This charming café’s second branch is a friendly oasis

Cafe du Metro is an old favorite of mine. Hidden in the maze of People's Square's underground mall, it's a beloved hideaway for diners seeking affordable Francophile dishes like Croque Monsieur, alongside small glasses of cheap but very quaffable wine, and warm service from the owners who are always about. The decor is kitchy, cozy, and homey, it makes you forget you're down in the Shanghai subway.

A few months ago, the owner told me he would open a second branch. So last week, I decided to seek out the new one. Turns out that the plan of opening in Pudong was scratched in favor of a small but well-manicured spot alongside a new development on Mengzi Dong Lu, just south of Xujiahui Lu. It’s not so much out of the way, it’s just a bit off the main track and takes some scouting to find. But the search is worth it, because the lovely French woman who manages the place makes you feel warmly welcomed, like you’re visiting an acquaintance, much like the service at the People’s Square branch. Unlike the underground branch, sunlight streams into this small, tidy restaurant. Best of all, the menu lists all the same classics, including my favorite Salade du Chef: a giant, delicious ensemble of fresh greens, tomatoes, corn, ham, and perfectly browned potato cubes, all topped with two silky poached eggs. The salad alone is a hearty meal, and the light, lemony dressing is one of my favorite salad toppings in town. This branch is definitely worth a visit. And if you live or work in that area, I'll bet you a Croque Madame that you'll soon become a regular.

Where else have I been this week, since my return from a month in the US? A few of the newly opened spots I've been to are Pho Real, La Strada, hof, and the colossal new Lost Heaven branch by the Bund. I've also been discovering a number of local places, both old and new, scattered throughout the city. I'm trying to discover at least one new place every day, with the help of my trusty electric motorscooter. I’ll pick a few to share soon.

Find out more about Café du Metro on CityWeekend or Dianping
67 Mengzi Dong Lu, near Xujiahui Lu Tel: 53013897

Read my blog on the original Café du Metro, and another favorite underground restaurant here.

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