Best Restaurants for Americans in Shanghai

Americans will find plenty of dining options in Shanghai, from familiar chains to outstanding local cuisine. Here is a local's guide to what is actually worth your time.

American-Friendly Dining

Shake Shack / Blue Frog

For when you need a taste of home, these American chains deliver familiar burgers and shakes.

Local's Take: Yes, you can get a Shake Shack burger in Shanghai. But honestly, the local burger scene has evolved so much that places like Beef & Liberty or Fat Cow often make better burgers. Use the chains for comfort food emergencies; explore local spots for the real experience.

Liquid Laundry

American-style comfort food including burgers, ribs, and craft beer.

Local's Take: Liquid Laundry is where Shanghai's creative crowd hangs out. The industrial-chic space in a former laundry factory is cool without trying too hard. The brunch here is legendary among expats and locals alike.

Boxing Cat Brewery

Craft brewery with American-style pub food, popular with American expats.

Local's Take: Boxing Cat is a genuine Shanghai craft beer pioneer. The beer is excellent, the food is solid, and the atmosphere feels like a neighborhood pub. It is where Americans in Shanghai go when they want to feel at home without actually eating at a chain.

Fine Dining Americans Love

Mercato by Jean-Georges

American celebrity chef's Italian restaurant on the Bund.

Local's Take: The wood-fired pizzas and house-made pastas are excellent, and the Bund view is spectacular. It strikes the perfect balance between special occasion and comfortable - you can dress up or come casual.

Local Cuisine for American Adventurers

Din Tai Fung

The perfect introduction to Shanghai dumplings with English menus.

Local's Take: Din Tai Fung is the training wheels for Shanghai dumplings - clean, consistent, English-friendly. It is a great starting point, but once you are comfortable, graduate to the local spots like Jia Jia Tang Bao for the real deal.

Jesse Restaurant

Authentic Shanghainese food that Americans consistently rate highly.

Local's Take: Jesse is the real thing. It is cramped, the decor is nothing special, and the menu can be intimidating. But the food - the red-braised pork, the crab meat tofu, the smoked fish - is what Shanghainese people actually eat. Bring a sense of adventure.

American Breakfast Spots

Wagas / Baker & Spice

Reliable breakfast and coffee chain popular with Americans.

Local's Take: Wagas is the Starbucks of Shanghai breakfast - everywhere, consistent, and reliably Western. But for a more interesting breakfast, try a local jianbing (savory crepe) from a street cart. It costs about 8 RMB and is more authentically Shanghai than any avocado toast.

Tips for American Diners

• Many restaurants have English menus
• Portion sizes at local restaurants may be smaller than American standards
• Spicy food can be very hot - ask for mild
• Reservations recommended for popular spots

Local's Take: The biggest adjustment for American diners is the sharing culture. Chinese meals are communal - everyone orders dishes that go in the middle of the table, and you take what you want. Do not expect individual plates. Embrace it - sharing food is one of the best parts of eating in Shanghai.

Americans consistently rate Shanghai as one of the best food cities in Asia, and the best meals are often the ones you least expect.