Alma Luna on Xiangyang Bei Lu brings Old Havana to Shanghai with 14 cocktails from RMB98-108 and a must-try THICC Cubano Sandwich at RMB88. Open daily 6pm-2am.
Tags:By Heather Millet
The spirit of Old Havana has drifted into Shanghai, and found its sanctuary on Xiangyang Bei Lu.
Entry to Alma Luna. Photo by Ryuichi
A glass door glows from within, drawing us toward the light of a mysterious interior.
Entry Hall of Alma Luna. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That’s
The palatial entry hall draws us in over antique tiling, under archways, and past white columns.
Greenery and mirrors whisper of tropical bird song amid late-night dancing.
When we reach our destination, we have passed through a portal of fantasy into a romantic notion of a bygone era.
Interior of Alma Luna. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That’s
Alma Luna—short for 'Soul of the Moon' in Spanish—is the latest bar venture from Yao Lu, of long-standing and beloved Union Trading Co (No. 48 on the 2021 World's 50 Best Bars list).
Alma Luna team with Yao Lu laughing, center. Photo by Ryuichi
As Union Trading Co. joyously celebrated its 12th anniversary, Alma Luna quietly bloomed amid the bustle of Xiangyang Bei Lu.
The bar is inspired by classic Cuban elegance—something Lu says has been on his mind as a point of inspiration for years.
Interior view of windows, as if seen from the street. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That’s
The décor includes photographs of famed Cuban actor Andy Garcia and the Caribbean Series winning 1952 baseball team. Hemingway is featured for his own love affair with Cuba as a writing refuge.
Photograph of Ibrahim Ferrer, key vocalist for Buena Vista Social Club. Photo by Heather Millet / That’s
The queen of salsa, Celia Cruz, stares from the hallway. And Ibrahim Ferrer of Buena Vista Social Club has his own framed spot directly over a long mahogany-colored table.
A café-style seating nook. Photo by Ryuichi
One seating area feels like a café, with multi-colored hanging lamps, while another features elevated seating and lighting that looks plucked from a captain's cabin.
Elevated seating space. Photo by Heather Millet / That’s
Yet more lamps evoke the floral hand-blown glass of a grandmother's kitchen.
Together, the details sweep us into an imaginary world honoring the beauty of Old Cuba—a feast for the eyes before the menu arrives.
The Drinks
Miami Vice (RMB108): Havana 3 YO Rum, Havana 7 YO Rum, Pineapple, Coconut, Strawberry, Lime. Photo by Ryuichi
There are 14 cocktails on Alma Luna's menu, half of which are twists on Cuban classics, and half signatures.
The pride of founder Lu appears to be the Miami Vice (RMB108), a visually electrifying split of piña colada and strawberry daiquiri.
The mixture is super smooth and intensely flavored—one to indulge in with child-like glee.
Cafecito Martini (RMB108): Havana 7 YO Rum, Café Cubano, Orange Blossom Water, Tonka Espumita Air, Cinnamon. Photo by Jimmy Jordan
The Cafecito Martini (RMB108) is an easy choice for espresso martini lovers, with the intrigue being its espumita air topping.
As Lu tells it, espumita—Spanish for 'little foam'—is typically made by whipping leftover espresso with sugar until it becomes a very dense foam, which is then used to top coffee for a sweet, layered drink.
In this case, the team uses fresh espresso whipped with sugar, creating a tall, fluffy textured air for this twist, which also uses orange blossom water, tonka, and cinnamon.
Luz de Luna (RMB108): Monkey 47 Gin, White Peach, Melon, Lemon, Fino Sherry, Dry Vermouth, Pandan, Whey, Sea Salt. Photo by Heather Millet / That’s
A fast favorite among patrons is the Luz de Luna (RMB108), which Lu describes as an elevated nod to Midori melon liqueur.
The cocktail has by no means strayed from the elegance of the bar—rather, it offers a very light melon flavor, crafted in-house, and a pandan-cacao topped ice cube.
Cuba Libre twist (RMB98): Havana 7 YO Rum, Lime, 'Mulled' Cola Reduction, Cola. Photo by Ryuichi
Lu also loves to point out their twist on the Cuba Libre (RMB98), which takes flight in a 'mulled' Coca-Cola reduction alongside the classic rum and cola combination.
"We're not going to give you a standard rum and coke here—there's gotta be more to it."
The Food
"THICC" Cubano Sandwich (RMB88): Slow-Roasted Pork, Ham, Swiss Cheese, Pickles, Yellow Mustard, Pressed Cuban Bread. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That’s
On the food front, the star of the show is beyond a doubt their "THICC" Cubano Sandwich (RMB88).
It is worth making a stop at Alma Luna for this single item, if no other reason.
The pressed bread is crunchy, the meat is layered as thick as the title suggests, the cheese arrives melted, and it's all the mustard-pickle-full-flavor madness we want from a dreamy Cubano.
Cubano cheese-pull. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That’s
Lu says pairing it with the Cuba Libre is the best way to go, but we might argue for the Miami Vice as the proper accompaniment to this beauty.
Don't bother acting coy about chomping into the masterpiece that is the Alma Luna Cubano.
Chicharrón & Cuban Guacamole (RMB58): Crispy Pork Crackling, Avocado, Pineapple, Lime. Photo by Ryuichi
Of course, chicharrones had to make it onto the menu. The Chicharrón & Cuban Guacamole (RMB58) is a fun, crunchy bar snack for chasing the cocktails.
Ropa Vieja & Crispy Rice (RMB78): Braised Beef, Crispy Rice, Two Fried Eggs, Black Bean Purée, Lime Sour Cream, Coconut. Photo by Ryuichi
Lu's favorite is more like a whole meal. The Ropa Vieja & Crispy Rice (RMB78) is a massive portion of braised beef with eggs and bean purée.
This might be another great reason to stop by.
The Vibe
The Alma Luna bar. Photo by Heather Millet / That’s
Alma Luna has indeed illuminated the night in Shanghai with bold tastes and grace.
The ambience is relaxing yet sophisticated. It's perfect for visiting with friends, for a date, or solo—just to get that Cubano.
Price: RMB100–300 per person
Who's Going: Cocktail enthusiasts, Old Havana dreamers, design lovers, after-work crowds, late-night industry folks
Good For: Cuban-inspired cocktail deep dives, retro date nights, solo bar seating, bringing out-of-town guests, post-dinner nightcaps
Mon-Sun, 6pm-2am
Alma Luna, No. 17-2, Xiangyang Bei Lu 襄阳北路17-2号
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