Shanghai Restaurant Review: Alimentari & Degusteria

By Cristina Ng, September 29, 2018

The Place

When Popolo Group decided to turn their short-lived wine bar, QV, into the second branch of their popular deli and grocer, Alimentari, excitement rippled among Jing’an snobs who can’t bear leaving their neighborhood. If that weren’t good enough, an all-day brunch menu has been added to the mix, bringing excellent value meat and cheese boards and bottled cocktails for which the Anfu Lu branch is known.

The Food

Available from 9am-6pm (early birds can snag a coffee starting from 8am), Alimentari & Degusteria’s all-day brunch features a range of breakfast items including egg sandwiches, power bowls, toasts and waffles.

Image courtesy Alimentari & Degusteria

Start your day off with a simple egg and cheese sandwich (RMB30) or sample the best of the deli counter with a flavorful bowl of Mediterranean grains (RMB65) topped with quinoa, lentils, capers, olives, artichokes, cucumber, sun-dried tomatoes, pickled onions, anchovies and lemon olive oil dressing.

Image by Cristina Ng/That's

If you want to treat yourself, we recommend the A&D Combo (RMB65) consisting of two eggs cooked any style, bacon or Italian sausage, minted zucchini, grilled tomato, toast and butter. Dipping hot buttered pieces of toast into sunny side up egg yolks is a simple pleasure that we are often denied when they’re overcooked, but they get it right here. Their spicy Italian sausage and perfectly cooked vegetables make this plate hard to beat.

It wouldn’t be brunch without avocado toast (RMB50), and this zesty version comes with two eggs and is one of the cheapest in town.

Image courtesy Alimentari & Degusteria

For a change of pace, try the salmon toast (RMB55) whereby a spread of herb-flecked mascarpone is topped by ribbons of cured salmon, sliced cucumber and a poached egg.

Image by Cristina Ng/That's

From light and airy batter to the crisp sugar coating on the fruit, the caramelized banana waffle (RMB55) with Nutella hits all the right notes.

Food Verdict 2/3

The Vibe

Image by Cristina Ng/That's

In contrast to the dark and moody atmosphere of its predecessor, Alimentari & Degusteria is pure sunshine. Given their location, they are sure to attract the expat masses in need of Italian groceries, wine, snacks, brunch and more. Luckily, their prices are affordable and frequent visits won’t break the bank.