As part of Global Taste in Shanghai, the city's year-long culinary program, the European Flavors Season presents standout restaurants representing classic and contemporary European cuisines. Curated by the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, this guide highlights participating venues' signature dishes and distinctive atmosphere, helping you plan your dining experiences with confidence.

 

French dining

 

Jade on 36

A long-standing name in Shanghai's French fine-dining scene, Jade on 36 is led by French executive chef Olivier Pistre, focusing on seasonal ingredients and refined classical techniques. The panoramic Bund skyline from the 36th floor makes it a must-visit for special occasions and sunset dining.

Where: 36F, Grand Tower, Pudong Shangri-La, No 33 Fucheng Road, Pudong New Area

 

Coquille Seafood Bistro

Named after the French word for "shell", Coquille is known for its polished bistro setting and extensive seafood offerings. Alongside its renowned Beef Wellington, the seafood platter and freshly prepared lobster remain perennial crowd favorites.

Where: No 29 Mengzi Road, Huangpu district

 

Italian restaurants

 

Scarpetta Trattoria

This neighborhood trattoria focuses on traditional Italian comfort food done properly. Fresh pasta and pizza dough are made daily, with recipes rooted firmly in regional Italian cooking rather than fusion interpretations.

Where: No 33 Mengzi Road, Huangpu district

 

Il Teatro

Located in Shanghai's popular Xintiandi area, Il Teatro blends classic Italian cuisine with a stylish, relaxed setting. Handmade pizzas, fresh pasta, imported cheeses, and cured meats make it a reliable choice for Italian food purists.

Where: 1F & 2F, Xintiandi North Block, No 19 Alley 181, Taicang Road, Huangpu district

 

Le Bistro Panta

Inspired by Florence, this restaurant pairs Renaissance-style interiors with a lively dining atmosphere. Its handmade pizzas, seafood platters, and grilled steaks are consistently popular, especially for group gatherings.

Where: Room 02a, Xintiandi North Block, Nos 22 & 23 Alley 181 Taicang Road, Huangpu district

 

Fig & Olive

This Mediterranean-style restaurant emphasizes fresh ingredients and lighter cooking methods. Expect Neapolitan oven-baked pizza, handmade pasta, and well-executed steak and seafood dishes in a relaxed setting.

Where:

- Rooms 112 & 207, Shanghai Centre, No 1376 West Nanjing Road, Jing'an district

- Room L3-12, SMP Mall, No 588 Dongchangzhi Road, Hongkou district

 

Fiama Bistro by Senso

Fiama Bistro by Senso presents a contemporary take on Mediterranean dining, with a focus on open-flame grilling and slow-cooked dishes prepared in clay pots. The menu highlights ingredient-driven cooking and bold, straightforward flavors, while the modern interior makes it equally suitable for business lunches, casual meals, or relaxed evening gatherings.

Where: Room 101, The Center, No 989 Changle Road, Xuhui district

 

Spanish cuisine

 

Tapa Tapa

Tapa Tapa offers over 20 varieties of tapas alongside Spanish classics such as seafood paella and baked sea snails. Spacious outdoor seating makes it especially popular in cooler seasons.

Where:

- Rooms 106-108, Building 9, EKA Tianwu, No 535 Jinqiao Road, Pudong New Area

- No 87 Fumin Road, Jing'an district

- Room 107, Building 6, Gate M West Bund Dream Center, No 2266 Longteng Avenue

- Room L2-12-2, SMP Mall, No 588 Dongchangzhi Road, Hongkou district

- No 102 Daxue Road, Yangpu district

- Room BW210, 2F, Panlong Xintiandi, No 1 Alley 123, Panding Road, Qingpu district

 

Albaluz

Located in a restored heritage villa, Albaluz balances traditional Spanish flavors with thoughtful localization. Standout dishes include garlic shrimp, seafood paella, Iberian ham, and sheep's milk cheese salad.

Where:

- Building 23, Hengshan Fang, Alley 320 Tianping Road, Xuhui district

- Rooms 107 & 108, No 374 Wukang Road, Xuhui district

 

Middle Eastern and Mediterranean

 

Brothers Kebab

A casual and friendly spot specializing in Turkish street food made to order. Doner wraps, shawarma, and grilled meat rice plates are prepared to order, with aromas filling the street during peak hours.

Where: No 310 Fengxian Road, Jing'an district

 

Eli Falafel (Lebanese & Mediterranean)

Run by a Lebanese owner, this restaurant focuses on authentic home-style flavors. Highlights include za'atar cheese flatbread and handmade falafel — crispy outside, tender inside, and well-spiced without being overpowering.

