Brunch is more than just a meal: it’s a lifestyle. A time where consuming an abundant amount of champagne, oysters, and chicken and waffles is not only acceptable but highly encouraged.
While brunch is not a new concept, Shanghai has recently seen a rise in the brunch scene. With this list of Shanghai’s best brunch spots your Saturday and Sundays will likely be booked every weekend.
Whether it be food-focused brunches of Southern-fried chicken and waffles, ricotta stuffed pancakes, and dim sum; or a boozy brunch of spicy shrimp Bloody Mary’s, prosecco, and sangria that you’re after, I have the best spots for brunch in Shanghai!
Mexican Brunch in Shanghai
Mayita/Maya
Not just another Mexican restaurant. Mayita’s rooftop restaurant offers a beautiful terrace for those sunny Shanghai days and bottomless drinks. While the Maya location can be found in an apartment complex that has a little pool you can take a dip in after (during the summer) for 150rmb on weekends. Both offer a wide selection of traditional Mexican breakfast dishes; huevos rancheros and breakfast burritos, to some not so typical brunch dishes like Chili Maple Salmon and Avocado Mango Salad. They also have a healthy vegan and vegetarian menu. To stay in the spirit of all things Mexican, cleanse that palate with bottomless margaritas and sangria.
Mayita
6/F, 98 Shouning Lu,
near Xizang Nan Lu
寿宁路98号6楼, 近西藏南路
Closest Metro: Dashijie
Maya
Grand Plaza Club House
2/F, 568 Julu Lu,
near Shanxi Nan Lu
巨鹿路568弄 四方新城俱乐部2楼， 近陕西南路
Closest Metro: South Shaanxi Rd
200-300rmb
Italian Brunch in Shanghai
Funk-a-deli
It’s all about location location location. Situated on the Fumin Lu corner, Funk-a-deli is always poppin. Its outdoor patio is perfect for people watching while the affordable brunch will have you coming back every weekend. Try their classic benedicts and of course bubbles!
Funk-a-deli
291 Fumin Lu,
near Changle Lu
富民路291号， 近长乐路
Closest Metro: South Shaanxi Rd
50-100rmb
South American/Spanish Brunch in Shanghai
Colca
Set on the second floor of Yongping lane in a buzzy shopping and eating area on Hengshan Lu in the FFC. This Spanish/Latin hotspot will have you feeling as though you are dining rooftop in the center of Madrid. Colca brings a Spanish flare to Shanghai’s brunch scene with their Peruvian ceviche, Spanish croquettes, and Cava Sangria. The menu is a curated assortment of dishes that represent some of the Spanish cultures favorite flavorful dishes. Offering a brunch set of 1 main dish choice and drink for 133rmb, you’ll find this rooftop terrace buzzing every Saturday and Sunday afternoon. There is indoor and outdoor seating and it’s a great venue for group events. Try the Ginger Dried Okra, ceviche, Peruvian breakfast, and of course cava sangria.
Colca
2/F, 199 Hengshan Lu,
near Yongjia Lu
衡山路199号2楼, 近永嘉路
Closest Metro: Hengshan Rd
200-300rmb
Tomatito
The most affordable brunch on the list that includes free-flow nonetheless is Tomatito. 98rmb for four decent-sized portion tapas and 50rmb for free flow cava and sparkling wine. The vibe is chill, portions are grande, and service is pretty quick…what more could you as for? For the price, you will leave pleasantly full and boozed up. The codfish salad is flavor overload and the gazpacho and bocadillo are delicious!
Tomatito
Zhangyuan 99
2/F, 99 Taixing Lu,
near Nanjing Xi Lu
泰兴路99号2楼, 近南京路
Closest Metro: West Nanjing Rd
100-200rmb
American Brunch in Shanghai
Liquid Laundry
Cinnabuns, avocado smash, and benedicts; all the makings for the most basic brunch you’ll ever have. Found in the central hub between Jing’An and FFC, Liquid Laundry is a constantly buzzing brunch hot spot. A traditional omelet, steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy or breakfast sandwich can be found here but the menu doesn’t stop there. Try your hand at the Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich or a Thai Me Up spicy chicken salad. Liquid Laundry has something for everyone with their spiced up vegetarian-friendly menu. It’s always busy so make sure to call and make a reservation in advance.
