Shanghai
Shanghai
Repsol RecommendedFeatured in Spain's Repsol Guide as a recommended restaurant for quality dining.Shanghai is a family-run Chinese fine dining restaurant in Sarria-Sant Gervasi, awarded for its refined Chinese cooking rooted in Shandong tradition.
Background
About Shanghai
The Story
The Kao family's restaurant legacy in Barcelona began in the 1950s, when patriarch Kao Tze Chien arrived from Taiwan, where he had worked as a cook after leaving his native Shandong, China, in 1945. He first served as chef at Gran Dragon, one of Barcelona's earliest Chinese restaurants, before opening El Pekin on the Diagonal in 1964. In 1976, the family moved to the current Sarria-Sant Gervasi location and opened Shanghai, incorporating two younger sons into the business: Jose Maria Kao in the kitchen and Luis Kao as sommelier. Fifty years later, Shanghai remains a family operation and one of Barcelona's defining Chinese restaurants, a place recognises as 'where the locals eat.'
The Cuisine
The kitchen at Shanghai draws on authentic Chinese technique rooted in the family's Shandong heritage, elevated by careful sourcing of quality local ingredients, chef Jose Maria Kao shops the Boqueria market daily. The legendary Peking duck is the restaurant's must-order signature, alongside an accomplished dim sum programme and a menu spanning soups, noodles, stir-fries, and seasonal specials.
The Team
Shanghai is a true family enterprise. Chef Jose Maria Kao runs the kitchen with his wife Mercedes Santin, who oversees daily operations. His brother Luis Kao manages the dining room and has built the restaurant's remarkable 800-label wine cellar over decades. The Repsol Guide lists Shanghai as a recommended restaurant, recognising both the quality of the cuisine and the family's contribution to Barcelona's culinary landscape.
Highlights
What Diners Say
Consensus
Shanghai Ratings & Reviews
Professional Ratings
Restaurante Guía Repsol 2026
'One of the best Chinese restaurants in town'
Diner Ratings
4.3
619 reviews
Yelp
3.8
5 reviews
Professional recognition includes a Guía Repsol recommendation. Diners rate it 4.3/5 on Google (619 reviews) and 3.8/5 on Yelp (5 reviews).
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Reservations
How to Book Shanghai
Booking
Reservations recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Shanghai serves lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday, and Sunday lunch only. Closed Monday. Book via the restaurant website or call +34 932 118 791.
Reserve
Experience
Shanghai Dining Experience
A refined, elegant dining room where photographs of chef Jose Maria Kao with Pep Guardiola and other celebrities line the entrance walls. The ambiance is polished but comfortable, moderate energy, good for conversation, and well-suited to groups, business dinners, or a special occasion. The extensive wine cellar adds to the sense of a complete fine dining experience.
Navigate
Shanghai Location & Neighbourhood
Getting There
Shanghai sits on Carrer del Bisbe Sivilla in Barcelona's upscale Sant Gervasi - la Bonanova neighbourhood, in the zona alta. The nearest transit stop is El Putxet on the FGC commuter rail line. Paid parking is available nearby.
Nearby
Sant Gervasi - la Bonanova is a residential neighbourhood in Barcelona's upscale zona alta, known for its tranquil tree-lined streets and proximity to Tibidabo. The area is served by FGC commuter rail (El Putxet station) and has several distinguished restaurants, including three-Michelin-star ABaC nearby.
Nearby Restaurants
Details
Shanghai Reservations, Hours & Contact
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 13:30–15:30 & 20:30–23:00 |
| Wednesday | 13:30–15:30 & 20:30–23:00 |
| Thursday | 13:30–15:30 & 20:30–23:00 |
| Friday | 13:30–15:30 & 20:30–23:00 |
| Saturday | 13:30–15:30 & 20:30–23:00 |
| Sunday | 13:30–15:30 |
Shanghai hours verified 2026-03-01. Contact the restaurant to confirm.
Contact
Recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Book by phone or via the restaurant website.
Good to Know
Social
From clubshanghai_bcn on Instagram
La familia KAO lamenta profundamente comunicar el fallecimiento de Shiow Ing Jang, la matriarca de la familia, a sus 95 años de edad, el 18 de enero de 2026 en Barcelona. En estos momentos de dolor agradecemos sinceramente las muestras de cariño, respeto y acompañamiento recibidas. 奶奶我們愛你
Ostras 🦪 con vinagreta de soja only @clubshanghai_bcn
Only @clubshanghai_bcn
Questions
Shanghai FAQ
How much does it cost to eat at Shanghai?
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Average 60€ per person. Prices vary by season and menu selection, check the restaurant website for current offerings.
Do I need a reservation at Shanghai?
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Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Shanghai serves lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday, and Sunday lunch only. Closed Monday.
Who is the chef at Shanghai?
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The kitchen is led by Jose Maria Kao, who took over from his father Kao Tze Chien. His brother Luis Kao is the sommelier, and Jose Maria's wife Mercedes Santin helps manage daily operations. The Kao family has run the restaurant since 1976.
What do diners think of Shanghai?
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Shanghai holds a 4.3/5 rating on Google from 619 reviews.
Is Shanghai wheelchair accessible?
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Yes. Wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. Payment accepted via credit cards, debit cards, and contactless (NFC). Paid parking is available nearby.
Does Shanghai have any awards?
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Shanghai is listed as a recommended restaurant in Spain's Guía Repsol (2026) and holds a 4/5 rating from Barcelona.
What is the signature dish at Shanghai?
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The Peking duck is Shanghai's most celebrated dish and a pilgrimage-worthy reason to visit. The dim sum programme is another standout, try the siu mai with trout roe or the grilled prawn dumplings. The restaurant has been perfecting these recipes across fifty years of family operation.
How extensive is the wine list at Shanghai?
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Shanghai offers over 800 wine references, curated by sommelier Luis Kao. This is exceptional depth for any restaurant, let alone a Chinese one. The cellar complements the food with a complete fine dining experience.