Just because the seasons are changing doesn’t mean we have to say farewell to the big blue. Take a gastronomical trip to salty oceans and sandy beaches by indulging in the best seafood Shanghai has to offer. Whether it be fish and chips or buttery lobster tails, here are some prime spots in the city to satisfy those aquatic cravings.
Though we've mentioned it before, Little Catch is the perfect place to dip your toes into the latest raw seafood trend, Hawaiian poke: it’s affordable, it’s filling, and best of all it’s fresh. We recommend the tangy Hawaiian Salmon or Tuna at ¥60 a bowl, topped with crunchy cucumbers, briny seaweed and served over warm rice. While you’re at it, pick up some Strictly Cookies for ¥12 to end the meal on an unregrettable note.
Find it: East Area, Unit B, 2/F 89 Taixing Lu, near Wujiang Lu
泰兴路99东区2楼B室
Tel: 6272 5788
Opening hours: 8am-9pm
With its white bench seating and beach-inspired décor (can you say pineapple wallpaper?), prepare to be transported to a Cape Cod styled Hawaiian paradise, specializing in a British food favorite – fish and chips. Run by Camel Group, this family friendly venue in the underground restaurant hub of Found 158 offers an impressive selection of beer, booze and is a great place to socialize over a plate of fried Haddock (¥98), Icelandic Cod (¥109), Salmon or Halibut (¥128). If you’re looking for a less greasy option, their raw fish, Poke bowl selection has you covered, but we can’t help but recommend the salt and pepper calamari to share (¥98). Who doesn’t love a little bit of fried goodness? Some of our kids also visited and learned how to make fish goujons!
Find it: 158 Julu Lu, near Ruijin Yi Lu
巨鹿路158号
Tel: 6333 2198
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 6pm-11pm; Saturday to Sunday, 11am-11pm
Another venture from the Camel Group team, this surf and turf sit down has a more formal and intimate atmosphere. Formerly in Jing’an, the restaurant has relocated to a beautiful, lemon colored lane house not far from the South Shaanxi Metro Station. Forever a staple on expats radar, though the venue has changed, it’s still the Bull & Claw we’ve always loved. Well known for their free-flow brunch, the Lobster Benedict is an obvious star on their set menu at an additional ¥80. Prices aren’t cheap, but considering the crustaceans are flown in from Nova Scotia, Canada on a daily basis, we’ve found it’s worth the extra notes from your wallet. If you’d rather indulge in an evening of shellfish, their daily menu is also sure to impress with the scallop, smokey chorizo and pepper rocket salad (¥118). Finish with their whole live lobster (¥248) – either grilled, steamed, or Thermidor – to fully round out a meal to remember on their patio.
Find it: 110 Fengyang Lu, near Fuxing Zhong Lu
汾阳路110号
Tel: 3356 7608
Opening hours: 11am-11pm
If you belong to the church of brunch, have we got a spot for you. Head to Va Bene on Sundays for their DJ set and select three Italian dishes from their menu for ¥198 a person. The grilled giant prawns are an absolute must, as are the buttery, flaky baked halibut and their coffee hazelnut brûlée. Oh, and don’t miss out on the free flow Prosecco for an additional ¥138.
Find it: Unit 7, 2/F, Xintiandi Lane 181, Taicang Lu, near Huangpi Nan Lu
上海市太仓路181弄新天地广场北里7号楼
Tel: 6311 2211
Opening hours: Daily, 11:30am-11:30pm
If you’re in the mood for Spanish shellfish, this Jing’an establishment brought to you by the team behind Malabar is an absolute must. The secret to their Blue Lobster Rice Stew is their fumet, a fabulous concentrated fish stock, cooked in their Josper – a combination grill and oven found in only the kitchens of culinary kings and queens. At ¥468, this plate serves two to three a rich and filling meal that’s sure to distinguish any date night.
Find it: 2/F, 98 Yanping Lu, near Xinzha Lu
延平路98号2楼
Tel: 5175 9818
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 5:30pm-12am; Friday, 5:30pm-1am; Saturday 5:30pm-12am. Closed Mondays.
Colca Peru is known for their seafood, and Cola meets the mark with a menu that only bolsters that reputation. While some dishes stay true to their South American roots, others have adopted an Eastern air, leaving you with a number of very difficult choices to make (but honestly, can you really go wrong?). The Scallop Chia Tiradito for ¥119 hits your taste buds with the gamut of flavors: sweet, spicy, savory, sour, and most importantly, a freshness that won’t disappoint. For something a little meatier, the halibut (¥188) carries a smokiness that pairs well with the accompanying garlic oil.
Find it: 199 Hengshan Lu, near Yongjia Lu
衡山路199号
Tel: 5401 5366
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 5:30pm-1am; Saturday to Sunday, 11am-1am. Closed Mondays.
This new Mediterranean hotspot features a handful of dishes to whet your appetite. Their Pacific Yellowfin Tuna Loin and Avocado Tartare (¥118) is a light, flavorful way to kickstart your meal, but if you’re really looking to splurge, their Seafood Carnival featuring two whole lobsters and tomahawk steak is the way to go. At ¥1588, you’re best off coming hungry and with hubby in tow, as this dining experience is one you’ll want to have someone to talk about it with after.
Find it: L127-128, Lilacs Chopping Center, 880 Dingxiang Lu, near Minsheng Lu
丁香路880弄丁香国际花园L127-128
Tel: 5080 9281
Opening hours: 10am-11:30pm
At Jumbo, go hungry and get messy. It goes without saying that you must order the Singaporean chili crab. Prices will vary depending on crab weight and type, but as long as you’ve paired your order with a side of fried buns, you’ll be happily mopping up any leftover chili sauce in your crab bowl. Expect to drop at least ¥300 per person at this Eastern favorite.
Find it: IAPM Mall, Unit 502, 5/F, 999 Huaihai Zhong Lu, near Shaanxi Nan Lu
淮海中路999号环贸广场L5-502
Tel: 6466 3435
Opening hours: 11:30am-3pm, 5:30pm-11pm
Lastly, if you’re looking for a bit of glamour and luxury, Pelham’s at the Waldorf Astoria is the spot for you. For your seafood fixes, try the lobster tails for ¥528 or the Dungeness Crab Remoulade at ¥238, but be sure to save room for dessert, as a trip to Pelham’s would be incomplete without a sweet ending. The After Eight is a rich, refreshing mint and chocolate mousse topped with crunchy dark chocolate.
Find it: Waldorf Astoria, Shanghai on the Bund, 2 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, near Guangdong Lu
中山东一路2号
Tel: 6322 9988
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 11:30am-2pm; Daily, 5:30pm-10pm
Looking for more ideas on where to dine in the city? Check out our list of awesome places to build your own bowl!
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