You don't have to wait until Christmas Eve to enjoy the flavors of yule. Check out these wonderful restaurants and bistros in Shanghai bringing the season's best to your table!
Al’s Diner
Al’s Diner is all about seasonal classics. The no-fuss Christmas Plate encompasses everything from herb-roasted turkey slices with gravy, Al’s mom’s cranberry sauce, chestnut stuffing, potato gratin, sweet potatoes a go-go, creamy green beans, roasted Brussel sprouts to a decadent slice of apple pie. Add RMB35 for a glass of body-warming mulled wine or eggnog milkshake.
Dec 24-25. RMB168. Al’s Diner (Xiangyang Lu & Xinle Lu). See event listing.
Ambrosia Teppanyaki @Expo
Enjoy an outstanding dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere with fantastic views of Shanghai skylines at Ambrosia Teppanyaki @Expo. Experience the special 10-course Christmas set menu consisting of baked French escargot, lobster seafood soup, bread topped with caviar, teppan abalone with chopped garlic and Australian Wagyu tenderloin and ribeye. Fabulous prizes are also waiting in the Christmas lucky draw!
Dec 10-21, Dec 22-25, Dec 29-31, 5.30pm onwards. RMB588-650 and 10.6 percent surcharge. Ambrosia Teppanyaki @Expo. See event listing.
Azul Tapas Lounge
Azul is serving a Christmas dinner set for two to share. There are four starters to share, including Pan de Jamon, Roast Beef Tapa, Scallops Wonton, and Ecuadorian Prawn Ceviche. Mains include braised cod fish, sous vide octopus and chorizo skewer, and a filet mignon with sweet potato. Desserts include a pannetone, chocolate cake, and a strawberry Santa.
Dec 22-25. RMB488. Azul Tapas Lounge. See event listing.
Banyan Tree Shanghai on the Bund
Image via Banyan Tree Shanghai on the Bund
The tables will be set at OCEANS and TOP restaurants on Christmas Eve. Expect a fully-fledged buffet, a gourmet dinner or a couples package which includes a night's stay.
Dec 24, 6.30-9pm. RMB1,688-16,888. Banyan Tree Shanghai on the Bund. See event listing.
Big Bamboo
This Christmas, Big Bamboo’s set menu will feature pickled beet deviled eggs, wild mushroom
crostada, martini salad with Juniper Vermouth vinaigrette, pumpkin soup, cider brined smoked turkey or maple glazed smoked ham, as well as traditional home-made pumpkin pie. Price includes a glass of house red/white wine, prosecco and True Legend craft beer.
Dec 24-25. RMB328. Big Bamboo. See event listing.
Bistro Burger
Bistro Burger will be serving a special four-course menu (coffee and tea included) this Christmas Eve. Pair your favorite burger with a selection of house wines, cocktails, draft beer and soft drinks.
Dec 24, 5pm-late. RMB528. Bistro Burger. See event listing.
The Blind Pig
Treat your family and friends to The Blind Pig’s traditional buffet this Christmas eve. Their personalized PIG feast brings together cider brined smoked ‘Turducken’ (turkey stuffed with a duck stuffed with a chicken), cedar plank roasted salmon, low and slow smoked prime ribs, complemented by a selection of traditional appetizers, salads, and sides. Free flow house red and white wine, prosecco and True Legend craft beer are included in the price.
Dec 24, 7-10pm. RMB458 (includes free flow). The Bling Pig. See event listing.
Boteco
Spend your Christmas at Boteco and enjoy a comfort food menu to make you feel a bit like home. Vegetarian options available, and a 30 percent discount will apply to a selection of wine.
Dec 24, 6pm-late. RMB258. Boteco. See event listing.
The Bull & Claw
Celebrate Christmas with festive starters that includes foie gras, oven baked crab cakes and shrimp cocktail. There will be mains like venison medallions, wagyu sirloin, traditional roast turkey and salmon Wellington along with traditional Christmas pudding, winterberry panna cotta, cheese and biscuits.
Dec 25. RMB550 per adult, RMB225 per child. The Bull & Claw. See event listing.
Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li
Christmas at Capella will feature a dazzling array of delights supplied by le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire and la Boulangerie. For Christmas Eve dinner, a lavish five-course menu invites you to sample quality flavors of France with wine pairing hosted by the head sommelier. On Christmas Day, the four-course brunch menu draws together pastry and Christmas cake to satiate the sweet tooth.
Dec 24-25. RMB1,988 dinner; RMB688 brunch, add RMB388 for free flow Perrier Jouet Champagne. All prices subject to 10 percent surcharge. Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li. See event listing.
Colca
Colca is serving a Christmas set menu from December 22 to 25. The set menu includes two amuse bouches, two starters of oysters and warm asparagus with egg, mains of cod fish and lamb shoulder, and desserts of Christmas chocolate log and Peruvian specialty suspiro limeno.
