Shanghai’s Top Places for a Romantic Dinner
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Shanghai, a metropolis where East meets West, tradition intertwines with modernity, and neon lights reflect upon historic waterways, offers an unparalleled backdrop for romance. Beyond its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets lies a world of intimate culinary experiences perfect for a special evening. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, planning a proposal, or simply indulging in a night of connection, the city’s dining scene provides a spectrum of unforgettable settings. From sky-high bars with panoramic views to hidden courtyards whispering old-world charm, here is your curated guide to Shanghai’s most romantic dinner spots.
There is something inherently romantic about elevating your evening—literally. Shanghai’s iconic skyline, with the glittering Pearl Tower and the sweeping curve of the Huangpu River, is best appreciated from above. A rooftop dinner here is less of a meal and more of an event, a shared memory against a canvas of urban brilliance.
Perched on the 58th floor of the Ritz-Carlton in Lujiazui, FLAIR isn't just a restaurant and bar; it's an institution. It commands what many argue is the single best view of The Bund across the river. The atmosphere is electric yet sophisticated, with a sleek design featuring rich dark woods and ambient lighting. For the ultimate romantic experience, secure one of the outdoor terrace seats. As dusk falls and the city begins its luminous transformation, you can share expertly crafted cocktails and a menu of modern Asian tapas. The spicy tuna tartare and the miso-marinated black cod are sublime. It’s a place where the city feels both at your feet and in your hands, making it a quintessential Shanghai romantic hotspot.
For a more classic and refined rooftop ambiance, Sir Elly’s Terrace at The Peninsula offers an experience steeped in elegance. Located on the 14th floor, it provides a stunning, uninterrupted vista of the historic Bund and Pudong’s futuristic architecture. The terrace is adorned with lush greenery and soft, comfortable seating, creating a garden-in-the-sky feel. Their champagne selection is impeccable, and the service is discreet and impeccable. It’s an ideal spot for a pre-dinner drink or a lighter meal under the stars, feeling a world away from the traffic below, yet utterly connected to the heart of Shanghai.
Sometimes, romance is found not in grand vistas but in quiet, focused intimacy. Shanghai is home to numerous Michelin-starred and boutique restaurants where the ambiance is hushed, the service is attentive, and the food is an art form. These are the places where conversation flows easily, and the outside world fades away.
For a romantic dinner that is truly once-in-a-lifetime, Ultraviolet is the ultimate splurge. This multi-sensory dining experience is the brainchild of acclaimed chef Paul Pairet. It’s not just a meal; it’s a culinary performance for a single table of ten guests. You and your partner will be whisked away to a secret location (a bus picks you up from a designated spot) and immersed in a room where sight, sound, and smell are meticulously choreographed to complement each course. While the entire table shares the experience, the journey itself is deeply personal and incredibly bonding. It’s an adventure you undertake together, making it the pinnacle of a special occasion celebration.
For couples who find romance in mindfulness and exquisite taste, Fu He Hui offers a serene and profound dining experience. This Michelin-starred restaurant, located in a quiet, unassuming building, is dedicated to high-end vegetarian cuisine that will challenge and delight even the most ardent carnivore. The setting is a masterpiece of minimalist design, with private rooms featuring sliding paper screens and tranquil courtyards. The multi-course tasting menu is a journey through textures and flavors, featuring ingredients like morel mushrooms, bamboo pith, and various beans prepared with astonishing creativity. The peaceful, contemplative atmosphere encourages connection and conversation, making it a uniquely spiritual and romantic outing.
The Huangpu River is the lifeblood of Shanghai, dividing the city into its two iconic halves: the historic Puxi and the modern Pudong. A table beside this watery thoroughfare offers a front-row seat to the city’s constant, beautiful motion.
A true pioneer of Shanghai’s fine-dining scene, M on the Bund has been delivering elegance and impeccable European cuisine for over two decades. Its sprawling terrace on the seventh floor offers breathtaking, wide-angle views of the Pudong skyline. The ambiance is timeless and sophisticated, with a touch of colonial charm. The menu features classics like roasted duck breast and a legendary pavlova. As you dine, you can watch massive container ships glide silently down the river, juxtaposed with the dazzling light show on the skyscrapers beyond. It’s a classic, reliable, and utterly romantic choice that never fails to impress.
If you and your partner crave a more adventurous and sensory-rich experience, Lost Heaven provides a dramatic and exotic setting. Specializing in the tribal cuisines of Southern China and Southeast Asia, the restaurant’s interior is a dimly lit labyrinth of dark woods, Buddhist statuary, and rich textiles. It feels like a discovered secret. While it doesn’t have a direct river view, its location on the Bund is prime, and the atmosphere is intensely passionate and intimate. The Yunnan-style dishes, such as the cilantro salad and the steamed fish with lemongrass, are bursting with flavor. It’s a perfect choice for couples who want their romance to have a side of mystery and spice.
To step into the old lanes, or longtang, of Shanghai is to step back in time. These areas, away from the main roads, hide beautiful courtyards and restored shikumen houses that now host some of the city’s most charming and romantic restaurants.
For a romantic dinner that feels authentically and unpretentiously Shanghai, Jesse Restaurant is a beloved institution. Tucked away in the former French Concession, its original location is a small, bustling, and incredibly popular spot known for its impeccable Shanghainese home cooking. While it’s not about white tablecloths and hushed tones, the romance here is in the shared joy of incredible food. The braised pork belly, drunken chicken, and sautéed river shrimp are legendary. Securing a table feels like a victory, and the lively, warm atmosphere is genuinely infectious. It’s perfect for a couple who bonds over a love of authentic, delicious food and a vibrant local scene.
Nestled in a quiet, leafy compound in the French Concession, Colca offers a different kind of hidden gem. Its spacious, shaded patio feels like a secret garden, strung with lights and perfect for a long, leisurely evening. The cuisine is a delightful mix of Peruvian and Spanish flavors, with excellent ceviches, paellas, and pisco sours. The ambiance is relaxed, cheerful, and effortlessly cool. It’s a place where you can comfortably spend hours talking, laughing, and enjoying the balmy Shanghai evening air away from the crowds. This patio is arguably one of the most romantic casual-al fresco settings in the city.
No romantic dinner is complete without a perfect dessert or a nightcap. Shanghai’s cocktail bar scene is world-class and offers countless intimate nooks to conclude your evening.
Consider a visit to Speak Low, a speakeasy hidden behind a faux bookshelf in a bartending tools shop. Finding it together is part of the fun. Inside, the multi-level bar is cozy and dimly lit, serving some of the most creative cocktails in Asia. Alternatively, for something sweeter, a stroll along the Bund after dinner to grab a gelato from Il Teatro or a nightcap at the Long Bar at the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai, with its historic, 34-meter-long mahogany bar, provides a final, elegant punctuation to a perfect romantic night in Shanghai.
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Author: Shanghai Travel
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