Lion's head meatballs are oversized, tender pork meatballs braised with napa cabbage or greens until the sauce turns savory-sweet and the meat stays loose rather than bouncy. Order **"hongshao shizitou"** (*red-braised lion's head*) for the rich Shanghai-compatible version, or **"qingdun shizitou"** (*clear-braised lion's head*) for a lighter Jiangnan style. Expect ¥58-168 per portion depending on room and size, and share it with rice or greens. The trap is accepting a dense banquet meatball that eats like sausage; good shizitou should break gently with chopsticks.
狮子头 (Shīzitóu) · say “Lion's Head Meatballs” ·
Guide score ✕ verified reader stamps ✕ critic notes ✕ Google Maps signal. External reviews are linked, never copied.
·
Lion's head meatballs are oversized, tender pork meatballs braised with napa cabbage or greens until the sauce turns savory-sweet and the meat stays loose rather than bouncy. Order **"hongshao shizitou"** (*red-braised lion's head*) for the rich Shanghai-compatible version, or **"qingdun shizitou"** (*clear-braised lion's head*) for a lighter Jiangnan style. Expect ¥58-168 per portion depending on room and size, and share it with rice or greens. The trap is accepting a dense banquet meatball that eats like sausage; good shizitou should break gently with chopsticks.
Order:
“Yangzhou Restaurant is a logical Shanghai address for lion's head because the dish's Jiangsu roots sit close to local Benbang taste. Order a clear-braised version if available to taste texture over sauce.”
Queue: Central Jiangsu-style restaurant with standard table service.
Go: 11:30-13:00 or 17:30-19:00; People's Square metro keeps it central.
Price: $$
Dietary:
Order:
Verdict: Lao Zheng Xing is an old Shanghai restaurant for classic banquet dishes, including large braised meatballs when in season or on the regular menu. It suits travelers who want historic dining without leaving Huangpu. — Fuzhou Road
Queue: Old central restaurant near People's Square and bookshops.
Go: 11:30-13:00 or 17:30-19:00; book for dinner on weekends.
Price: $$
Dietary:
Order:
Verdict: Mei Long Zhen handles Jiangnan and Shanghainese classics in a more formal setting than a noodle shop. Lion's head works here as part of a shared table with greens and braised dishes. — Nanjing West Road
Queue: Central dining room on a major commercial road.
Go: 17:30-19:00; West Nanjing Road metro is closest.
Price: $$
Dietary:
Order:
Verdict: This Yangzhou-style dining room is useful for the softer, cleaner side of lion's head meatballs. Ask whether the kitchen is serving red-braised or clear-braised before ordering. — Maoming South Road
Queue: Hotel-area restaurant near the French Concession.
Go: Lunch 11:30-13:00; South Shaanxi Road metro is convenient.
Price: $$
Dietary:
Order:
Verdict: Jesse's Xintiandi branch is easier to book than the tiny original and still covers Shanghai braises and meatball dishes. It is a good group option when you need comfort, location, and a classic order. — Xintiandi
Queue: Central dining district with English-friendly wayfinding.
Go: 17:30-18:30 by reservation; Xintiandi metro is closest.
Price: $$$
Dietary:
Order:
Verdict: Fu 1039 gives lion's head a refined Jiangnan setting, useful when texture and sauce balance matter more than price. Order it with lighter vegetables so the pork does not flatten the meal. — Yuyuan Road
Queue: Villa restaurant with higher spend and reservation needs.
Go: Dinner by reservation; Jiangsu Road metro plus a short taxi is easiest.
Price: $$$
Dietary:
Order:
Verdict: Shanghai Min is a mainstream local brand where lion's head is approachable for families and mixed groups. It is less atmospheric than a tiny old shop but easier for travelers with luggage, children, or dietary questions. — Xuhui
Queue: Large restaurant brand with predictable service.
Go: 11:30-13:00 or 17:30-19:30; Xujiahui metro is the anchor.
Price: $$
Dietary:
Order:
Verdict: Yangzhou Shizitou Guan keeps the dish focused instead of burying it inside a broad banquet menu. Choose the clear-braised version if available and share one meatball between two people. — Changning
Queue: West-side neighborhood address with a longer ride from the Bund.
Go: 11:30-13:00 or 17:30-19:00; Zhongshan Park metro plus a short taxi is easiest.
Price: $$
Dietary:
0.0 / 10
8 stops
None known
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Challenges live in the app
Collect the dish stamp, submit proof, and earn XP from the mobile app after you choose a stop.
Have a dietary preference? We will surface relevant reports first.
Be the first to post a queue update or order tip in f/lions-head-meatballs.
Is the queue moving fast right now?