Modern and elegant vintage house restaurants
Editor's note: Shanghai is unique because of its blend of modernity and tradition. One of the best ways to appreciate this combination is by exploring the city's vintage houses, which not only showcase architectural beauty but also embody Shanghai's distinctive history.
Let's embark on a journey to explore the enchanting vintage houses of Shanghai together. Keep this "Map of Shanghai's Vintage Houses" close at hand to discover which vintage houses are worth visiting. You can also check out the popular restaurants, cafes, and landmarks along the way to fully experience the city's charm. Below are modern and elegant vintage house restaurants.
1. Scilla
Scilla is a hidden gem housed in a decorative art-style brick and wood structure that dates back to 1936. Designed by a group of architects studying overseas, this three-story vintage house features an underground wine cellar, a modern and elegant wine lounge, a chic retro dining area, and exclusive private rooms for business gatherings.
Chef Stefano Bacchelli's menu takes you on a culinary journey from Tuscany, Italy, to Greece, Spain, Portugal, France, and Turkiye. While on this food journey, diners have the comfort of knowing that excellent local Chinese ingredients have been utilized to make these Mediterranean dishes.
Address: No 504 Panyu Road
Open: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 5:30 pm-9:30 pm; Friday to Sunday 12 pm-2 pm
Average Price: 1,300 yuan ($180) per person
2. EHB Shanghai
EHB Shanghai, named after the chef Esben Holmboe Bang, is the overseas flagship of Norway's three-Michelin-starred restaurant Maaemo. It is situated in a three-story stand-alone vintage house on Dongping Road, and features two distinct restaurants: Tearoom by EHB on the ground floor, which overlooks a garden, and the EHB Restaurant on the second and third floors, which has been decorated according to Nordic and Eastern influences. With a per capita dining price reaching a staggering 10,000 yuan, EHB redefines fine dining in Shanghai.
Address: No 11 Dongping Road
Open: Wednesday to Sunday 6 pm-10:30 pm
3. The Pine
The Pine, a pioneer of "Chinese-French fusion" in Shanghai, has relocated to Solo Garden, a classic British-style vintage house with a history going back nearly a century. Drawing inspiration from European vacation homes, The Pine infuses traditional Chinese dining wisdom, aesthetics, and philosophy into its new menu, paying homage to the culinary culture in the Song Dynasty (960-1279).
Address: No 333 Changle Road
4. Xijiao Yihao
Xijiao Yihao, with its upgraded ambiance and menu, has returned to its original location at No 1950 Hongqiao Road. Set amidst lush greenery and old courtyard houses, this revamped restaurant features exclusive private dining rooms, each uniquely decorated to cater to various dining needs. Chef-curated dishes using rare ingredients from around the world offer a culinary experience like no other.
Address: No 1950 Hongqiao Road
Open: Monday to Sunday 11 am-2 pm, 5 pm-9 pm
5. Yong·Jiang Zhen
Yong·Jiang Zhen, curated by renowned chef Zhang Yongliang, has made its debut at the Sinan Mansions complex, offering a tranquil and stylish space that is infused with quintessential Shanghai flair. Bringing the freshest flavors from the Yangtze River basin to the tables of Shanghai connoisseurs, dishes like White Truffle Crab Meat Scallops, Steamed White Fish with Yellow Tribute Pepper, and White Truffle Braised Fish Maw promise a delightful and indulgent dining experience.
Address: No 55 Sinan Mansions, Middle Fuxing Road
Open: Monday to Sunday 11:30 am-2 pm, 5:30 pm-9 pm
6. Wolfgang's Steakhouse
Wolfgang's Steakhouse, a legendary New York steakhouse, has opened its first retro-style establishment in Shanghai. Housed in a vintage art deco building in Laoximen, the restaurant exudes a blend of classic charm and modern sophistication. Known for its top-quality Black Angus beef and traditional dry aging techniques, Wolfgang's Steakhouse offers a menu that pays homage to classic New York flavors.
Address: 1-2F, No 20 Yancheng Road
7. Enterry
Enterry, a new upscale restaurant located in a three-story building in the Sinan Mansions complex, delivers innovative twists on traditional Guizhou flavors. From a Guizhou-themed bar on the first floor to a fine dining experience on the third floor, Enterry offers a culinary journey that combines authenticity and creativity.
