Sake Ichi is a reliable yakitori and izakaya in Shanghai serving up traditional chicken skewers alongside koji-marinated beef and "duckitori."

Modern Guizhou restaurant GEN in Jing'an, Shanghai serves creative east-meets-west dishes and organic natural sakes in a cozy, moody space.

Madame Ching is a contemporary Asian restaurant and bar in Jing'an, Shanghai, serving up tapas-style small plates with strong Cantonese influence.

Smokin' Bowl is a grab-and-go eatery serving up hearty rice bowls, house-made Mexican-style sandwiches, tacos, and burritos in Shanghai.

Love Sushi (瑷鮨) is an omakase restaurant at Plaza 66 in Jing'an, helmed by chef Ma Shifu, a 20-year veteran.

Focaccia Nerds is a sandwich shop in Shanghai serving fresh-made focaccia sandwiches.

Deng Ji a Sichuan restaurant in Jing'an, the more accessible counterpart to its sister restaurant, Nan Xing Yuan, a Michelin selected restaurant in Shanghai.

Blossom is a casual Chaoshan and Cantonese restaurant operated by the same group behind Michelin one-star Amazing Chinese Cuisine.

Rongjia Noodles serves milky, collagen-rich broth with tender yellow croaker and springy noodles, alongside Chaozhou-style bites. (Bib Gourmand)

Sultan is a halal Turkish restaurant in Shanghai. The menu is gigantic — mezze, grilled meats, kebabs, and desserts, they have it all.

Alea is a casual fine dining restaurant in Shanghai where Ningbo heritage and Chinese influences join with Western culinary technique.

Rambu is creative Southeast Asian restaurant in Shanghai, serving up a contemporary take that feels bold, playful, and deeply personal.