There’s an awesome new Italian deli and market on Anfu Lu
Alimentari. Take out a map, find the intersection between Wulumuqi Zhong Lu and Anfu Lu, and mark with a heart.
This market and deli (formerly known as Fei Dan) is about to become your go-to in the Former French Concession for fresh international foods and drink-on-the-go tipples.
The market and deli – a passion project by the same guys behind Gemma – was given a full facelift this summer, turning it into a casual neighbourhood grocer-meets-eatery, with independently run café and roastery Coffee Lab hidden upstairs.
Alimentari officially brands itself as a foreign imports store, but 'Italian' is the adjective everyone is whispering under their breath. The meat counter is a testimony to this, offering salami, Parma ham, a deliciously peppery pastrami and other deli meats. If you’re still not convinced, the selection of gourmet spaghettis and pasta sauces are a dead giveaway, while the stuffed olives and cured peppers taste like they were just kicked straight over from Boot Country.
When it comes to cheese, well, let's just say Alimentari has a selection is worth melting over: tangy gorgonzola, peppered cheddar, truffle-marbled Moliterno al Tartufo and of course brie. Pair those up with ciabatta or sweet fig bread and a bottle of balsamic pear vinaigrette for a cheeseboard showstopper. And if you can’t wait until you get home, just ask for a plate, grab a bottle of wine and take it all out to the terrace al fresco.
And 'cause you can’t go continental without getting a bit boozy along the way, the deli has bottle-your-own-cocktails available for 100RMB. One 500ml bottle will settle you for five Negronis, and you can also cap your purchase to take home with you. Or if spirits are not really your thing, there’s craft beer and a well-stocked wine shelf with a decent selection of grapes from around the Med and South America.
Alimentari looks set to be a great addition to Anfu Lu. Come to pick up breakfast or lunch, stay for a sundowner.
158 Anfu Lu, near Wulumuqi Zhong Lu (5403 6991). Open 8am-10pm daily.