Dec 22-25. RMB298. Colca. See event listing.
Comma
Celebrate Christmas Eve with free flow mulled wine, beer and sake for RMB150! Those who wish to participate in the White Elephant gift swap need only bring a wrapped gift of RMB100 value or less with them. Gifts will then be swapped in accordance with traditional Yankee Swap rules – everyone that brought a gift will receive one as well.
Dec 24, 8pm-late. RMB150. Comma. See event listing.
The CUT Rooftop
Image via VOL Group
THE CUT Rooftop – IAPM’s naturally cool, drink, dance and dine venue, is taking the opportunity to celebrate Christmas with roasts and winter warmer cocktails! The Festive edition of #MYBRUNCH will be plate up roasted classics such as corn-fed chicken leg, lamb gigot and tenderloin served with roasted veggies and gravy. Festive free-flow will include warm winter cocktails, such as the delightful mint cocoa cocktail made of Baileys and crème de white cocoa mint liqueur.
Dec 1-30, weekends only. THE CUT Rooftop. See event listing.
Da Ivo
This Italian restaurant situated within Les Suites Orients hotel on the Bund will dish up seasonal staples such as roasted turkey paired with exceptional French Champagne. Be sure to book your turkey feast here at least five days in advance.
Ded 22-24. RMB1,088-1,288, all prices subject to 10 percent surcharge. Da Ivo. See event listing.
D.O.C Gastronomia Italiana
At D.O.C, it’s all about tradition this Christmas. Shanghai’s most authentic Italian restaurant is proud to offer their popular Christmas dinner in the evening on December 24th, and all Day on the 25th. There’s also fine Italian wines on offer and with legendary free flow options, it’s a great time to get together with family and friends and make a day (or night) of it. As always, bookings are essential.
Dec 24-25. D.O.C Gastronomia Italiana. See event listing.
El Luchador
Indulge your wild side with a spicy Mexican-style Christmas feast at El Luchador Xintiandi. Expect four courses of the freshest seafood and Black Angus steak with sweet liquid chocolate cake, all with a Mexican twist. Doesn't that sound ideal for a festive get-together? Just add tequila and margaritas for something truly special. Bookings are essential, so act fast.
Dec 25. RMB888 for two. El Luchador. See event listing.
el Willy
Step away from the turkey and have a Feliz Navidad at el Willy where the masters of modern Spanish cuisine have put together your choice of two lavish holiday meals. Dishes include David Hervé oysters with Champagne foam, a traditional Catalan Christmas broth with meatballs and Australian striploin steak with baby potatoes and chimichurri.
Dec 24-25, RMB588-888 per person. el Willy. See event listing.
Fish+
Image via Fish+
Shanghai’s new British culinary endeavor Fish+ will be serving a hearty Christmas menu inspired by the island nation’s finest produce. Start with a Welsh rarebit topped with apple pine wood smoked bacon, before grounding down festive fish n’ chips with spiced mushy pea and cranberry tartar sauce. The finale will be a decadent slab of Scottish deep-fried Mars bar served with ice cream. Tempted? We certainly are!
Dec 7-25, Tue-Sun, midday-9pm. RMB198. Fish+. See event listing.
Funkadeli
Head to Funkadeli for a truly groovy and food-packed dinner this Christmas Eve! Prosecco and panettone are on the house. If ever you needed an excuse to raise a glass of bubbly, then let Christmas eve be the perfect reason!
Dec 24, 11pm-late. Funkadeli. See event listing.
Geneva
Enjoy a three-course Christmas meal at Geneva. Select from their generous menu offering a choice of Australian venison stew, grilled Icelandic cod fish or grilled New Zealand rib eye steak to pair with delicious starter and dessert.
Dec 24-25. RMB198. Geneva. See event listing.
Green & Safe
Choose Green & Safe for your holiday feast that includes high-quality organic produce. They have different deals at each of their locations. Expect fantastic salads, comforting pizza or pasta dishes and meat or seafood platters for a filling holiday treat. Follow the event listings for further details.
Dec 7-25. RMB299-588. Green & Safe. See event listings.
Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai
Image via Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai
Three restaurants at this luxury hotel will be joining forces to create a memorable Christmas spread. Dinner is served in buffet style and allows you to taste the best of the season. Children aged under five eat for free.
Dec 24, 6-10pm. RMB888 adult, RMB428 child aged 6-12. Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai. See event listing.
HEAT French Rotisserie Bistro
Choose from HEAT's special seasonal menus. Whether it's stuffed chicken, mulled wine or an 'eight treasures chicken' inspired by local Chinese cuisine, you can count on HEAT to serve up an indulgent fare.
Dec 24-31. RMB298-688. HEAT French Rotisserie Bistro. See event listing.
