12 Best Forest-Themed Cafés in Shanghai

If you’re craving greenery and calm but don’t have time for a weekend getaway, Shanghai offers a cluster of cafés designed to feel like an urban forest retreat. These spots blend coffee, sweets, and floral design into serene escapes—perfect for a slow afternoon or a pre-stroll pitstop.

Here are 12 of the best forest-style cafés in Shanghai, each offering a unique take on nature-inspired interiors, from greenhouse gardens and vintage florals to mossy nooks and botanical lounges.

1. Roots Galleria F – Industrial Elegance Meets Greenery

Tucked into a restored old building at 405 Julu Road, Roots Galleria F is a lifestyle concept shop that fuses furniture, flowers, coffee, and desserts. Its mix of industrial, vintage, and Nordic decor includes a sunlit greenhouse and flower room, making it a favourite for photo shoots and relaxed hangs.

? Address: 405 Julu Road, near South Shaanxi Road, Jing’an District

2. iliili – A Whimsical Fairy-Tale Hideaway

This candy-coloured hideout at 320 Panyu Road feels like stepping into a storybook. With its sunroom, fountains, cats, and retro-chic interior, iliili draws visitors for sunny afternoon teas and stylish meetups. Average spend is around 58 RMB per person.

? Address: 320 Panyu Road, near Fahuazhen Road, Changning District
? Average cost: 58 RMB

3. Flower Knows – Florals, Food & Cozy Vibes

Located on the B1 level of Xintiandi Fashion Mall (245 Madang Road), Flower Knows immerses guests in a garden-like setting. With floral décor, coffee, cakes, and window seats draped in greenery, it’s ideal for long, peaceful afternoons.

? Address: B1-137, 245 Madang Road, near Fuxing Middle Road, Luwan District
? Average cost: 65 RMB

4. Petit George Café – Classic Garden Café near East China Normal University

This low-key garden café at 1794 West Yan’an Road brings vintage charm and leafy surrounds. It’s especially popular with students and locals who enjoy its peaceful vibe just steps from East China Normal University.

? Address: 1794 West Yan’an Road, Changning District

5. (Floral Buds Desserts) – Japanese-French Sweets with a Light Touch

This L1 spot in Xintiandi (245 Madang Road) serves delicate French-Japanese fusion desserts like low-sugar tiramisu and collagen-rich mango jellies. The NY Night chocolate mousse is limited to 3–5 portions daily. Popular with young professionals, average spend is about 61 RMB.

? Address: L107, 245 Madang Road, near Zi Zhong Road, Luwan District
? Average cost: 61 RMB

6. Voce Café – European Café Charm in a White-and-Wood Setting

Situated at 568 Yongjia Road, Voce Café spans two floors including a sunlit loft. Its black-and-white tiled floor, wooden furnishings, and leafy street views offer a serene backdrop for sipping coffee and people-watching.

? Address: 568 Yongjia Road, near Yueyang Road, Xuhui District

7. Sunday Brunch – Art Deco & Seasonal Indulgence

Housed in a mint-green house at 1 Lane 189 Wanping Road, this café is known for its seasonal desserts like the caramel-toffee cake with Madagascar vanilla, crushed walnuts, and a bitter-sweet finish. Average spend is around 75 RMB.

? Address: 1 Lane 189 Wanping Road, near Xujiahui Park, Xuhui District
? Average cost: 75 RMB

8. (Li Yuan Coffee) – Garden-to-Table Dining in a Historic Villa

Nestled in an old garden villa at 5 Lane 1208 Liyang Road, Hongkou District, Li Yuan sources ingredients from its own garden. Dishes range from garlic pasta to fresh salads, paired with iced drinks or a house-made non-alcoholic mojito. Ideal for slow living and garden views.

? Address: 5 Lane 1208 Liyang Road, near Lane 1208, Hongkou District
? Average cost: 55 RMB

9. Aroom – Vintage Loft with Old-World Charm

Set inside a hidden lane-house at 15 Weileyuan, 120 Taian Road, Aroom draws in literary-minded guests with vintage furnishings, quiet corners, and a peaceful courtyard. No flashy signs—just old-world calm.

? Address: 15 Weileyuan, 120 Taian Road, near Huashan Road, Xuhui District
? Average cost: 60 RMB

10. (Little Garden) – European Cottage Core Café

This L1 space at 220 Kangping Road feels like an indoor greenhouse. With vintage European furnishings, potted plants, and sun-drenched courtyards, it’s a top pick for cosy meetups and Instagrammable moments. Popular among Shanghai’s creative crowd.

? Address: 220 Kangping Road, between Tianping and Huashan Roads, Xuhui District
? Average cost: 80 RMB

11. (Tree Hole Café) – Hidden Urban Oasis

At 636 Hefei Road, this quiet spot offers secluded outdoor seating surrounded by greenery. Sunlight filters through high glass windows, creating a calm space for quiet chats and reflection. Average spend is about 42 RMB.

? Address: 636 Hefei Road, Luwan District
? Average cost: 42 RMB

12. Coco Party – Jungle Café Inside Global Harbour

Hidden on B1017 of Global Harbour Mall, Coco Party is a lush, romantic dessert café with mossy décor, animal-shaped cutlery, and treats like blueberry mousse and mango smoothies. A go-to for girls’ day out tea sessions.

? Address: B1017, Global Harbour, Xuhui District
? Average cost: 71 RMB

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these cafés ‘forest-themed’?

These cafés use interior designs with lots of plants, green walls, wooden textures, floral arrangements, and natural lighting to create a forest or garden-like atmosphere. Many include actual gardens, greenhouses, or indoor jungle zones.

Are these cafés expensive?

Most have moderate pricing, averaging between 42 RMB and 80 RMB per person. Options are available for casual coffee drinkers and those wanting indulgent desserts or multi-course afternoon tea.

Which café is best for taking photos?

Roots Galleria F, iliili, Flower Knows, and are highly photogenic due to their vibrant colours, floral displays, and styled interiors. They’re popular with influencers and magazine photographers.

Do any of these places serve food besides desserts and coffee?

Yes. Places like Li Yuan Coffee and Petit George serve full meals such as pasta and salads, while others offer light bites, sandwiches, or brunch sets alongside drinks.

Are these cafés suitable for bringing children or pets?

Many, like iliili and Li Yuan, are pet-friendly or family-friendly, with play areas or relaxed atmospheres. Always check ahead for specific policies.

Is advance booking required?

Some popular spots like Roots Galleria F and may have limited seating or require reservations during weekends and holidays, especially for garden or greenhouse areas.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Forest Café Mornings

For a forest café experience at home, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for bright floral and citrus notes, or Colombia Huila for a balanced profile with almond and blackberry. Both highlight the crisp, refreshing qualities that pair beautifully with a garden-setting brew. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.