Restaurants in Xuhui District (Shanghai)

Shanghai Band Sanctuary

A lot of money went into making this three-story building to resemble an American Southern-style mansion. Formerly known as Bourbon Street, this music venue has a southern mansion feel to it. As the name suggests, live music is on the menu, and many of Shanghai's local musicians have performed here over the years.

Paulaner Brauhaus

This large bar is popular with the upwardly mobile expatriate and local set, and is generally busy all the time. Many people come here for Paulaner's excellent live band, not to mention the authentic German sauerkraut and sausage. Oktoberfest picnic tables on the main floor provide an authentic, if sturdy, feel. (The booths upstairs are more comfortable). Fruhschoppen brunch is great value, served every Sunday. The beers made on location and stored in copper tanks are worth a try, as well as the canned Weissbier.

Yuan Yuan Yuan

A tremendously busy teahouse, this place is a hot favorite with the local young generation. The youths love to come here, play cards and chat endlessly about the day's events. This is a standard purpose teahouse with a simple set-up designed to cram in as many customers as possible. Yuan Yuan Yuan has a variety of local dishes available and, of course, a selection of teas.

Cotton Club

Cotton Club has the distinction of being the first and the most popular live blues and jazz bar in Shanghai. Buzzing with people, especially on weekends, the raucous bar sees a mix of locals and expatriates. Seats at the T-shaped, dark bar fill up quickly so come early for a prime position. Asian snacks, sandwiches, ice cream and fruit platters are available.

Melrose Pizza

The owners have successfully created a Western-style gathering place featuring good food and good service. With magazines and books available to peruse at your leisure, it is easy to spend more time than you meant to here. So be it. The owners and staff do not mind. They have even provided checker-boards and puzzles to help you enjoy your visit. The reasonably priced menu ranges from pizza and pasta to more gourmet fare. There is also an extensive selection of coffees and other refreshments. Clean and colorful, this cafe and 24-hour pizzeria provides a pleasant atmosphere in which to savor the food.

Bon Ami Cafe

If you are in the mood for comfortable western food in a cozy atmosphere, Bon Ami is the place. Conveniently located downtown, this funky eatery serves tasty and affordable entrees that appeal to the western palate, ranging from African chicken to creative sandwiches. Different promotions are available each month. Bon Ami also offers superbly smooth cappuccinos and sumptuous desserts perfect for a lazy afternoon. The light and airy interior is filled with Southeast Asian furniture and artwork. The comfortable daybeds and scenic outdoor terrace compel diners to linger for hours.

Gao Li

Gao Li is a reliable choice if you are looking for a simple restaurant with cheap prices and tasty food. The restaurant is also open well into the night—perfect for late-night munchies. Despite humble surroundings, the restaurant draws diners time and time again, thanks to its authentic Korean food. As for its decor, many people describe it as "small with a loud TV; a hole in the wall." Tables are equipped with barbecue burners so you may indulge in the carnivorous delights of a Korean barbecue. But diners can also feast on other delicacies such as Kimchi (spicy pickled vegetables) and Bibimbap (rice mixed with meat and vegetables).

Zhang Sheng Ji

Here you can enjoy the delicious cuisine of Shao Xing, Ningbo and Hangzhou style not easily found in any regular restaurant. While these places are geographically close to Shanghai and share characteristics with Shanghainese cooking. Their subtle unique features distinguish their cuisine and attract great popularity for this particular restaurant's fare. The two-store building is packed with people all the time and usually requires a week in advance reservation for dinner.

Simply Thai

Rated as among the best Thai restaurants in Shanghai, the deservedly popular Simply Thai boasts moderate prices, stylish ambiance and terrific food. The menu features various curries and other traditional favorites, all reasonably priced. Recommended are the affordable lunch specials. Wonderfully decorated in charming Thai style, this intimate and cozy restaurant exudes a faint smell of incense. Beloved among its loyal clientele are the outdoor courtyard (for alfresco dining on warm nights) and the late-night drink specials. Service is English-friendly and professional.

Wuninosachi

This is the place to take a risk and sample things you've never tried before. There are endless choices of Japanese style beef, seafood, noodles and dumplings. Food is of a high quality and the seafood is even flown in from Japan. For RMB150, you can get ten assorted sashimi plates and 20 bottles of sake, but you have to make reservation to get this price in advance. The price goes up to RMB180 without reservations and tables are had to get because the restaurant is always full.

Hainan Ruanjiacun

Hainan is located in South China and is a tropical place famous for its sun, sea and fresh air. The Hawaii of China. Diners can experience Hainan's tropical taste and culture without stepping a foot out of Shanghai by dining at this newly opened restaurant. The restaurant offers authentic Hainan-style Chinese cuisine with dishes such as Wengchan Chicken and various seafood. The crab is even shipped from Hainan to ensure authenticity.

Jesse

In this two-storey, cozy little restaurant, you can enjoy a comfortable atmosphere and fine Shanghainese cuisine. It is one of the most popular eateries in the city and you can see why after trying any one of Jesse's seafood dishes. The shrimp with crab roe is particularly famous and highly recommended. Open daily 10 am onwards.