6 restaurants in Shanghai serving international cuisine, from tapas to Thai to brunch

From a family-run Western restaurant in a housing estate to a newly opened Spanish place to a bistro for brunch, places to avoid the crowds

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Food at Maybe Tapas, a newly opened Spanish restaurant in Jingan, Shanghai, and one of six in the city we recommend for international cuisine away from the crowds. Photo: Xiaohongshu

Published: 1:15pm, 28 Sep 2024

Shanghai has just survived its biggest tropical cyclone in 75 years – thankfully, Typhoon Bebinca’s visit was brief and the sun is shining once more.

With China’s annual “golden week” holiday to celebrate the country’s National Day approaching – millions are expected to flock to the metropolis – here are six under-the-radar restaurants in Shanghai serving international cuisine.

1. Bonica

Bonica is a Mediterranean restaurant hidden behind 98 Creativity Park in Jingan, one of the central districts of Shanghai. The green interior has ample wood and metal surfaces, and an enormous skylight adds to the greenhouse ambience.

Bonica is a Mediterranean restaurant specialising in seafood, grilled meats and pastas. Photo: Instagram

The restaurant specialises in seafood, grilled meats and pastas – try the signature charcoal-grilled octopus leg served with green chilli cream sauce (248 yuan/US$35), Spanish-style garlic prawns (88 yuan) and beef tartare (158 yuan).

While the dishes are relatively pricey when eating à la carte, many of them are available in cheaper lunch and dinner sets.

Average cost per person: 300 yuan

Building 5, No. 60, 273 Jiaozhou Road, Jingan