Here's Your New Fave Spritz and Platter Hangout

The Popolo Group is at it again, filling QV’s old spot on Wuding Lu with another Alimentari branch. However, this one is bigger, bolder, and better than the original in every way, and I can see myself gladly spending way too much time hanging out at this open-air spot, sipping pre-bottled cocktails and satisfying my capicola, prosciutto, formagella, and pecorino cravings.

This Italian-style deli, kitchen, and gourmet market is an extension of the original location on Anfu Lu but with an expanded menu and more of a hangout vibe. The goal of the restaurant is to be like an Alimentari in Italy, a mom-and-pop corner shop where you go to buy assorted cheeses, meats, and fresh ingredients. Pop over to the deli counter for a freshly made sandwich or purchase some cheeses and olives for entertaining guests at home later. 

Taking that concept a step further, the Degusteria piece of the restaurant is that which is mainly focused on taste, or the degustation notion. By adding the degusteria to this location, the focus will be less on imported products (although after only a few weeks of being open, they are already boasting an impressive display), and more on small bites, snacks, breakfast items, and cocktails. Plain and simple, come here to sample everything. 

My favorite part of Alimentari is easily the bottled cocktails. Why is no one else doing this in Shanghai? They pre-make excellent cocktails; everything from killer Aperol Spritzes (RMB 98) and bitter Negronis (RMB 90) to tart Whiskey Sours (RMB 82) and tangy Margaritas (RMB 96). Don’t get sticker shock at these prices, the bottles are the size of wine bottles so, for example, the Aperol Spritz satisfies you and two other friends, while the Margarita bottle can be shared amongst five people! That’s an insane value for high quality cocktails that could rival any classic drink made in bars all around the city. 

If you plan to stop in with friends and enjoy the cocktails on location, you’re provided with glasses, ice, and all the appropriate garnishes to essentially enjoy a cocktail in the same way you would at any other bar, but at a fraction of the price. On the other hand, for takeaway, the options are endless. Last minute plans being made to host some friends for the evening? Swing by Alimentari, pick up a few bottles of cocktails, maybe some meats, cheeses, and pickled goodies, and you’re ready to host in 5 minutes flat. You can have people over and no one needs to play bartender. Mix up a night out with friends by showing up to the party with a legit pre-mixed cocktail rather than the standard bottle of wine. 

The cocktails are made by their in-house bartender, so they aren’t some sugary replication of a Bacardi Breeze. The concept of being able to walk up to the fridge with some friends, grab glasses, and enjoy RMB 30 or less cocktails in an awesome ambiance is fantastic. 

On the food side of things, start out with the Formaggi (RMB 75), a wooden plank layered with thick slices of Black Pepper Cheddar, Ementaller Swiss, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Truffle Parmesan, all drizzled with balsamic syrup. 

Pro tip: grab one of the spicy mustards or Lavender Honey from France off the shelf and spoon it over your cheese for an extra kick of flavor.  

There are lots of places to get cheese boards around the city, but the quality and ambience at Alimentari can’t be beaten. Don’t forget to order a side of the creamiest fresh mozzarella you can imagine, a soft, moist, almost spreadable cheese that I would literally eat on cardboard. 

What goes perfectly with cheese? A meat platter, of course. The Affettatimisti (RMB 75) is a meat-lover’s dream, with thinly sliced Culatello All Erbe Ham, Salame Milano, and salty Parma Ham. Pair that with warm ciabatta bread, briny caper berries, mixed olives, and antipasto to make open-faced sandwiches, small nibbles, and a mix of sweet, salty, and vinegary bites. 

The array of freshly pickled products and olives that they have available at any given time is impressive. With pepperoncini, capers, balsamic onions, pickled onions, roasted red bell peppers, artichokes, sardines, anchovies, stuffed olives, and Kalamata olives, the combination opportunities are endless. I’m a sucker for meals that involve using your hands to mix together various distinct bites, and this spread was exactly that. 

For something more substantial, they also offer a variety of paninis, ranging in price from RMB 45-60. I am a big fan of the Salmone (RMB 60) with grapefruit, lime, lemon, and orange cured salmon, fresh avocado and mixed veggies, topped with mascarpone and dill. The salmon is cured by the chef for 24 hours, similar to a Swedish style gravadlax, an incredible way to transform raw salmon into silky ribbons of fish, ready to be piled on top of any sandwich, cracker, or placed directly into your mouth. The bread is pillowy and soft, made using imported ingredients and baked in house to ensure quality and freshness. 

I can’t wait for their expanded all day breakfast menu to come out in the next week, a wide selection of toasts (think avocado toast, mushroom and poached egg toast, etc.), waffles (coming with a jar of honey and a jar of Nutella, what more do you need?!), muesli, yogurt, and fruit bowls, and everything in between. Personally, I am loving this all day breakfast/brunch trend that has taken far too long to hit Shanghai, and as more places jump on board, I’m getting closer and closer to never eating a real meal besides breakfast again, something I’m particularly pleased with. 

The Popolo Group has eight brands now, all of which incorporate the idea of “producer to table,” or working with small artisan brands to handpick only the highest quality of imported ingredients that make up a minimum of 70% of their product offerings. I may be biased, but Alimentari is clearly my favorite. As a perfect hangout spot, with fantastic outdoor seating, and a relaxed atmosphere, you can easily chill for hours, enjoying the food, the drinks, the weather, and the killer playlist that would make any 90s childhood baby the happiest. From TLC to Lenny Kravitz to the Spice Girls, I found myself singing along inappropriately loud without the slightest level of embarrassment. 

As plans progress, Alimentari will bring in DJs for hangout music-focused events on weekends and suppliers for different weekday tastings, such as wine and cheese pairings. For your next catch-up session with a friend when you aren’t looking for a massive dinner nor an insanely boozy night on the town - and you don’t have the space, means, or motivation to host at home - Alimentari really is that perfect sweet spot for casual drinking, European-style snacking, and friendly chilling at any time of the day or night. 

Alimentari & Degusteria

Address: 343 Jiaozhou Lu, near Wuding Lu

Tel: [phone]

Hours: Sunday to Saturday, 10am - 12am