HONG QIAO/GUBEI. The owner of this Italian restaurant spared no cost in creating his own opera: marble, antique furniture, Gianni Versace uniforms, vaulted ceilings, a fireplace protected by a plaster Zeus, and Italian fabric on the walls and furniture. Indeed, this is generally considered the best Italian restaurant in Shanghai. With dishes like their deep-fried calamari and prawns, hearty risotto, and fresh grilled fish, it is little wonder. METRO: Hong Mei Lu

OLD FRENCH CONCESSION. Located in the old Russian building near Sinan Lu, this wonderful French restaurant boasts some of the only South African wine available in Shanghai. The inside is decorated in yellow, peach, and turquoise and the occasional cherub or naked maiden. The casserole of Burgundy snails is spectacular, as is the Mediterranean Polenta and Tournedo rossini. Reservations are suggested on the weekends. METRO: Shan Xi Nan Lu

This Spanish restaurant is bi-partite: Azul is a chilled and funky downstairs tapas bar; upstairs, Viva is an equally relaxed (though infinitely more romantic) restaurant that boasts a mixture of modern innovations such as coffee-glazed pork and traditional dishes such as beef carpaccio. Down in Azul, one can take advantage of the dim lighting to make a beast of oneself with dishes such as blueberry pancakes and freshly-baked muffins.

OLD FRENCH CONCESSION. Baci, located in Park 97 in Fuxing Park, serves unique, California-inspired Italian cuisine. This restaurant is one Shanghai's "in" places and the post-modern look inside makes the place very trendy. Their signature dish is their thin-crust pizza, which comes in all flavors and varieties, including an interesting salmon option. Baci also offers a full range of pasta dishes, each with its own California twist. METRO: Huang Pi Nan Lu

DOWNTOWN. The Delifrance chain is well known around Europe and Asia for its fresh sandwiches, light snacks, and delicious desserts. The European café ambiance is evident in the outdoor patio, the colorful art on the walls, and the scattering of chairs and sofas throughout. Order a cup of coffee or tea along with a fruit-filled pastry or a rich éclair, or do as the locals do and have a quick lunch here. The sandwiches on French bread and the pizzas on French bread crusts are popular orders. METRO: Huang Pi Nan Lu