The Jingan district of Shanghai is one of the city's most popular shopping areas with Nanjing Road running through it. Nanjing Road is Shanghai's most important commercial street, as it's upscale, packed with shops, and at more than 6 kilometers long is visited by 1 million people every day. The Jingan district and Nanjing Road is also a wonderful place for dining. With restaurants and cafes serving different types of cuisine, and attracting both tourists and locals, any foodie will love eating in Jingan district and these are some of the best restaurants to try.
K5 (or Kathleen's 5) Rooftop Restaurant and Bar - In the upscale, high-end range of restaurants in the Jingan district of Shanghai is K5 or Kathleen's 5. Popular for its location on the roof of the old Shanghai Horse Racing Club, it's slap bang in the middle of the city, with stupendous views from the garden terrace.
Kathleen's 5 is owned by expat owner and author, Kathleen Lau, and consequently serves western food of the highest standard. Known for its salads, pastas, burgers and burritos, Kathleen's 5 is a favorite hangout for expats and, not surprising, as the food (and coffee) is excellent. You'll find Kathleen's 5 at 325 Nanjing Xi Lu, (Shanghai Art Museum, 5F), Shanghai.
CoCo Ichibanya - A Japanese chain restaurant, this Shanghai branch in the Jingan district is wonderful. With a company motto of "Briskly, sharply and with a smile", you get impeccable service as well as great food and at reasonable prices.
At CoCo Ichibanya, you'll get Japanese curries of all types - from chicken to pork, seafood to vegetarian. Some are slightly spicy, some not remotely so, but if you're used to curries in either Thailand or India, they'll seem bland enough. The food at CoCo Ichibanya is very good and, like their motto says, it arrives quickly. Plus you can eat here for around $5 a person. Not bad for a fast, delicious meal in a fun environment. Coco Ichibanya is at B1 Jiuguang store, close to Jing'an Temple Metro.
M on the Bund - Located on top of the famous Nissin Shipping Building and serving Australian, Middle Eastern, African and European food, M on the Bund is popular for breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch. It's trendy, upscale and where the movers and shakers hang out, but visitors to Shanghai will love it too. The restaurant imports most of its food and makes its own bread and desserts. Try the foie gras - perfect. It's also famous for its Pavlova dessert, which you don't want to miss. M on the Bund is at No 5. The Bund, Guangdong Lu, Shanghai.
Element Fresh - If you're dying for a healthy, fresh salad, soup, sandwich, vegetable dish or a fruit smoothie, look no further than Element Fresh. This branch is the original restaurant but, since it's opening, it's been so incredibly popular there are many more around Shanghai. Don't miss the grilled quesadillas, homemade hummus and the grilled tandoori chicken wrap. They also have a good Asian menu. Delicious. It also has wonderful outdoor seating on the terrace as well as on the second floor balcony. Element Fresh is at 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, Shanghai Center, Shanghai.
