[Where To Eat:] Explore Shanghai's Finest Italian Dining Experiences

September 2, 2024

Italian cuisine, revered as the "mother of Western cuisine," boasts a vast array of dishes that originate from the Roman Empire and are deeply influenced by the Renaissance period in Florence. Italian food emphasizes the natural flavors of its ingredients, employing a variety of cooking techniques including frying, sautéing, roasting, and baking. Common seasonings include Italian herbs and balsamic vinegar, with signature dishes such as seafood casserole, various types of pasta, and a rich assortment of seafood dishes. Dishes are typically appreciated for their slightly firm and elastic texture, often accompanied by red or white wine.

Italian culinary culture is rich and varied, with regional cuisines categorized into Northern, Central, Southern, and Island styles, each with its distinct characteristics. The North is known for its pasta and risotto dishes, while the South favors olive oil and seafood. Italians place great importance on dining etiquette, with meals often involving extended dining times and social interactions. A typical meal includes an appetizer, main course, dessert, and after-dinner drinks, highlighting the social and enjoyable aspects of eating. Below, Hills recommends four Finest Italian Dining restaurants in Shanghai for you.

1.Mammamia

Rating: 4.0/5 (3475 reviews, Source: Dianping)

Per capita: 127 RMB

Business Hours: 11:30-21:30

Address: Room B2, 1st Floor, No. 758, Julu Road

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Mammamia is a popular Italian restaurant nestled in Shanghai, known for its vibrant atmosphere and meticulous preparation of authentic Italian pizzas. The restaurant takes pride in its traditional techniques, using only the finest ingredients like 00 flour, malted barley, aged yeast, olive oil, and salt to create dough that rises to fluffy, energetic perfection.

Recommended Dishes:

Proscuitto Rucola Pizza: This pizza is known for its dry, crispy exterior and chewy, marshmallow-like interior, topped with a mix of Parma ham, roasted cherry tomatoes, rolled basil, arugula, and explosively melty cheese. It is both visually and texturally satisfying.

Napoli Pizza: This dish exemplifies the desired balance in pizza with a crispy yet soft crust, with deep brown caramelized spots adding a crunch similar to thin sugar shells on crème brûlée.
Nutella Pizza: For a sweet twist, this pizza uses a denser dough than typical dessert crepes, offering a compact texture that adds an indulgent layer to the sweet hazelnut and chocolate spread.

2.Senso

Rating: 4.5/5 (822 reviews, Source: Dianping)

Per capita: 290 RMB

Business Hours: 11:30-23:30

Address: 1F, No.161, Lane 1038, Huashan Road

(1) Google Map (2) Apple Map

Senso offers a warm, family-style Italian dining experience right in the heart of Shanghai. This cozy eatery features a lively atmosphere with soft warm lighting and delightful aromas, making it feel like a slice of Italy. The friendly staff enhance the experience by helping guests navigate the menu to make cost-effective choices without compromising on taste.

Recommended Dishes:

Margherita Pizza: A classic Roman style with a thin, crisp base, balanced by a tangy tomato sauce and stringy mozzarella that delights with an impromptu cheese-pulling show.

Handmade Papperdelle with Black Truffle: Wide, ribbon-like papperdelle in a heady combination of salty cheese, a hint of heat from pepper sauce, and aromatic, moisture-rich black truffle slices make for a bold, playful pasta dish.

Tortelli with Smoked Cheese and Grilled Eggplant: Filled tortelli served with a spicy yellow pepper sauce and bursting calamondin add a unique and robust flavor profile, showcasing the versatility of Italian stuffed pasta.

3.Casa Mia

Rating: 4.0/5 (1616 reviews, Source: Dianping)

Per capita: 587 RMB

Business Hours: 18:00-22:30

Address: No. 1331 Fuxing Middle Road, Blackstone Apartment 3, 101

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Located in a quaint apartment block, Casa Mia offers a charming Italian dining experience with its warm yellow tones and cozy ambiance. Despite its unassuming location, it’s a beloved spot among locals for its straightforward, homestyle Italian cooking, making every diner feel at home with its simplicity and authenticity.

Recommended Dishes:

Burrata with Prosciutto: Soft, creamy burrata cheese paired with thinly sliced prosciutto creates a rich fusion of milky and salty flavors, making this dish a quintessential Italian appetizer.

Fresh Oysters: Depending on the season, these oysters range from creamy and sweet to slightly less filling, underscoring the importance of seasonal freshness in enhancing the natural flavors of seafood.

Handmade Pasta with Crab Sauce: The pasta, with its firm texture, is lavishly coated in a crab meat sauce that captures the essence of authentic Italian flavors, reminiscent of a memorable meal by the seaside.
Risotto with Porcini Mushrooms: Sticking to traditional cooking methods, this risotto retains a slightly al dente texture, enriched with the intense flavors of porcini mushrooms, making it a must-try for mushroom lovers.

4.DA VITTORIO Shanghai

Rating: 4.6/5 (4990reviews, Source: Dianping)

Per capita: 2935 RMB

Business Hours: 12:00-13:30, 18:00-21:30

Address: 3rd Floor, Building N3, North District, BFC Bund Financial Center, No. 600, Zhongshan East 2nd Road

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DA VITTORIO Shanghai, a branch of the famed Italian Michelin-starred restaurant, offers an upscale dining experience in the bustling area of Shanghai’s Bund. Known for its sophisticated menu and exquisite white truffle dishes, this restaurant has become a hallmark for luxury Italian dining in the city, boasting both Michelin stars and high praise from critics.

Recommended Dishes:

White Truffle Tagliolini: Featuring handmade egg yolk pasta shaped like hexagonal warriors, tossed in a sumptuous cheese and white truffle sauce, this dish represents the height of luxury in Italian cuisine.

Vittorio Tomato Pasta: A classic dish where aged cheese and olive oil are mixed table-side, offering a fresh and robust tomato sauce flavor that is a hallmark of genuine Italian pasta dishes.
Rossini Steak: This indulgent offering pairs Australian M7 fillet steak with seared foie gras and white truffle, served with fried potato balls. The combination creates a rich and satisfying dish that embodies the luxury of Italian fine dining.