Shanghai's best restaurants for big family celebrations

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Bella Napoli

A homely neighbourhood trattoria, Bella Napoli packs in groups of hungry customers every day of the week at both its locations for its big portions and classic Italian comfort eats. Younger eaters can browse through their own special menu with simple spaghetti dishes, pizzas and ice cream while the adults feast on stone-fired pizzas.

Mercato

Reached a milestone or achieved something that calls for a fancier celebration? Mercato is here to answer your call. Keeping the backdrop but losing the stiffness and formality of its Bundside neighbours, Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Italian restaurant is the perfect venue for any graduation toast or landmark birthday. There’s a wood-fired pizza for the whole family here; the tomato, basil and fresh mozzarella is great for younger palates, while more adventurous eaters will love the black truffle and three cheese pizza topped with a runny farm egg (it’s over-the-top in all the best ways). Really, mixing and matching with the crew is the way to go.

The Bull & Claw

Set in a beautiful three-storey villa, all ages are catered to a surf and turf restaurant The Bull & Claw that serves up a weekend brunch that’s become something of an institution in Shanghai. Fluffy waffles, pancake stacks, eggs Benny and New England lobster rolls fill up tables, while kids are also covered with a brekkie menu of their own – think mini fish and chips, cheese melts, fruit salads and pancakes.

The Cannery

Although the industrial shores of Shanghai’s Huangpu are no Mediterranean coast, you and your brood can still (kinda) feel like you’re dining by a sparkling blue sea here, with octopus, tuna, oysters, mussels, clams, lobster and more starring on the menu. The Cannery's informal lounge-setting works especially well for groups divided into eaters and non-eaters – there’s no pressure, just pull up a pew to grab a light bite, tuck into a full-on feast fresh from the ocean, or treat yourself to excellent cocktails. Another bonus? You can let the kids loose on the sprawling lawn area out front that’s always buzzing when the weather is right and dogs are welcome – just call ahead to let the restaurant know.

Xibo

The journey into far-flung Xinjiang isn’t the easiest to make (especially with little ones) so Xibo is your next best bet when trying to dip your toes into a more contemporary take on the cuisine. All branches have terraces equipped with trademark open-faced grills, making sure that the smell of fresh lamb is never too far away. Inside, long tables are commanded by boisterous groups looking to go wild on skewers and an exhaustive variety of lamb dishes – there’s also a kids’ menu for the youngest family members. Celebrating a birthday? Pre-order cakes made from regional ingredients, like badam.

Zeitgeist

Groups looking to fill up on hearty Bavarian fare can be best pleased with a trip to Zeitgeist. Long banquet tables seat up to 12, and monstrous sharing platters come loaded with the likes of pork knuckle and wursts in all varieties – currywurst, bockwurst, käsekrainer, Vienna and more. It’s definitely a strong look for a heavy but satisfying winter meal.

Hai Di Lao

Waiting for a table isn’t always easy when you're with children, so fortunately while you wait at this ever-packed Sichuan-style hotpot chain you’ll receive entertaining distractions like free snacks, shoe shines and manicures. The entertainment doesn’t stop once you’ve got your seat – think noodles that come with a kung fu dance and birthday sing-alongs (complete with fruit platters, gifts and sparklers). Service aside, the food is fresh, the broths full of flavour and the salad and sauces bar plentiful. This is a safe bet for groups of all sizes.

Latina

Excessive portions of meat are the name of the game at Brazilian barbecue (churrasco) chain Latina, where even the biggest self-proclaimed carnivore will battle to leave their chairs when all is said and done. Restless young ones will love the live Brazilian band that plays host to a samba show in the background while older heads watch with hungry eyes as waiters slice various meat cuts table-side.

Mayita

Lively Mexican restaurant Mayita is a tried-and-tested spot for casual family get-togethers. Parents can tuck into local twists like duck quesadillas and Mexican hongshao rou while little ones get creative with DIY mini tacos. The expansive terrace – which gets rowdy with small and big kids alike through warmer months – has plenty of grass for youngsters to run around in and it shares a play area with Element Fresh next door.