When the Lunar New Year arrives, Shanghai’s soul moves from its busy streets to the dining table. The 'Reunion Dinner' is the year’s most significant feast—a celebration of family and fortune through flavors that bridge the past and future. Whether you are looking for a historic villa in the French Concession or a skyline view on the Bund, these eight curated spots offer the perfect seat to experience China’s most iconic tradition.
The Bund View: Canton Table (三号黄浦会)
Located in the prestigious Three on the Bund, this restaurant offers a sophisticated blend of Cantonese tradition and modern elegance, overlooking the futuristic Lujiazui skyline.
-District: Huangpu
-Specialty: Exquisite Cantonese dim sum and "Poon Choi" (Prosperity Treasure Pot).
-Vibe: Glamorous, historic, and iconic.
-Avg. Cost: ¥800 - ¥1,200 per person.
The Cultural Icon: Shanghai Pavilion (上海餐厅)
Situated within the Central Hotel, this is the sister restaurant to the legendary hairy crab specialist, Wang Bao He. It’s a "Michelin Selected" spot for those who want to eat like a true Shanghainese local.
-District: Huangpu (near Nanjing Road)
-Specialty: Authentic Shanghainese "Benbang" cuisine; crispy river shrimp and braised pork belly.
-Vibe: Classic elegance with a deep sense of local history.
-Avg. Cost: ¥400 - ¥600 per person.
The Garden Oasis: Yi Long Court (逸龙阁)
Located inside The Peninsula Shanghai, this Michelin-starred venue is modeled after a 1920s Shanghai noble residence. It’s perfect for families seeking a peaceful, luxury retreat.
-District: Huangpu (The Bund)
-Specialty: Barbecued Iberian pork with honey and double-boiled soups.
-Vibe: Art Deco opulence with impeccable service.
-Avg. Cost: ¥1,200 - ¥2,000 per person.
The Villa Charm: Fu 1015 (福1015)
Housed in a preserved 1930s garden villa in the Former French Concession, this restaurant offers private dining rooms that feel like a high-society home invitation.
-District: Changning
-Specialty: Elevated "Home-style" Shanghainese dishes; famous for its abalone tarts.
-Vibe: Intimate, nostalgic, and exclusive.
-Avg. Cost: ¥800 - ¥1,500 per person.
The Modern Classic: Ren He Guan (人和馆)
Step back into the "Golden Era" of 1930s Shanghai. With live Pingtan (storytelling) performances and waitstaff in traditional dress, it is a sensory journey into the past.
-District: Xuhui (Zhaojiabang Road)
-Specialty: Crab meat with tofu and the "Old Shanghai" smoked fish.
-Vibe: Immersive, theatrical, and vibrant.
-Avg. Cost: ¥250 - ¥400 per person.
The Zen Retreat: Fu He Hui (福和慧)
For the health-conscious or vegetarian traveler, this Michelin-starred restaurant proves that a meat-free New Year feast can be just as decadent and meaningful.
-District: Changning
-Specialty: High-concept seasonal mushroom and vegetable tasting menus.
-Vibe: Minimalist, tranquil, and deeply spiritual.
-Avg. Cost: ¥800 - ¥1,000 per person.
The Lively Neighborhood: Summer Palace (夏宫)
Located in the Jing’an Shangri-La, this restaurant bridges the gap between traditional Chinese dining and international hospitality standards.
-District: Jing'an
-Specialty: Claypot specialties and innovative Cantonese-Shanghainese fusion.
-Vibe: Energetic, colorful, and family-friendly.
-Avg. Cost: ¥600 - ¥900 per person.
The Culinary Legend: Xin Rong Ji (新荣记)
Often cited as one of the best restaurant groups in China, their Nanyang Road branch offers legendary Taizhou seafood that is widely praised by global food critics.
-District: Jing'an
-Specialty: Wild-caught yellow croaker and crispy pigeon.
-Vibe: Sophisticated, refined, and food-focused.
-Avg. Cost: ¥1,000 - ¥2,500 per person.
Celebrating the Lunar New Year in Shanghai is an unforgettable experience. Whether you choose the glitz of the Bund or the quiet lanes of the French Concession, you’re not just ordering a meal—you’re participating in a 3,000-year-old tradition of harmony and hope.
Pro tip: Booking 2–4 weeks in advance is highly recommended as these spots fill up fast for the "Nian Ye Fan."May your Year of the Horse be filled with flavor and fortune!
