Shanghai's vibrant bistro scene offers a compelling blend of creative cuisine, distinct atmospheres, and a glimpse into the city's modern culture. These smaller, often intimate venues provide a unique alternative to traditional restaurants and bars. This guide highlights a selection of recommended bistros, categorized to help visitors and locals discover the perfect spot for any evening.
🍸 For Atmosphere and Intimate Evenings
These bistros are distinguished by their carefully crafted ambiance, making them ideal choices for dates or quiet, relaxed outings.
1. greetings bistro
Located near the bustling Jing'an Temple, greetings offers a cozy and intimate retreat. The interior is defined by a dark, retro aesthetic, with classic English films silently projected onto a wall, creating a warm, moody atmosphere well-suited for conversation. The menu features creative comfort food. A highly recommended dish is the Crispy Eggplant Strips, known for their crunchy texture and balanced sweet and spicy flavor. The Chocolate Pork Ribs are another signature item, featuring exceptionally tender meat in a savory, subtly sweet sauce.
- Note: The bistro is popular, especially on weekends, so advance reservations are recommended. A special package is also available for birthday celebrations.
- Price: Approx. 188 RMB per person
- Rating: 4.4 stars
- Hours: Opens at 17:00
- Address: Room A2, 1105 Wuding Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai
2. hoxa bistro (Shamei Mansion, The Bund)
The main draw of this bistro is its remarkable terrace view of the Oriental Pearl Tower from the historic Shamei Mansion. This setting offers a striking contrast between old-world architecture and the futuristic Pudong skyline. The cuisine is an innovative fusion of modern Xinjiang and Italian flavors. A standout dish is the Creamy Mutton Pasta, which successfully blends savory lamb with a rich cream sauce. The establishment's exotic decor makes it a photogenic spot for a memorable, semi-formal meal.
- Price: Approx. 118 RMB per person
- Rating: 4.4 stars
- Hours: 11:00-16:30, 17:00-22:30
- Address: 2nd Floor, Shamei Mansion, 194 East Beijing Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
3. KEV (Bund 18)
For a high-end, special-occasion experience, KEV is a premier choice. Situated on the 7th floor of the prestigious Bund 18 building, it provides spectacular panoramic views of the Huangpu River and Lujiazui through its floor-to-ceiling windows. The atmosphere is sophisticated and exclusive. The menu focuses on expertly crafted cocktails and elegant small plates. It is a top-tier option for celebrating an anniversary or milestone in a luxurious setting.
- Price: Approx. 167 RMB per person
- Rating: 4.6 stars
- Hours: 20:00-02:00
- Address: 7th Floor, 18 Zhongshan East-1 Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
🎵 For Live Music and Energetic Nights
These venues are perfect for those seeking an evening enlivened by music and a dynamic social atmosphere.
1. Escape City Firedance Music & Live House (Columbia Circle)
This basement venue is a hub for live music, known for its energetic, underground party atmosphere. It comes alive late in the evening and stays open until the early morning hours, particularly on weekends (until 4 a.m.). It offers a high-energy experience at a very reasonable price point, making it a popular destination for night owls and music lovers.
- Price: Approx. 79 RMB per person
- Rating: 4.6 stars
- Hours: 19:00-02:00
- Address: Inside Meitian Market (directly below KFC), B1, No. 55, Lane 222, Panyu Road, Changning District, Shanghai
2. Banxiao Tavern · Craft Beer · Talk Show · Art Space (Nanjing East Road)
This establishment offers a unique cultural experience by combining a craft beer bar with live Chinese stand-up comedy, known locally as "talk shows" (脱口秀). While understanding the language is necessary to appreciate the jokes, the infectious, laughter-filled atmosphere can be enjoyed by all. The tavern features a solid selection of craft beers and is decorated in a cool, industrial-chic style. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking for a different kind of night out.
- Price: Approx. 76 RMB per person
- Rating: 4.4 stars
- Hours: 16:00-02:00
- Address: Room 122, 1st Floor, Lane 442, Hankou Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
3. Leo's Bistro
Leo's is a classic, old-school jazz bar with a timeless appeal. This small, intimate venue features exposed red brick walls and nightly live piano music, creating a very chill and nostalgic environment. The vibe is more mature and relaxed, making it an ideal spot for those who appreciate classic jazz and a laid-back setting for conversation and listening.
- Price: Approx. 105 RMB per person
- Rating: 4.7 stars
- Hours: 19:30-02:00
- Address: 573 Fuxing Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
🌶️ For a Focus on Creative Cuisine
At these bistros, the food takes center stage, making them must-visit destinations for adventurous foodies.
1. San Bai Bei (South Maoming Road)
This popular bistro successfully fuses the fresh, seafood-forward flavors of Ningbo cuisine with the casual, charcoal-grill format of a Japanese izakaya. A signature dish is the Pork Belly Wrapped Eel Skewers, praised for their rich, smoky flavor. For those with an adventurous palate, the "Eighteen Slices"—a local delicacy of raw, marinated crab—offers a powerful and unique taste of the region.
- Important Note: San Bai Bei is extremely popular with locals. It is essential to make a reservation, often at least a week in advance.
- Price: Approx. 257 RMB per person
- Rating: 4.3 stars
- Hours: 17:30-02:00
- Address: 56 South Maoming Road (diagonally opposite the Lyceum Theatre), Xuhui District, Shanghai
2. YES·by Dianfu Yunnan Bistro (Jing'an)
This loft-style bistro provides an excellent introduction to the cuisine of Yunnan province, known for its unique herbs and sour and spicy flavor profiles. The Copper Pot Stewed Chicken with Mashed Potatoes is a standout comfort dish, rich in flavor. Another classic to try is the "Hei San Duo" (a savory stir-fry of minced pork and vegetables), served with steamed buns. The 5th-floor location also offers pleasant views over the leafy neighborhood.
- Price: Approx. 131 RMB per person
- Rating: 4.2 stars
- Hours: 11:00-14:00, 17:00-late (00:30)
- Address: 5F, 1 North Xiangyang Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai
3. Door’s Store
Part of the appeal of Door's Store is its hidden, speakeasy-style entrance. Inside, the atmosphere is cozy and intriguing. The cocktail menu is creatively presented in a book format, adding to the whimsical theme. The food menu complements the drinks with a selection of spicy Sichuan and Hunan-style skewers, making it a perfect spot for a late-night cocktail paired with a flavorful, fiery snack.
- Price: Approx. 157 RMB per person
- Rating: 4.7 stars
- Hours: 19:00-02:00
- Address: 553-3, 553-4, West Beijing Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai
🍷 For Unique Settings and Views
These locations are recommended primarily for their distinctive settings, offering experiences that go beyond the menu.
1. eat n work Terrace Bar
The primary reason to visit this bar is its unparalleled view of the Lujiazui skyline from its 9th-floor terrace in the Super Brand Mall. It is an exceptional vantage point, particularly at sunset, for watching the city's iconic skyscrapers light up. While the bar serves a full menu, the main attraction is the stunning visual experience, which provides a quintessential Shanghai photo opportunity.
- Price: Approx. 158 RMB per person
- Rating: 4.2 stars
- Hours: 11:00-late (00:30)
- Address: 9F, West Block, Super Brand Mall, 168 West Lujiazui Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