Address: No 7 Lane 523, Middle Fuxing Road
Open: Monday 11 am-2 pm, 5:30 pm-10 pm; Tuesday to Sunday 11 am-2 pm, 5:30 pm-2 am
8. Villa Le Bec 321
Villa Le Bec 321, a renowned French restaurant nestled in the tree-lined streets of Xinhua Road, transports diners to a romantic French oasis. With a focus on classic French dishes and a charming 800-square-meter French-style garden, Villa Le Bec 321 promises a memorable dining experience filled with exquisite flavors and an impeccable ambiance.
The restaurant's menu focuses on classic French cuisine, such as foie gras, black truffle pasta, frog legs, quiche, escargot, and a variety of freshly made desserts like mille-feuille and lemon tarts, promising a romantic and unforgettable dining experience.
Address: No 321 Xinhua Road, near Dingxi Road
9. 1877·Qian
1877·Qian, a Guizhou cuisine restaurant located in a historic building in Shanghai, offers a unique dining experience that celebrates Southwest China's Guizhou province's rich cultural heritage. From Maotai-infused dishes to intricate traditional dishes, 1877·Qian immerses diners in the allure of Guizhou cuisine and culture.
Address: No 527 Hongzhong Road, Minhang district
10. Fu He Hui
Fu He Hui, a longstanding Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurant located on Yuyuan Road, stands out as a beacon of high-end vegetarian dining. With seasonal menus and a rare Tea Pairing experience, it offers a tranquil escape into a world of ancient flavors and peaceful elegance.
Address: No 1037 Yuyuan Road
11. Siya Cuisine
Nestled in a three-story European-style brick building on Hengshan Road, Siya Cuisine is a hidden gem in a neighborhood filled with historic mansions. With a 1200-square-meter garden featuring carefully planted cherry blossom trees, it showcases a fusion of Ningbo cuisine with innovative twists. Led by Chef Ma, who has over 20 years of experience, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience that blends traditional Ningbo flavors with elements of Japanese cuisine, creating a harmonious "Shanghai-style Ningbo cuisine."
Address: No 1 Lane 9, Hengshan Road
12. Brownstone House
Nestled in a historic brownstone by the Suzhou River, Brownstone House has been a beloved Spanish restaurant in Shanghai for over a decade. The establishment recently underwent a comprehensive upgrade, transforming into a mansion setting that seamlessly blends the architectural charm of the old building with the artistic curves reminiscent of Gaudi's artwork. Spearheaded by Spanish chef Aitor Olabegoya, the restaurant's new menu showcases innovative Mediterranean dishes crafted from premium ingredients, promising a culinary journey filled with sophistication and creativity.
Address: Building 7, No 160 Daduhe Road, Putuo district
13. Oriental Sense & Palate
Oriental Sense & Palate is a collaboration between the Yidao brand and Chef Huang Jinghui, a two-Michelin-star chef from Guangzhou, capital of South China's Guangdong province. This contemporary Cantonese restaurant is located within a French-style garden villa within the Sinan Mansions complex.
Combining classical beauty with modern design, the restaurant offers an oasis of tranquility amidst the urban hustle and bustle. Indulge in a sumptuous Cantonese feast, such as glass pigeons, black truffle and Tian Fei chicken with fresh abalone, and thick-cut geoduck in chicken broth.
Address: No 57 Sinan Mansions, Huangpu district
14. Yu Zhi Lan
Tucked away in an old mansion on Julu Road, Yu Zhi Lan, a Sichuan cuisine restaurant, has been retained its Michelin star for four consecutive years. With only four private dining rooms in the entire building, the restaurant exudes an air of exclusivity and intimacy. Experience a refined Sichuan banquet reminiscent of kaiseki cuisine, where each dish is thoughtfully paired with a specific wine, offering a unique twist on traditional Sichuan flavors.
Address: No 851 Julu Road (Reservation required)
15. MOTT539
MOTT539, known as Sinan Jiangyan, is housed in a prestigious villa that once belonged to Kung Hsiang-his and his wife, Soong Ai-ling. Drawing inspiration from the affluent lifestyle of the elite in the 20th century, the restaurant offers a tantalizing array of Huaiyang dishes that are made from fresh ingredients sourced from the Jiangyin region. The fusion of fresh produce and meticulous cooking techniques creates a symphony of flavors that celebrate the essence of fine dining.
Address: Sinan Mansions, No 539 Middle Fuxing Road
Source: Official WeChat account of ShanghaiWOW! via "shanghaiwow520"
Photos by jumbo