From sleek espresso labs to charming local hideaways, this handpicked selection of cafes in Shanghai's Huangpu district offers something for every coffee lover.

Whether you crave small-batch roasts, nostalgic atmospheres, or unique global flavors, these spots are here to help you refresh and recharge after work — all with plenty of style.

Kodice Coffee

Kodice Coffee's newest branch inside Shanghai New World Daimaru opened on June 1. With minimalist aesthetics and a stylish atmosphere, it blends premium coffee with fashion retail.

Take a break from shopping and enjoy a refined slow-paced moment in the heart of the city.

Address: 2F, Shanghai New World Daimaru, No 228 East Nanjing Road

Blacksheep Espresso

One of Shanghai's early specialty coffee pioneers, Blacksheep is known for its SOE-style espresso and self-roasted beans with clear, bright flavor profiles.

Every cup here reflects the owner's deep passion for classic origins such as Ethiopia and Kenya. The use of natural wood and oversized floor-to-ceiling windows echo this pursuit of brightness.

Address: No 124 South Maoming Road

Liveliness Coffee Shop

Run by a Beijing-born barista, Liveliness offers a nostalgic Chinese setting with antique furnishings and a relaxed pace that contrasts sharply with the bustling street outside. With a love for medium-dark Japanese roasts and experimental brews, the owner also offers Beijing-style sweet treats.

Address: Unit B, No 12 South Chongqing Road

Wunder

Wunder wins hearts with its "self-roasting, community-friendly" model. The owner, a former barista turned roaster, closes the shop every Monday to focus on beans, obsessively timing each roast to its perfect flavor window.

Named after the game Shadow of the Colossus, this tiny spot is full of surprises. A wooden bar displays house-roasted beans, with a classic espresso lineup and a pour-over menu that's updated weekly.                            

Address: No 161 South Maoming Road

Metal Hands

Originally from Beijing, Metal Hands ranked 38th on the 2019 list of the world's top 50 coffee shops. Its Huaihai Road branch — also the brand's first in Shanghai — has been a hit for the past six years.

The shop features a nostalgic mix of wood and metal, thick glass walls, and soft lighting. Signature drinks, such as those featuring a fried egg-shaped topping and rich milk bomb espresso offer a creative twist.

Address: No 234 Nanchang Road

Chillcoooool Espresso Lab

Nicknamed "Qiuku" (literally "long john bottoms") by regulars, this espresso lab was launched by five coffee-loving friends from around the world. It's a cozy, living-room-style space that showcases not only their creations but also beans from other boutique roasters. Think casual, communal, and full of charm.

Address: No 298 Julu Road

Sources: Official WeChat account of Huangpu district administration of culture and tourism at "shhplyj", cafe shops mentioned above