As with its economic development, Shanghai's restaurant scene is undergoing many changes with the entry of more and more slick and upscale eateries, with each opening continually pushing the envelope for higher standards. One can dine very well and very expensively in Shanghai. The diner has many choices when it comes to eating out. From Indian to Korean to French cuisine, Shanghai has it all.

When it comes to Chinese food, there is no exception. A resurgence in Shanghai chic has resulted in many eateries designed in sleek modern style while serving homestyle Shanghainese food. There are also numerous Cantonese restaurants that can rival the ones in Hong Kong, serving excellent food in stylish surroundings. The following restaurants are only a handful of many recommended places to eat.

The Bund - For restaurants with a view, go to the Bund. If you really want to treat yourself, go to the stylish and very uptown M on the Bund. Expensive but the continental food is worth every penny, as well as the jawdropping views. Also recommended for similar views and good fare is 50 Hankou Lu.

Nanjing Road - A number of recommended eateries can be found around the Shanghai Center. For American food and rock n'roll, there is the Hard Rock Cafe and Malone's. Nurse a drink at the clubby and intimate Long Bar. For an espresso, there is the Espresso Americano. For grills and barbecues, the stylish Shanghai Jax can't be beat. If you have cravings for Southeast Asian, Brasserie Tatler and Frankie offers great and affordable food.

Old French Concession Area - A high concentration of restaurant, pubs, bars and cafes are found in this happening area. For high-class, go to Sasha's for elegantly prepared continental food in a beautiful setting. For the trendy set, try Park 97, a glamorous and decadent restaurant open for dining, drinking and dancing. Afterwards, chill out while still looking cool at the laidback martini lounge, Goya. In a different category altogether, there is the friendly and casual O'Malley's pub where you can sip on a pint on the outdoor patio. The hip and casual Planet Shanghai always draws a crowd on the weekend. For those who want Shanghainese, Shanghainese food can be had in a cool, modern setting, at Henry, popular with the expat crowd. Cap off the night by going to Cafe 1931, an intimate bar that resembles 1930s Shanghai. Of course, can't forget the decadent Face bar!

Pudong - There's more to Pudong than just high-rise office buildings. O'Malley's has found its way over the Huangpu River in the form of the Dublin Exchange, an Irish pub where you can down a Kilkenny over live music. A number of hotel restaurants offer fine dining such as the Grand Cafe and On-56 in the Grand Hyatt Hotel, and the Garden Cafe in the Shangri La Hotel.