Shanghai's fickle weather keeps teasing its citizens with illusions that spring has finally arrived. The promise of sunshine and balmy breezes are inciting diners around the city to linger over long al fresco lunches and call ahead to reserve outdoor seating for dinner whenever the weather agrees to let the sun peek out of the clouds. While there may be a few more weeks of dreary rain and dropping temperatures to endure, now's the perfect time to prepare for sunnier days and take stock of Shanghai's outdoor dining options. I've looked beyond al fresco dining hotspots like Xintiandi, Taikang Lu, and the Cool Docks to illuminate some of the fan favorites and hidden gems of the outdoor dining inclined.

1) Abundant Green Garden 绿丰花园View In Map
Nestled off Hengshan Road, this urban oasis boasts a sprawling green lawn scattered with tables and decked out with a patio. Half the menu is shark's fin or abalone and sets can reach upwards of RMB 2,000, but the best deal here is the dim sum menu. For RMB 58, diners can languish outdoors in Abundant Green Garden and enjoy "small bites" the entire time the sun is out.

Add: 87 Wuxing Road, near Hengshan Road, Shanghai
地址：上海市徐汇区吴兴路87号(近衡山路)
Tel: 021 64719699

2) MediterraneoView In Map
The French Concession gets most the outdoor dining glory in Shanghai, but Mediterraneo single-handedly takes on the Luwan district with an outdoor porch, expansive patio, and sprawling garden. This upscale restaurant is housed in an old-style villa and serves up Italian classics and an impressive wine list. Duck down the alley deep in Jing'an for a fine dining experience complete with croaking frogs.

Add: 1317 Wuding Road, near Wanhangdu Road, Shanghai
地址：上海市静安区武定西路1317号, （近万航度路）
Tel: 021 52389633

3) Bistro LatitudeView In Map
This French Concession bistro's second floor terrace offers a birds-eye view of the bustling Taojiang/Dongping/Yueyang triangle. Latitude offers set menus for all meals, giving diners the best bang for their buck when it comes to French fare in Shanghai. The freshly baked bread delivered to your table is perfect for sopping up butter while you soak up the sun's rays.

Add: 1 Yueyang Road, near Dongping Road, Shanghai
地址：上海市徐汇区岳阳路1号, 近东平路
Tel: 021 6431-7751

4) Cantina AgaveView In Map
This Mexican joint was the answer to many an expat's prayers for tacos when it arrived on Shanghai's dining scene last year. Cantina Agave's surprisingly comfortable wooden tables are the perfect French Concession spot to people watch while digging into a carnitas-stuffed burrito. Head there on weekends for the best all-you-can-handle deal this side of the Bund. For 95 RMB, take down as many margaritas as your liver will allow while dining off their a la carte menu.

Add: 291 Fumin Road, near Changle Road, Shanghai
地址：上海市徐汇区富民路291号, 近长乐路
Tel: 021 6170 1310

5) Bo Duo Xin JiView In Map
One of five locations serving up Chaozhou cuisine around the former French Concession, the Baoqing branch of Bo Duo Xin Ji is the only one to offer al fresco dining. Their outdoor dining section is impromptu to say the least, as the owner throws up tables and chairs in the alley outside the restaurant at the patron's request, but this casual atmosphere and fresh sunlight makes the mango pudding that much more delicious.

Add: Lane 9 Baoqing Lu, near Huaihai Zhong Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市宝庆路9弄4号, 近淮海中路
Tel: 021 6474-5301

6) Kathleen's FiveView In Map
Taking up residence on the roof of the Shanghai Art Museum, Kathleen's Five pairs international cuisine with great views of People's Park. The prices at this go-to spot for impressing guests match their outstanding view, but they do offer an affordable afternoon tea set for just RMB 88. Sip slowly enough and you might just be able to stick around for the sunset.

Add: 5/F, 325 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Huangpi Bei Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市南京西路325号上海美术馆5楼, 近黄陂南路
Tel: 021 6327-2221 

7) Casa 13View In Map
The crowning jewel of restaurateur Eduardo Vargas' dining empire, Casa 13's elegant outdoor courtyard feels like it was designed for Shanghai's lazy sunny days and warm summer nights. The Mediterranean-themed menu features tapas and mezzes that are designed to be shared -- the perfect prelude to a romantic evening. Order their famous charcuterie board and you won't be disappointed.

Add: 1100 Huashan Lu, near Fuxing Xi Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市华山路1100号13室, 近复兴西路
Tel: 021 5238-2782

8) Citizen CafeView In Map
This cozy cafe has been a favorite on the Jinxian Road strip for years now. With decent portions and reasonable prices, the upstairs porch is just one more reason to head to Citizen for a relaxing afternoon. Their afternoon set is a steal with a RMB 39 nabbing a hearty snack and beverage.

Add: 222 Jinxian Road, near South Shanxi Road, Shanghai
地址：上海市进贤路近陕西南路
Tel: 021 6258-1620

9) NovaView In Map
Satisfying cravings for both sunlight and French cuisine, Nova's terrace offers a perfect break from DVD shopping on Dagu Road. Delight in French culinary traditions while basking in the afternoon sun. You might even want to indulge your inner Parisian and order a glass of wine to complete your al fresco lunch.

Add: 418 Dagu Road, near North Chengdu Road, Shanghai
地址：上海市大沽路418号，近成都北路
Tel: 021 6340 1889

10) Naam Thai View In Map
Pillow-stuffed benches make Naam Thai one of the most comfortable outdoor dining experiences in Shanghai. Try the fried Morning Glory salad and the Issan sausages if you're ordering a la carte, or head here for the Spice Up Your Senses weekend brunch with a menu of Thai classics and Bangkok-style barbecue for RMB 198.

Add: 508 Jiashan Road, near Jianguo Road, Shanghai
地址：上海市嘉善路508号尚街1107-1108商铺
Tel: 021 5465 6005

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