Best Shanghai Coffee Guide: Retro, Artistic & Local Cafés
Introduction: Discover Shanghai Coffee
Shanghai coffee culture is more than a drink—it’s a cultural journey. From historic Shikumen cafés to artistic spaces by the Huangpu River, and from lively alleyway coffee streets to modern Bund terraces, each cup tells a story. This guide highlights the best coffee in Shanghai, top cafés, signature drinks, and must-visit spots for locals and tourists alike.
I. Retro Shanghai Coffee: Butter & Bread in Shikumen
Vibe & Experience:
Hidden in Tianzifang’s Shikumen alleyways, Butter & Bread (B&C) embodies Old Shanghai charm. Jazz flows from a gramophone, ladies in Qipao sip from bone china, and the vintage décor evokes 1930s nostalgia.
Signature Drink:
- Haipai Latte: Dark roast espresso, homemade osmanthus syrup, caramelized brittle.
Practical Info:
- Address: Tianzifang No. 3, Lane 274 Taikang Rd., Huangpu Dist.
- Price: Haipai Latte ¥42, Classic Croissant ¥28
- Transport: Metro Line 9 Dapuqiao, Exit 1 (3 min walk)
- Tip: Visit on a weekday morning; explore nearby galleries and shops.
II. Artistic Coffee: Café Les Halles at West Bund Museum
Vibe & Experience:
This French-designed café features floor-to-ceiling windows with Huangpu River views, timber furniture, and plant walls. Coffee is paired with contemporary art for a full sensory experience.
Signature Drink:
- Art Latte: Espresso with milk foam art updated monthly (e.g., Monet’s Water Lilies). Includes museum entry.
Practical Info:
- Address: 1F West Bund Museum, 2600 Longteng Ave., Xuhui Dist.
- Price: Art Latte ¥58 (includes museum ticket), Tiramisu ¥45
- Transport: Metro Line 7/12 Longhua Middle Road, Exit 5 (10 min walk)
- Tip: Golden hour 3–5 PM; check museum schedules; stroll Houtan Park after coffee.
III. Local Alleyway Coffee: Yongkang Road’s “Big Three”
Vibe & Experience:
Yongkang Road is Shanghai’s most vibrant local coffee street, with over 30 independent cafés. Grid Coffee, into_the_force, and Lao Mai Coffee form the “Big Three.”
Signature Drink:
- Nòngtáng Latte at Grid Coffee: Served with a White Rabbit Candy Stick stirred into coffee, creating a playful sweet-bitter mix.
Practical Info:
- Address: 68 Yongkang Rd., Xuhui Dist.
- Price: Nòngtáng Latte ¥35, Candy Stick ¥5
- Transport: Metro Line 1/10/12 Shaanxi South Road, Exit 7 (8 min walk)
- Tip: Take coffee to go; explore nearby vintage shops and bookstores.
IV. Modern Bund Coffee: % Arabica Terrace Experience
Vibe & Experience:
Minimalist design with Bund historical architecture backdrop. Sunset views, terraces, and photography-perfect coffee moments.
Signature Drink:
- Spanish Latte: Condensed milk for richer flavor, paired with Matcha Roll.
Practical Info:
- Address: 1F Xie Jin Building, 169 Yuanmingyuan Rd., Huangpu Dist.
- Price: Spanish Latte ¥45, Matcha Roll ¥58
- Transport: Metro Line 2/10 Nanjing East Road, Exit 6
- Tip: Book terrace in advance; golden hour 5–7 PM; nearby Bund Art Museum for post-coffee strolls.
V. Daxue Road: Shanghai’s Youthful Coffee Playground
The Vibe:
Daxue Road, near Fudan and Tongji, is Shanghai’s vibrant coffee street—a playground for students and young locals. Cafés here blend creativity, aesthetics, and social energy, offering photogenic drinks and experimental flavors.
Top Picks
- Blacksheep Espresso
- Little Black Sheep Latte: Dark roast with lightly salted cheese foam.
- Osmanthus Fermented Rice Latte: Sweet floral aroma from Jiangnan osmanthus.
- Bonus: Coffee Blind Box pour-over for adventurous tasters.
- UNDEFINE Coffee
- Industrial-style café with brick, vintage décor, and art installations.
- Cement Coffee: Bamboo charcoal foam with Oreo “bricks.”
- Molecular Foam Coffee: Floral-scented coffee foam, a visual and olfactory treat.
Location & Access: Daxue Rd, Yangpu Dist. | Metro Line 10 Jiangwan Stadium Stn, Exit 9 | 5-min walk
Tips:
- Street closes to traffic; rent a shared bike to explore.
- Nightlife: Many cafés stay open until 1 AM; try Blacksheep’s Coffee Martini.
- Nearby: InnoPark Plaza (markets, open-air movies), Daxue Road Market (Fri–Sun).
- Workshops: Latte art, coffee cupping, and limited-time creative events.
Why Visit: Daxue Road offers creative drinks, social vibes, and youthful energy—your ultimate Shanghai coffee adventure.
VI. Conclusion: Shanghai Coffee is Culture in a Cup
From retro Shikumen charm to Bund terraces, from art-inspired cafés to vibrant local alleyways, Shanghai coffee reflects the city’s diversity and inclusivity. Sit, sip, and absorb the city—every cup tells a story. Discover more of Shanghai’s best eats on our Shanghai Local Food Trails.
Interactive Question: What’s your favorite style of Shanghai coffee? Retro, artistic, local, or modern? Comment below for a personalized coffee route! ✨
