Frankie's
118 Changde Lu
Shanghai, China
Phone: 021/6247-0886
Price Y50 - Y99

The bare decor and a-bit-too-bright lighting don't discourage connossieurs of Singaporean cuisine. The fried kway teow (an absolutely delicious version of the Singaporean noodle dish), the chicken curry, and the stir-fried broccoli with garlic are especially good, but the standout dish is the pepper crab. Don't miss the refreshing dessert made with coconut milk. No credit cards.

Gao Li Korean Restaurant
No.1
Lane 181
Wuyuan lu, China
Phone: 021/6431-5236
Price - Y50 - Y99

Hidden on a small lane, Gao Li is a bit of a hole in the wall, but it serves great, cheap food to crowds of diners until 2 AM, specializing in tender and delicious grilled meat. The noodle dishes are some of the best in town: try the cold vermicelli noodle appetizer. No credit cards.

Gongdelin
445 Nanjing Xilu
Shanghai, China
Phone: 021/6327-0218
Price - Y50 - Y99

Serving vegetarian specialties for more than 50 years, Gongdelin combines cuisines from all over the country in its creations. An outstanding dish is the mock duck made of tofu. Be sure to get here early; if you arrive after 6 PM, when there is always a crowd, you may not be able to get a table. No credit cards.

Irene's
263 Tongren Lu
Shanghai, China
Phone: 021/6247-3579
Price - Y50 - Y165

The Judy's Group, responsible for the nightclub Judy's Too, designed this restaurant to look like a traditional teak house complete with a few low tables and cushions on the floor, colorful Thai textiles, and wooden statues. The Thai food is good if not inspired, though the salads -- especially the papaya salad -- are wonderful. There is an all-you-can-eat buffet, with drinks included, every day except Saturday. Reservations essential. AE, DC, MC, V.

Meilongzhen
Shanghai, China
Price - Y50 - Y165

Probably Shanghai's most famous restaurant, the Meilongzhen is one of the oldest establishments in town, dating from 1938. The traditional Chinese dining rooms have mahogany and marble furniture and intricate woodwork. Most of the dishes are Sichuan, but are prepared with Shanghai cooking styles. In addition to the original location on Nanjing Lu, the restaurant has two outlets nearby and one in Pudong. Other locations: Westgate Mall, 97 Jiangning Lu, 6/F 77 Jiangning Lu 1455 Pudong Nanlu, 021/5887-9698, 1081 Nanjing Xilu, 021/6256-6688 or 021/6256-2718. Reservations essential. AE, DC, MC, V.