20 Best Burgers in Shanghai You Must Try: The Ultimate Guide

By Khalid Abdullah, Executive Chef & Founder of TheFoodNearMe

Are you craving a mouthwatering, juicy burger in the heart of Shanghai? As someone who has spent decades exploring global cuisine, I can tell you that Shanghai’s burger scene has exploded in recent years, offering everything from classic American-style patties to innovative fusion creations that blend East and West. Whether an expat longing for a taste of home or a curious local foodie, this comprehensive guide will take you through the best burgers in Shanghai that deserve your attention.

Why Shanghai Has Become a Burger Paradise

Shanghai has transformed into an unexpected burger haven where talented chefs worldwide have brought their expertise to create exceptional offerings. The city’s cosmopolitan nature and demand for international cuisine have pushed restaurants to elevate the humble Burger to new heights.

As a chef who has sampled burgers across six continents, I can confidently say that Shanghai’s top burger joints rival those in New York, London, and Los Angeles. The combination of premium imported ingredients, locally sourced Chinese produce, and innovative culinary techniques has resulted in a burger scene that’s diverse, exciting, and delicious.

Let’s dive into the 20 best burger spots that deserve your attention in Shanghai.

Top American-Style Burger Joints in Shanghai

1. Shanghai Brewery

• Contact: +86 21 3461 0717
• Website: shanghaibrewery.com
• Address: 15 Dongping Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai

Shanghai Brewery is one of the pioneers of the craft beer and burger movement in Shanghai. Their signature Brewmaster Burger features a juicy 200g Angus beef patty topped with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a secret sauce that perfectly balances tanginess and richness. What makes this Burger exceptional is the perfect meat-to-bun ratio and the fact that they pair it with their house-brewed craft beers.

The restaurant’s industrial-chic atmosphere, with exposed brick walls and brewing equipment, creates the perfect setting for enjoying its burgers. On weekends, they often have live music, making it a popular spot for locals and expats.

Don’t miss their happy hour specials, which offer discounted burgers and beers from 4 to 7 p.m. daily.

2. Fat Cow

• Contact: +86 21 6433 7734
• Website: fatcowshanghai.com
• Address: 7 Xiangyang North Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai

Fat Cow has earned its reputation as one of Shanghai’s premier burger destinations. Its burgers are made from premium Australian Wagyu beef, ground fresh daily. The Fat Cow Classic—featuring a 180-g patty, aged cheddar, housemade pickles, and special sauce on a toasted brioche bun—is the epitome of burger perfection.

What sets Fat Cow apart is their attention to detail: they bake their buns in-house, age their cheeses, and make all sauces from scratch. The restaurant is small but stylish, with only about 20 seats, so reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner.

Their truffle fries make the perfect side, and don’t forget to try their handcrafted milkshakes, which come in unique flavors like salted caramel and black sesame.

3. Beef & Liberty

• Address: 111 Xikang Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai
• Contact: +86 21 6248 8987
• Website: beef-liberty.com/cn

Beef & Liberty proudly calls itself “Shanghai’s best burger joint,” and many locals would agree. Their burgers are 100% grass-fed Australian beef, and each patty is hand-formed and perfectly cooked. The Black Pepper Burger, topped with black pepper mayo, caramelized onions, and provolone cheese, offers a sophisticated flavor profile that differentiates it from typical burger offerings.

The restaurant has a modern, family-friendly atmosphere and an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs work their magic. It’s also committed to sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.

Their monthly special burgers are always worth trying, as they often feature innovative combinations that push the boundaries of traditional burger making.

Gourmet Burger Experiences in Shanghai

4. RAC Bar

• Contact: +86 21 6433 0779
• Website: racbarshanghai.com
• Address: 322 Anfu Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai

RAC Bar, tucked away on the trendy Anfu Road, offers some of the most innovative burgers in Shanghai. Their signature RAC Burger features a blend of short rib, chuck, and brisket, topped with bourbon bacon jam, aged cheddar, and truffle aioli. The flavor complexity is unmatched, and the perfectly toasted potato bun holds everything together beautifully.

The venue has a speakeasy vibe, with vintage furniture and dim lighting, creating an intimate atmosphere perfect for date nights or small gatherings. The cocktail menu is equally impressive, with drinks complementing the burger offerings.

Make sure to try their loaded fries, which are topped with parmesan, herbs, and garlic aioli—the perfect accompaniment to their gourmet burgers.

5. The Cannery

The Cannery is known for its seafood, but its Burger deserves special recognition. The Cannery Burger features a house-ground blend of prime cuts topped with bacon jam, aged cheddar, and dijonnaise on a homemade potato roll. The meat is cooked to a perfect medium, with a beautiful crust on the outside and a juicy interior.

