Photograph: courtesy Bisou
With spring only a few blinks away, terrace brunch season is fast approaching. It’s just about time to crawl out of our hibernation crevices, embrace the sunshine and usher in Shanghai’s long-awaited outdoor brunch season! If you’re ready to flutter your brunch wings through the coolest terrace brunch spots the city has to offer, here’s your compass to some of our favorite spots!
Photograph: courtesy Gaga Coast
If you’re a full-time bruncher like most Shanghai dwellers, you’ve probably already had a taste of Gaga, who have been around since 2010. They just opened a new branch in December last year called Gaga Coast! This means that you and your brunch squad will be amongst the first to indulge in the Gaga Coast experience this Spring.
Photograph: courtesy Gaga Coast
Gaga Coast dishes are not only on the cutting edge of innovation but are uniquely tailored by season. They pride themselves on the use of the freshest ingredients to prepare the finest of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, whilst also incorporating local flavors. This is all made possible by Chef Sean Yue who leads the Gaga Coast kitchen with poise and confidence, backed by his extensive experience in fine dining. The brunch menu is pretty impressive, offering a solid selection of light to heavier meals, complimented by an equally compelling beverage selection. For the cherry on top, brunch is served all day so you’ll never be late!
Photograph: courtesy Gaga Coast
Gaga Coast, Unit 02, No. 18, Lane 181 Taicang Lu.
Brunch deal: All day every day!
Photograph: courtesy The Cue
The Cue is one of Shanghai’s relatively well-kept secrets. A two-story townhouse turned hidden gem with a cozy French-inspired garden terrace, for that “at home” feeling. To add to the overall ambiance upon your arrival, there is a gram worthy picture taking wooden swing chair at the entrance!
Photograph: courtesy The Cue
In the spirit of brunch culture, The Cue offers a daily all-day brunch, which includes a lovely selection of French dishes and a noteworthy wine list. The cherry on top is that cocktails are customizable on request, making for a tailored brunch experience.
Photograph: courtesy The Cue
The Cue, 1720 Huaihai Zhong Lu.
Brunch deal: All day every day!
Photograph: courtesy Bisou
French Concession presents to you Bisou! The spiral staircase will usher you to the second floor of a woody-retro French style house turned dining experience, with its very own wine cellar, and of course the coziest open garden terrace.
Photograph: courtesy Bisou
The French dishes offered on the menu are prepared by Chef Rembrandt, endearingly known to Bisou regulars as Chef Rembi, whose experience with French cuisine speaks for itself through the menu. Do yourself a favor and dare to try everything on the menu, you’ll want to move into the Bisou kitchen as a resident. The brunch selection includes Salmon Gravlax salad, steak options and other exquisitely prepared and presented mouth-watering dishes.
Photograph: courtesy Bisou
Bisou, 2nd Floor, 169 Jianguo Zhong Lu.
Brunch deal: Sat-Sun 11am–4pm. Free-flow available.
Photograph: courtesy Ginger
This Modern Asian Bistro is perfectly located in the heart of the Former French Concession. The rustic-style restaurant offers an endearing terrace with wooden finishes, an ideal option for a laid-back brunch date with your special someone or handful of friends.
Photograph: courtesy Ginger (Ricotta Hotcakes)
If there’s a kitchen that has nailed the art of Modern Asian cuisine, it’s Ginger! The dishes are meticulously assembled to dazzle your taste buds. Ginger has also grown in popularity for their impeccable vegan dishes, making them a hot favorite brunch spot for all sorts of brunch-hopper paletes. You may want to reserve your terrace spot in advance to avoid disappointment.
Photograph: courtesy Ginger (Shakshouka)
Ginger, 91 Xingguo Lu, near Hunan Lu.
Brunch deal: Sat, Sun & Holidays 11am–4pm. Free-flow available.
Photograph: courtesy Zeitgeist
Let’s take a Didi to Bavaria, Germany for brunch at Zeigeist. The aesthetic appeal of Zeitgeist is that of a rugged beer garden with just enough sunlight to set the tone for a traditional Bavarian sense of comfort. The quiet homey location makes for an easy start to the day. Add to that great company and we have ourselves the right combination of elements for a champion brunch session.
Photograph: courtesy Zeitgeist
You can expect classic Bavarian cuisine—sausage specialties, roasted pork, juicy steaks, light nibbles (Brotzeit), fresh salads and even desserts that will have you back for more. For our draft beer explorers, you are up for a special drafty treat! You can quench your thirst straight from the Zeitgeist barrel!
Photograph: courtesy Zeitgeist
Zeitgeist, 537 Haifang Lu, near Xikang Lu.
Brunch deal: Sat, Sun & Holidays 11am–3pm. Free-flow available.
Photograph: courtesy Abbey Road
Classic brunch faves since 2007, Abbey Road prides itself on being the go-to brunch spot for chilled dates, sports screening, casual meetings and fuss-free hangouts. Abbey’s lovely garden patio setup, friendly staff and excellent service culture is the cherry on top of their compact yet refined brunch menu.
Photograph: courtesy Abbey Road
Abbey’s classic brunch menu offers top-notch brunch favorites like tenderloin steak & egg, salmon egg benedict and even a breakfast burrito, to name a few. Beautifully presented and served with a smile, ingredients are always fresh. If you stick around to enjoy the sunshine on the patio, you’ll be in for a good round of happy hour sundowners from 4 to 8 pm.
Photograph: courtesy Abbey Road
Abbey Road, 3 Taojiang Lu.
Brunch deal: Sat-Sun 11am–4pm. Free-flow available.
Photograph: via MAYAMAYITA on WeChat
A little bit of Mexico in Shanghai! Spice up your brunch session with an authentic Mexican experience at Mayita. Beautifully positioned on the sixth floor of Riverdale Residence Xintiandi, Mayita’s impressive terrace overlooks the infamous Shanghai skyline, seating up to 80 people. Mayita is well suited for scenic outdoor gatherings and celebrations as we welcome warmer days.
Photograph: via MAYAMAYITA on WeChat
Mayita’s menu can be described as upscale modern Mexican-Californian, featuring options that range from breakfast burritos, a tempting selection of tacos and baked huevos! They’ve got you covered with a free-flow deal popularly known for its bottomless sangrias and margaritas. The beverage options include Mexican and other craft beers, a well-curated wine list, cocktail options with rum, tequila, cachaca and pisco bases.
Photograph: via mayita-shanghai.com
Mayita, 6th Floor, 98 Shouning Lu, Riverdale Residence Xintiandi.
Brunch deal: Sat-Sun 11am–4pm. Free-flow available.
Now that you have your Spring brunch GPS set and ready to launch you into brunch eternity, it’s time to whip out your social calendar and dial in your reservations! You’ll be brunching all the way through Spring and then some!
