Despite there being over 400 branches of KFC and McDonald's in Shanghai, higher-quality American food is not as prevalent or popular here as French or Italian cuisine.

Of the 25 or so big restaurants that have either opened or are due to open in the city this spring, none specialize in American staples like cheeseburgers, French fries or apple pie. But there are some creative new offshoots.

Pop at Three on the Bund bills itself as the "first and only American Brasserie in town". It opened earlier this year and has a decidedly French inflection.