Living in China | Smart Shanghai-Ding Guide

Shanghai is full of surprises, including a growing number of venues that welcome your four-legged companions. Here are a few SmartShanghai-approved picks:

Tucked away in the West Bund's food hub, this clean, modern Mediterranean bistro comes from the team behind the popular brunch spot Dugout. It's a stylish spot for you and your pup, offering great food and a surprisingly well-selected wine list.

A quintessential expat hangout on Taojiang Lu, Abbey Road boasts a spacious patio (perfect for people and dog-watching), cheap beer on tap, and a menu mixing Swiss and American comfort food. It's a relaxed vibe for everything from an after-work drink to a weekend lunch.

Located on the charming Yuyuan Lu, this beautiful lounge by the team behind The Nest is a gem. With a focus on fresh seafood and unique canned goods, it offers memorable dishes at good prices. It's the perfect casual-yet-sophisticated spot for a meal or drinks, with your dog happily by your side.

Planning a memorable evening? These SmartShanghai favorites deliver on ambiance, cuisine, and that special“wow”factor.

For a classic, no-expense-spared steak experience, Wolfgang's is the name. This premium global chain dry-ages its own USDA Prime beef, serving it in a classically handsome dining room. It's an investment, but one that's absolutely worth it for a special occasion.

A sleek, contemporary Spanish restaurant that has taken over the old Commune Social space. With a seafood-forward menu, a leafy patio, and even a small rooftop, it's incredibly versatile. It works perfectly for a romantic date, a group dinner, or a solo treat.

If your date appreciates hearty, down-to-earth vibes, head to Zeitgeist. This authentic Bavarian pub serves up excellent, cheap beer and solid German fare like schnitzel and currywurst in a cozy, unpretentious setting.

Sometimes, the main course is the view. These venues offer some of the most stunning backdrops in the city.

This rooftop bar just off the Bund offers what you came for: breathtaking, panoramic vistas of the Pudong skyline. The wraparound terrace is the place to be for sunset cocktails, with the city lights putting on a show.

Perched on the eighth floor of the Portman Ritz-Carlton, this terrace is a green oasis in the heart of Jing'an. It's an ideal spot for a champagne picnic with an unobstructed, impressive view of the Shanghai Exhibition Center.

Experience upscale Suzhou cuisine with a front-row seat to the Bund. Housed in a standalone building by the river, it offers rare 270-degree views of both the historic Bund and the modern Lujiazui skyline. It's a classic choice for a truly impressive night out.

This is just a small sample of the countless discoveries waiting for you onSmartShanghai.com. It's the ultimate tool to unlock the city, saving you time and leading you to genuine gems. So, the next time you're wondering where to go, let their curated expertise be your guide. Your next favorite Shanghai spot is just a click away.