10 Best Cafés in Shanghai for Rainy Day Escapes

Nicknamed “The Pearl Of The Orient,” Shanghai experiences its fair share of light showers—nearly 120 days annually, more or less, during thunderstorms. And while your umbrella performs a signature backflip the 5th time in a week, there’s always a silver lining to every rain; it offers a perfect excuse to get into one of the most unapologetically charming cafés.

Once inside, you will be enveloped by the warming hum of the people and sounds around you, and the smell of fresh ground beans wafting through the air. Rainy days in this Coffee Capital Of The World aren't for wetting your feet, they're for cozy, caffeinated therapy with an idyllic backdrop of foggy windows, some jazz music, a smell of sand, and a 2-hour deep dive into your novel or perhaps, an Insta feed.

So, whether you’re seeking a quiet corner to read, a shelter from the downpour, or a coffee connoisseur trying to find the best cafe in Shanghai, this guide has you covered. Dive right in to escape the rain—and maybe even learn to love it.

Set in a neighboring courtyard in Anfu Lu and Wukang Lu, RAC Coffee & Bar is a definite stop for coffee sippers and brunch munchers. With leafy streets, this place combines a bit of Parisian industrial chic with a touch of carefree space, providing an overall stylish yet grounded look.

When you step inside, the warmth of the place envelopes you: wooden tabletops, fresh flowers, and a backdrop of a charming wine bar. Try out the Far West Galette with cheese, pancetta, egg, mushrooms, and cream, or the soft brioche wrapped around scrambled egg, melted cheese, onion jam, and sweet tang from chili mayo.

For drinks, savor the flat white or slurp a chai latte, frothy, but velvety, spiced just right, and dangerously creamy.

Address: 55 Shanxi Rd (S), Huangpu District, Shanghai, China, 200001

As soon as you step into Rye & Co, it is anything but boring, given the earthy, minimal-glam space and extensive views of the city. The service? Spot-on, lovely, and attentive without being overly hands-on.

The menu is Nordic-inspired, with a focus on clean, thoughtful flavors, with dishes ranging from the Aubergine Tartine, toasted sourdough topped with smoked eggplant, lentils, mint oil, and some yogurt, to the Scramble in a Jar, scrambled eggs layered with crazy smooth mashed potatoes, accompanied by sourdough.

Address: 333 Huaihai Rd (M), 6th Floor, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China, 200021

O'Mills Artisan Bakery is a fantastic two-story café with artisan flair and hearty food located in the French Concession, making it among the best cafes in Shanghai.

Here, the spotlight is stolen by the sourdough pizza with a light and airy crust, perfectly balanced chewiness, and intensely complex and tangy flavor. Do try out the poached eggs with avocado on bread and pair them up with a flat white, creamy, and well-balanced drink, or try out the sunshine juice, a refreshing citrus zing.

Don’t miss out on the almond croissant.

Address: 110 Yongjia Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China, 200031

Tucked away in Shanghai's Xuhui district, Café del Volcán is a small-batch coffee paradise that also manages to be cute and edgy at the same time.

Step inside and it's a warm, cocoon-like, modern, coffee-focused space, offering a standout dish, Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, known for its floral and citrus notes. You can also pair the coffee with their almond butter toast and soft banana cake, both adding a subtle boost to the experience.

Oh, and don’t miss out on the rich flat white that regulars rave about.

Address: 80 Yongkang Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China, 200031

%Arabica has become a worldwide hot spot, recognized for its minimalist vibe and for producing amazing coffee.

Their signature Spanish Latte, perfectly sweet and incredibly smooth, is an outstanding drink, or go for their single-origin espresso shots that showcase the depth and diversity of their bean selection from around the world if you are a purist. Do try the Panama Geisha or their iced matcha latte, which provides a fresh, creamy, earthy alternative, and don't overlook a tasty butter croissant to pair with.

Address: 169 Yuanmingyuan Rd, Waitan, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China, 200080

Brut Eatery, located on Yuyuan Lu in Shanghai, exudes a relaxed, cool vibe with a warm and cozy interior. Its menu blends bold flavors from Asia and the U.S. in playful, satisfying ways — from Aussie flat whites to carrot-apple-ginger juice.

Their chicken katsu burger takes center stage, while the miso mac & cheese is simply addictive, combining creamy, rich goodness with umami. Their Korean BBQ rice bowl is loaded with juicy beef, sticky rice, and topped with a soft egg, with sweet potato fries of smoked paprika and salt as a side.

Address: 698 Yuyuan Rd, Changning District, Shanghai, China, 200040

Located on the well-trodden Anfu Lu, Baker & Spice is a charming cafe and a go-to refuge when skies begin to turn grey.

Get the Sunny Days Wrap, a satisfying mix of bacon, artisan loaves, avocado, omelet, and tomato jam, or decadent, flaky pastries, and hard to resist the almond croissant.

Address: 195 Anfu Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China, 200020

Located in the trendy Yongkang Lu, Pain Chaud is a small café with a beautiful French bakery atmosphere.

There are many great options to choose from on the menu, including flaky croissants and sweet pastries, fresh sandwiches, artisan bread, fresh juices, and espresso drinks.

The stage, however, is stolen by the zesty lemon meringue tart, along with the almond croissant. If you are looking for a light lunch, the savory selections like the smoked salmon sandwich on their signature sourdough are fantastic, and the quiche is a fan favorite, with flaky pastry and a rich cheesy center.

You should also check out the steamed chai latte with a touch of spice on top, or sip on a glass of fresh grapefruit juice.

Address: 41 Yongkang Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China, 200031

When comfort meets luxury, Avec Toi comes to life with the perch by the window providing an adorable place to drink tea, snack, or simply take your food to go.

The truffle scrambled egg served on brioche toast provides a deep, earthy punch while the berry-top pancakes are sweet. While you're here, don't skip the mushroom risotto, or the pistachio mille-feuille where puff pastry and nut cream melt in every layer, or the onion quiche and unbelievably crisp almond croissant.

Address: 73 Tianping Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China, 200031

Seesaw Coffee in Jing’an is a must-visit for specialty brew enthusiasts, as the Yunnan pour-over steals the spotlight. They focus on a diversity of coffee blends, but their specialty is made by using high-quality Yunnan beans with Chinese roots and a Western flair.

The sea salt cream latte is sweet and savory, with a silky mouthfeel, while the espresso tonic, one of the best coffees in Shanghai, has a refreshing citrus snap. Their black sesame latte is a favorite for anyone who likes something bold and nutty.

On the food side, the matcha chiffon cake is a stand-out; light, airy, and not too sweet, along with an array of ham and cheese croissants, all buttery and flaky, and their yogurt bowls of seasonal fruit and granola are a crowd favorite.

Address: 433 Yuyuan Rd, Jing'an District, Shanghai, China, 200040