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Header image courtesy of Michelin Guide
Sparkling Shanghai has seen waves in the F&B industry over the past few years, thanks to its diverse range of cuisine and a rising ride of discerning diners. It has been covered by the coveted Michelin Guide for four years now, with the 2020 edition showcasing a stellar 43 restaurants in their wake. Here are some of our notable favourites which made the list.
As Shanghai’s only three-Michelin-star restaurant, Ultraviolet has quite the reputation to live up to. And if it’s top-of-the-range dining you’re after, then look no further. Opened in 2012 by French chef Paul Pairet, the restaurant experience begins at a meeting point, where guests are whisked to a secret location—a windowless room with an intimate table for up to ten people. Next, comes the multisensory feast, which takes you to new highs, with its fully-immersive experience, tickling each of the senses through music, smells, and images projected on the walls. The 20-course culinary alchemy will surprise and delight at every turn, offering a chance for gourmands to engage with their imagination. It’s no wonder this unique concept restaurant has had a placeholder in the Michelin guide since 2017..
Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet, Waitan, Huangpu, Shanghai, China
Taking up residence inside a century-old restored mansion, this one-Michelin star restaurant offers Huaiyan (淮揚) cuisine, one of the greatest traditional regional menus in China. The food is creative and inventive, using time-honoured techniques, updated with sophisticated twists. The native cooking styles are based on the regions of the Huai (淮河) and Yangtze (长江) rivers. Some signature favourites include the “Eight Treasures Gourd Duck”, and the crispy white teat fish with scallions.
Moose, No. 1 Lane, 119 Xinhua Road, Changning, Shanghai, China | (+86 2162055058)
Located in Shanghai’s consular district, YongFoo Elite is nestled within a 1930s garden villa, which used to serve foreign consulates. It became a private club decked in the owner’s antique collection, lending an old-school glamour to its decor. Chandeliers hang from the copper ceiling, and guests come from near and far to try the well-loved gourmet cuisine, which has stood the test of time. The two-Michelin-starred eatery serves traditional Shanghainese recipes from its set menus, with specialities including the smoked codfish and the braised pork.
YongFoo Elite, 200 Yongfu Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China | (+86) 21 5466 2727
The world-famous chef Robuchon opened his Shanghai outpost, L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon based on his travels to Japan and Spain. The restaurant is furnished with an iconic open kitchen, centralised around the 1.8-metre teppanyaki and surrounded by 32 seats, with an additional 16 seats around the restaurant. Helmed by Executive Chef Francky Semblat, who has worked alongside Robuchon for 19 years, the eatery serves French cuisine with international influences and holds two Michelin stars to its name. Grab a cocktail and soak in the views.
L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Bund18, 3/F, 18 Zhongshan East Road (E1), Shanghai, China, (+86) 21 6070 8888
Tucked away in a hidden spot, Taian Table impresses and charms with its intimate venue setting. Boasting high ceilings, the restaurant only serves up to around 20 customers at a time, on an island surrounding the chef’s cooking area. Watch the food be made in front of you, and whilst the chefs are at work, indulge in the eight-course tasting menu. The dishes at this two-Michelin-star restaurant change every six to eight weeks, but each time, it’s meticulously-prepared, varied, and original, for a truly unforgettable experience.
Taian Table, Lane 161, 465 Zhenning Road, Shanghai, China | (+86) 173 0160 5350
Jean Georges is a dining concept by Chef Vongerichten, featuring a range of specialities from the restaurant’s New York flagship. The Shanghai eatery surprises and delights with its warm service and gourmet menu. Executive Chef Nikolai Grigorov updates classic French dishes with Asian-influenced seasonings and flavours, resulting in a distinct taste. Guests fawn over dishes including the toasted egg yolk with caviar, the tuna tartare, and the hazelnut praline souffle. Dine-in utter decadence at this one-Michelin-starred joint, which draws in guests from all over.
Jean Georges, 3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, Shanghai, China | (+86) 21 6321 7733
Faye Bradley is a freelance writer based in Hong Kong, covering topics in travel, wellness, F&B, and the arts. As the editor and business development executive for Cha Siu Papers Times and Compare Retreats, Faye has experience in writing predominantly about luxury travel and well-being. With a keen eye for finding hidden gems, exploring new destinations, and tasting best-of-the-best cuisines, she continues to pursue her love for writing about travel and visiting remote lands. You can find her by the pool with a good book and a mojito in hand.
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