Shanghai's Best French Restaurants

Shanghai’s love affair with all things French shows no signs of slowing, chéri. Sample some of the best Gallic cuisine this side of the Himalayas at these foodie-fave French restaurants.

NYC-import Jean-Georges, named for Alsatian chef-owner Jean-Georges Vongerichten, has ruled the city’s culinary roost since launching in 2004 on the fourth floor of 1916 Beaux Arts gem, Three on the Bund. Striking layers of brass, pale-wood, Art Deco accents and antique-mirrored walls, reflecting the glittering skyline, backdrop a crowd-pleasing Asian-tinged, mod-French menu, much-loved by discerning locals.

Pair Shanghai’s French fancy with an equally fervent appetite for seafood, and you get Coquille, a polished brasserie from the team behind Tuscan smash hit Scarpetta. The requisite open ice counter sparkles with fresh Hokkaido scallops, Canadian lobster, Dungeness crab and seasonal mussels (go the whole sea-bang with the surf-fresh platter), while an à-la-carte offering leans purist French with foie gras au torchon and Red Heart clams au vin blanc. Leather booths book up fast, but walk-ins can nab a bar pew for some shucking good showmanship.

Set inside exquisitely renovated 1920s Villa le Bec, two-tiered concept Bistro 321 le Bec has garnered a firm French expat fanbase with its Gallic comfort classics, from beef-cheek bourguignon to baba au rhum. Slip into the warm, convivial, red-brick bar á vin for a ‘Burgundy Caveau’ vibe, hearty snacks and a lengthy wine list, or book ahead for a table in the casual sit-down salon upstairs.

Romance-seeking couples should make for Ferguson Lane, a charming wander-worthy complex of cafes, boutiques, and restaurants, including sultry tryster Franck Bistrot. The simple yet elegant setting, complete with candlelit two-top tables, reliable chalkboard bistro fare, a stonking wine selection, and an intimate, lowlit, jazzy vibe make this a date-night go-to. Amour!

Jean-Georges / 4/F / Three on the Bund / Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu  / Huangpu / +86 21 6321 7733 / lunch & dinner daily / jean-georges.com

Coquille / 29 Mengzi Lu / Huangpu / +86 21 3376 8127 / dinner Tue-Sun / coquille.com.cn

Bistro 321 Le Bec / 321 Xinhua Lu / Changning / +86 21 6241 9100 / lunch & dinner Tue-Sun  / lebec.com.cn

Franck Bistrot / 376 Wukang Lu / Xuhui / +86 21 6437 6465 / lunch Sat-Sun, dinner Tue-Sun