Jia Jia Tang Bao is a famed xiao long bao restaurant in Shanghai that started as a mom-and-pop shop in 1986. Nearly a dozen locations in Shanghai.

Lai Lai Xiao Long Bao is a Shanghai institution for xiao long bao (soup-filled dumplings), especially their crab and crab roe ones, which are all wrapped to order.

Polux is an all-day dining French café/bistro in Xintiandi by award winning chef Paul Pairet. A French cafe peppered with global influences.

Lotus Eatery is an excellent Yunnan restaurant in Shanghai that does delicious food at honest prices. Cheap and cheerful, and a favorite for over a decade.

Liu Tang Men, is a mainstay for Sichuan noodles in Shanghai. A dozen noodles to choose from, but ones to get are tianshui mian and dan dan mian.

Yuangu Yunjing (元古雲境) is a creative Chinese restaurant popular for its beautiful design, afternoon tea, and inventive modern cuisine that won't break the bank.

Venture out to a residential area in Pudong district for jiggly wriggly braised pork hock at A Yue Bao. A delicacy for fans of gelatinous fatty pork.

Cila is a contemporary Chinese restaurant in Shanghai inspired by Xibei northwestern Chinese cuisine with an emphasis on Chinese wines.

Lao Men Kuang is a traditional Beijing-style hotpot chain that specializes in hand-cut lamb and beef. It is also listed as a halal restaurant.

Ren He Guan is an excellent Chinese restaurant that does Shanghainese classics. Despite being a Michelin one-star, the average check is only around ¥250.

Cellar To Table is a restaurant serves a mix of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine with European broad strokes, led by chef Francesco Bonvini.

RAW Eatery & Wood Grill is a Shanghai institution for josper-fired steaks and seafood. Excellent steaks, lobster ceviche, and beef tartare in a lively space.