8 cafés in Shanghai’s French Concession that mix coffee with flawless aesthetic

Much like Hong Kong's Mid-Levels and Tokyo's Daikanyama, Shanghai’s French Concession has blossomed into a vibrant hub for artsy young individuals and discerning tourists. Over the years, the neighbourhood’s unique energy and architecture have attracted many investors who transformed the area into a haven of independent shops, as well as cafés and coffee shops for all styles and tastes.

Before your next trip to one of China’s coolest cities, Tatler has meticulously curated a list of eight coffee shops in the French Concession. Whether you want to drink your espresso in minimalist, brutalist and even American-inspired cafés—indulge yourself in these Instagram-worthy places.

Three and One Half 3½

Three and One Half 3½ (Photo: courtesy of Some Thoughts)

Ops Cafe, renowned for its Italian coffee, has recently opened a store on Taiyuan Road called Three and One Half 3½. Shanghai’s design studio, Some Thoughts, created the store’s design, which seamlessly blends with the environment, showcasing the French Concession’s unique elegance.

Three and One Half 3½Address: No. 1, Lane 305, Taiyuan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China

Blacksheep Espresso

Blacksheep Espresso (Photo: Instagram / @blacksheep_espresso)

Blacksheep Espresso, a subsidiary of China’s top bakery brand Qicheng Tuoxun, opened on Jianguo Zhong Road in 2017 and has become popular among locals. The coffee shop specialises in SOE milk and hand-brewed coffee. In 2019, it underwent a renovation, transforming the space into a modern, all-white design with an adorable black sheep logo that adds warmth and friendliness to the ambience.

Blacksheep EspressoAddress: No.169-4, Jianguo Zhong Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China

Coffee Spot

Coffee Spot (Photo: Xiaohongshu / @Coffee Spot)

Coffee Spot is located in a secluded space, and its charming ambience is hard to miss. The coffee shop offers a unique concept of one bean and three drinks, which allows customers to taste the distinct flavours of the same coffee bean through a cup of black coffee, milk coffee and a unique blend. The store interior is cosy and inviting, with an understated design that is warm and welcoming.

Coffee SpotAddress: No. 4, Lane 838, West Beijing Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai, China

Horiguchi Coffee

Horiguchi Coffee (Photo: courtesy of Horiguchi Coffee)

Horiguchi Coffee, originating from Japan, has one of its five branches located on the first floor of the YWCA Building on the Bund in Shanghai. The store offers authentic Japanese boutique hand-brewed coffee, seasonal single-origin coffee, as well as delicious cheesecake and seasonal fruit cake.

Horiguchi CoffeeAddress: Room 104, YWCA Building, 133 Yuan Ming Yuan Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China

Coffee by Sadside

Coffee by Sadside (Photo: Xiaohongshu / @大同与飞记)

Coffee by Sadside is situated on a peaceful corner of Julu Road and blends seamlessly with Shanghai’s French Concession style. The shop is hidden behind a humble rolling shutter door, leading to a charming interior. It offers unique coffee flavours, including the Eden dirty and summer-limited bitter orange.

Coffee by SadsideAddress: No. 284-1, Julu Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China

Rumors Coffee

Rumors Coffee (Photo: Weibo / @Rumors_Coffee)

Since 2010, Rumors Coffee, situated next to the Wukang Building, has been focusing on Japanese hand-brewed coffee. The store exudes an intimate and refined atmosphere, with the barista brewing coffee right before the customers’ eyes. The experienced barista also offers personalised recommendations for guests’ unique taste preferences.

Rumors CoffeeNo. 1, Lane 372, Xingguo Road, Changning District / No.9A, Hunan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China

Gregorius

Gregorius (Photo: Weibo / @Gregorius-)

Gregorius has a vintage American vibe and is a well-known Instagram-worthy spot in the city. The coffee shop boasts charming wooden decor, exquisite lighting fixtures and utensils, evoking the feeling of old New York. It offers many coffee options, from Italian espresso to speciality blends and hand-brewed coffee. Its signature drink, the Wood Jupiter Dirty, boasts a rich, buttery flavour that lingers on the palate, long after each sip.

GregoriusAddress: No. 53, Anfu Road, Xuhui District / No. 991, Yuyuan Road, Changning District, Shanghai, China

Coffee Buff

Coffee Buff (Photo: Xiaohongshu / @coffee buff)

Coffee Buff, a speciality coffee roasting brand, opened its first brick-and-mortar store on Jianguo West Road last year, attracting coffee enthusiasts throughout the city. The store manager, Li Zhen, achieved an impressive feat by securing the runner-up position in the 2024 World Coffee Brewing Competition (CBRC). The coffee shop offers a diverse selection of handcrafted brews and hosts exclusive events periodically to spread awareness of coffee culture and foster a deeper appreciation for the beloved beverage.

Coffee BuffAddress: No. 656 Jianguo West Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China

This article was originally published in Chinese by Cathy Huang.

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