Skip to content 
Shanghai, the city that never sleeps and always brews, is home to a thriving café culture that marries Eastern tradition with Western modernity. In the bustling metropolis of commerce and culture, I embarked on a caffeinated quest to discover the top 10 cafés that are the talk of the town. Here’s a curated list of coffee havens where each cup comes with its own story.
1. Sumerian Coffee
Nestled in the heart of Shanghai’s bustling Jing’an district, Sumerian stands as a beacon for coffee purists. With beans roasted in-house and a dedication to the craft of coffee, it’s a spot where expats and locals alike convene for a taste of home-brewed comfort.
2. Café del Volcán
On the quaint Yongkang Road, Café del Volcán is a minimalist gem that boasts a selection of beans sourced from volcanic regions around the world. Their focus on the bean-to-cup journey is as robust as their espresso, making every visit an educational indulgence.
3. Manner Coffee
A small chain that’s made a big splash, Manner Coffee is renowned for its speedy service and exceptional lattes. With several locations dotted around the city, a consistent and quick caffeine fix is never far away. The Nanyang Road outlet, in particular, is a favorite for its vibrant atmosphere.
4. Seesaw Coffee
Seesaw marries contemporary aesthetics with a passion for specialty coffee. Situated in the trendy Jing’an Kerry Centre, this café is an oasis for those looking to escape the urban frenzy and indulge in single-origin pour-overs or inventive coffee cocktails.
5. The Press by Inno Coffee
Hidden inside the Former French Concession, The Press is a concept store that combines a love for coffee with a passion for books. The ambiance is infused with the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans and the quiet rustle of book pages—a sanctuary for bibliophiles and coffee enthusiasts alike.
6. UNDEF/NE
An avant-garde space that defies definition, UNDEF/NE is a haven for those who appreciate the art of coffee and design. Situated in a converted warehouse on the South Bund, it’s a place where you can enjoy a flawless flat white while perusing art exhibitions or creative workshops.
7. Egg
A cozy café with a homely vibe, Egg is renowned for its all-day breakfast menu and superb coffee selection. The café’s sunlit interior and warm wooden decor make it a favorite brunch spot for those looking for a taste of comfort with their cup of joe.
8. Metal Hands Coffee Co.
With multiple locations across the city, Metal Hands is an institution for the young and hip of Shanghai. Known for their experimental approach to coffee and Instagram-worthy presentation, they push the boundaries of your typical coffee experience.
9. Lanna Coffee
For a touch of the exotic, Lanna Coffee offers a window into the flavors of Thailand. Specializing in Thai beans and brewing methods, this café is a celebration of Southeast Asian coffee culture in the heart of Shanghai.
10. AUNN Café & Co.
AUNN Café & Co. serves as a testament to Japanese precision and minimalist design. Located near the bustling Xintiandi area, it’s a place where every element, from the décor to the drip coffee, is curated to create a tranquil, Zen-like coffee-drinking experience.
From the artisanal to the avant-garde, these top 10 cafés in Shanghai are more than just places to grab a quick espresso. They are cultural hubs, each telling a unique story through the language of coffee. So the next time you find yourself wandering the streets of Shanghai, let the aroma of freshly brewed coffee guide you to one of these cherished local spots.
In the heart of Shanghai’s relentless dynamism, these top 10 cafés stand as lighthouses for those in search of respite, inspiration, or just a damn good cup of coffee. They’re not just waypoints on the map of China’s most vibrant city—they’re destinations in their own right, each with a distinct personality and a shared love for the bean.
As your journey winds through the sprawling cityscape, from the historic alleys of the French Concession to the futuristic skyline of Pudong, let these cafés be your sanctuaries. They’re places where you can pause, reflect, and watch the world go by—one sip at a time.
Whether you’re a digital nomad in search of your next workspace, a traveler on the quest for local flavors, or a Shanghai native exploring the corners of your city, these cafés promise experiences that resonate with the spirit of Shanghai: modern yet historical, foreign yet familiar, fast-paced yet wonderfully serene.
So, as the city hums and pulses around you, take a moment to step inside, order a brew, and savor the taste of Shanghai’s coffee culture. Each visit promises a new story, a new flavor, and a new memory to cherish long after the last drop.
