From luminary bartender Yao Lu comes Alma Luna, a new cocktail bar inspired by Havana. It’s explicitly not a rum bar, but one that brings Yao’s lifelong fascination with Cuba — its culture, hospitality, and cocktail traditions — to life.
The Space
Located on Xiangyang Bei Lu, the narrow entrance calls out with a bright yellow doorway and bold illuminated sign. Like stepping into a portal, you’re taken into an elegant room that draws on a mid-century vision of Havana. Emerald leather banquettes, warm wood, lush tropical artwork, and a tucked away cabana, walls lined with snapshots that hint at Cuban history and culture. It’s a polished cocktail bar meets neighborhood hangout that’s casual and convivial, with a layout that encourages conversation.
Overall, it’s cozy without feeling cramped, comfortably seating about 30 with a six-seat bar and quite some standing room.
The Drinks
The cocktail menu draws its roots from Cuban classics, with drinks from ¥98 — Mojito, Daiquiri, and Cuba Libre — alongside Alma Luna’s own contemporary creations starting at ¥108.
For background, if you haven’t heard of Yao Lu, he’s the mastermind behind wildly successful Union Trading Company, a cocktail bar that in its heyday placed on the Asia’s 50 Best.
One standout is the Miami Vice (¥108), a cocktail that’s essentially a two-for-one, so you don’t have to choose. One side is a creamy piña colada with coconut and pineapple, while the other is a refreshing strawberry daiquiri with zippy lime, made with Havana Club 3Y and 7Y rum. Sip each side individually — do not stir — and enjoy the combo as the two slowly meld overtime. It’s dangerously easy to drink.
Note: the photo above was taken during soft opening, and the drink has been since adjusted, courtesy of the brain freeze prevention team.
Another favorite is the Luz De Luna (¥118), a more restrained, elegant cocktail that’s pandan-forward with floral white peach and melon notes, gentle herbaceousness, a subtle savory edge, and a silky finish.
The Food
Food is more than an afterthought here. It’s Cuban comfort food through approachable bar snacks and satisfying plates. The menu is courtesy of Chef Ling Huang (Pirata), one of the few chefs in Shanghai with experience running a Cuban-inspired concept, having previously opened Latin Woo.
The Chicharrón & Cuban Guacamole (¥48) is an immediate hit around the table. Crispy pork cracklings paired with mashed avocado and pineapple work as an easy win.
Other snacks include Ham & Cheese Croquettes (¥58), oozing with Gruyère, and Mini Chorizo Fritas (¥88/three), juicy chorizo patties served atop shoestring fries.
For something heartier, there’s Ajiaco (¥68), a comforting stew of beef short rib, chicken, and pork, all shredded into a richly spiced tomato-and-pepper broth with seasonal root vegetables.
Better yet is the “Thicc” Cubano Sandwich (¥68), engineered to come as close as possible to the authentic thing. The bread has the right balance of airy interior and crisp crust, stacked generously with slow-roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and sharp yellow mustard. It’s exactly the kind of sandwich you’d crave after a few cocktails.
There’s also Ropa Vieja & Crispy Rice (¥78), a hearty plate of braised beef served with crispy rice, two fried eggs, black bean purée, lime sour cream, and coconut.
In Summary
It’s a classy cocktail bar at an intersection that’s more often associated with street-side beers and casual watering holes, making Alma Luna a welcome addition. It’s Yao’s romantic interpretation of Havana — he’s never been, and neither have I — but it captures a spirit that’s easy to love, built on generous hospitality, thoughtful cocktails, and satisfying bites.
Alma Luna
View the listing here.
