The TOP 10 Modern Restaurants in Shanghai

What is it? Hakkasan brings a moody, high-energy pulse to the Shanghai dining scene. Dark wood screens and blue lighting divide the interior into intimate pockets. The space feels more like a sleek lounge than a traditional eatery, and the air carries a faint scent of jasmine and incense.

Why we love it: Dinner here feels like an event that lasts all night. Deep house beats drive the rhythm of the room while the kitchen sends out refined Cantonese plates with sharp precision. You watch the city's fashion set lean over small plates as the staff navigates the crowded floor with ease.

Good to Know: The crispy duck salad at Hakkasan offers a signature crunch that perfectly balances the richness of the meal.

What is it? Sir Elly’s Terrace sits high above the Shanghai skyline. The fine dining space balances luxury with a sharp, modern edge. As you step out onto the terrace, the sprawling city view commands your full attention.

Why we love it: The contemporary menu defines the evening, blending international flavors into a cohesive fusion experience. Couples gravitate toward the quiet corners for a romantic dinner as the city lights flicker to life below. It hits the mark for a high-stakes night out where the atmosphere feels as curated as the plate.

Good to Know: The fusion menu at Sir Elly's Terrace rewards those who lean into the wine pairings, which cut through the bold spices of the contemporary dishes.

What is it? The Nest frames Shanghai’s dining scene through a sharp, modern lens. You walk into a space tucked away from the city's frantic pace. The lighting stays low while the energy hums, marking a venue that shifts gears as the night deepens.

Why we love it: Dinner here feels intentional and paced. The room transitions from a focused dining environment into a high-energy bar as midnight approaches. Guests pivot from their meal to cocktails without missing a beat, capturing a specific late-night rhythm where the evening evolves rather than ends.

Good to Know: The cocktails at The Nest are designed to bridge the gap between dinner and the late-night rush; watch for the lighting to dim further as the bar crowd takes over the floor.

What is it? Yu Zhi Lan - Shanghai stands as a quiet pillar of precision in the city’s dining scene. The air conditioning provides a crisp escape from the humid streets as soon as you step inside. It holds a Michelin star, signaling a level of craft that draws a discerning, focused crowd.

Why we love it: The space excels at business dining, where the atmosphere remains hushed and professional. You lose yourself in the intimacy of the private dining rooms, which turn a standard meal into a secluded event. It feels less like a public venue and more like a curated sanctuary for serious conversation.

Good to Know: Yu Zhi Lan - Shanghai is built for seamless hosting, so lean on their private dining setups to keep your business discussions behind closed doors.

What is it? YongFoo Élite occupies a quiet corner of Shanghai inside a heritage building. It functions as a restaurant that doubles as a private sanctuary. You step through the entrance and the city’s noise dissolves into a collection of art and history.

Why we love it: Conversation stays at a low hum across the intimate rooms. The space feels less like a restaurant and more like a private home where the furniture has a past. Green garden paths provide a silent buffer from the street. They ground the evening in a sense of old-world Shanghai.

Good to Know: The historic layout of YongFoo Élite creates a series of private, interconnected dining rooms rather than one open hall.

What is it? Oriental Sense & Palate sits in the heart of Shanghai, marking its territory as a high-end fine dining destination. You step off the elevator into a quiet, luxury space where the floor-to-ceiling windows frame the city skyline. The room balances South East Asian influence with a sharp, contemporary design.

Why we love it: The atmosphere shifts as evening sets in. The light dips low, turning the restaurant into a romantic escape. You watch the city lights flicker to life while you navigate a fusion-forward menu. It captures the frantic energy of Shanghai and filters it through a lens of composure and precision.

Good to Know: The South East Asian fusion plates at Oriental Sense & Palate pair best with the breeze if you request a seat on the terrace.

What is it? Taian Table - Shanghai is an intimate, high-stakes restaurant. It strips away the barriers between the chef and the guest. The layout centers on a communal energy where the kitchen takes center stage. You feel the momentum the moment you walk in.

Why we love it: The meal unfolds like a live performance. Chefs move with surgical precision. They execute every detail under bright lights while you watch from a front-row seat. This focus creates a rhythmic, high-energy environment that keeps your attention pinned to the action.

Good to Know: The beverage pairings at Taian Table - Shanghai complement the technicality of the multi-course menu.