Molly Homestay - Nanjing East Road the Bund 3-Bedroom with Elevator Apartment

The façade may be retro, but the modern interior of this century-old building is quietly luxe. As its name suggests, Vivant takes pride in its lively atmosphere. An oversize open kitchen means every diner can witness the alchemy, as the French chef of Vietnamese descent devises a single seasonal tasting menu, plus optional add-ons. He deftly juggles Asian and French flavours, often using local ingredients alongside Vietnamese street food.

(The restaurant is temporarily closed.) A household name among hairy crab lovers, this restaurant runs its own farm to ensure quality and a stable supply. Their crabs have flavoursome flesh, with their shells brimming with creamy yellow roe. Try the array of hairy crab dishes on offer, including drunken crabs steeped in Shaoxing wine for a month. Each serving of steamed meringue on stuffed crab shell uses the meat and roe of three hairy crabs and is sinfully satisfying.

Nestling in an adjacent century-old building and appointed with six private rooms inspired by Bvlgari jewellery, this restaurant of Bvlgari Hotel blends the elegance of historic Shanghai with modern twists. Under the stewardship of chef Fu, solid technique, spot-on precision and refinement mark Cantonese classics like roasted suckling pig that boasts bubbly, crispy, fat-free skin, served with eponymous lotus leaf buns.

Italian

This restaurant of the Singaporean group sports a black colour scheme and drips in crystal decorations, both of which befit the well-crafted dim sum, barbecued meat and seafood repertory. Helmed by an experienced Hong Kong chef, specialities like scrambled ‘osmanthus’ egg with crabmeat, roasted chicken stuffed with glutinous rice and claypot diced chicken with tofu and salted fish all exhibit finesse and refinement. Walnut sweet soup is also very popular.

The Beijing brand famous for Peking duck chose this prestigious address on the Bund for their first Shanghai outpost. Diners are greeted by a wine cellar tunnel foreshadowing the range of drinks to go with the signature bird. Each of the 45-day-old ducks roasted over jujube wood comes with a QR code that allows diners to trace its source. The views of the Bund and romantic ambiance also make for a great dining experience.

The story of 102 House started in a home in Foshan, Guangdong. The head chef has been cooking professionally since 2003, specialising in intricate traditional recipes. For diners to experience the quintessence of classic Cantonese banquets, various set menus are available. Items change seasonally, but the signature sweet and sour pork is a mainstay. Another standout, for its lotus fragrance and fruity sweetness, is the double-boiled duck soup with lychee.