Hyatt on the Bund
Christmas is in the air, so the merry Hyatt on the Bund team has been busy preparing a variety of scrumptious holiday meals for you and your loved ones. Choose from an inviting Chinese Christmas at Xindalu-China Kitchen, traditional handmade dim sum at VUE Dining, a splendid European Christmas at VUE Restaurant or an international Christmas Eve buffet at Aroma. Free-flow drink options vary depending on the restaurant.
Dec 24. RMB398-988. Hyatt on the Bund.
Lil' Laundry
Can’t wait for Christmas to have a Christmas dish? Don’t worry! Lil’ Laundry will be serving the “Pink Christmas” ham steak and eggs as part of their Christmas brunch special menu. Christmassy cocktails will be available, too. As for dinner, expect a three-course meal paired with Christmassy cocktails.
Dec 22-25. RMB248 dinner. Lil' Laundry. See event listings.
Maison Papillon
In the spirit to entertain, Maison Papillon has prepared a merry Christmas spread including roasted turkey, chestnut soup, homemade cavatelli, roasted rib eye caving with truffle mashed potato and much more.
Dec 23-25, 5.30-9.30pm. RMB888. Maison Papillon. See event listing.
Mia Fringe
Mia Fringe welcomes you to sample a festive menu. Starting with a fresh seafood platter and seasonal chestnut soup, the meal is followed by a choice between fed flank M9 steak or roasted snapper as a main course. Finish with chocolate garnished spongecake and a selection of festive sweets.
Dec 20-31. RMB988 for two. Mia Fringe. See event listing.
The Middle House
Swing by The Middle House Hotel for a range of unique Christmas meals. Chef Peter Lin at Café Gray Deluxe showcases a variety of dishes including beef Wellington with truffle foie gras sauce and steamed toothfish. At Sui Tang Li, a Chinese Christmas spread including double-boiled fish maw soup with quinoa and wok-fried Australian grain-fed beef will take center stage. Also joining the culinary parade is Frasca, who offers a seasonal menu including lobster linguine and the unmistakably Italian Christmas treat, panettone.
Dec 5-30. The Middle House.
Mr & Mrs Bund
This winter season, indulge yourself in Mr & Mrs Bund's tempting offerings which include duck foie gras terrine natural, meuniere truffle bread, Iberico de Bellota 5J Spanish cured ham and Boston lobster in ‘citrus jar.’
Dec 1-31. RMB888-2,088 per guest, minimum of two guests. All prices are subject to 10 percent surcharge. Mr & Mrs Bund. See event listing.
Opposite by Jenson & Hu
Opposite's Christmas tasting menu will feature a delectable range of surf and turf, from grilled Boston lobster to Australian M9 Wagyu strip steak.
Dec 23-25, 5.30-10pm. RMB1,088, all prices subject to 10 percent surcharge. Opposite by Jenson & Hu. See event listing.
Oxalis
The Waterhouse’s gourmet restaurant will be serving a seven-course special dinner in celebration of Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Included in the set are smoked salmon rillettes on crispy rye bread, pan seared duck foie gras, New Zealand venison shoulder stewed in red wine and more.
Dec 22-25, midday-3pm. RMB198 plus 10 percent surcharge. Oxalis. See event listing.
The Peninsula Shanghai
Image via The Peninsula Shanghai
They take Christmas very seriously at The Peninsula, and this year, they’ve drawn inspiration from around the globe to bring the festive season to life with their ‘Stories from the Tree’ theme. The main events, from seasonal afternoon teas, dinners and Champagne brunches will take place at The Lobby and Michelin one-starred Sir Elly’s, but don’t forget to stop by The Peninsula Boutique for a gourmet hamper, and duck into The Compass Bar for a Christmas-inspired nightcap.
Nov 24-Dec 25. RMB388-2,888 per person. All prices subject to 16.6 percent surcharge. The Peninsula. See event listing.
Pie Society
So you’ll be relieved to hear that Pie Society are ready to take your bookings from Dec 8 onwards. Whether you want to book a table at their flagship restaurant for a full-on pie feast; or you’d like them to come and cater for your office party, they’ve got Christmas covered. Their much-loved Christmas specials include delicious festive sides, puddings and drinks.
Dec 8-31. RMB108-158 per person. Pie Society. See event listing.
Pistolera
Get your fancy outfits and dancing shoes on and head down to Pistolera Hengshan on Christmas Eve! Special Delicious Mexican food aside, guest performer Julia will sing her way into your hearts and put you in the Christmas mood. Price includes two drinks and you can choose from Margarita, True Legend craft beer, house wine or prosecco.
Dec 24, 7pm. RMB120. Pistolera (Hengshan Lu). See event listing.
Puben by Jereme Leung
Braced by breathtaking views of the Bund and Lujiazui, Puben by Jereme Leung will serve a traditional Chinese-inspired meal this Christmas season. Think body-warming matsutake chicken soup and whole steamed fish to symbolize togetherness as you reunite with family and friends.
