A Guide to the Best Shops, Bars and Restaurants on Shanghai's Fumin Lu

A Guide to the Best Shops, Bars and Restaurants on Shanghai's Fumin Lu
By Andrea Scarlatelli , eChinacities.com

There are those times when you really want to impress someone – whether you have family or friends visiting from out of town, you’re on a first date, or you just want to remind yourself that, by God, you’re living in Shanghai! Well, Fumin Lu (富民路) is a great place to start. Its artsy shops, classy restaurants, and trendy bars will keep you coming back again and again for some more of that Shanghai decadence we’ve all come to know and love.

Where to shop and what to see?
Madame Mao’s Dowry is one of those stores in which it’s perfectly acceptable to get lost. Crammed full of quality furniture and various Chinese trinkets, this is the place to buy your homecoming souvenirs. Fun and playful t-shirts, giant Mao memorabilia, and more make up this store’s charming offerings.

For the art lovers out there, Art+Shanghai is all about the artists. European owned, this gallery features a constantly rotating gallery of emerging Chinese artists. Not sure what you’re looking at? The staff offer art consultations in an effort to foster a better relationship between artists and the general public.

If you’re just itching to buy some unique Shanghai art after your tour around the gallery (and who wouldn’t be?), check out the offerings from the new Pottery Workshop and you won’t be disappointed. Offering ceramic arts and crafts by local Chinese artists, it’s the perfect place to pick up that conversation piece for your home.

If clothes are more your thing, Hi Panda, the sister brand of Shirtflag, offers all things pandas. Whether it’s on their t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, or hoodies, this store’s clothes feature the adorable fuzzy creature pretty much everywhere.

Where to eat?
Perhaps the best known offering on Fumin Lu is the beloved Cantina Agave, the ultra popular Mexican restaurant that puts an end to speculation that Shanghai just can’t do Mexican food. Their salsa bar is an event unto itself, while their extensive tequila menu is surely the largest in town. Another player on the Shanghai Mexican scene is Taco Loco, whose gimmick is to offer huge portions at affordable prices. While there’s nothing fancy about it, Taco Loco makes up for what it lacks in ambience with reasonable prices and convenience (they deliver to both Puxi and Pudong).

Gu Yi is popular with the expats for their spicy Hunan dishes, while offering alternatives for those non-adventurous eaters out there. For your Japanese fix, check out Makoto for your basic sushi, sashimi, sake, and beer. Enjoy the gorgeous weather on Coconut Paradise’s outdoor patio while soaking up their tasty Thai dishes and laid back atmosphere.

Coffee addicts can find solace in Coffee Tree, where you can also grab some sandwiches, salads, or set lunches. The ultra sophisticated La Dolce Vita is the go-to Italian restaurant for its complimentary bread and pate, hearty entrees, and melt-in-your-mouth tiramisu.

Where to drink?
There are a few options for those looking to whet their palates with a before or after dinner drink. Otto Restaurant & Wine Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a smooth glass of wine and a yummy dessert. On nearby Julu Lu, People 7 and Mesa & Manifesto both offer lush surroundings for those looking to relax with a drink in style.

Where to party?
The undisputed party central of Fumin Lu has got to be No. 88 – or “Ba ba Bar” if you’re so inclined. Jam packed pretty much any day of the week, be prepared to get up close and personal with anyone and everyone if you decide to go on a weekend night. With tables crammed full of liquor bottles, dice games, and platters of food, No. 88 will definitely not leave you bored. Enjoy the blaring music while eyeing the antique chandeliers – and the girls dancing on tables.

Venue Listings:

Madame Mao’s Dowry 毛太设计View In Map
Add: 207 Fumin Lu, Jing’an District, Shanghai
地址:上海静安区富民路207号
Tel: 021 540 3551

Art+Shanghai 艺术+上海View In Map
Add: 22 Fumin Lu, House 2, near Yan’an Lu, Jing’an District,
地址:上海静安区富民路2弄22号, 近延安路
Tel: 021 6248 4388

Pottery Workshop 乐天陶社View In Map
Add: 168 Fumin Lu, Jing’an District, Shanghai
地址上海市静安区富民路168号
Tel: 021 5403 1366

Hi Panda View In Map
add: 207 Fumin Lu, near Julu Lu, Jing’an District, Shanghai
上海静安区富民路207号, 近巨鹿路
Tel: 021 540 3551

Cantina AgaveView In Map
Add: 291 Fumin Lu, near Changle Lu, Jing’an District, Shanghai
上海静安区富民路291号(近长乐路)
Tel: 021 6170 1310

Taco LocoView In Map
Add: 185 Fumin Lu, near Julu Lu, Jing’an District, Shanghai
上海静安区富民路185号, 近巨鹿路
Tel: 021 5403 2348

Gu Yi 古意湘味浓View In Map
Add: 87 Fumin Lu, near Julu Lu, Jing’an District, Shanghai
地址:上海静安区富民路87号, 近巨鹿路
Tel: 021 6249 5628

Makoto View In Map
Add: 177 Fumin Lu, near Julu Lu, Jing’an District, Shanghai
地址:上海静安区富民路177号, 近巨鹿路
Tel: 021 5403 1943

Coconut Paradise’s 椰香天堂View In Map
Add: 38 Fumin Lu, near Julu Lu, Jing’an District, Shanghai
地址:上海静安区富民路38号, 近巨鹿路
Tel: 021 6248 1998

Coffee Tree View In Map
Add: 4A, Wujin Century Building, 291 Fumin Lu, near Changle Lu, Jing’an District, Shanghai
地址:上海静安区富民路291号悟锦世纪大楼1楼4A(近长乐路)
Tel: 021 6170 1315

La Dolce Vita View In Map
Add: 291 Fumin Lu, near Changle Lu, Jing’an District, Shanghai
地址:上海静安区富民路291号,近长乐路路口
Tel: 021 6170 1318

Otto Restaurant & Wine Bar 欧拓View In Map
Add: 85 Fumin Lu, near Yan’an Lu, Jing’an District, Shanghai
地址:上海静安区富民路85号 近巨鹿路
Tel: 021 6248 9186

People 7 萤七人间View In Map
Add: 805 Julu Lu, near Fumin Lu, Jing’an District, Shanghai
地址:上海静安区巨鹿路805号,近富民路
Tel: 021 5404 0707

Mesa & ManifestoView In Map
Add: 748 Julu Lu, near Fumin Lu, Shanghai
地址:上海巨鹿路748号,近富民路
Tel: 021 6289 9108

No. 88 View In Map
Add: 291 Fumin Lu, 2/F, Jing’an District, Shanghai
地址:上海静安区富民路291号2楼
Tel: 021 6136 0288

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