Hello, it's my first trip in China, and I am planning on staying in Shanghai for a night or two during my visit in Hangzhou to see a friend. I'd like to go out for a nice dinner in Shanghai and would like some help.

It doesn't necessarily have to be Chinese as I will have enough time to try local food in Hangzhou. I found a place called Sense et Bund while searching online, but the place seems to have closed down. Now, I'm lost and not sure what other options are available for a nice dinner out. Is Jean Georges worth it? If not, any other recommendations?

Thanks!

type of food?
type of place? (meaning fancy, relaxed, etc)

There are lots of options so.........

By yourself or with other(s)? If so with whom?

condesa wrote:type of food?
type of place? (meaning fancy, relaxed, etc)

There are lots of options so.........

I'm looking for a unique fine dining place. I'd like a place where either the food is exceptional or the entire experience/ambiance is unique.

GirlatWork wrote:By yourself or with other(s)? If so with whom?

Will be traveling alone, and it's my first time in China!

I thought the food I had at Cuivre was as good as any I had in Paris; certainly not the service experience of top French restaurants but good ingredients well prepared. Haven't been there for a few months, so not sure how it is going along. But nothing screams 'Shanghai' about it

I thought Jean Georges is good. Mr and Mrs Bund is probably my favorite!

STLK wrote:I'm looking for a unique fine dining place. I'd like a place where either the food is exceptional or the entire experience/ambiance is unique.

A few places that I like:
+Mr & Mrs Bund (fancy french) - in the bund area, after you can go to Bar Rouge in the same building for drinks/ dancing.
+ Lost Heaven (yunnan food, has some similarities w/ thai food), I prefer the one on the bund area as it has a lounge/ terrace in the top floor.
+Chicha (superb peruvian/ latin) - located in the Sinan Mansion, after you can go for drinks either to 'The Alchemist' or 'Yucca' in the same complex.
+ Haiku (japanese), better the one in Puxi area as after is easier to go out for drinks.

Disclaimer: Customer service in China SUCKS so please have very low expectations.

P.S. You can find the address for this places in: http://www.smartshanghai.com

Cheers, I'll check out Cuivre, and I think Jean Georges might be a safe choice. By the way, how is night life? Is it any fun and safe for a girl to go out for some drinks by herself?

STLK wrote:I found a place called Sense et Bund while searching online, but the place seems to have closed down.

It is now called Mr & Mrs Bund. I've been to both. Mr & Mrs Bund is much better.

Stillers
Prime 1921
Barbarossa
Mr & Mrs Bund
Le Bouchon

Shanghai is really safe. People in general are not at all physical. Things are always a bit different after too much alcohol of course but it's still very safe in relative terms. No problem for a girl to go drinking alone.

Oh come on Paul, the food at Barbarossa, really?

Verbal Kint wrote:Oh come on Paul, the food at Barbarossa, really?

Yes I know tastes are subjective but there's no way in hell Barbarosa belongs in that list.

Thanks. I guess Mr. and Mrs. Bund is the place to go. I will try to check this place out as well possibly for a brunch if I don't have enough time. How is Jade on 36, by the way?

Ohhh, forgot to add this new Mexican place called Maya. We just tried it 2 weeks ago while in Shanghai and I found it very yummy! Not sure if that's THE place you want to go if you only have few nights in Shanghai. If you want to try real Shanghainese food, try Jessi's (Jessie's?), my favorite Shanghainese place!

Funny that it's OP's first time in China and most of the rec's - and what s/he's opted for - is not Chinese or even Asian fare.

Give Jesse's a go, or at least Lost Heaven on the Bund or something.

OP, you should at least give us some idea where you are staying. Then we can recommend a suitable nearby restaurant.

hkmommy wrote:Ohhh, forgot to add this new Mexican place called Maya.

New??

I don't understand the hype surrounding Mr. and Mrs. Bund. I went there and sampled their fare, and thought it was good but not exceptional. Perhaps, my expectations had been raised too high due to the rave reviews from my fellow expats. Cuivre is definitely a step down from Mr. and Mrs. Bund in terms of quality of ingredients used, and their pricing reflects that.

If I had one place to go for a good meal, I would say, go to Madison. The entrance way is not fantastic, but both the quality of the food and service are well worth it. I like the fact that Chef Hu, who own the place, will often come out and mix with the customers to talk shop and ask about the experience. It's classifed as new American food, but I do also appreciate that he will mix in local produce and some local flavors into the food, so as to give you a small glimpse into Shanghai.

Last thing to note, Madison does a stellar well-priced brunch as well on Saturday and SUnday from 12-3, so if nothing else, I would also seriously consider going there for that.

I second Madison, one of my favorite places here.

Mr. and Mrs. has average food but good views and an energetic vibe, which is great if your next stop is another post-dinner Bund spot or similar. For strictly French fare here, I'd opt for Cuivre or Franck...

I had a randomly good meal at The Chinoise Story a few weekends ago. It's a good option if you're wanting Shanghainese but attempting to abstain from the usual saccharine and grease.