Jesse (the original on Tianping Road) is the home-style Shanghainese restaurant every food writer in town has written about for 30 years. Twelve tables, narrow stairs, paper menus, a Michelin Guide listing year after year. Signature dishes: red-braised pork belly (hong shao rou), jicama and shrimp, smoked fish, braised pomfret. Reservations must be made 5–7 days ahead by phone — they don't take online bookings, the website is just informational, and walk-ins are turned away. Once seated, the bill is reasonable (RMB 250–350 per person). There are newer Jesse outposts around town, but locals insist on the Tianping original.
Address
41 Tianping Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
徐汇区天平路41号
Highlights
- Red-Braised Pork Belly (红烧肉)Signature dish; order ahead as it sells out.
- Jicama and ShrimpClassic Shanghainese combo; light and crunchy.
- Smoked FishCold appetizer; sweet and savory.
- Braised PomfretWhole fish braised in soy; tender and flavorful.
- Reserve 5–7 Days AheadPhone only; no walk-ins accepted.
For foreign visitors
- English service: partial english
- Cards accepted: cash_only
- Booking / entry: required
- Best time: Dinner, 6 or 8 PM seating
- Wi-Fi: none
- Transit access: need taxi
Photos
What travelers say (3 reviews)
AuthenticEats·TripAdvisor·5/5
Tiny Shanghainese gem on Tianping Road. No frills — pure home-style. Book days ahead.
2026-04-10
本帮老店·Xiaohongshu·5/5
吉士酒家！上海本帮菜最地道，红烧肉 + 油爆虾必点。¥300/人，难订位。
2026-03-15
Hugh M.·Google Maps·4/5
Anthony Bourdain's pick. Family-run, unpretentious, killer braised pork.
2026-02-20
