Listings:

Although difficult for the uninitiated to find among the back alley lanes of Taikang Lu, Kommune is worth searching out for not only its simple, yet tasty food and drinks, but also for its unique setting at the epicenter of Shanghai's creative quarter. Outdoor seating is usually overflowing with artsy locals and hipster expats, but don't forget to check out the ample indoor and back courtyard...

This place specializes in live music, but a lot of it is sub-prime: covers bands and dodgy jazz-swing outfits with large-lunged women shrieking the place down. Having said that, it's surprisingly popular at the weekends with a local crowd. Drinks are nothing special and a little pricy.

Tratttoria style restaurant has reinvented itself after 5 years of operation. The new look incorporates a terrace on the roof overlooking the Taikang Lu lane shops. Traditional home cooked meals.

This tucked away Tianzifang grill is brought to you by the makers of the ever popular New York Style Pizza. On offer, USDA Prime beef in all its glorious permutations, namely heaping half-pound burgers and slabs of steak.

Cafe set in amongst the small lanes of Taikang Lu, serving up healthy dishes from breakfast to dinner.

Thai bar and restaurant serves fine Thai food, the food is prepared by a Thai chef imported from Taiwan after doing an eight-year stint on the island. Their specialties are seafood-based, with the crab items being their most expensive offerings. But they also recommend their beef stir-fries, and you can't go wrong with a nice chicken curry. They've also got a wide selection of soup, salads, and...

One of Eduardo Vargas’s more successful projects, the original Casa 13 was a popular Mediterranean restaurant with a lovely terrace -- and licensing issues. Eventually, the latter forced its relocation, so Casa 13 packed up its toys and moved into the one-time Balthazar lane house. Dining, drinking and lounging happen across three and a half floors, with a little outdoor courtyard and a roof...

Boutique store selling New Zealand good, from 42 below vodka, to wines and furniture and gift items.

Small laneway cafe typical of the cafes in these lanes, the difference for this cafe is that it serves vietnamese coffee.

Cafe that serves light snacks like breakfast, sandwiches and salads. Wireless internet also available for your browsing pleasure.