Introduction:Strolling through the French Concession in Shanghai—from Anfu Road to Yongkang Road—these cafes tucked away within old colonial mansions and beneath the shade of plane trees are more than just beverage shops; they are cultural spaces that carry stories. This article selects eight uniquely themed establishments, spanning from Baroque-style venues to Taiwanese pour over coffee spots, from movie filming locations to specialty coffee havens. Discover each café’s historical background, interior design, and reasons for recommendation. Whether you’re seeking a quiet corner or unique flavors, you’ll find the perfect match.
Wandering through the winding alleys of Shanghai’s French Concession feels like stepping into another era. Here, century-old colonial buildings, dappled tree shadows, and the rich aroma of coffee blend to create a rare literary ambiance in this bustling metropolis. Below, we’ll take you to visit eight distinctive cafes—from retro Baroque to minimalist freshness, from art galleries to vintage Shanghai charm—each hiding its own unique allure.
The first stop is located at the intersection of Anfu Road and Changshu Road:Xiao Hua Cafe. What appears to be an ordinary, aged storefront hides unexpected charm inside. Featuring a Baroque-style arched ceiling, matched with crimson walls and vintage floral tiles, along with antique collections and displays of wine bottles gathered by the owner, it creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a European bistro. Notably, customers ring a bell to summon service, adding a touch of serene ritual. The cafe includes a small private room with velvet sofa seating, ideal for leisurely chats with friends, with an average spend of around99 RMB.
For those who prefer a more secluded space,Aroom Cafeis definitely worth a visit. Hidden on the ground floor at No. 15, Lane 120, Tai’an Road, Weile Park, its only entrance is a weathered green iron door, easily overlooked. This spot blends the concepts of a cafe, a vintage general store, and a time museum. Souvenirs the owner has brought back from around the world are displayed throughout the space, each item telling its own unique story. It was once a filming location for the movie “Sassy Girl: Best Luck,” operates from 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM, and is closed on Mondays. The average spend is about61 RMB, so it’s best to avoid Mondays.
When it comes to representative cafes on Anfu Road,Marion’s Caféboasts a history of over ten years. Located opposite the Shanghai Drama Centre, it once attracted arts and culture celebrities such as Meng Jinghui and Lin Zhaohua. In its early days, it was known for its simple style of old sofas and ceilings covered with English newspapers. Now, it presents an Eastern European bistro vibe with dark green wooden wall panels, black-and-white floral tiles, and industrial-style lighting. The cafe regularly hosts independent film screenings and houses an extensive collection of books, making it a long-time haunt for literary youth. The average spend is71 RMB.
Art lovers shouldn’t missLiu Guang Man Ying Gallery & Coffee. This space that combines a gallery and a cafe is situated in the courtyard at No. 250 Wuyuan Road, surrounded by osmanthus trees, where old architecture and modern design coexist harmoniously. On sunny days, you can sit in the outdoor courtyard, enjoying dappled light filtering through the leaves and the occasional fallen berry. Indoors, limited-edition prints by domestic and international artists and works by emerging creators are displayed. Numerous well-known entertainers such as Lee Joon-gi and Jiang Yiyan have visited, making it an excellent place to enjoy art and coffee alike. The average spend is about60 RMB.
Located at No. 80 Yongkang Road,Cafe Del Volcanstands out quietly amidst the bustling bar street. The small shop accommodates only two tables and features clean floor-to-ceiling windows and distinctive square stools, creating a tranquil ambiance. The German owner insists on high-quality coffee beans and is one of the pioneers of Shanghai’s early specialty coffee scene. Every coffee order comes with what is hailed as “Shanghai’s No. 1” handmade cookie, Strictly Cookie. Though the space is tiny and customers often wait outside, the commitment to coffee quality makes the wait worthwhile. The average spend is just38 RMB.
For readers who prefer Taiwanese-style pour over coffee,CA SENT BON CAFE 莎頌邦offers an excellent choice. Located near Huaihai Middle Road, between Gao’an Road and Wukang Road, the small shop pays attention to details with dark green wallpaper and solid wood tables and chairs, giving off a Japanese-style fresh vibe. The owner, from Kaohsiung, personally roasts the coffee beans and serves customers with a warm smile, creating an atmosphere that feels as relaxing as being at home. Here, you can enjoy high-quality coffee at reasonable prices, offering great value and making it a top pick for affordable deliciousness.
Finally, we recommend the peacefulAnd Coffee, nestled on Urumqi Middle Road near Fuxing West Road. This minimalist-style coffee house, dominated by white tones and featuring a bright, open layout, has a coffee sign at the entrance and relaxed customers, forming a silent invitation. It’s perfect for sitting by the floor-to-ceiling windows after a day’s work, watching the street scene, and sipping a rich cup of coffee to wash away fatigue and recharge.
These cafes tucked away in the corners of the French Concession not only offer a variety of coffee flavors and brewing experiences but also carry Shanghai’s unique literary atmosphere and historical memories. Whether you’re searching for a photography spot, artistic inspiration, or simply a moment of quiet, this guide will lead you to discover your own perfect cup of coffee and corner.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
