Starbucks outlets around the world are stepping up their game in the ever competitive cafe scene. This includes super aesthetic interiors such as a four-storey coffee cask! But the most exciting store to have caught our attention is the new Shanghai Starbucks at Grand Gateway 66.
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Known as Starbucks Reserve Bakery Cafe, this Starbucks have a fully equipped cocktail bar! Here, tipplers can look forward to boozing up their Starbucks experience with wine, beer and tea-inspired alcoholic concoctions.
Centred around Italian dining culture, the joint not only celebrates aperitivo hour, but also pushes out scrummy Italian bakes and hot meals. You can expect noteworthy bakes that will make even the most food-snobbish Italian nod in agreement, as all the bakers are skillful in Rocco Princi’s baking method. Afterall, this Starbucks is not coined Princi Bakery Cafe for nothing.
For those not in the know, Rocco Princi is a renowned Italian baker, who has bakeries around Milan, London, Chicago and New York. He believes food should be created by hand, with love, and believes using fresh, quality ingredients is key.
Image credit: @juyueyueyue
The Princi menu is also said to have over 100 dishes, all of which are prepared fresh at the coffee house. For breakfast, you can expect more than just the usual yoghurt and granola. Instead, pair your coffee with freshly baked eggs in a scrumptious portobello sauce.
Folks looking for a hearty meal can expect hot soups, pizzas and frittata. Of course, there is the usual selection of Italian desserts too, including tiramisu and delizia al limone, a rustic Italian sponge cake complete with lemon cream and Limoncello.
For those heading to Shanghai soon, the best time to pop by the cafe is between 5pm and 7pm. This is the golden hour, as you can stuff yourself silly with all the green olives, schiacciante and pizza bites for free!
Address: 1 Hongqiao Road, #01-165A/178, Grand Gateway 66, Xujiahui, Xuhui, Shanghai, China 200000
Opening hours: Daily 7am to 10pm