As one of the most picturesque streets in Shanghai, Anfu Lu comprises a few small blocks nestled within the former French Concession. Lined with quaint boutiques and delicious dining options, it's worth spending an afternoon wandering down this popular street. Start at Alimentari and stroll your way down to RAC Bar, all the while enjoying the cuisine, shopping and unique vibe.

Where to Eat

Alimentari

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This go-to for all things Italian is a gourmet market and deli selling fresh produce and imported European goods. With a wide range of cheeses, meats, olives, pasta and wines, you're all set for a party platter or simple night at home. The aroma from their Coffee Lab upstairs will combat any caffeine cravings. Across the road near Changshu Lu, you'll find their other outlet Enoterra, with a well-stocked wine cellar along with delicious cold cut meats and cheese boards to eat in.

See listing for Alimentari & Enoterra

Mr. Willis

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Upstairs from Baker & Spice is Mr. Willis, an intimate, cozy bistro that serves simple, yet tasty dishes. There is an Australian influence here, and you can expect a seasonal menu that consistently delights the palate with its flavors and quality. With set lunch menus available on weekdays and a satisfying weekend brunch, Mr. Willis can quickly become a staple on your dining list.

See listing for Mr. Willis

Apollo

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Apollo is a modern restaurant that delivers small plates with local ingredients fusing Nordic and Latin-American flavors. It offers an extensive drink list with fun South American cocktails featuring pisco, dark rum, mezcal and tequila. A great place for relaxed yet high-quality dining, with a cozy, local vibe.

See listing for Apollo

RAC Bar

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RAC Bar is a French-style café and bar specializing in sweet crêpes and savory galettes, with a selection of breakfast buns, toasts and all-day breakfast. Fitted out with communal wooden tables and a wine bar at the back, RAC functions as both an eatery and a place to relax between the breakfast and lunch rushes. There is also RAC Coffee booth out front serving a wide range of coffees and tea lattes, plus a selection of cold drinks that includes a refreshing oolong, mint and kombucha soda.

See listing for RAC Bar

Sunflour Bakery & Café

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This is a well-stocked French bakery where the products are freshly-baked using high-quality, natural ingredients without harmful additives. They have a wide variety of bread, pastries and bagels, along with a sweet selection of desserts ready to pair with a tea, coffee or juice. If you're looking for a heartier meal, opt for a pasta dish, wrap or salad.

See listing for Sunflour Bakery & Café

Where to Shop

Lu Ming Tang

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Lu Ming Tang is a tea-based cosmetics company which uses high-quality Chinese tea. The founder, Marie Amiand, is a French cosmetic enthusiast based in Shanghai. The products are a blend of more than 50 natural ingredients including Chinese medicine and French Pharmacopeia, inspired by traditional remedy recipes. Swing by their elegant store to pick up products to survive the dry winter, and since everything here is so beautifully presented, they also make the perfect gift. 

See listing for Lu Ming Tang

Casa Casa

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This Italian home store with modern furniture and sleek design is bound to catch your eye. They stock a large range of hand-crafted furniture along with smaller décor accessories. With fun knick-knacks, a selection of unique crafts and pottery, Casa Casa is an excellent place to find distinct décor in Shanghai.

See listing for Casa Casa

Brut Cake

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While the name may imply that this is a bakery, Brut Cake is a beautiful furniture store by Taiwanese artisan Nicole Teng. All pieces are handmade and created out of recycled materials, making them original and environmentally friendly. Brut Cake also sells handmade ceramics, small textile goods and a selection of crafts. Great for gift shopping or home décor.

Brut Cake,  232 Anfu Lu, near Wulumuqi Lu 安福路232弄1楼, 近乌鲁木齐路 (5448 8159). 11am-8pm.

Isa Castelli

Image via Isa Castelli

Isabella Castelli's showroom is the ideal place to stop by for beautiful Italian-made shoes and bags. Selected artisans create all products in Italy, then ship them to Shanghai. New collections and styles are released each season which means two things: buy it when you see it, and you always have something to come back to as her products change regularly. 

Isa Castelli, 228 Anfu Lu, near Wulumuqi Lu 安福路228弄1楼, 近乌鲁木齐路. See QR code. Reservation preferred via WeChat.

Zoaje Jewelry

Image via Zoaje Jewelry

Since 2013, Zoaje Jewelry has been producing elegant, beautiful and minimalist pieces. Created by a French couple residing in Shanghai, all pieces are handmade using high-quality raw materials such as 14k and 18k solid gold along with natural gemstones. For someone with who appreciates understated elegance, stop by here for the perfect gift. 

Zoaje Jewelry, Studio 303, 255 Anfu Lu, near Wulumuqi Lu 安福路255号303, 近乌鲁木齐路. See QR code. Appointments made via WeChat. 7am-10pm.

Where to Explore

Shanghai Camera History Museum

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For anyone interested in the evolution of cameras, it's worth stopping by this museum. On the third level, enjoy a wander around the extensive display of cameras from the 20th century. It's a small space, but one which showcases more than 100 domestic cameras manufactured from the 50s onwards. It also exhibits a range of foreign antique cameras with one section solely dedicated to Nikon models through the ages. A bilingual card sits with each camera, providing details on the model, city and factory where it was produced. Your journey can continue to the café on level two, which also displays a small range of cameras along with photography books and magazines to peruse.

See listing for Shanghai Camera History Museum

[Cover image via Sina]