Where: Room 101, No 135 Yanping Road, Jing'an district

 

Latin American restaurants

 

Latina

A veteran of Shanghai's dining scene, Latina is known for its traditional Brazilian churrasco service. Skewered meats are carved tableside, offering a hearty, high-protein experience ideal for meat lovers.

Where:

- Room L301, Expo Place, No 1467 Shibo Avenue, Pudong New Area

- Room L1002, L+Mall, No 899 South Pudong Road, Pudong New Area

- Rooms B101 & B102, Shanghai Times Square, No 99 Middle Huaihai Road, Huangpu district

- 2F, Building T6, IM Shanghai, No 1388 Kaixuan Road, Changning district

- Rooms 111 & 112, East Building, Bingo Plaza, No 345 Tianshan Road, Changning district

- Room 1108, Building 1, Ala Town, No 66 Xianfeng Street, Minhang district

 

Los Pacos

Set in the popular Columbia Circle area, Los Pacos offers classic Mexican dishes in a colorful, relaxed setting. The menu includes classic Mexican dishes, Texas-style barbecue, margaritas, craft beer, and wine.

Where:

- Room 101, Building 5, Columbia Circle, No 1262 West Yan'an Road, Changning district

- Room 07B-08, T1-1F, MEET678, No 678 Minfu Road, Yangpu district

 

European and international

 

Bistro Lenbach

A German-style bistro best known for Western comfort food and craft beer. Its open-air locations are particularly popular, and signature items include truffle flatbread, nachos, and shared platters.

Where:

- 1F, EKA Tianwu, No 535 Jinqiao Road, Pudong New Area

- No 85 Fumin Road, Jing'an district

- Room 204, Building 6, Gate M West Bund Dream Center, No 2266 Longteng Avenue, Xuhui district

- Room 104, Building 6, Columbia Circle, No 1262 West Yan'an Road, Changning district

- Room L2-12, SMP Mall, No 588 Dongchangzhi Road, Hongkou district

- Room BW118, Panlong Xintiandi, No 1 Alley 123, Panding Road, Qingpu district

 

Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai

Located in the heart of Lujiazui, the hotel offers multiple international dining options. Highlights include a global seafood buffet and a Spanish restaurant serving creative takes on tapas and paella.

Where: No 1288 Lujiazui Ring Road, Pudong New Area

 

The Refinery

A modern American restaurant with an industrial aesthetic and prime outdoor seating in Xintiandi. The menu centers on charcoal-grilled steaks, burgers, and cocktails, with live music on selected evenings.

Where: Xintiandi North Block, No 11 Alley 181, Taicang Road, Huangpu district

 

Jellooo Grill & Bistro

A contemporary Nordic-inspired bistro with menus developed by Michelin three-star chef Esben Holmboe Bang and his team. Emphasis is placed on high-quality local ingredients and clean, modern flavors.

Where: Rooms 02a & 02c, Xintiandi North Block, No 19 Alley 181, Taicang Road, Huangpu district

 

Green & Safe

A farm-to-table restaurant designed like a European market hall. Organic produce, hearty risottos, and fresh salads make it a good option for health-conscious diners.

Where: Room 22, 1F, Xintiandi North Block, Alley 181 Taicang Road, Huangpu district

 

Bright 919

Combining historical architecture with a dramatic wine cellar, Bright 919 focuses on Western fusion cuisine. Steak and wine pairings are the highlight, appealing to diners seeking a refined yet relaxed experience.

Where: No 191 North Xizang Road, Jing'an district

 

1515 West

A classic American steakhouse with a vintage Shanghai atmosphere. Known for its in-house beef selection and traditional steakhouse service.

Where: 4F, Jing An Shangri-La, No 1218 Middle Yan'an Road, Jing'an district

 

Calypso

Housed in a striking glass pavilion designed by architect Shigeru Ban, Calypso serves Mediterranean dishes ranging from Neapolitan pizza to Italian gelato in an airy indoor-outdoor setting.

Where: South Plaza, Jing An Kerry Centre, No 1218 Middle Yan'an Road, Jing'an district

 

Cordis Shanghai Hongqiao

A modern business hotel offering a popular international buffet dinner. Highlights include fresh seafood, baked pizza, and a wide selection of global dishes.

Where: No 333 Shenhong Road, Minhang district

 

InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland

Set within a former quarry, this destination restaurant offers an immersive dining experience surrounded by a giant aquarium. The menu blends international cuisines with a focus on premium ingredients and presentation.

Where: No 5888 Chenhua Road, Songjiang district

 

Source: Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce