The street-level approach to Tianzifang on Taikang Road and the surrounding lanes concentrates cafés, restaurants, bubble tea shops, and street food vendors. The food is of tourist quality at the main entry points — overpriced xiaolongbao, green tea ice cream — but the side lane restaurants that serve the area's remaining residents and working studio population are considerably better.
The French Concession extends west and north from Tianzifang; the transition zone where tourist infrastructure meets everyday neighbourhood food culture produces some of the more interesting eating options. The lanes immediately east and north of the Tianzifang entrance (outside the ticketed zone) are worth exploring for genuine neighbourhood restaurants.