Liquid Laundry
KWah Centre
2/F, 1028 Huaihai Zhong Lu,
near Donghu Lu
淮海中路1028号, 嘉华坊2楼, 近东湖路
Closest Metro: South Shaanxi Rd
100-200rmb
Highline
Set on the rooftop of the Ascott Hotel, Highline is sure to skyrocket to #1 on Shanghai’s best brunch lists across town. And since brunch makes the perfect cheat meal, Highline has a menu to indulge in all the naughty-ness that brunch offers. Chicken and Waffles, Philly Cheesesteak, and a Red Velvet Sundae just to name a few. Coming from Sunday morning spin class and want to keep those abs toned for summer? No worries, Highline offers options for those looking for a healthy brunch with their Acai Bowl, Kale and Spinach Smash, and a veggie list full of beets, broccolini, and carrots.
Highline
6/F, 282 Huaihai Zhong Lu,
near Huangpi Nan Lu
淮海中路282号雅诗阁公寓6楼, 近黄陂南路
Closest Metro: South Huangpi Rd
300-400rmb
Al’s Diner
Looking for a no-frills traditional American breakfast? Search no further. Al’s Diner is the go-to neighborhood spot for low-key locals. With indoor and outdoor seating, this spot is always packed to the brim of brunch-goers on Saturday and Sundays. But, it’s worth it, so get there early or be prepared to wait as there are no reservations accepted. All day breakfast. Blueberry Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes, That Breakfast Sandwich Thing We Make, and you can’t leave without a scoop of Gracie’s ice cream.
Al’s Diner
204 Xinle Lu,
near Donghu Lu
新乐路204号, 近东湖路
Closest Metro: South Shaanxi Rd
100-200rmb
Scandinavian Brunch in Shanghai
Pelikan
The Pelikan offers a set Chef Brunch for 175rmb per person and the best part? It’s so Instagramable! The table will receive 7 dishes to share that will leave you feeling satisfied by the varying tastes and small plates. Want to choose your own dishes? Order some of your brunch favorites a la carte from their weekend brunch menu. Their Chef Brunch set changes seasonally so come back and try it for a new taste!
225 Xikang Lu,
near Beijing Xi Lu
西康路225号, 近北京西路
Closest Metro: Jing’An Temple
100-200rmb
Boozy Free-Flow Brunch in Shanghai
The Rooster
Nothing makes a hangover feel better than a giant Bloody Mary and Chicken and Waffles. Stop by the Rooster Saturday or Sunday for their 150rmb brunch deal including one food item and unlimited Mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, Sangria, and Heineken. Rooster classic brunch items include the Breakfast Wrap, Chicken and Waffles, and Pulled Pork Toast.
The Rooster
455 Shaanxi Bei Lu,
near Beijing Xi Lu
陕西北路455号, 近北京西路
Closest Metro: West Nanjing Rd
50-100rmb
The Bull & Claw 2.0
As Bull & Claw’s menu states, “BRUNCH IS THE NEW CHURCH”. Bull & Claw is one of the most popular among locals. The brunch here offers a mix of lunch items like The Premier B&C Burger and Lobster Club Sandwich and more breakfast items like French toast and eggs benedict. Plus B&C Bloody Mary’s are just what you want to be sipping during a boozy Sunday brunch.
The Bull & Claw 2.0
110 Fenyang Lu,
near Fuxing Zhong Lu
汾阳路110号, 近复兴中路
Closest Metro: South Shaanxi Rd
200-300rmb
Dive deeper into the foodie scene of Shanghai with these foodie tours below!
Did you enjoy this list of the best brunch spots in Shanghai? Check out more brunch spots here.
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Fantastic!!!! Did you take all of these photos? They are so good!!
Author
Thanks so much, Chris, means a lot coming from you! Of course, I took all of these photos myself 🙂