Bars and Cafes in Huangpu District/ Nanjing (Shanghai)

Huxinting Chashi

Yes, the famous Huxinting Chashi, known as the Midlake Pavilion Teahouse, has hosted the Queen of England. Situated at the entrance to the Yu Gardens, the charming teahouse is a highlight of any visit to Shanghai. A bridge that zigzags nine times leads to the traditional two-story teahouse, sitting on concrete stilts in a small pond. The small snack menu features zongzi, glutinous rice bits wrapped in bamboo leaf, definitely worth a try. Pay the higher prices for the second floor on extremely hot or cold days as it is climate controlled. In the evenings, waitresses perform tea ceremonies in traditional regalia.

Bar 505

This bar is an oasis in the middle of Nanjing East Road, a busy shopping street. Its fame as an establishment has surpassed the borders of its home, the Sofitel Hyland Hotel. Bar 505's home-brewed beer is well-known all over the city. Although relatively small in size it is a lot comfortable. The tables made of dark wood are intimately lined up along the windows and offer a nice view of the street.

Barbarossa Lounge

The swish lakeside villa in the heart of People's Park is home to Barbarossa Lounge, where Shanghai's young and sophisticated gather to enjoy a cocktail and listen to chilled out electro and house music, which is the bar's central musical theme. Barbarossa Lounge's three floor setting offers terrace seating by the lotus pond or comfy tree top level sofas on the roof. Thursdays are Ladies Night,which is particularly popular among the female population as ladies drink for free! The bar&'s Middle Eastern theme is complimented by Shisha pipes on offer. The house Long Island Ice Tea is renowned for its potency and is particularly recommended. -James Reynolds. Open daily 11am.

Favola Pizzeria, Ristorante and Bar

Located at Le Royal Méridien Shanghai, The Favola Pizzeria, Ristorante and Bar does an interesting Italian with a Chinese twist. The decor is contemporary, stylish and vibrant. Only the freshest ingredients are used here and if you need proof check out the open show kitchen. Favola also has a private wine room and an open pizza oven. The lounge area also contains a bar with a stage for live entertainment.

Le Salon

Le Salon is located at Le Royal Méridien Shanghai. The salon mainly offers cocktails, coffee, tea and small dishes. It's a good place for socializing or a business occasion. It's in the main lobby and is extremely elegant, although the dress code is casual. Try the English high tea and creative frappacinos and fruit smoothies.

789 Nanjing Road

789 Nanjing Lu is a semi private bar located at the top three levels of Le Royal Méridien Shanghai. This allows for amazing views of the city and uninterrupted views of the Bund and the Huang Po River, 360 degrees around the city. 789 is not a loud dance club but rather a meeting point where good conversation and great music go hand in hand. Enjoy a drink or maybe a dance.

Shanghai Night Bar

The roof top of the Peace Hotel was a hot spot in the 1930s. After decades of neglect, it was covered with glass and reopened. The special attraction is a huge instrument called the Chime Bells of Chu at the back of the room, which is supposedly a thousand years old, and on which the ancient music of the Chu State is played. Birds in cages and grapes hanging from the ceiling adorn the room.

Milano's Ice Cream

Located in the Hotel Sofitel's premises, this place is popular both among the tourists and the hotel guests. The trendy interior is as cool as the ice cream itself. There is a wide-range of flavors ranging from kiwi to Hawaiian. If your feeling adventurous there is always the Spaghetti Special!

Lingo Bistrot

If you are looking for a place to hang out with friends then Lingo Bistrot is the place to head out to. Comfortable and spacious is how the interiors of the popular place can be described. The service is warm and friendly and the food is awesome. Apart form the tasty starters and main dishes, the Chocolate Fondant Cake is a definite must have. The wine list is extensive including famed international specials like Merlot or even Shiraz . Special occasions and private parties can be organized here. Check the website or call ahead for dining hours. 

Chill

Chill is a juice bar located at Le Royal Méridien Shanghai. This health conscious bar is located at the tenth level of the hotel, and is all about health and well being with a spa, health club and juice bar. So after a healthy session one can easily give into temptation at Chill without the guilt, knowing that you only get the healthiest options here.

Dongtu Black House

Situated on the busy Nanjing Road and not far from Renmin (People's) Square, this tea house provides a haven when you have had enough of the downtown commotion. Open twenty four hours a day, you can get a cup of traditional Chinese tea from CNY 16-35, depending on the time of day. Hot water refills readily available.

Dolce & Gabbana Martini Bar

A popular place among office-goers to hang out after work, the Dolce & Gabbana Martini Bar is perfect for that after work drink. Leave the stress behind while you lounge barrier-free block chairs of this brightly-lit place. The colour black dominates the decor and is contrasted by small pillars of white lights. Heavy Italian influences can be found everywhere from the drinks and menu to the accents in the decor, like the Murano chandelier. A great bar to unwind after a tiring day in the corporate world. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. till late.