Dining Supplement: Best Brunches

A late breakfast or an early lunch – however you describe it, brunch is our favourite meal. What better way to reward yourself for making it through another week than with mimosa and eggs Benedict? Whether it’s a grand buffet at a hotel or an a la carte menu at a stand-alone restaurant, there’s plenty of delicious weekend options in Shanghai.

Café 1188 @ Intercontinental Expo

Café 1188 has interactive open show kitchens and 1930s historical villas to ensure that your brunch is exciting no matter where you sit. And there’s an expansive gated villa garden for the little ones to play in! RMB 298 (+15%) with soft drinks, RMB 398 (+15%) including beer, wine and sparkling wine, RMB 498 (+15%) including Champagne. Children between 4-12 get 50% off.

1188 Xueye Lu, near Nanmatou Lu. Tel: 3858 1188

Jing’an @ PuLi

Brunch at Jing’an in the PuLi offers diners the ultimate in variety. Guests select two main courses and a dessert before descending on the two Shared Tables heaped with imported cheese, charcuterie plates, fresh fruit and more. The mains are large, but not so overwhelming to stop you from going back to the Shared Tables a second (or third) time.

2F, 1 Changde Lu, near Yan'an Xi Lu. Tel: 2216 6988

Le Bistrot @ Le Royal Meridien

The La Vie en Rose themed brunch is a sinful way to spend a Sunday. Sexy nurses in pink serve syringes of shooters, and your glass is never empty with the generous free flow. Enjoy caviar, foie gras and made-to-order grilled dishes, all for just RMB 438 (+15%) with Mumm Champagne, RMB 538 (+15%) with Mumm Rose.

789 Nanjing Dong Lu, near Xizang Lu. Tel: 3318 9999 x 7007

Park Café @ Shanghai Marriott Changfeng Park

This family-friendly brunch lets adults indulge in bubbly and fresh seafood while the kids are watched over by an attendant on the playground. Plus there’s a live band playing children’s songs in the corner and a kid's buffet even the pickiest eater can’t turn down. RMB 248 (+15%) per adult. Kids under 12 are free.

1F, 158 Daduhe Lu. Tel: 2215 6850

Waldorf Sunday Brunch Tour

Start with Champagne and oysters in the Long Bar, enjoy freshly-brewed coffee and pastries at Peacock Alley café, then head down to the main event at the Grand Brasserie. RMB 488 (+15%) includes still and sparkling water, freshly squeezed juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea. An additional RMB 100 buys free-flow Veuve Clicquot Champagne, as well as red and white wines.

2 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, near Guangdong Lu. Tel: 6322 9988

Alchemist

Proving they have more than fantastic cocktails, Alchemist also offers one helluva brunch. The Giant Avocado Toast is love at first bite, and the Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich lives up to its name with gooey Raclette and Gruyere. For the hair of the dog, try their mean Bloody Mary – it’ll cure what ails you.

Sinan Mansions, Block 32, 45 Sinan Lu, near Fuxing Zhong Lu. Tel: 6426 0660

Madison

Madison has one of the best darn brunches in town. The menu is a la carte and you’ll be hard-pressed to spend more than RMB 150 (unless you get into the Bellinis, which we highly recommended you do). Order the piping hot doughnuts and the BLT with house bacon, but save room for the PB&J sundae!

3F, 18 Dongping Lu, near Wulumuqi Lu. Tel: 6437 0136

Three on the Bund

An entire building of dining options, Three on the Bund is a great brunch spot. Jean Georges offers set plates that hit all the brunch highlights: eggs Benedict, smoked salmon, brioche French toast and more. On the top floor, New Heights has the New Hamptons brunch that combines BBQ, live DJs and an outdoor bar.

3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, near Guangdong Lu. Tel: 6323 3355

Kebabs on the Grille

One of the best seats in the Cool Docks is outside Kebabs on a sunny Sunday. For just RMB 140, you get a buffet loaded up with Indian specialties and a la carte appetisers, plus free flow beer, wine and juice to make sure you have a great time.

The Cool Docks, 479 Zhongshan Nan Lu, near Fuxing Dong Lu. Tel: 6152 6567

Lynn Modern Shanghai Cuisine

When in China… eat dim sum for brunch. Lynn’s all you can eat weekend brunch for just RMB 88 will let you load up on all the Cantonese classics and Shanghainese specialties you can stomach. The price includes free flow tea to help those in need of hydration.

99-1 Xikang Lu, near Nanjing Xi Lu. Tel: 6247 0101