Peruvian chef and serial restaurateur, Eduardo Vargas, has created quite a name for himself by bringing to Shanghai such gems as Casa 13, Closed Door, Bambou (now closed), Azul Viva, Osteria...the list goes on and grows every few months, so it seems.

Well, recently I've been in search of the best weekend brunch spot in the city. Now, a lot of people would say Sasha's for a nice, sunny patio, relaxed atmosphere and cheap price (buffet 89ish RMB), some might say The Westin's champagne brunch for a special occasion and for being very decadent (buffet + free-flow champagne 500ish RMB). Some big boozers might say Cantina Agave's Margarita brunch (90 RMB is all you can drink margaritas from 11-3, food not included). And some might even prefer hitting up Element Fresh for a casual, big fry up and smoothie and massive cup of coffee (on a sunny day, the one in Kwah Center, 1028 Huai Hai Zhong Lu, entrance on Donghu Lu has a great terrace overlooking the park).

I am not a fan of buffets because I think the quality of the food is not great, the food has been prepared a long time in advance and then it sits around in the open for too long and other people can mangle it, plus I always find you eat too much at a buffet and feel gross after. And for all you morning/afternoon boozers...well, I feel guilty if I start drinking before 6pm. Shame on you! But whatever, it's YOUR liver! Do with it what you please. ...

So for those of you who are not into harcore boozing, buffets or chain restaurants for your brunch in Shanghai, Azul Viva IS the place. I've been talking to people for months about where to go for the best brunch in Shanghai, as I always think word of mouth is the best recommendation for a restaurant. And continuously, Azul Viva's name came up from the real foody people (magazine food critics, gfs of magazine managing editors, food snobs, general snobs and fat people alike). Usually I had only been to Azul Viva for dinner and tapas and always enjoyed the place for having excellent food. But I finally made it there for brunch two weeks ago with a friend.

On Saturdays and Sundays, Azul's brunch starts at 11am. They have a set menu where for 120 or 150 RMB you can have 2 or 3 courses (for me 2 courses was enough), plus coffee or tea, plus a basket of muffins, pasteries and breads, plus a smoothie, fresh fruit juice or boozy cocktail.  The menu is quite extensive and there is a lot to choose from, from breakfasty items to yummy risotto. The quality of the food is outstanding and the service is decent.  You will be dreaming of those blueberry pancakes for weeks. Highly highly recommend!  You should make a reservation though, because it is quite popular!

Address:
Azul Viva
18 Dongping Lu,
Xuhui
near Wulumuqi Lu
东平路18号
近乌鲁木齐路
6433-1172

Image from static1.