Dine with the Skyline: Your 2026Shanghai New Year's Eve Restaurant

As the final hours of the year descend upon Shanghai, the city transforms into a glittering stage for unforgettable farewells. There's no better way to witness this metamorphosis than from a privileged perch high above the bustling streets or along the iconic riverfront. This New Year's Eve, move beyond the crowded squares and immerse yourself in an evening of culinary excellence paired with breathtaking panoramas. From cloud-piercing towers to historic Bund buildings, we've curated a selection of venues where the view is as exquisite as the menu, promising a countdown filled with elegance, flavor, and awe-inspiring moments.

Soaring at 556 meters within the world's second-tallest building, Heavenly Jin offers a New Year's Eve experience that is literally above all. It holds the title of the highest restaurant in a building, providing a breathtaking 360-degree nocturnal panorama of the entire metropolis. The venue is adorned with festive "Wish Upon a Star" seasonal decorations, including an impressive 8-meter Christmas tree. For the special night, it presents an exclusive multi-course Huaiyang dinner featuring luxurious dishes like Braised Prawn with Rice Soup Cream and Sea Urchin, designed to match the grandeur of the view. It's the ultimate destination for a splurge-worthy, once-in-a-lifetime countdown.

• NYE Highlight: An exclusive fine-dining set menu with the highest, most commanding city views.

• Must-Try: The premium Huaiyang set menu, crafted specifically for the celebration.

• Address: 120F, Shanghai Tower, 501 Yincheng Middle Road, Pudong.

• Price: A set menu for two is priced at approximately RMB 5,200 (including beverages).

A long-established favorite for a reason, this elegant Italian restaurant offers one of the most direct and romantic views of the Oriental Pearl Tower. Its modern, refined interior sets the stage for a classic yet special evening. The menu features sophisticated Italian cuisine, including their signature "My Lobster, My Style" experience and excellent handmade pasta. It's a timeless choice for a front-row seat to the Bund's glittering light show.

• NYE Highlight: Direct, breathtaking views of the Pearl Tower and a sophisticated, reliable fine-dining experience.

• Must-Try: The customizable lobster dish or the Australian M5 Wagyu beef tenderloin.

• Address: 52F, 8 Century Avenue (IFC Mall), Pudong.

• Price: Approximately RMB 450-510 per person (a special NYE menu is likely).

As a pillar of Shanghai's fine dining scene, the Michelin-starred Jean Georges represents the epitome of Bund sophistication. Located on the 6th floor of the historic Three on the Bund building, its pristine, all-white dining room provides a stunning contrast to the vibrant, futuristic Pudong skyline framed in its windows. Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's modern French cuisine is executed flawlessly, making it an iconic location for a truly luxurious farewell dinner.

• NYE Highlight: Impeccable modern French cuisine in one of Shanghai's most legendary and elegant dining rooms.

• Must-Try: The signature Egg Caviar, French-style Turbot, and the decadent Chocolate Cake.

• Address: 6F, 3 Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu.

• Price: Approx. RMB 383, but expect a premium set menu for NYE.

For a magnificent view paired with the depth of Chinese culinary artistry, Jiuchutang is a premier choice. Located at The Bund 5, this restaurant offers private rooms and tables that face directly onto the Huangpu River and the Oriental Pearl Tower. It is celebrated for its creative, exquisitely presented Shanghainese and Cantonese dishes, often served as part of elaborate set menus. It's perfect for a festive, shared meal that combines majestic views with cultural flavor.

• NYE Highlight: Innovative, high-end Chinese cuisine in a luxurious setting with iconic Bund views.

• Must-Try: Their themed set menus featuring delicacies like braised sea cucumber and premium double-boiled soups.

• Address: 3F East Side, No.5 Zhongshan East 1st Road (The Bund 5), Huangpu.

• Price: Higher-end Chinese fine dining. Booking a window table is essential.

For guests who want to focus on the party and the panorama, Yi Lounge is the ideal venue. Skip the formal dinner and immerse yourself in their vibrant New Year's Eve countdown party. The lounge offers a sophisticated yet energetic atmosphere with free-flow Champagne and premium spirits, lively music, and entertaining magic acts. The floor-to-ceiling windows ensure every guest has a stunning vantage point to watch the midnight fireworks over the Huangpu River and the Bund.

• NYE Highlight: A chic, lively cocktail party with entertainment leading straight to the midnight countdown.

• Must-Try: The premium free-flow Champagne package.

• Address: 84F, Shanghai Tower, 501 Yincheng Middle Road, Pudong.

• Price: Party packages start from around RMB 588 per person.

Also located in the Shanghai Tower, Centouno on the 101st floor is the perfect choice for those who love variety and a lavish feast. It hosts a special New Year's Eve seafood and global buffet. Imagine indulging in fresh oysters, caviar, foie gras terrine, and carved delights like Beef Wellington, all while looking out over the sparkling cityscape. The buffet is enhanced with interactive live cooking stations, including a comforting winter hotpot and made-to-order cheese-grilled rock lobster.

• NYE Highlight: An extensive international buffet with live stations and the same iconic skyscraper views.

• Must-Try: The seafood spread and the freshly grilled lobster.

• Address: 101F, Shanghai Tower, 501 Yincheng Middle Road, Pudong.

• Price: The festive buffet is priced at RMB 2,026 for two.

• Book Immediately: Reservations for these venues, especially window seats, will sell out weeks if not months in advance. Contact them directly as soon as possible.

• Confirm the Details: Always call to verify the final New Year's Eve menu, pricing, seating times, and any dress code. Many operate fixed, timed seatings for the night.

• Plan Your Transport: Traffic on the Bund and around Lujiazui will be extremely congested. Consider taking the metro (lines 2, 10, or 14 serve these areas well) or arranging a car service well in advance.

• Embrace the Dress Code: Most of these establishments have a smart casual or formal dress code. This is a night to dress up and match the city's glamour.

As the midnight hour approaches and the skyline begins to sparkle with a thousand lights, you'll find that the perfect Shanghai New Year's Eve isn't just about the food or the view—it's the magical alchemy of both. It's the taste of a perfect dish while watching the city you're in celebrate its past and future in a dazzling display of light and life. Here's to a magnificent feast and an even brighter year ahead.