Shanghai’s cafes are on another level!

They say that Shanghai’s cafe scene is continuously growing every day. One of the city’s best-kept secret is its wide array of unique and beautiful cafes in hidden corners of every street.

As a fast-developing city, you can expect nothing less here, as they have a bookstore-themed cafe, a cafe with fluffy clouds inside, and even an al fresco one that gives you a beautiful view of the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower. Scroll down our list and we’re sure that you’ll find what you’re looking for!

1984 Bookstore

1984 Bookstore is a cafe and a bookstore in one. It hosts rare books of different eras, and serves good coffee and desserts. It has a courtyard outside. 

Photo from @xtalgra55
Photo from @magkuoo
Photo from @inniar

No reservations accepted
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11 Hunan Rd, Xuhui, Shanghai, China
+86 02134280911

Chonor Cafe

Chonor Cafe may be small but getting a seat at their balcony area is major jackpot, because it gives you a good view of the Oriental Pearl Tower. It serves good coffee, tea, and sweet and savory meals.

Photo from @jikky_sasaluk
Photo from @whsien
Photo from @a.han

No reservations accepted
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Second Floor, 17 Fuzhou Lu, near Zhongshan Dong Lu, Huangpu district

Cloudy Cafe

Cloudy Cafe is a beautiful, whimsical spot where you’ll find big and fluffy clouds hanging on the ceiling, bookshelves filled with old books and antique finds, and more. 

Photo from @nicoleleung1114
Photo from @hjulial
Photo from @nicoleleung1114

No reservations accepted
Number 1, Lane 9 Baoqing Lu, near Fuxing Zhong Lu, Xuhui district.

Zen Cafe

Zen Cafe is all about aesthetics. This cafe adapts a minimalist and neutral look, and serves good tea and desserts.

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Photo from @kimxfood

No reservations accepted
Second Floor, 7 Dongping Lu, near Hengshan Lu, Xuhui district.

Seesaw Coffee

Not to be missed, Seesaw Coffee is known for its large courtyard and the spiral staircase out in front. They often hold coffee socials and special latte art courses. 

Photo from @tialinbooboo
Photo from @seesawcoffee

No reservations accepted
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View their Instagram account
433 YuYuan Lu, 200040 Shanghai, China
+86 21 5204 7828

A Room Cafe

A Room Cafe may be hard to find, but we heard that the search is worth it. It’s filled with random and vintage objects collected by the owners from different places they’ve travelled to, and it serves good coffee and pastries.

Photo from @shiliang_zhang
Photo from @dustin_chou

No reservations accepted
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15 Weile Garden 120 Taian Rd, Xuhui, Shanghai
+86 21 5213 0360

Rumors Coffee

Rumors Cafe is actually a Japanese cafe, located at Shanghai’s Hunan Road. The charming interiors is simple and minimalist, but their coffee is said to be a winner. 

Photo from @qianqian0905
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Photo from @pompom_jiang

No reservations accepted
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9 Hunan Rd, Xuhui, Shanghai, China
+86 02134605708

Baker & Spice Cafe

Baker & Spice is a Wagas-owned, Instagram-worthy cafe that serves a wide selection of freshly-baked bread and pastries. It has multiple branches around the city.

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No reservations accepted
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View all branches

Lanna Coffee

Lanna Coffee is a small and hidden cafe that uses local coffee beans from Yunnan. They serve affordable specialty coffee and a few light meals.

Photo from @lannacoffee
Photo from @lannacoffee

No reservations accepted
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View their Instagram account
No 8 Yuyuan East Rd, Jingan District, Shanghai, China

Aunn Cafe

AUNN Cafe is short for ‘All U Need is Now‘. It’s an industrial-inspired cafe that uses recycled materials for their furniture. They’re known for their artsy cork takeaway cups.

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Photo from @wilma21e

No reservations accepted
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View their Instagram account
1728 West Nanjing Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai
+021 5290 9012

DOE Coffee

DOE Coffee used to be just a boutique that sells a well-curated selection of designer shoe brands such as Nike and Adidas. It now features a cafe that serves specialty coffee.

Photo from @doeshanghai
Photo from @doeshanghai
Photo from @doeshanghai

No reservations accepted
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View their Instagram account
Room 105, Tongren Lu, No. 88

Paras Coffee

Paras Coffee is a minimalist cafe with a modern design philosophy. It serves specialty coffee, salad, pastries, desserts, and more.

Photo from @bonnie.189
Photo from @zooeyyyyyy
Photo from @seasonzhang

No reservations accepted
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55 Shaanxi S Rd, Huangpu Qu, Shanghai Shi, China

Ginger by the Park

Ginger is a modern brunch place that serves Asian fusion dishes and other brunch meals. Every corner of this restaurant is beautiful and has been carefully designed with elements, meticulously curated.

Photo from @ryan.jin.unorthodox
Photo from @dreamerjinni
Photo from @missmikawong

No reservations accepted
91 Xingguo Rd, Xuhui Qu, Shanghai Shi, China

Bookmark this article for your upcoming trip to Shanghai. Don’t forget to tag us on your food adventures on Instagram @bookyapp and use the hashtag #bookymanila for a chance to get your photo featured next time!