Spring in Shanghai: Where to find the best brunches
Spring sunshine and great food are a match made in heaven. In Shanghai this season, there's no better way to spend a morning than lingering over a leisurely brunch. From European-style landmarks to hidden garden cafes, here are some of the most photogenic spots in Huangpu district.
Sagreen
Tucked inside Xintiandi Foodie Social, Sagreen is a go-to spot for many office workers in the area. The counter is lined with jars of ingredients, giving the space a cozy feel.
The tomato, beef, and cheese ciabatta is an excellent way to begin, with rich tomato beef sauce and melted cheese layered over eggs and crisp ciabatta, delivering a deeply satisfying bite. The spicy pork and creamy sauce pasta is another standout, rich in flavor with just the right kick.
If you go: L3-30 & 31, Xintiandi Style I
Breakfast Company
A favorite among brunch lovers, Breakfast Company is widely known for its English breakfast.
The signature breakfast comes with soft toast, crispy bacon, and tender scrambled eggs. For those with a sweet tooth, the fluffy berry waffles with maple syrup or whipped cream are a delightful treat.
With wide windows overlooking the tree-lined streets, it is the perfect spot to enjoy brunch with family or friends on a sunny weekend.
If you go: 3rd Floor, No 6 Alley 123, Xingye Road
MQA Bistro & Bar
Walking into MQA feels like stepping into a lush garden, with greenery and a setting that is both simple and refined. By day, it serves as a brunch spot; by night, it transforms into a cozy bistro.
The red shrimp and avocado eggs Benedict, slow-cooked beef cheek with crispy eggs, Australian Angus M3 ribeye, and squid ink risotto with grilled salmon are all standout dishes worth trying.
If you go: L105, No 299 East Jianguo Road
Hey Guac
Hey Guac is a casual Mexican-American chain known for fresh, made-to-order food, and its signature guacamole. The bright, minimalist space, with its avocado-inspired palette, creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for a quick meal that feels both wholesome and satisfying.
If you go: B2, No 150 Hubin Road
Pop
Located on the 7th floor of No 3 on the Bund, Pop offers a spacious terrace with sweeping views of the historic waterfront buildings and the Lujiazui skyline. The setting has a distinctly European feel, combining comfort with understated elegance.
The brunch menu allows diners to compose their own meal, with options including tuna salad, butter-scrambled eggs, mushroom and cheese rolls, New Zealand lamb shank, and a Wagyu beef cheeseburger, followed by desserts such as berry crepes or fennel liqueur tiramisu.
If you go: 7th Floor, No 3 on the Bund, No 17 Guangdong Road
Luneurs
Located in Rockbund, Luneurs is a fantastic spot for brunch. The interior preserves the character of the historic building, giving it the feel of a European landmark.
In addition to its signature ice cream, baked goods, popular brunch dishes, and wine, the menu also features soft, delicately sweet French crepes. On sunny days, securing an outdoor table with friends offers a relaxed escape, whether for coffee and pastries or a light meal.
If you go: 1st Floor, No 133 Yuanmingyuan Road
Sources: WeChat account of Huangpu district administration of culture and tourism at "shhplyj", restaurants mentioned above
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