#9

Shang-High

Jumeirah Himalayas

Who's In Charge

Chef Frank Hu

Why It's #9

This twice awarded 1 star diner dishes out neither satisfaction nor surprises on its plates despite obvious and abundant flaunts on its hand towels and napkins. 

What's Good

The service did not disappoint.

#8

Gui Hua Lou

Pudong Shangri-la

Who's In Charge

Chef Gao Xiao Sheng

Why It's #8

A leading establishment that showcases the culinary essence of technically challenging Huaiyang cuisine, Gui Hua Lou reinvents classical flavours with panache.

What's Good

Eight treasures duck, braised lionhead and other Huaiyang favourites.

#6

River Drunk

Wanda Reign

On the Bund

Who's In Charge

Chef David Cai

Why It's #6

An elegant space raised to elate more than our palates, the Huaiyang favourites here may be updated with modern flair but stay true to the classical approach on traditional flavours.

What to Order

Baked chicken with pig trotters, truly sensational and a must-try

#5

Yan Ting

St Regis Shanghai

Who's In Charge

Chef Liu Jun Ping

Why It's #5

Less than a year since its opening, the robust wok hei of Shunde born chef Liu Jun Ping has been winning fans and acclaim for this contemporary stunner of a restaurant.

What's Good

Roast goose, double boiled soups and the signature baked char siew bun

#4

Le Chinois

Sofitel Shanghai Hongqiao

Who's In Charge

Chef Su De Xing

Why It's #4

With national grade chef Su De Xing at the helm of Le Chinois, a melange of excellent flavours ranging from old classics like Mapo Tofu to new creations like the signature braised beef will make this a new culinary landmark in Shanghai in due time.

What's Good

Signature braised beef is an excellent dish specially created by chef Su and served at national banquets. Simple classics like vegetarian goose and braised bean curd are also outstandingly rendered.

#3

Dragon Phoenix

Fairmont Peace Hotel

Who's In Charge

Chef Ma Hao Cheng

Why It's #3

Holding court at a historic space that witnessed Shanghai's formation and ascent is Chef Ma Hao Cheng whose passion for reinventing old favourites has maintained the grand prestige of this important vestige of the city's culinary heritage.

What's Good

Vegetarian beancurd roll paired with foie gras 'cherry'. Boneless beef ribs in black pepper sauce. The chilled sago cream with mango and pomelo is one of the best we've tried.​

#2

Yi Long Court

Peninsula Shanghai

Who's In Charge

Chef Tang Chi Keung

Why It's #2

2 stars Yi Long Court has successfully elevated and retained classical Cantonese flavours served with flair within its stunning space. These are rice rolls with the softest textures and shrimp dumplings with the most satisfying bite. There really isn't any covert formulas to the restaurant's success and acclaim - plainly adherence to perfection in simplicity.

What's Good

Cantonese staples like dim sums and double boiled soups are simply awesome here. If we have to choose the most memorable morsels, it's between the char siew chwee cheong fun and abalone siew mais.

#1

Tang Court

Langham Shanghai

Who's In Charge

Chef Alan Sun

Why It's #1

Firstly, the service within this light drenched establishment is uncommonly grand. A succession of classical favourites ranging from crispy bean curd to steamed red lobster with egg white denotes an admirable melding of tradition and innovation.  And the perfection of form and flavours in basic fried rice and almond pudding firmly cement 3 stars Tang Court on the top of our list.

What's Good

Everything we've tried was so good we are sure those we didn't would not deviate far from our expectation as well.