[Where To Eat:] Three Stellar French Dining Experiences in Shanghai

Shanghai, a vibrant metropolis, is not only known for its impressive skyline but also as a hub for culinary excellence. French cuisine stands out among its diverse dining options, offering everything from cozy bistros to luxurious establishments. These restaurants bring a slice of Paris to the bustling city, presenting a range of French culinary arts that impress both locals and visitors alike.

In this guide, we'll explore three top French dining spots in Shanghai, showcasing the variety and elegance of French cuisine. From hearty classics to sophisticated dishes combining innovation with tradition, join us to discover the best French dining experiences the city has to offer.

Per capita: 500 RMB

Business Hours: 12:00-14:00, 17:30-24:00

Address: Opposite Shangri-La Hotel, 68 Tongren Road 

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Located at 68 Tongren Road, Nuits stands out as a top choice among French bistros in Shanghai. With unwavering consistency, it meets the three crucial criteria for a good meal at this price point:

• Mastery of Basics: Nuits excels in dishes like pâté en croûte, a complex and layered dish using around ten types of meat including duck liver and chicken hearts. It's a testament to their solid fundamental skills.

• Originality and Innovation: The bistro introduces fresh concepts like beef tartare with raw oysters, enriched with wild parsnip puree, enhancing the dish with a creamy, slightly milky flavor.

• Attention to Detail: Details shine through in dishes like salmon marinated in miso and sake, charcoal-grilled to enhance its texture and flavor.

The ambiance is cozy, and the restaurant operates without a service fee, offering an extensive wine list supported by knowledgeable sommeliers at reasonable prices.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) | Reviews: 200 (Source: Dianping)

Per capita: 1500 RMB

Business Hours: 12:00-14:00, 18:00-21:00

Address: 480 Jianguo West Road, Tianping Road Subdistrict

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Situated at 480 Jianshe West Road, Tianping Street, Le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire showcases the opulence expected from a high-end French restaurant. The ingredients are luxurious and often rare, like the wild Tasmanian blacklip abalone hand-dived from depths of 20 meters, taking up to twenty years to mature. Dishes are prepared with impeccable attention to detail:

• Beef Dish Surprise: A hidden layer beneath pickled beetroot slices reveals a rich combination of Australian Wagyu M9+, wild bluefin tuna, and a variety of upscale ingredients like duck liver and Comté cheese.

• Marseille Fish Soup: Elevated with local seafood like blue-spotted grouper and wild yellow croaker from Hainan, adding an authentic touch with saffron and orange peel infused broth.

The restaurant also prides itself on an exceptional wine list, featuring vintage bottles from renowned estates, ensuring a luxurious dining experience.

Per capita: 2500 RMB

Business Hours:  18:00-23:00 (From Tuesday to Saturday)

Address: Room 101, Building 1, Yuyuan Li, 161 Lane 465 Zhenning Road 

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Located at 161 Lane 465, Zhenning Road, Yuyuan Li Building 1, Tai'an Men is synonymous with haute cuisine, presenting a menu that combines creativity and exclusivity. The chef creatively uses South Asian spices and presents dishes with complex layers and unique flavor pairings:

• Exotic Combos: Dishes like duck liver with Vadouvan curry, a French adaptation of Indian spices, demonstrate an ingenious blend of flavors, complemented by pickled damson plums and lentils.

• Sophisticated Seafood: Highlights include lightly torched oysters paired with bonito flake dust and jasmine milk foam, showcasing a masterful balance of textures and flavors.

The restaurant also offers a relaxed atmosphere around an open kitchen, allowing diners to engage freely without the stiffness often found in high-end establishments.