This second outpost of Umberto Bombana’s hot spot Hong Kong restaurant—the first outside of Europe to be awarded three Michelin stars—is Shanghai’s top Italian restaurant for a foodie experience. Located within the Rockbund development, Otto e Mezzo features a striking contemporary décor—don’t miss the cured meats and cheeses on display in a massive aging room—and upscale Northern Italian cuisine that still appeals to a wide audience. Chef Bombana, hailed as the ‘king of white truffles,’ has designed a menu that highlights the freshest produce and tried-and-true classics like homemade burrata ravioli and breaded veal Milanese. Those looking to celebrate a special occasion should opt for the five-course tasting menu and request a seat on the terrace, which affords stunning views of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Huangpu river.

Located in a buzzy complex named Ferguson Lane within the former French Concession, Azul delivers delicious tapas in a vibrant and fun setting. The owner draws his inspiration from both Spain and Latin America. Dishes to try are a refreshing Ecuadorian ceviche and the famous flan. The prices are reasonable and the portions large for tapas (check with the waiters to make sure you do not over-order). On the weekends the restaurant often turns into an impromptu salsa club, with diners dancing the night away. A bar section also means you can order drinks and nibbles without having to have a full meal. For a quiet time, on warm summer nights, ask to sit outside on the spacious roof terrace. It offers stunning views over the city’s skyline.

This is one of Shanghai's most exclusive dining experiences, at the top level of Three on the Bund with soaring views. Reserve a private dining room at the Cupola at Three on the Bund: one seats a group of eight; the other has just a table for two. In either, you may order from any of the restaurants at Three on the Bund (including several Jean-Georges restaurants). With spectacular views over the river and of Pudong, this may just be one of the most memorable tables you'll ever reserve.

Recently relocated to a historic venue on The Bund, this restaurant is run by the charming Barcelona chef Willy Trullas Moreno. His menu is a creative jaunt through Spanish tapas—croquetas, tortilla Espanola, patatas brava, chorizo and jamon iberico—and many ingredients are imported from Europe. El Willy is a great choice for a big night out that’s not Chinese-oriented.

The rooftop bar and restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Pudong is one of the best venues to marvel at Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, and its most iconic monument, the Oriental Pearl TV tower, which is just a few blocks from the hotel. Located on the 58th floor, the Super Potato–designed lounge is a hot spot that draws a stylish crowd of locals and visitors, who imbibe on indulgent cocktails and Southeast Asian bites. Befitting of a restaurant that is often peeking through the clouds, Flair’s signature cocktail is a show-stopping concoction that comes topped with a fluffy tuft of cotton candy. When the weather is nice, the outdoor terrace is one of the best places to lounge in the entire city.

Michael Graves designed this showstopper of a restaurant with a glamorous interior of rich velvets and dark wood to evoke the glory days of supper clubs. The menu reflects Jean-Georges’s love of classical French cooking methods and exotic flavors in dishes such as lobster tartine in a lemongrass broth with pea shoots.

Located on the sixth floor of the famous Three on the Bund, Mercato is one of three Michelin–starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's many restaurants in Shanghai. The modern space, designed by Shanghai firm Neri&Hu, mixes reclaimed wood and leather with exposed steel, iron and glass to great effect. At the center of it all is a massive, wood-fire Italian brick oven. The food is classic Italian, with home made pastas complementing the delicious freshly baked pizzas. The views of the Bund are breathtaking.

Mr & Mrs Bund is not only known for its views over the Huangpu River but also for its buzzing atmosphere – this is one of the favorite locales for Shanghai’s It crowd. Reflecting this it is one of the few restaurants on The Bund to deliver a late-night menu. Modern French cuisine is served Chinese-style, with the multiple dishes on the vast menu placed on the middle of the table to  be shared rather than dished up on individual plates. Expect to be dazzled by the fabulous food (don't miss the fois gras crumble) by celebrated French chef Paul Pairet.

According to locals, forget Bar Rouge or even the lofty bar of the Park Hyatt Shanghai: when it comes to the best view—or vue— in town, head to the Hyatt on the Bund and its Vue Bar. Located at the very top of the Bund, near the Peninsula Shanghai, the bar has sweeping vistas of both the Puxi and Pudong sides of the city. The only downside is that you have to take a taxi to and from the property.