Dec 12-31. RMB400-900 per person. Puben by Jereme Leung. See event listing.
The PuLi Hotel and Spa
If you’d like a lighter choice for Christmas lunch, The PuLi has you covered with an elegant three-course meal. It begins with your choice of foie gras or cold smoked salmon before moving onto to mains: a roast and confit goose plate with onions, Brussels sprouts and parsnip. We are most excited about the traditional bûche de Noël served for dessert Christmas Eve.
Dec 24-25. RMB298-918, plus 10 percent surcharge and VAT. The PuLi Hotel and Spa. See event listing.
The Shanghai EDITION
Prepare to go full throttle at the Shanghai EDITION this Christmas season. Start with a two- or three-course brunch, chill over festive cocktails, before arriving at the grand Christmas sharing dinner packed with surprises. If that's not enough, a Christmas theme party will be hosted at Electric Circus for those who wish to dance the night away.
Dec 20-30 cocktails, Dec 21-22 Christmas party, Dec 22-25 brunch, Dec 24-25 dinner. RMB258-788. The Shanghai EDITION. See event listing.
Shanghai Slims
Celebrate Christmas over a family-style feast at Shanghai Slims. Turkey, mac n' cheese, ham and candied yam will all be assembled for your indulgence. Not to mention you can top the experience with two hours of free-flow drinks including Californian wine, beer and sodas.
Dec 21-25, 11am-1.30pm, 5-7pm, 8-10pm. RMB378, add RMB158 free flow. Shanghai Slims. See event listing.
Stone Brewing Tap Room
Indulge in some Christmas feasting at Stone Brewing Tap Room on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! Choose between the three-course Crafted Selection for RMB298 or the four-course Imperial Selection for RMB368. To whet your appetite, the feast will start with creamy organic cauliflower soup with scallops and prosciutto and homemade gravlax citrus salmon. Choose between grilled US prime sirloin or glazed miso black cod, and end on a sweet note with classic Christmas pudding and vanilla ice cream. Welcome drinks are included for everyone, and for just RMB60-80 more, add on beer pairings tailored to each dinner course.
Dec 24-25, 5-10.30pm. RMB298-368. Stone Brewing Tap Room. See event listing.
Tacolicious
What says Christmas festivities better than tacos? Enjoy a Christmas-inspired two set tacos with traditional eggnog for RMB105. Bring your friends and have a sing-along with the Christmas playlist.
Dec 18-26. Tacolicious. RMB105. See event listing.
Taste & See Melbournian Bistro
Attend Carols by Candlelight at Taste & See Melbournian Bistro for a musical banquet. Upon their Christmas buffet table will be dishes ranging from Norwegian smoked salmon and flying fish roe bruschetta to slow roast garden courgette with tomato coulis and aioli. From the mains, choose roast Christmas turkey, Australian black Angus roast beef, pan roasted Icelandic halibut fish or truffle mushroom risotto. Savor the feeling of Christmas while accompanied by beautiful carols.
Dec 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 6.30pm onwards; carols at 8pm. RMB280 per person. Taste & See. See event listing.
Together
Eat, drink and be merry with a holiday set menu by Chef Bina Yu combining Together favorites such as octopus with gochujang, crunchy crumbs and aioli alongside holiday standards such as a bourbon, maple syrup and toasted almond yule log.
Dec 24-25, 6-10pm. RMB500. Together. See event listing.
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
At the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, you can marvel at the return of their Christmas wonderland, featuring the celebrated two-story Waldorf Astoria Heritage Christmas Tree. There will also be seasonal decorations and a range of Christmas menus and other treats at both Pelham’s, the Black Pearl restaurant and the Grand Brasserie.
Dec 1-31. RMB688-988 per adult, RMB388 per child. Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund. See event listing.
The Westin Bund Center Shanghai
Image via The Westin Bund Center Shanghai
An extravagant brunch at The Westin Bund Center Shanghai is a holiday tradition here. Of course, there will be a range of sumptuous holiday dishes and plenty of Veuve Clicquot Champagne, as well as live entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.
Dec 23-25. RMB688-998 adult, RMB 308-368 per child under 12 years. Free for kids under 4 years. The Westin Bund Center Shanghai. See event listing.
Zeitgeist Bavarian Eatery & Bar
Celebrate the winter season like a Bavarian over a festive stuffed Christmas goose. This holiday staple is served with Brussels sprouts flan, almond broccoli, spiced red cabbage, celery mashed potatoes and napkin dumplings as part of a three-course menu that also includes a soup and dessert. The only catch is that you need to order a day in advance and bring at least three friends.
Nov 30-Dec 31. RMB328. Zeitgeist Bavarian Eatery & Bar. See event listing.
[Cover image via Pexels]
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