The restaurant has a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. Its beautiful garden terrace is perfect for outdoor dining during Shanghai’s milder months. The extensive wine list elevates Burger pairings.

For the ultimate indulgence, order their truffle burger, which includes shaved black truffles and truffle aioli for an extra layer of luxury.

6. Charlie’s Burger

Contact: +86 21 6248 8250

Address: 89 Taixing Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai

Charlie’s Burger takes pride in its handcrafted approach, with burgers made from premium beef that’s ground in-house daily. Their signature Charlie’s Special features a 180g patty topped with melted Gruyère cheese, caramelized onions, and special sauce combining mayo, ketchup, and a blend of secret spices.

The restaurant has a nostalgic American diner feel, with checkered floors and red leather booths. The fast and friendly service makes it an excellent quick lunch or casual dinner option.

Their onion rings deserve special mention—battered and fried to golden perfection, they’re the ideal complement to their exceptional burgers.

Fast-Casual Burger Spots Worth Visiting

7. Shake Shack (Xintiandi)

• Contact: +86 21 6386 8786
• Address: Unit 118-120, 123 Xingye Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

When Shake Shack opened its doors in Shanghai’s upscale Xintiandi area, burger enthusiasts lined up for hours to get a taste. Their ShackBurger—featuring a 100% Angus beef patty, American cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce on Martin’s potato roll—delivers the classic American fast-food burger experience but with elevated ingredients and execution.

The Shanghai location maintains the brand’s signature modern, minimalist aesthetic with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. They’ve also created location-specific menu items incorporating local flavors, like the Shake Shack × Shanghai burger.

Please don’t leave without trying their famous frozen custard concrete mixers, which feature collaborations with local dessert shops and unique Shanghai-inspired flavors.

8. BurgerIM

Contact: +86 21 6266 5967

Website: Burger.cn

Address: 258 Fengxian Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai

BurgerIM stands out for its unique “mini burger” concept, where you can mix and match different patties and toppings to create your perfect burger experience. Their patty options include classic beef, lamb, chicken, and plant-based alternatives, all available in various combinations.

The restaurant has a bright, modern design, an open kitchen, and an efficient ordering system. It’s perfect for groups with different preferences.

Their signature “Duo” combo—featuring two mini burgers with different meat options and toppings—offers excellent value and the chance to sample multiple flavors in one meal.

9. Five Guys (Huaihai Road)

Contact: +86 21 6437 6121

Website: five guys.cn

Address: 930 Huaihai Middle Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai

American burger chain Five Guys made a splash when it opened in Shanghai, bringing its customizable burger experience to the city. Their standard Burger comes with two beef patties and unlimited free toppings—from grilled mushrooms and onions to jalapeños and various sauces.

The Shanghai location maintains the brand’s signature red and white tiles and casual atmosphere. The open kitchen allows you to watch as your Burger is prepared fresh to order.

Their hand-cut fries, cooked in peanut oil, are available in regular or Cajun style and come in generous portions perfect for sharing.

Hidden Gem Burger Spots in Shanghai

10. Grumpy Pig

Contact: +86 21 6335 7924

Address: 457 Dagu Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai

Grumpy Pig may be known primarily for BBQ, but their Burger deserves serious attention. The Grumpy Burger features a house-ground patty with smoked cheddar, bacon jam, and pickle relish on a brioche bun. The smoky flavor profile sets it apart from other burgers in the city.

The restaurant has a rustic, no-frills atmosphere that focuses on the quality of the food rather than fancy decor. It’s a genuine hidden gem that locals try to keep to themselves.

Order their loaded cheese fries topped with pulled pork and jalapeños for an extra treat—the perfect accompaniment to their flavorful Burger.

11. BrewDog Shanghai

Contact: +86 21 6266 5172

Address: 333 Chengdu North Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai

]Scottish craft beer brand BrewDog’s Shanghai outpost offers much more than just great beer—their burgers are among the best in the city. The Patriot Burger pairs perfectly with their extensive craft beer selection, featuring a 150g beef patty topped with American cheese, bacon, pickles, and smoky barbecue sauce.

The industrial-chic venue, with exposed pipes and concrete floors, creates a casual, energetic atmosphere. The outdoor seating area is particularly popular during evenings and weekends.

Try their “Burger & Beer” combo deal, which offers excellent value with a selected craft beer paired with your Burger of choice.

12. Al’s Diner

Contact: +86 21 5404 2917

Website: alsdiner.com

Address: 204 Xinle Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai

Al’s Diner provides a genuine American diner experience in the heart of Shanghai. Their classic cheeseburger—featuring a thick, juicy patty topped with melted American cheese, crisp lettuce, tomato, and special sauce—delivers a nostalgic flavor that transports you straight to 1950s America.

