As a centerpiece of European Flavors Season, part of the citywide Global Taste in Shanghai food festival, Xuhui district's Hengfu Historic and Cultural Area is home to a diverse collection of distinctive restaurants.

From classic French bistros to Spanish tapas spots, from inventive Western kitchens to refined fusion dining, here's where to go for a taste of Europe in Shanghai.

Franck Bistrot: Classic French flavors in a quiet alley

Step through the weathered wooden door into a world illuminated by warm amber lighting, where dark wood tables and vintage French posters line the walls, creating an intimate, unhurried atmosphere.

The steak tartare is a highlight: finely chopped beef with just the right balance of seasoning and a bright, clean finish. The signature duck leg confit arrives with golden, crackling skin and tender meat that falls off the bone, perfectly complemented by a sweet-tart fig sauce.

If you go: No 376 Wukang Road

Albaluz: A taste of Iberia

With floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto a leafy courtyard, Albaluz wraps you in shades of warm orange, Spanish tile accents, and woven rattan details. The soft strains of flamenco music float through the air, transporting you straight to the heart of Barcelona.

Their signature Spanish paella features short-grain rice soaked in rich seafood broth, paired with fresh prawns, mussels, and squid, all enveloped in a golden saffron sauce. The Iberian ham platter, with its thinly sliced, marbled pieces of ham, is best enjoyed with a glass of sangria for the full Spanish experience.

If you go: Room 107-108, No 374 Wukang Road

Jomoo: European cuisine with a Chinese touch

Jomoo keeps things clean and understated inside, with a lovely terrace for al fresco dining. The menu takes classic European cooking and gives it a subtle Chinese twist.

The creative pizza, for instance, balances savory richness with unexpected Chinese flavors, while the charcoal-grilled octopus with mashed potatoes brings a familiar comfort with a lightly spiced, locally inspired finish.

If you go: 1F, Building 2101, No 199 Hengshan Road

Cou Ge Crafted: French romance on a terrace

Set in the lively Yongpingli area, Cou Ge Crafted is all about the terrace — a leafy perch above the streets below.

The restaurant specializes in creative European fusion cuisine, blending traditional continental flavors with modern cooking techniques. No terrace dinner is complete without dessert, and their classic tiramisu is the perfect ending. The ladyfingers are soaked in rich espresso and rum, layered with creamy mascarpone, dusted with just enough cocoa to cut through the sweetness.

If you go: Room 101, No 199 Hengshan Road

Sources: WeChat account of Shanghai Xuhui district news center at "xuhuifabu", restaurants mentioned above