A great way to see a city and relax at the same time is to enjoy a meal, snack or drink outside. Shanghai has some lovely outdoor spots. Here's a list of a few great ones that serve Western food.
1. Mesa
Mesa is one of the hotter spots in Shanghai to dine and drink. Walk through the cool wood dominated first floor up the spiral staircase and through their hip bar, Manifesto, to get to the balcony. From here, enjoy the views of treetops and the surrounding brick buildings. Ideal for weekend brunch or a romantic evening but make a reservation first.Address: 748 Julu Road, near Fumin Road
Telephone: 021-6289-9108
Kids? Yes, hand the little ones over to the baby-sitters during brunch
2. Ginger Cafe
Tiny, but glorious, Ginger Cafe is a local expat favorite, and a great place to sit in the shade on a hot Shanghai summer day to sip a lime soda and ponder all things Chinese. Friendly, but slow, staff welcome you to the back of Le Passage Fuxing where you can relax after a walk through the French Concession.Address: 299 Fuxing West Road (near Hua Shan Road)
Kids? Absolutely. High-chairs are readily available.
3. Bali Laguna
Situated in the heart of Jing An park (across from Jing An Temple), this lovely restaurant overlooks a small pond. Its outdoor seating flanks the water and even though major roads surround the park, it's delightfully peaceful.Address: 189 Huashan Road, inside Jing An Park. Enter the Nanjing Road main park entrance and turn right, you'll see the restaurant set back through the trees.
Telephone: 021-6248-6970
Kids? Kids will love sitting outside and playing near the water.
4. New Heights
It's hard to beat the near 360-degree view of Pudong, the Huang Pu river and the Bund from the windswept terrace at New Heights. Sit under an umbrella on a hot summer day and choose snacks or a full meal from their extensive menu. Go in the evening and watch the lights of the skyline turn on; nothing is more dazzling than the brazen pink of the Pearl Tower at night.Address: 7th floor, 23 Guangdong Road (near Zhongshan Dong Road)
Telephone: 021-6231-0909
Kids? High-chairs and kids' menu.
5. Paulaner Brauhaus in Pudong
One of three outlets, the Pudong Paulaner is a great place to stop on a lazy day to grab a liter of Pilsner and a bratwurst. Despite the German feel and fare, you'll be surrounded by a mostly local crowd. Get friendly at the picnic tables that line the eastern shore of the Huang Pu river. Quaff your beer and watch the boats as they make their way along this busy river.Address: Riverside Promenade, Binjiang Da Dao, Pudong
Telephone: 021-6888-3935
Kids? Absolutely, high-chairs and kids' menu.