The restaurant’s interior completes the experience with checkered floors, red vinyl booths, and vintage American memorabilia on the walls. It has been serving Shanghai’s expat community for over a decade and has developed a loyal following.

Don’t miss their hand-spun milkshakes, which come in classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—the perfect accompaniment to their authentic diner-style burgers.

Innovative Fusion Burger Creations

13. Little Catch

Contact: +86 21 6433 7734

Address: 247 Wulumuqi Middle Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai

Little Catch is primarily known for its seafood, but its Tuna Burger has gained a cult following. It’s a refreshing alternative to traditional beef burgers. It features fresh sushi-grade tuna, wasabi mayo, and pickled ginger on a toasted sesame bun.

The space is small and minimalist, focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The menu changes frequently based on seasonal availability.

Their seaweed salad is the perfect light accompaniment to their Asian-influenced seafood burgers.

14. Boom Boom Bagels

Address: 193 Anfu Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai

Contact: +86 21 5213 5013

Boom Boom Bagels puts a unique spin on the burger concept by serving their patties on fresh-baked bagels instead of traditional buns. Their Breakfast Burger, featuring a juicy beef patty, fried egg, bacon, and cheese on an everything bagel, offers a delicious twist on burgers and breakfast sandwiches.

The casual, hipster-friendly café has a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of natural light. It’s a popular spot for brunch and lunch among young professionals and creatives.

Their coffee program is equally impressive, with expertly prepared espresso drinks complementing their innovative bagel burgers.

15. The Nest

Contact: +86 21 6230 7726

Address: 1 Changde Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai

The Nest’s Duck Burger represents the perfect marriage of French and American cuisines. A ground duck patty is topped with foie gras, fig jam, and arugula on a toasted brioche bun, creating a sophisticated, indulgent, balanced flavor profile.

The restaurant has a sleek, upscale design, dimmed lighting, and comfortable seating. It’s a popular spot for business dinners and special occasions.

Pair their innovative duck burger with a glass of French red wine from their extensive list for an elevated dining experience.

Best Plant-Based Burgers in Shanghai

16. DEUS Café

Contact: +86 21 6170 1310

Address: 291 Fumin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai

DEUS Café offers one of the best plant-based burgers in Shanghai. Their Beyond Burger comes topped with vegan cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayo on a multigrain bun. The texture and flavor are so convincing that even dedicated meat-eaters often can’t tell the difference.

The café has a calm, laid-back atmosphere. Motorcycle memorabilia and vintage surfboards decorate the walls. It attracts a diverse crowd of health-conscious diners and curious foodies.

Their sweet potato fries with rosemary salt make the perfect plant-based side dish to complement their excellent vegan Burger.

17. WUJIE (The Bund)

Contact: +86 21 6321 9922

Address: 22 Zhongshan East 2nd Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

WUJIE takes vegetarian cuisine to new heights with its Portobello Mushroom Burger. A marinated and grilled portobello cap replaces the patty and is topped with roasted red peppers, avocado, and plant-based garlic aioli on a whole wheat bun. The mushroom’s umami flavor provides a satisfying meatiness without any animal products.

The restaurant offers stunning views of the Bund and Pudong skyline. Its elegant, minimalist decor creates a peaceful dining environment. It’s perfect for a healthy but satisfying meal after a day of sightseeing.

Their fresh fruit smoothies are the perfect refreshing accompaniment to their plant-based burger offerings.

Burgers Worth the Splurge

18. The Cut

Contact: +86 21 6443 5477

Address: 999 Huaihai Middle Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai

The Cut is renowned for its steaks, but their Wagyu Burger is equally impressive. Using premium A5 Japanese Wagyu beef, the patty is topped with aged cheddar, caramelized onions, and black truffle aioli on a housemade potato bun. At around 288 RMB, it’s certainly an indulgence, but the melt-in-your-mouth experience is worth every yuan.

The restaurant has a sophisticated steakhouse atmosphere with leather seating and dark wood accents. Its attentive and professional service makes it an excellent option for special occasions.

Their truffle parmesan fries complement their premium Burger as the perfect luxurious side dish.

19. Jean Georges

Contact: +86 21 6321 7733

Website: jean-georges.com

Address: Three on the Bund, 4/F, 3 Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

World-renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten brings his culinary expertise to Shanghai, and his Signature Burger reflects his commitment to excellence. The Black Angus beef patty is topped with aged Comté cheese, yuzu pickles, and black truffle froth on a homemade brioche bun. At 298 RMB, it’s one of the most expensive burgers in the city, but the exquisite flavor combinations justify the price.

