyline. The pan-seared scallops with cauliflower purée and truffle oil showcase the kitchen's modern approach—impeccably fresh seafood enhanced rather than overwhelmed by classic French techniques. Floor-to-ceiling windows create a dramatic backdrop for romantic dinners and celebration meals, especially at sunset when Shanghai's neon jungle begins to glow. The sommelier's carefully curated wine list and attentive service make this a go-to for impressing out-of-town guests or anyone who believes dining should engage all the senses, including spectacular views.

Da Vittorio Shanghai represents the first Asian outpost of the three-Michelin-starred Italian institution, bringing Bergamo's legendary Cerea family recipes to the Bund Finance Center. Their signature risotto al salto with saffron and bone marrow is a masterclass in Italian technique—crispy on the outside, creamy within, and infused with umami depth that lingers long after the last bite. The elegant dining room features Murano glass chandeliers and marble accents that mirror the original restaurant's refined aesthetic, attracting serious food enthusiasts willing to invest in an authentic Italian fine dining experience. This isn't casual trattoria fare; it's culinary theater executed by a team trained in one of Europe's most respected kitchens.

The Refinery Gastro Bar brings Brooklyn-style cool to Shanghai's French Concession with its industrial-chic design and adventurous, ingredient-driven menu. The signature Refinery Burger with aged cheddar and house-made pickles has achieved near-mythical status among expats—juicy, perfectly seasoned, and paired with crispy fries that could convert any health-conscious diner. The open kitchen, craft cocktail program, and buzzing bar scene create an energetic vibe perfect for groups and Friday night gatherings. Don't sleep on their weekend brunch, which draws crowds for inventive eggs Benedict variations and bottomless mimosas that make recovery from Shanghai's nightlife infinitely more pleasant.

Senso quietly operates as Changning's best-kept Italian secret, where Chef Simone Cecchini crafts authentic regional dishes that transport diners straight to the Italian countryside. The handmade pappardelle with wild boar ragu is extraordinary—rich, complex, and made with pasta that achieves that elusive al dente perfection rarely found outside Italy. The intimate 30-seat space feels like dining in a Tuscan villa, with rustic wooden beams, soft candlelight, and an owner who greets guests like family. With its exceptional 4.8 rating and loyal neighborhood following, Senso proves that Shanghai's best Italian dining isn't always on the Bund—sometimes it's hidden in a Changning lane house.

The Fellas has earned a cult following for its modern European cuisine and one of Shanghai's most impressive wine programs, housed in a seventh-floor space overlooking the Bund. Their signature slow-cooked beef short rib is legendary—falling-off-the-bone tender with a red wine reduction that's been perfected over years. The industrial-chic interior with exposed brick and Edison bulbs attracts a sophisticated, food-savvy crowd who appreciate the restaurant's commitment to seasonal ingredients and flawless execution. Whether you're closing a business deal or celebrating a milestone, The Fellas delivers the kind of refined yet approachable experience that keeps Shanghai's discerning diners coming back.

Paul Pairet's legendary Mr & Mrs Bund revolutionized Shanghai dining when it opened, introducing the city to playful, boundary-pushing French cuisine in a sleek art-deco setting at Bund 18. The menu reads like a greatest-hits collection, but the truffle and artichoke soup with black truffle toast remains an absolute showstopper—velvety, earthy, and worth every yuan. The floor-to-ceiling windows frame postcard-perfect Pudong skyline views, while the service strikes that rare balance between professional and warm, making both first-timers and regulars feel equally welcomed. This is where Shanghai's creative class comes to celebrate, impress clients, or simply indulge in food that's as intellectually stimulating as it is delicious.

Tucked away on the sixth floor of a Beijing East Road building, The Nest offers an intimate escape from Shanghai's relentless pace with its cozy, residential-style setting. The menu roams confidently across European and Asian influences, but regulars swear by the pan-seared foie gras with fig compote—a rich, perfectly executed dish that exemplifies the kitchen's technical prowess. The warm, living-room-like ambiance with plush seating and soft lighting makes it a favorite for date nights and small celebrations where conversation takes center stage. It's the kind of hidden gem that loyal patrons guard jealously, offering consistently excellent food without the tourist crowds.

Perched on the sixth floor of the iconic Three on the Bund, Mercato brings vibrant Italian market-style dining to Shanghai's most glamorous address. The restaurant's open kitchen and bustling energy create an infectious atmosphere where sharing is encouraged—don't miss their wood-fired pizzas with San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella, which emerge blistered and perfect from the oven. The expansive Bund-facing terrace makes this ideal for sunset cocktails before dinner, drawing a sophisticated crowd of expats and locals who appreciate authentic Italian hospitality without the stuffiness. Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's influence ensures every dish, from antipasti to house-made pasta, maintains exacting standards.