1221 is located in a construction site wasteland at the moment, which keeps prices low but makes walking difficult. A 15-minute taxi ride from most major hotels. One of Shanghai's most popular restaurants and good for business lunches as it has private rooms (phone ahead first to reserve). Simple fare but absolutely delicious. Chelsea Clinton and Madeline Albright gave it the Presidential family seal of approval last summer during the Clinton visit. Click here to see the map.

Just off the Bund near the Peace Hotel and Sofitel. Quiet and beautifully decorated, this is a great place for a business lunch. Has the feel of a private club and a good place to talk turkey-or the Chinese equivalent. Click here to see the map.

Walking distance from the Regal International Hotel, Bourbon Street is in a three-storey building with an atrium that is open all the way to the roof. Manages to capture the feel of New Orleans exceedingly well and is quickly becoming the most talked about place in Shanghai. Needless to say, the only Cajun restaurant in Shanghai is also one of the finest. The beef and seafood are fantastic and the atmosphere first class. Click here to see the map.

Located in the old French Concession near Huaihai Road, Henry is a short taxi ride from all big hotels. It is housed in a restored old house and features great Shanghainese food cooked under the supervision of a man who most recently called Montreal home. Another place that garnered the Presidential family seal of approval. Click here to see the map.

Just across the street from the Garden Hotel, J.J.'s is brand new and a great place to eat great Tex/Mex food in a terrific atmosphere. The owners spent a bundle bringing everything from Mexico (including the Mariachi band). This is a great place to relax and have fun. Click here to see the map.

Probably the only place in Shanghai where Bill Clinton and Queen Elizabeth have both dined. Famous for its Shanghai specialties including Dim Sum, Shark's Fin Soup and Freshwater Crab. Lu Bo Lang is an institution in Shanghai and owns the reputation for best traditional Chinese food. Everything from the traditional old Chinese exterior to the classic interior reeks of good taste. A short taxi from all major hotels. Click here to see the map.

Located in an old house in the old French Concession just down the road from the Regal International, Le Garcon has a great French feel and lots of character. It is popular to the Shanghai resident, whether Chinese or foreign, who wears black and nothing but black. The menu is eclectic but good. There is a jazz bar in the house and an outdoor cafe near the main entrance. Maybe a bit noisy for a serious working dinner but a great place to get to know people.

Blessed with Shanghai's best view, M boasts a fantastic view from the huge balcony of the Bund and the Huangpu River with Pudong in the distance. It is probably Shanghai's classiest and most stylish restaurant, and recently described as one of the top 100 restaurants in the world by Conde Nast. This is where you go to impress someone or celebrate a big deal. Or propose marriage. Just a 5-minute walk down the road from the famous and historic Peace Hotel. Click here to see the map.

Park 97 was a pioneer when it opened a couple of years ago and shares a sister restaurant in Hong Kong called Post 97. Real emphasis is made on serving delicious and fresh continental cuisine. Park 97 is located in Fuxing Park, Shanghai's best place to walk around and enjoy the sights of the city. It's the kind of green space where elderly Chinese practice Tai Chi and kids fly kites. The flowers, plants and trees are exquisite. Formerly a French Army Camp, the Park is close to Huai Hai Road and a short taxi from all major hotels. On sunny days there is no better place to eat than on the patio overlooking the park. Another Clinton family restaurant of choice. Click here to see the map.

Located in the consular part of town off Huaihai road and a short taxi ride from all hotels. Set amongst a garden in a magnificent old mansion which was once home to one of the famous Soong sisters of pre-revolutionary fame. The owners spent a fortune fixing it up and decorating it. The ambience of the old French Quarter enhances the appeal. A first-rate place for a great dinner or a drink in the downstairs bar. For lunch, a table in the courtyard is nice. Click here to see the map.

Across Maoming Lu from the Garden Hotel, Tandoor was once the venerable Cercle Francais, a.k.a the French Club. Tastefully furnished in the style of old India, everyone from the cooks to the waiters is from the subcontinent so you know this is the real thing. Food can be cooked according to taste and the food is simple and delicious. The best Indian food in Shanghai by a mile. Click here to see the map.

The ubiquitous short taxi ride. Recommended by Shanghai's Japanese community. No more needs to be said except that the atmosphere provides a welcome refuge of calm in a busy city. Click here to see the map.

A short taxi from the Shanghai Center and downtown Shanghai. Nothing terribly fancy. Just a place that relies on great local cuisine. It has been packed since opening earlier this summer and features the best in what the Yangtse River valley has to offer in the way of traditional Chinese food. A casual and relaxed atmosphere and very trendy among Shanghai's elite.