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...

glo London is a British-based multi-concept restaurant venue spanning several floors. At the street level is a bakery & cafe serving coffee, sandwiches, pastries and fresh-baked bread. The second floor is a sit-down restaurant specializing in Anglo-American standards like pizzas and ribs. Upstairs from that, a lounge known for its extensive mojito selection.

Cakes, muffins, scones and myriad other baked goods are the big draw at Vienna cafe on tranquil Shaoxing Lu. Thursday night movie screenings are a bonus - the cafe shows everything from European Indie Films to American Oscar nominees.

Chain of restaurants and one of the longest running with quality ingredients and good service. One of the mainstays in Shanghai. And why not, it's a little bit pricy but you get good, healthy food with decent ingredients in a clean, bright, well designed setting. Mainstay is shakes and sandwiches but they also do Chinese set meals. Expect to pay 60rmb and up for sandwiches and about 70rmb and up...

This cafe/restaurant/wine bar serves light American fare such as sauteed fish and pasta dishes. Upstairs the ambiance is cozy, with an inviting fireplace as the centerpiece and soft couches to lounge on if you're there for a beverage.

Gourmet Cafe offers inventive gourmet hamburgers in a modern cafe environment. Over 30 different variations, such as the 'Crakajak' with premium beef, cracked black peppercorns and melted cheddar cheese or the 'L'Avorella' with prime beef, buffalo mozzarella, ripe avocado and sun dried tomatoes, Gourmet Cafe serves up a unique burger meal. They've also got a selection of summer salads and a list...

If you're a New Yorker you may scoff, but Egghead has a made a fair effort at homemade bagels. In addition to take-away service, they also have a small dining room and a menu featuring various bagel-centric breakfast plates.

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

Wagas is a burgeoning chain of smoke-free chain that specializes in healthy foods including smoothies, big salads and wraps. The casual, order-at-the-counter atmosphere is complemented by simple but comfortable décor (table/chairs and some lounge seating). Wireless.