Best Japanese Cuisine in Shanghai: A Guide to Top Restaurants

If you’re craving some sushi, a tonkatsu or a bowl of miso soup, here are some excellent choices for you while in Shanghai. Itadakimasu!

The Ultimate: Nadaman at the Shangri-La Hotel, Pudong

Address: Lujiazui, Pudong, China, 200120

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Luxurious surroundings underscore gorgeous food presented beautifully. Pretend you’re in Tokyo for a night—however, prices reflect that vibe as well. Expect melt-in-your-mouth sushi, light and crispy tempura, and marvelous teppanyaki. The menu, while not terribly interesting, includes all the classics that Western lovers of Japanese food enjoy.

• Kids? Older, well-behaved? Yes. Little and squirmy? Maybe not.

California Dreaming: Haiku by Hatsune

Address: China, Shang Hai Shi, Pu Dong Xin Qu, Lujiazui, 世纪大道8号上海国金中心商场号 Postal Code: 200120

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Phone: +86 21 3882 0792

When there’s cream cheese on the menu, you know you’re in a California-Japanese establishment. Haiku is the most popular casual Japanese spot in the city, especially among expats. Excellent sushi (try the Moto-roll-ah or the Clayton), great entrees (love the grilled mackerel), and delicious veggies await you. Although the service can be slow, go with the flow and make sure you’ve got enough Kirin beer to last you the night.

• Kids? No problem.

Supercool: Shintori

Address: Julu Lu 803, 静安区 China, 200041

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Phone: +86 21 5404 5252

Set back off Julu Road, Shintori is a hidden gem. Walk through a bamboo forest and enter a spacious, warehouse-like interior. The sushi is superb, while the rest of the menu offers an avant-garde take on Japanese dishes with a Chinese twist. It’s definitely an experience.

• Kids? Older, well-behaved? Yes. Little and squirmy? Maybe not.

Old Reliable: Itoya

Address: 381 Huai Hai Zhong Lu, 淮海路东段 Lu Wan Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China, 200021

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Phone: +86 21 5382 5777

Itoya is a well-known chain of Japanese restaurants with multiple outlets throughout Shanghai. Expect good food; their extensive menu covers all Japanese favorites. It provides excellent value with attentive staff, often greeting customers with enthusiastic irrashaimase!. It’s a favorite among Japanese salarymen, so you may also catch some sake enthusiasts watching sumo on the flat screen.

• Kids? Ask for a private room.

Japanese on the Bund: Sun with Aqua

Address: China, Shang Hai Shi, Huang Pu Qu, Waitan, Zhong Shan Dong Yi Lu, 6号外滩六号 2层 Postal Code: 200002

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Phone: +86 21 6339 2779

Sun with Aqua is certainly a destination when enjoying a night out on the Bund and in the mood for Japanese cuisine. The stunning aquariums enhance the experience, making it worth a stop—even if just for a drink.

• Kids? Give it a pass.