8 Best Authentic Restaurants in Shanghai, China (RedNote restaurnat recommendations)

I am very excited to be writing this post from Shanghai, a city teeming with fresh seafood and delectable authentic Chinese cuisine! Shanghai is a lively hub where Northern and Southern cuisines come together in a delightful fusion. Navigating to authentic Chinese restaurants can be a bit challenging due to the language barrier and the overwhelming number of advertisements. If you're planning a trip to China, I always check out travel and restaurant recommendations on RedNote where local chinese people make posts of their favourite restaurants.

I'm here to save your time in searching through RedNote! Subscribe to my blog post where I'll be sharing all the fantastic spots recommended by the locals, especially the Shanghainian (Shanghai local people) 

Xian De Lai Pork Rib Rice Cakes (鲜得来排骨年糕)

Pork rib + rick cakes

A true Shanghai classic, Xian De Lai is a time-honoured eatery on Yunnan South Road in Huangpu District, famed for its crispy golden pork ribs and soft, chewy rice cakes. The dish is served with a sweet and savoury sauce that perfectly balances the flavours, making it a favourite among locals.

Regulars love the contrast between the crunchy ribs and the tender rice cakes, all coated in a slightly spicy, umami-rich glaze. However, some diners feel that the flavours have declined in recent years, and service could use some improvement. Portions are on the smaller side, and the sauce leans towards the sweeter end, making it a good choice for those with a sweet tooth.

Lai Lai Xiao Long Bao (莱莱小笼)

With branches in Jing’an and Huangpu, this spot is famous for its crab roe and pork soup dumplings(the Xiao long bao), drawing crowds willing to queue for a taste. The dumplings boast delicate, thin skins, generously filled with juicy, flavourful broth. Other must-tries include the crispy fried pork chop and the plump wontons stuffed with mushrooms and greens.

Hu Xi Lao Nong Tang (沪西老弄堂)

A go-to for traditional Shanghainese noodle dishes, this restaurant is particularly known for its clam and pork liver noodles. The springy noodles come in a rich, deeply flavoured sauce that packs a punch.

Service is a highlight, with warm and attentive staff—especially the aunties who thoughtfully provide aprons and hair ties for diners. Some find the broth on the sweeter side, and a few dishes have a strong seafood taste that may not be for everyone. Expect longer wait times, but if you love authentic Shanghainese flavours, it’s well worth a visit.

Shen Da Cheng (沈大成)

A heritage brand dating back to 1875, Shen Da Cheng is legendary for its handcrafted pastries, especially the red bean and black sesame-filled varieties. Their signature treats, the double-layered sweet glutinous rice dumplings and striped rice cakes, are soft, fragrant, and delicately sweet.

If you want to enjoy the treat authentically, don’t keep it in the fridge just eat at the spot! Service can sometimes be hit-or-miss, but the wide selection and reasonable prices make it a favourite for those with a sweet tooth.

Tai Qiong Sour Vinegar Hotpot (太琼糟粕醋火锅)

Bringing the bold, tangy flavours of Hainan to Shanghai, this hotpot spot is known for its sour, spicy, and slightly sweet broth, perfect for cooking fresh seafood. The restaurant has even attracted celebrities like Jia Nailiang and Zhang Yuqi.

Standout dishes include jackfruit coconut sticky rice, Hainan-style coconut rice, and crispy fried bananas. There are many branches, but there were noticeably more reviews in the Longzhimeng shopping centre branch. With an average spend of around 85 RMB per person, it offers great value for a lively group meal.

After heavy hotpot, try their desserts! In China, you might find the best icecream desserts in the hotpot place.

Da Hu Chun Sheng Jian (大壶春生煎)

A historic spot founded in 1932, Da Hu Chun is beloved for its pan-fried soup dumplings called 'Sheng jian'. With a crisp, golden base and a soft, fluffy top, each dumpling is packed with juicy, flavourful pork filling—a taste of nostalgia for many Shanghainese locals.

Locals like to try Sheng jian with currey powdery soup noodle. The menu offers a variety of options, including fresh pork, prawn, and crab roe dumplings, catering to different preferences. It's very cheap, less that $2 for one set of sheng jian.

Lan Ting Ji (兰亭集)

Hidden inside a standalone garden villa, this Shanghainese fusion restaurant exudes vintage charm, transporting diners to old Shanghai. The menu features creative takes on local classics, such as crispy eel-filled buns and black garlic-braised eel, both praised for their rich, complex flavours.

However, some dishes, like the koi-shaped spring rolls and Sichuan-style poached chicken, receive mixed reviews. The restaurant leans towards sweet and savoury flavours, with smaller portions and premium pricing. Private dining rooms are available, making it ideal for intimate gatherings, though be prepared for a wait.

Guang Ming Cun Grand Restaurant (光明邨大酒家)

A long-standing favourite for Shanghainese cuisine, this restaurant is best known for its fresh meat mooncakes—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Other highlights include crab roe noodles, soy-braised eel, and their signature roast duck. It's a large portion, great value for money, making it a great recommendation for anyone keen to explore traditional Shanghai flavours.