West Meets East in These Top 5 Shanghai French Restaurants

Regarded by many as the "Paris of the East," Shanghai is bound to excel when it comes to the art of French cuisine. After a week spent exploring the city, you'll find no shortage of French influence from the buildings right down to the food. One of the best ways to experience the culture and eclectic cuisine of Shanghai is by dining at one of the city's esteemed and award-winning French restaurants. In this city though, there's nothing sleepy about many of the spreads on offer. Many venues - particularly the ones in the Bund and French Concession areas - offer excellent value and a fine array of wines for even the pickiest connoisseurs. But when it comes to having a night out on the town with a glass of wine in hand, enjoying the views and enjoying a dinner that would make even a true Parisian proud, the following restaurants will certainly do the job. Here are the absolute best when it comes to French dining in Shanghai.

Mr and Mrs Bund

A newcomer to the French restaurant scene in Shanghai, one would think Mr and Mrs Bund would have a lot of catching up to do. After rave reviews during its honeymoon period, this French eatery from renowned chef Paul Pairet is making its mark and laying claim to the title of Shanghai's best French restaurant. Unlike other high-end French eateries, Mr and Mrs Bund boasts a relaxed atmosphere and yet has elegant and chic décor to complement a menu with over 250 classic French dishes which can be intimidating because of the sheer number and size of the categories. Fortunately, you can rest assured knowing that the service is amazing (attentive waiters that also happen to speak English) and that each of the dishes will likely have you saying it's the best you've ever had. Some highlights include the foie gras crumble and Homemade Duck Foie Gras with Herb Salad.  Even though each of the dishes are expertly cooked and taste amazing, you'll be glad they don't scrimp on portions like other high-end venues. Also, pairing your selection with one of their 32 different wines while enjoying your dinner that gives you a view overlooking the Bund means that this restaurant is a match made in heaven and not only by name.

Priced at more than Y400 per couple

6/F, Bund 18, 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, the Bund Tel: +86 21 6323-9898

Le Bouchon

"Spend a moment in France", a brilliant opener for visitors to Le Bouchon, an opener that co-owners, Thierry and Vincent stake their reputation on. Launched in 1998, this was the first French restaurant established in Shanghai and therefore have earned their prestigious reputation. It is said that France has not been tasted until you've had frog legs. Speaking of which, the frog legs are both seasonal and sensational. Cooked in the Provencal method, they are also unforgettable.  BYO wine if a favorite does not appear on the menu to pair with the delicious French cuisine.

Priced at Y200-Y299 per couple

1455 Wuding Xi Lu, near Jiangsu Lu, Jing'an Tel: +86 21 6225 7088

Jean-Georges

From "Trump Centre", New York, to "Three on the Bund", Shanghai; Jean-Georges signature restaurants have taken the globe by storm. They are a haven for high-flying patrons with refined culinary tastes! French cuisine with an Asian twist dominates the menu nearly as vividly as hedonistic, eel-skin leather sofas dominate the decor! Exclusivity and prestige is what drives award winning chef and business man Jean-Georges Vongeritchen, and flair as well as fine dining oozes at this venue. Power lunch, business dinner, or romantic night out on the town, this venue impresses!

Priced at more than Y400 per couple

4/F, Three on the Bund, 17 Guangdong Lu, near Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, The Bund Tel: +86 21 6321 7733

Franck

Find a charmingly refined yet casual French ambiance at this Ferguson Lane venue, perfect for a high powered business lunch that will impress, or a relaxing Sunday brunch with visiting friends. The menu du jour ensures that hearty French cuisine is the order of the day, and it will be fresh; the food speaks for itself! Confit de canard which melts in your mouth and great attention to detail in all Franck's home-made dishes will leave patrons wanting more.  A blend of good decor, a relatively casual atmosphere and fine food make for a delightful Shanghai dining experience.

Priced at Y200-Y299 per couple

Ferguson Lane, 376 Wukang Lu, near Hunan Lu French Concession Tel: +86 21 6437 6465

M on the Bund

As the namesake of Australian restaurateur Michelle Garnaut; M on the Bund has the panoramic view, fine dining and signature "M" silverware and dishes to make it "THE" restaurant to be seen dining in Shanghai. It is not just a restaurant, "M" is iconic! Frequented by the international jet-set, and the local elite, the menu is nothing short of fantastic. Spend Sunday on the terrace enjoying a signature brunch with a view, weather permitting, but do make a reservation, this is the most unobstructed views of the Bund, and is in huge demand.

Priced at more than Y400 per couple

7/F, No.5 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, near Guangdong Lu, The Bund Tel: +86 21 6350 9988

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