Shanghai’s history of migration has made it China’s largest and most diverse city. Long-time locals have called this place home since it was a sleepy fishing village, yet skyscraper-studded business districts have attracted plenty of outsiders who keep Shanghai at the forefront of global trends.

What does it all mean? It can be difficult to discern the good from the great in a city with over 8000 coffee shops and a plethora of eateries offering flavors from every corner of China and beyond. But fear not, for we’ve spent decades eating (and sipping) our way through the city, and we’ve got the best lined up for you – all tucked away in the charming streets of old-Shanghai.