Laowai Jie (老外街) is pedestrian Lane 3338 off Hongmei Lu in Gubei District. During the days of communism, this area is where Chairman Mao’s 101 trains ended their cross-nation journeys, and today you’ll see reminders of this history with statues and plaques. Since then, Laowai Jie has transformed greatly. As the name suggests, the street is lined with American, Mexican, Italian, Greek and Indian restaurants. Laowai Jie is as international as the city of Shanghai itself!
Laowai Jie is at its best on a lazy Sunday, during an evening with drinks with friends or for a break after shopping at the nearby Pearl Market. Listed below are our favorite eateries on Foreigner Street.
1. Fat Cow
Burgers, fries, milk shakes… you already know where we’re going with this description. This American diner serves up phenomenal burgers under a cool atmosphere with good music and a friendly staff. Fat Cow makes the journey all the way out to Gubei well worth it, and that’s why it is the best place to grab a bite on all of Laowai Jie. Two thumbs up.
Address: 7 Hongmei Laowai Jie, 3338 Hongmei Lu, near Yan’an Xi Lu
Phone: 021 3422 1700
2. Bastiaan Bakery & Konditorei
Bastiaan Bakery & Konditorei is a quaint German bakery with above average sandwiches, soups, homemade bread, salads and especially, sweets! True, their entrees are indeed good, but their cakes and desserts are what put Bastiaan on the map. Their pastries, cheesecakes, and tartlets are my top three favorite; I always bring some home to put in the fridge. Also keep in mind that breads and cakes are half off after 9pm.
Address: 18 Hongmei Laowai Jie, 3338 Hongmei Lu, near Yan’an Xi Lu
Phone: 021 6465 8022
3. Greek Taverna
Opa! Finally a decent Greek restaurant in Shanghai. Do not eat here without ordering hummus, pita bread, fried eggplant and moussaka – made from the owner’s own family recipe! The Taverna has a wonderful terrace that’s perfect for bright-lit blue skies and the service is always wonderful as the owner periodically strolls around the restaurant to speak with guests. Unfortunately, the only thing that it lacks in authenticity is the conspicuously absent broken plates on the floor. Alas, nowhere is perfect.
Address: 16 Hongmei Laowai Jie, 3338 Hongmei Lu, near Yan’an Xi Lu
Phone: 021 6262 5011
4. Porta Nova
What would a street packed with foreign restaurants be without the token Italian eatery? Well, Laowai Jie doesn’t disappoint, because there are a few options, but Porta Nova is the best of the bunch. Porta has 29 different types of pizza, along with other Italian dishes, all made with fresh, imported ingredients. The extensive wine list ain’t bad either, and there’s also a salad bar. Tip: sit outside on the terrace for a true al fresco dining experience.
Address: 40 Hongmei Laowai Jie, 3338 Hongmei Lu, near Yan’an Xi Lu
Phone: 021 6465 7788
5. Las Tapas
A buen Spanish restaurant specializing in, you guessed it, tapas! There are four other locations around town, but since we’re focusing on Laowai Jie, apart from tapas such as tortilla espanola, olives, cheeses, breads, chorizo, calamari, and the other usual suspects, they also have good paella and pastas. I’d recommend sticking with the tapas, however. The wine selection is fairly nice as well. Try their lunch special: for 88 RMB you get a salad and dessert buffet, along with one drink and two tapas.
Address: 33 Hongmei Laowai Jie, 3338 Hongmei Lu, near Yan’an Xi Lu
Phone: 021 6465 8345
How to get there:
The best way to get there is by taxi; from Jing’an District will cost about 40 RMB. To budget, take the metro to Shuicheng Lu station and walk west out of Exit 3 for a few minutes. Then turn south on Zhonghuan Lu and keep going until you pass Yan’an Lu. After Yan’an, continue straight on Zhonghuan for about 100 m and you’ll spot Laowai Jie on your right hand side.