Over the few years, passersby at Prada Rong Zhai would have found a familiar scene, small clusters of visitors gathering at the gates, waiting to enter the historic mansion’s latest cultural exhibition. Since the opening of MiShang Prada Rong Zhai this spring, the lines have grown longer – and the reasons more varied. Visitors now come not only for culture, but for espresso, cocktails, contemporary Italian dining, and the chance to linger in a space where Prada’s elegance meets Wong Kar Wai’s cinematic touch.
Prada’s move into dining is no afterthought. Before cafés became the new fashion accessory, the luxury conglomerate had already planted its cultural roots in mainland China with the unveiling of Prada Rong Zhai in 2017. With support from the Prada Foundation, the restored historic residence quickly evolved into a creative hub, hosting more than ten exhibitions.
This year, it has become livelier, more social and delicious. Conversations around Prada now extend from ready-to-wear to ready-to-live the art of dressing, dining, and simply being.
From coffee to cocktails
On a crisp autumn weekday, the mansion’s entrance once again split the crowd with exhibition-goers to the left, caffeine-seekers to the right. I followed the aroma of espresso. “Reservation, please?” the hostess asked in English. With a smile she later explained that mornings often bring a steady flow of international visitors, many from Korea, so the team often switches languages before noon.
The Terrace, reimagining Arcadia Hall – Shanghai’s first women’s open-air lounge – that blends 1930s Italian bamboo furniture with subtle Chinese design cues, is a nod to the graceful cross-leg seating once linked to femininity.
Sunlight filtered through the garden, dappling vintage tile floors and rattan chairs. It felt like stepping into a frame from Wong’s old-Shanghai universe.
The coffee&hot drink menu is approachable, espresso and macchiato at 48 yuan ($6.8), while latte and flat white at 68 yuan ($9.6). Those seeking something more elevated can explore Specialty Coffee, created with 1895 Coffee Designers by Lavazza, a refined tour of monorigin Arabicas and thoughtful extraction. Teas, sandwiches, hamburgers, sweet wines, and classic pastries round out the offering.
The Terrace flows naturally into The Caffè, a lively indoor retreat anchored by a bar handcrafted by local artisans in restored wood and intricate scrollwork inspired by Shanghai’s 1910s – 1930s social clubs. Warm amber tones correspond to the garden’s verdant lush. Morning coffee, evening cocktails, each moment feels distinct.
In late September, the bar marked Negroni Week with a collaboration with Filippo Sanchi of Bar S-otto, reinterpreting Italian classics for Shanghai’s evolving palate.
Contemporary Italian flavors
A short walk down the corridor, past a jewel-box pastry counter, leads to The Library, a sanctuary where Milan meets Shanghai. Shelves of curated volumes on Chinese arts and Italian design, from Murano glass to modern craftsmanship, sit alongside an elegant Duo Yun Xuan artwork. Behind the doors lies The Dining Room, an intimate dining space at the heart of MiShang Prada Rong Zhai.
Further within, the restaurant, led by Chef Riccardo La Perna and Pastry Chef Diego Crosara, offers a contemporary interpretation of two culinary legacies. For Chef La Perna, simplicity is the ultimate luxury. “Food should be enjoyable, not overloaded with extravagant ingredients,” he said.
Shanghai’s dynamic food scene inspires his approach, “I see progress, especially in the quality of products from local suppliers.” These improvements give him confidence to work with regional ingredients and integrate Chinese techniques he has learned over the years, “even if those influences aren’t always immediately visible on the plate.”
Across Asia, cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan are facing a challenging period in hospitality, yet Chef La Perna believes Shanghai’s bouncing back first. “There’s a new generation of chefs with skills and fresh ideas, and diners here are ready for it.”
At the same time, he added that today’s guests are more discerning, “they spend carefully but value authenticity. If you serve true quality, guests will pay for it. You must never cheat your diners.”
MiShang Prada Rong Zhai is where fashion blends with lifestyle, culture and cuisine, all within one of Shanghai’s most storied mansions. It is quickly becoming one of Asia’s most compelling dining expressions – and was recently awarded Two Forks in the Gambero Rosso Top Italian Restaurants 2026 guide.