大印酒店 - 东南京路 & 人民广场 & 外滩

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.

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.

意大利菜

(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.

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 third restaurant under the aegis of chef Umberto Bombana stars a glitzy cocktail bar and jaw-dropping balcony views, without forgetting an equally eye-catching glazed wine cellar with amazing selections, both by the glass and the bottle. Globally sourced ingredients and modern techniques result in elegant Italian flavours. The lunch set menus are great value, but for a full-on experience, go for the truffle feast or the 8-course tasting menu.

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.