Shanghai, a bustling metropolis known for its diverse culinary landscape, has seen the rise of a vibrant brunch culture that has captivated locals and visitors alike. A brunch map is the perfect resource for you to enjoy exquisite brunches ranging from Italian delights to fusion flavors.

 

1. Alimentari Emporio

Alimentari Emporio is a pioneer in introducing Italian brunch to the city. Starting from a grocery store on Anfu Road in 2017, it gradually made Italian-style brunch popular in Shanghai. With its classic design and relaxed ambiance, this restaurant has become a go-to destination for those seeking an authentic Italian brunch experience. From the iconic burrata cheese to the flavorful Italian sausage baked with eggs, Alimentari offers a delightful array of options that are very satisfying.

Italian sausage baked with eggs

It may be the most cost-valued brunch priced at 68 yuan ($9.39). The base sauce is made with tomato sauce, simmered with olive oil and sugar for a long time, along with the aroma of cheese. It starts with a bright acidity, followed by the savory taste of cheese and the fresh, juicy texture of tomatoes. Dip the toasted bread in the sauce and egg for a fully satisfying brunch.

 

Salmon benedict

A poke into the soft egg benedict causes the yolk to flow to the bottom of the bread, covering each slice of salmon. The smoked salmon retains its moisture and has a substantial texture. The smoky flavor, enveloped in smooth egg yolk and hollandaise sauce, delivers a flavorful experience.

Alimentari Emporio

Open: Daily, 8:30 am - midnight

Address: No 76-78, West Weifang Road

Tel: 021-50362638

(8 branches in Shanghai)

 

2. SOMETHING Dining & Bar

Located on Wukang Road, SOMETHING Dining & Bar offers a brunch experience that transports diners to a tropical paradise. Initially, it operated only on Fridays and weekends, creating a sense of mystery and exclusivity. Now, you can bask in the sunlight at any time. The spacious, sunlit interiors create a serene atmosphere, while the brunch menu boasts dishes like the brunch steak with eggs. Each dish is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, promising a balanced and refreshing start to the day.

Brunch steak with eggs

Each order is a comprehensive feast with over 10 ingredients. The Australian sirloin steak is grilled over charcoal and paired with broccoli, mushrooms, tomatoes, and homemade pickles. A light dusting of salt and pepper is all that's needed, allowing the freshness and textures of the ingredients to shine through.

 

Smoked burrata cheese

The Italian burrata cheese offers a fresh milky flavor, lightly complemented by the rich flavors of Iberian ham, charcoal-grilled smoked radicchio, and unique perilla sauce. A toast made with fresh ingredients makes you feel healthy throughout the day.

SOMETHING Dining & Bar

Open: Daily, 10 am - 10 pm

Address: 2F, No 98 Wukang Road

Tel: 021-64042228

 

3. Liquid Laundry

Liquid Laundry, situated on the renowned Huaihai Road, has been a favorite over the past decade among locals for its craft beers, cocktails, and enticing brunch offerings. Last year, after renovations, it made a triumphant return, delighting patrons with its consistent and delectable menu.

Foie gras mini burger

The signature mini burger breaks the stereotype of being fast food. Meticulously crafted with four layers, each component is carefully prepared, starting from raw materials. The beef patty, made from a selection of two beef cuts, is blended with rich foie gras fat and various spices, resulting in an exceptionally flavorful experience.

 

Belgian waffle

Ranked as the No 2 waffle in Shanghai, this dish is a brunch highlight. The outer layer is crisp, while the inside is unexpectedly fluffy. The homemade strawberry sauce, dripped in the small squares, exudes a rich, sweet, and sour flavor. Fresh strawberries add a natural and refreshing touch, creating a balanced blend of sweet, tangy flavors.

 

Freshly baked cinnamon roll

This freshly baked cinnamon roll, a highlight of Shanghai's cinnamon roll scene, is available only during brunch hours. Layers of ample cinnamon and brown sugar filling, combined with homemade cream cheese frosting, truly live up to its title as a "calorie bomb", offering a delightful dopamine-inducing experience with every bite.

Liquid Laundry

Open: Monday to Thursday, Sunday, 11 am - 1 am; Friday and Saturday, 11 am - 2 am

Brunch: Friday to Sunday, 11 am - 3 pm

Address: 2F, Jiahua Fang, No 1028 Middle Huaihai Road

Tel: 021-64459589

 

4. Yeast Kitchen

For those seeking a unique brunch experience, Yeast Kitchen offers a fusion of Guizhou flavors with Western brunch staples. Among the popular "Guizhou fusion cuisine", the restaurant is a must-visit. The owner, a native of Guizhou province in Northwest China, takes many trips to Guizhou every year, seeking new elements and inspiration. "We want to create fermented flavors," he says. The restaurant's name reflects this ambition.

Sour soup salmon pasta

The red sour soup, sourced from Guizhou and fermented with local high-acidity wild tomatoes, offers a distinct and refreshing sensation. The fish is well-seasoned and the pasta is perfectly boiled, reminiscent of maoerduo, cat ear-shaped noodles in North China.

 

Fermented chili beef and egg sandwich

If there's a type of chili that encompasses "fragrant, spicy, sour, and salty", it must be fermented chili. This beef and egg sandwich not only features fermented chili as a garnish but also incorporates a fermented chili sauce mixed into the stir-fried beef, resulting in a harmonious blend of sour and spicy flavors.

Yeast Kitchen

Open: Daily, 10 am – 9 pm

Address: 102 Building 1, No 272 Ruijin Road Number two

Tel: 16675586568 / 13816333651

*Pet-friendly (2 branches in Shanghai)

 

5. Grande A'moo

A restaurant that originated in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province, and made its way to Shanghai, Grande A'moo has quickly risen to the top of Shanghai's Western dining scene, offering an array of Italian specialties. It was a hot spot for brunch in Wuhan, with both of its locations topping their respective regional charts.

Signature raclette pasta

Handmade on-site, the Italian pasta is processed in a large raclette pot. Served fresh and steaming, the pasta boasts the perfect texture, allowing each strand to hold a generous amount of cheese sauce. The addition of parsley, pine nuts, and black truffle enhances the aroma of this pasta dish.

 

Strawberry cream toast

A delightful dessert on a spring day, this dish wins with its visual appeal. Fresh strawberries, dense cream with hints of vanilla seeds, and homemade strawberry sauce create a sweet and tangy sensation. The toast base is baked to a crisp, carefully divided into eight pieces, perfectly sized for an elegant dessert experience.

Grande A'moo

Open: Daily, 11 am - 9:30 pm

Address: L1023, 1F, Uni Park Max, No 699 Tongchuan Road

Tel: 18621023489

*Pet-friendly

 

6. Bijou

Nestled on Wuyuan Road, Bijou is a bright and inviting restaurant known for its picturesque orange-hued facade and signature dish: the chocolate-orange crepe. The marriage of chocolate and citrus flavors in this unique crepe, complemented by candied orange peel, is a testament to Bijou's commitment to offering vibrant and innovative brunch options.

Chocolate-orange sweet crepe

The ingenious combination of chocolate and orange offers a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors. The crepe itself is soft and chewy, and when stacked together, it fully envelops the orange sauce and chocolate cream. The candied orange peel on top adds a unique touch, offering three different orange flavors in one crepe.

Bijou

Open: Daily, 10 am - 5 pm and 6 pm - 10:30 pm

Address: No 50A, Wuyuan Road

Tel: 15317268967

 

Source: "shanghaichihuo" WeChat account

Photos by Haizhe