Shanghai

RAC Coffee & Bar is a celebrated fixture in Shanghai's former French Concession, housed within a characterful lane house with a distinctive green facade and a sun-drenched central courtyard. It is renowned for its authentic savoury galettes and crêpes, which are a cornerstone of its popular all-day brunch menu. The buckwheat crêpe with mushrooms and smoked meat is an absolute standout. As evening falls, the venue transitions into a natural wine bar with a French-Asian bistro menu. Its vibrant, convivial atmosphere and versatile offering make it a perennially busy destination, where securing a courtyard table is considered a prized spot.

Metal Hands is a standout specialty coffee shop known for its industrial-chic aesthetic and inventive, meticulously crafted drinks. Two signature creations define its menu: the Pistachio Dirty, served in a glass rimmed with crushed nuts, and the visually distinctive Lychee 'Poached Egg' Latte, where a drop of lychee syrup on the milk foam resembles a sunny-side-up egg. While the café's raw, metallic decor creates a cool, modern atmosphere, the focus remains squarely on high-quality, house-roasted beans and the skilled baristas who prepare them, making it a destination for both coffee connoisseurs and those seeking a unique sensory experience.

The % Arabica Coffee brand, with over 20 locations in Shanghai and over 230 in the world, has become a prominent feature of the city's café scene. Its flagship store is situated in the historic Ferguson Lane on Wukang Road, a location chosen for its architectural charm. The café's minimalist, light-filled aesthetic is a hallmark of the brand. While the atmosphere is a key draw, the coffee itself is consistently praised, with the smooth Spanish Latte and Matcha Latte standing out as popular choices. This combination of design and quality has secured its popularity among both locals and visitors.

Horiguchi Coffee is a highly respected Japanese roastery, now with an outpost in a quiet corner of Shanghai's Bund. As a pioneer of specialty coffee in Japan, the brand is known for its direct relationships with growers and a meticulous, quality-focused approach. The Shanghai café reflects this ethos, offering a selection of seasonal single-origin beans for hand-brewed coffee. The serene, retro-Japanese ambiance is complemented by a unique touch: customers can select their drink from a numbered flavour profile and have it served in a beautiful, unique Arita ware ceramic cup, which is also available for purchase.

Antique Garden is an excellent find in the French Concession, only steps away from the green Fuxing Park. Relaxing jazz music often plays in the background, and they serve coffee, beer, wine and champagne, along with a few dishes to choose from. Most of the antiques and vintage items inside are up for sale.

For the perfect pan-seared Shanghai dumplings filled with a thick, flavorful broth that's molten off the pork filling (shrimp and squid varieties on offer as well), stop by one of the famous local Yang's Dumpling chains.

Baker & Spice is a café and artisan bakery with several locations across China. It serves healthy, appetising café classics like salads and sandwiches, along with a vast variety of baked goods and desserts. Hand made sourdoughs, Danish rye bread, and their signature carrot cake are just a few of the bakery treats you can expect to find here.