The restaurant offers an elegant dining experience with stunning views of the Bund. The service is impeccable, and the staff can explain every element of the sophisticated Burger in detail.

Pair their luxury burger with a glass of fine wine from their extensive cellar for a truly memorable dining experience.

The Ultimate Local Burger Experience

20. Pie Society

Contact: +86 21 3356 6977

Address: 9 Donghu Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai

Pie Society may be known for their British pies. Still, their Stilton Burger has developed a passionate following among local burger enthusiasts. A thick beef patty is topped with creamy Stilton cheese, caramelized onions, and port wine sauce on a toasted English muffin. The bold and distinctive flavor combination offers something you won’t find anywhere else in Shanghai.

The pub has a cozy, authentic British feel with dark wood paneling and a well-stocked bar. It’s a popular gathering spot for Shanghai’s British expat community, but locals increasingly seek it out for the exceptional Burger.

Their hand-cut chips (fries) cooked in beef fat are the perfect traditional accompaniment to their unique English-inspired Burger.

Burger-Friendly Neighborhoods in Shanghai

Shanghai’s burger scene is spread throughout the city, but specific neighborhoods have a higher concentration of quality burger joints:

Former French Concession

This area, particularly around Anfu Road and Wukang Road, has become a hotspot for gourmet burger restaurants. The tree-lined streets and beautiful architecture make for a pleasant dining experience, with options like RAC Bar and Charlie’s Burger within walking distance of each other.

Jing’an District

The area around Jing’an Temple is home to several excellent burger spots, including Beef & Liberty and BrewDog. The convenient metro access makes this a great location to explore multiple burger options in one day.

The Bund Area

For upscale burger experiences with a view, the restaurants along the Bund offer premium burger options that come with the bonus of Shanghai’s iconic skyline. Jean Georges and The Cut are standout options in this area.

What Makes a Great Shanghai Burger?

After sampling countless burgers across Shanghai, I’ve identified several key elements that separate the exceptional from the merely good:

1. Quality beef: The best burgers use premium imported beef, often from Australia or the US, with the right fat content for optimal flavor and juiciness.
2. Freshly baked buns: Top burger joints, bake them in-house, or source them from Shanghai’s best bakeries, ensuring freshness and the perfect texture.
3. Balance of flavors: The best burgers offer a harmonious combination of savory, sweet, sour, and umami elements that complement rather than overwhelm the beef.
4. Attention to detail: From the temperature of the meat to the careful layering of ingredients, the finest burger restaurants pay attention to every detail.
5. Originality: While classic burgers are well-represented, Shanghai’s best burger spots often offer unique twists that reflect the city’s international character and culinary innovation.

Quick Tips for Your Shanghai Burger Adventure

• Time your visit: Many popular burger joints get extremely busy during peak hours. Visit during off-peak times (late afternoon or early evening) for a more relaxed experience.
• Make reservations: For upscale burger restaurants like Jean Georges or The Cut, reservations are essential, especially for dinner.
• Specify your cooking preference: Unless otherwise stated, most Shanghai burger restaurants can cook your patty to your preferred doneness. Don’t hesitate to specify if you want it medium-rare, medium, or well-done.
• Try the sides: Many burger restaurants put just as much thought into their sides as their main attraction. Don’t skip the fries, onion rings, or other accompaniments.
• Explore the drinks menu: From craft beers to creative milkshakes, the beverage options often enhance the burger experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shanghai’s Burger Scene

Conclusion: Shanghai’s Burger Scene Is Worth Exploring

Shanghai’s burger scene has evolved tremendously over the past decade, transforming from a few expat-focused joints to diverse burger options ranging from fast-casual classics to gourmet masterpieces. Whether you’re craving a traditional American cheeseburger or an innovative fusion creation, Shanghai now offers world-class options that can satisfy any burger enthusiast.

As a chef and a devoted burger lover, I’m continually impressed by the creativity, quality, and passion that Shanghai’s burger restaurants bring to their craft. The city has established itself as an unexpected but undeniable global burger destination.

So, the next time you find yourself in Shanghai, take a break from the soup dumplings and braised pork belly to explore the city’s exciting burger landscape. From the juicy patties at Fat Cow to the innovative creations at The Nest, your taste buds will thank you for the delicious journey through Shanghai’s best burgers.

And suppose you’ve tried any of these burgers or have your recommendations to share. In that case, I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

For more great restaurant recommendations in Shanghai, check out our guides to the 20 best restaurants in Shanghai, China, and Chinese and Japanese food near me.