A prominent name in Shanghai's growing and prospering jazz scene, the House of Blues & Jazz is a great place to be if you like to spend your evenings listening to soft music in a brilliantly mellow environment. The smiling pictures of Miles Davis, John Coltrane and other legends look down every night, with live 'jazzicians' sharing their tunes with an ever-eager audience. The wooden, dim interiors definitely help set the mood for a blues evening, which you can either share with fellow enthusiasts while drinking the house spirits, or sit by yourself and take in the atmosphere of this lovely jazz and blues space.
Consistently named as one of Shanghai's best restaurants, the chic 1221 offers modern takes on Chinese cuisine at affordable prices. To its fashionable Chinese and foreign clientèle, it is a stylish change from the utilitarian ambiance of other Shanghainese restaurants, and the bilingual menu is an added bonus. Situated inside a toy factory, the restaurant features maple furnishings complemented by subtle lighting. Recommended dishes include vegetable Bao Zi (dumplings), crispy tofu, crispy duck and shredded pork served with scallions and pancakes and a fine selection of appetizers.
This is the most famous vegetarian restaurant in Shanghai and rightfully so. Meals are excellent and prices are reasonable. It is especially popular for its vegan menu, mock meats and seafood, all cleverly engineered from variations of bean curd. Decor here is on the functional side with standard seating. Private parties can be hosted upstairs on the second floor. Bring along the phrasebook to communicate with your server and decipher the menu. The food is well worth it! The mock shrimp and the mock duck entrées are menu highlights.
This large bar is popular with the upwardly mobile expatriate and local set, and is generally busy all the time. Many people come here for Paulaner's excellent live band, not to mention the authentic German sauerkraut and sausage. Oktoberfest picnic tables on the main floor provide an authentic, if sturdy, feel. Fruhschoppen brunch is great value, served every Sunday. The beers made on location and stored in copper tanks are worth a try, as well as the canned Weissbier.
Yes, the famous Huxinting Chashi, known as the Midlake Pavilion Teahouse, has hosted the Queen of England. Situated at the entrance to the Yu Gardens, the charming teahouse is a highlight of any visit to Shanghai. A bridge that zigzags nine times leads to the traditional two-story teahouse, sitting on concrete stilts in a small pond. The small snack menu features zongzi, glutinous rice bits wrapped in bamboo leaf, definitely worth a try. In the evenings, waitresses perform tea ceremonies in traditional regalia.
This restaurant in Shanghai is known for its delicious Chinese dishes served in an elegant atmosphere. Featuring ornate crystal chandeliers and beautifully decorated interiors, Imperial Treasure serves carefully crafted Chinese dishes with a modern twist. Part of a Singaporean restaurant chain, its creatively crafted dishes have earned the restaurant two Michelin Stars. Some of the signature items on the menu include a variety of double-boiled soups, Fresh Australian Abalone, Diced Chicken with Tofu and Salted Fish, and Steamed Eel with Chinese Wine.
All your searches for sushi in Shanghai end at Jule Wu. Besides it is located in the Xuhui district with several hotels in the neighboring area. You can enjoy a variety raw fish, broiled meats, grilled vegetables, and noodles in the relaxing setting of the restaurant. Sake and beer compliment the food perfectly. Prices are moderate and the service not over the top.
Located in a posh neighborhood, this eatery hosts a sophisticated and the chic clientele. The pleasant ambience is quite inviting and also the Japanese fare. This ancient structure, complete with a stone stairway and beautiful flowers, makes it a beautiful venue to go on a date.
This restaurant is your ideal halt for lunch or dinner if you are in the mood to eat some traditional Japanese cuisine. Sit down and relish your food amidst the elegant surroundings of the restaurant. Street parking is available. Another branch is located on 228 Hong Gu Lu.
Largely a sports bar, Hard Day's Night is quite popular among sports fans. Built along the lines of a traditional British bar, it has several screens in most places that provide a good view of games. Their cocktail list like other sports bar is perfect for sports fans. For a sports bar, the food is tremendously good. If you prefer a party of your own, then head to one of the many private booths fitted with television screens. It is very spacious and is spread over three floors. You can also to listen to live music here. Come here for a complete round of entertainment. Call ahead for timings.
Bee Dees is an excellent bar that plays some good music. There is also karaoke nights, where you will get a chance to listen to some soulful music. If you fancy something to drink, then head to the bar and you will be surprised with their vast collection of cocktails. Snacks and other eatables along with drinks are economical. So, a night out at Bee Dees will not be heavy on your pocket. It is an ideal place on a weekend or even on a date as it is not too noisy. Show up, if not for the drinks, then for the good music.
Originally a factory, now converted in a restaurant, Gioiamia is a typical Italian eatery located between the districts of Changning and Jing'an. Their daily buffets are highly popular for the affordable price and delicious varieties. Mouth-watering pizzas, risottos, pastas and other Italian staples are all well-prepared. A few Mediterranean options are also available for those who are not too fond of this popular cuisine. Keep an eye on upcoming offers on special occasions like the National Day of China and other festivals.