Canton 8

Canton 8 is a Cantonese restaurant on Runan Street in Huangpu that holds two stars in the 2026 Michelin Guide Shanghai, yet keeps its prices in the moderate range. The Michelin Guide also flags it as family friendly.

The kitchen is led by Chef Mak from Hong Kong, who has more than 40 years of experience. He cooks crowd-pleasing classics alongside dishes that take more time and labour, and the restaurant is best known for its handmade dim sum. The Michelin inspectors single out the shrimp toast, which is dipped in whisked egg and deep-fried, and the slow-boiled soups made with high-quality ingredients. Soups vary from day to day, so ask the staff which are available when you sit down.

For a first visit, build a meal from dim sum, a soup and one or two classic Cantonese dishes to share. Portions are designed for sharing, so a group of four can cover a good range of the menu. The restaurant manages its own bookings, and given its two stars and modest prices, booking well ahead is wise, especially for weekends.

Canton 8 is family friendly, with wheelchair access and a car park, and credit cards are accepted. It suits groups, families and anyone who wants to try top-level Cantonese cooking without the bill of a hotel restaurant. If you have already eaten your way through Shanghainese food, it makes a welcome change of style.

The World's 50 Best Discovery listing describes a casual, intimate room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a terrace, attentive but relaxed service and a short menu that changes regularly. It picks out egg white fried rice with scallops, pork belly and Cantonese char siu alongside the dim sum platters, and notes that lunch and dinner are served every day. It also calls Canton 8 probably the cheapest two-star restaurant in the world, which explains why tables go quickly. A tasting menu is offered as well as the à la carte list.

Runan Street is in Huangpu District, and a taxi using the street address is the simplest way to arrive. Lunch and dinner are both served seven days a week, so it can fit around almost any sightseeing plan.