Washoku Guide
Cities/Shanghai/Izakaya/Merase 布良瀬
Shanghai · Izakaya · a la carte

Merase 布良瀬

JapaneseIzakayaSashimiLive SeafoodJapanese Expat

Merase is a discreet Japanese izakaya on Xianxia Road that sets itself apart through daily air-freight of live fish and shellfish from Japan, maintained in in-house tanks and prepared by experienced Japanese-speaking chefs. The clean, welcoming interior has earned it a devoted following among Japanese expatriates as a taste of home in Shanghai.

Price
¥¥
Area
Changning
Merase 布良瀬 — authentic japanese restaurant in Shanghai, Changning
Plate № 40
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About
Merase (布良瀬) sits along Xianxia Road — Gubei's Japanese dining corridor — and operates with the quiet confidence of a restaurant that does not need to advertise. The owners transport live fish and shellfish by air from Japan every day, holding them in on-site tanks until the moment of preparation. Experienced chefs translate this top-grade produce into superb fish dishes: pristine sashimi platters, grilled whole fish, and seasonal preparations that reflect 'the most suitable for the present moment.' The clean interior and warm, Japanese-speaking staff create an atmosphere that Japanese expat reviewers describe as reminiscent of home. Its direct competition on Xianxia Road is fierce, but Merase differentiates through the quality of live fish sourcing, the cleanliness of execution, and the genuineness of its Japanese hospitality. The restaurant is open until late, making it a natural after-work dining destination for the neighborhood's Japanese business community.
Neighborhood & visiting

Merase 布良瀬 sits in Changning, one of Shanghai's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. The house does not publish an online booking link; call ahead to secure a seat, especially on weekends. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • Daily air-freight of live fish and shellfish from Japan, maintained in on-site tanks, ensures a freshness level matching Japan's best fish counters.
  • Japanese-speaking staff and a clean, familiar interior create an atmosphere that Japanese expatriate reviewers describe as genuinely 'home-like.'
  • Seasonal ingredients selected by the owner provide access to 'the most suitable for the present' — a Japanese philosophy of eating in harmony with the season.
  • Open until late, making it one of the few high-quality Japanese dining options available for the Japanese businessmen who dine after 21:00 on Xianxia Road.

No English menu; Japanese or Chinese reading ability recommended. Call ahead on +86 21 6212 2661 to confirm evening hours before visiting. — Format: Izakaya. Authenticity: Daily air-freight of live fish and shellfish from Japan; experienced Japanese chefs on staff; live fish tanks in the restaurant; Japanese-speaking staff; clean interior described as 'reminding of home' by Japanese expat visitors; located in the heart of Xianxia Road's Japanese dining district.

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Frequently asked

About Merase 布良瀬

Is Merase 布良瀬 an authentic japanese restaurant in Shanghai?
Yes — Merase 布良瀬 is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese in Shanghai: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
Where is Merase 布良瀬 located?
Merase 布良瀬 is located at 669 Xianxia Road (near Anlong Road), Changning District, Shanghai, Shanghai, China in the Changning neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Merase 布良瀬?
Merase 布良瀬 does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular izakaya restaurants in Shanghai we recommend calling ahead.
What is the price range at Merase 布良瀬?
Merase 布良瀬 sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for japanese of this format in Shanghai.
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