Pudong is huge. Skyscrapers, office parks, and endless shopping malls. Finding a good cafe here can feel like searching for a needle in a concrete haystack. But they exist. Tucked inside community sports centers, hidden in residential neighborhoods, and even inside a park.
Here are 5 cafes in Pudong that actually deliver:
1. 一尺花园 (三林店) – A Full-Day Retreat in a Community Sports Center
This is not your typical cafe. It’s a massive space inside a sports center — think high ceilings, full bookshelves, and a vibe that lets you stay all day.
What makes it special: There’s a children’s play area with toys and books, making it a haven for parents. There’s also a mini library with plenty of tables for working or reading. Upstairs, you’ll find a small photography art exhibition. And yes, the courtyard has a lawn where you can bring your dog.
Address: No. 981 Yixing Road (Inside Yi De Community Sports Center)
Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
2. FERM Coffee (碧云尊邸店) – A Book Lover’s Haven in a Residential Compound
This cafe is tucked inside a residential compound and features a bookshelf curated by a book blogger. The space is surprisingly spacious, bright, and minimalist, with a design that feels both calming and elegant. It’s a perfect spot for a quiet morning or an afternoon reading session.
What makes it special: The cafe’s book selection is a focal point. The owner is a well-known book blogger, and the books on the shelf are available to read or purchase. At night, the space transforms into a bar run by the owner, adding a different kind of charm.
Address: Huamu Residential District, Biyun Road 420 Long No.30
Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
3. After Coffee (九六广场店) – A Minimalist Stage for Coffee Appreciation
This is a cafe that feels like a small theater. The seating area faces the coffee bar, putting the coffee-making process center stage. The interior is a mix of raw concrete and warm wood, with relaxed lighting and green plants near the entrance.
What makes it special: The cafe focuses on a strong coffee selection, with a signature Flat White and a rotating menu of hand-drip beans including Geisha from Panama and Mandheling from Sumatra. It’s a place for coffee lovers who appreciate the details of the craft.
Address: No.796, Dongfang Road 96 Plaza 156B
Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Mon-Fri); 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Sat-Sun)
4. A Tempo Cafe – A Small Stage for Your Coffee Break
This cafe is small but intimate. The seating all faces the central bar, creating a vibe that’s part coffee shop, part mini-theater. The name, “a tempo,” suggests that the place influences the pace of your day — encouraging you to slow down.
What makes it special: A reviewer described it as a “little theater” where the sounds of coffee-making and music blend. The cafe is focused on the atmosphere. It’s a rare find in Pudong — a deliberately quiet spot where you can hear the espresso machine and your own thoughts.
Address: Haiyang West Road 666 Long
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Mon-Fri); 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Sat); closed on Sundays
5. P.M. Cafe (前耀路店)– A Cozy Find
This is a cafe that seems to be known for its Valrhona Chocolate Basque Cheesecake, which pairs perfectly with its coffee offerings. It’s a spot that, according to one review, offers “warmth and strength” beyond just the caffeine.
What makes it special: The cafe highlights its desserts, with the chocolate Basque being a standout. It’s described as a comforting, relaxing stop for a coffee break.
Address: Qianyao Road No.180 Floor 1 L106
Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
FAQ:
1️⃣ Do these cafes in Shanghai Pudong have English menus?
Most do. Otherwise you can always use a translation APP or point at pictures.
2️⃣ Can I work on my laptop at these cafes in Shanghai Pudong?
Yes, they all have WiFi.
3️⃣ Can I pay with a foreign credit card at these cafes in Shanghai Pudong?
Most independent cafes in China prefer Alipay or WeChat Pay. Link your foreign credit card to Alipay before you go. Cash is accepted at most places, but international credit cards may not be.
4️⃣ Which Pudong cafe is easiest to reach by subway?
After Coffee (九六广场店) is near Century Avenue Station, served by Lines 2, 4, 6, and 9. It’s the most accessible by public transit. 一尺花园 (三林店) is more car-friendly, with free parking on-site.
5️⃣ Which cafe in Shanghai Pudong among the list has the best food options?
一尺花园 (三林店) offers the most extensive menu, including pizza, pasta, coffee, tea, and desserts. P.M. Cafe is known for its Valrhona chocolate Basque cheesecake but might have a smaller food selection overall.
Make a Day of It
The cafes above are spread across Pudong. If you want to turn your cafe crawl into a proper adventure, join our Shanghai Bike Adventurein the morning — we’ll pedal through the former French Concession, along the Bund, and into the backstreets, and by afternoon you’ll be within walking distance of several of these museums. We’ll also show you the hidden corners of Shanghai that most tourists miss — the kind of places that don’t make it into museum exhibits but are just as rich in stories.
✨You’re reading a blog from Our Beijing ✨ We design authentic adventures for travelers who want to dive deeper — cycling through hutongs, tasting Beijing’s favorite snacks, and hiking the wild, unrestored Great Wall.
