Top 10 Must-Visit Brunch Spots in Shanghai

Paul Pairet's iconic Bund restaurant brings French sophistication to the brunch table with views that rival any in the city—the sixth-floor perch overlooking the Huangpu River provides endless Instagram opportunities. Mr&Mrs Bund's lobster eggs benedict is pure decadence, substituting Canadian lobster for ham in a dish that justifies the splurge for special occasions. With 148 reviews cementing its status as a Bund institution, this is where you bring visitors to Shanghai who want the full luxury brunch experience, complete with exceptional service and a buzzing atmosphere that peaks around noon on Sundays. The Art Deco-meets-modern interior strikes the perfect balance between elegant and approachable, making it suitable for everything from romantic dates to family celebrations.

Brut Eatery's perfect 5-star rating from seven reviews suggests a dedicated following who've discovered something special at this Changning district newcomer focused on natural wines and seasonal ingredients. Their ricotta hotcakes with honeycomb butter have achieved instant classic status—fluffy, cloud-like pancakes that pair beautifully with their carefully curated coffee program. The minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic and emphasis on sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients attract a conscientious crowd of environmentally-minded diners who appreciate transparency in their food sourcing. While still flying under the radar compared to French Concession institutions, Brut Eatery represents the next generation of Shanghai brunch spots where quality and ethics go hand-in-hand.

This artisanal bakery-café in Xuhui proves that sometimes the best brunch is built around exceptional bread, and BREAD etc delivers with pastries and loaves baked fresh daily on-site. Their croque monsieur—made with house-baked sourdough, premium ham, and béchamel that gets perfectly crispy under the broiler—elevates the French café staple to new heights. The compact space with just 14 reviews feels like a neighborhood secret, attracting locals who pop in for their morning coffee and pastry or settle in for a leisurely brunch surrounded by the intoxicating aroma of fresh-baked goods. If you're a carb enthusiast, this is your happy place—just don't expect to leave without buying a loaf to take home.

Housed in a beautifully restored heritage building on Hankou Road, The Press serves up American comfort food with a Shanghai twist in an atmosphere that channels 1920s newspaper offices with exposed brick and vintage typography. Their pulled pork eggs benedict—substituting ham for slow-cooked pork shoulder—is an unexpected mashup that somehow works brilliantly, combining Southern BBQ with brunch classic. With 116 reviews making it one of the most-discussed spots on this list, The Press has staying power thanks to generous portions, strong cocktails, and a lively weekend atmosphere perfect for groups celebrating birthdays or just blowing off steam. The historical setting adds character that newer venues simply can't replicate.

Chef Jason Atherton's influence is evident at this trendy tapas-style brunch spot that encourages sharing and grazing rather than traditional sit-down courses. The Commune Social's chorizo hash with fried eggs is a flavor bomb that perfectly captures their philosophy of bold, unfussy food with technique hiding beneath the casual presentation. The industrial-chic space with an open kitchen draws a fashionable crowd of creatives and foodies who appreciate the theatrical element of watching their meal come together. With 58 reviews praising the innovative small plates and buzzing atmosphere, this is where you bring friends who think they've seen it all—the constantly evolving menu ensures there's always something new to try.

Tucked on the sixth floor of a building on East Nanjing Road, The Nest offers an elevated escape from the shopping chaos below with a cozy, residential feel that lives up to its name. Their signature French toast—thick-cut brioche soaked in vanilla custard and topped with seasonal fruits—is the kind of indulgent dish that justifies skipping lunch entirely. The space attracts a mix of shoppers taking a break and locals in-the-know who appreciate the quiet ambiance and consistently solid brunch offerings. While not as hyped as some competitors, its 4.4 rating across 36 reviews and central location make it a reliable choice when you want quality brunch without the pretense.

This Italian deli-restaurant hybrid in Jing'an brings authentic Mediterranean brunch vibes to Shanghai with imported ingredients and recipes that transport you straight to a Roman café. Alimentari & Degusteria's shakshuka—poached eggs in a rich tomato sauce with crusty bread—has achieved cult status among the city's brunch crowd, combining North African spices with Italian technique for something truly special. With 67 glowing reviews, this neighborhood favorite attracts everyone from families doing their weekend grocery shopping (the attached deli is stocked with Italian imports) to groups of friends lingering over multiple courses. The rustic-chic decor and communal tables create a warm, social atmosphere that encourages you to stay for just one more espresso.

Perched in the prestigious BFC Bund Financial Center, Heritage by Madison brings upscale brunch to Shanghai's most iconic waterfront with breathtaking views of Pudong's skyline. This is where power brunches happen—think buttermilk pancakes with a side of skyline views and bottomless mimosas that make the weekend feel truly special. The sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere caters perfectly to couples celebrating special occasions or business meetings that deserve an impressive backdrop. While relatively new to the scene with just five reviews, its near-perfect 4.8 rating and prime location make it a rising star worth watching.

Don't let the simple name fool you—Egg has mastered the art of breakfast perfection with a focus on, well, eggs prepared every way imaginable. Their eggs benedict variations are legendary among Shanghai brunchers, with the classic hollandaise sauce hitting that perfect balance of rich and tangy. The minimalist Scandinavian-inspired interior attracts a crowd of expats and design-conscious locals who appreciate quality over quantity, making it a favorite spot for intimate brunches and solo coffee dates. With nearly 40 reviews maintaining a stellar 4.7 rating, this Jing'an staple proves that sometimes doing one thing exceptionally well is all you need.

This Australian-inspired café has quickly become a Jing'an darling with its perfect 5-star rating and dedicated local following. Mel Bourne nails the Melbourne coffee culture vibe with expertly crafted flat whites and an all-day breakfast menu that locals swear by—their smashed avocado on sourdough with poached eggs is the kind of dish that keeps regulars coming back every weekend. The intimate, laid-back atmosphere makes it ideal for catching up with friends over a leisurely Saturday morning, while the friendly staff and consistently excellent food have turned this hidden gem into one of Shanghai's worst-kept brunch secrets. Arrive early on weekends or risk waiting for a table.