Overview: Alma Luna, a Cuban-inspired cocktail bar led by Yao Lu of Union Trading Company, opens in Shanghai on September 8, 2026. Located on Xiangyang Bei Lu, the venue offers a mid-century vision of Havana with classics and contemporary creations starting at ¥98.
The Full Story
Located on Xiangyang Bei Lu, the narrow entrance calls out with a bright yellow doorway and bold illuminated sign. Like stepping into a portal, guests are 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 line walls lined with snapshots that hint at Cuban history and culture. It is a polished cocktail bar meets neighborhood hangout that is casual and convivial, with a layout that encourages conversation.
Overall, the space is cozy without feeling cramped, comfortably seating about 30 with a six-seat bar and quite some standing room. Food is more than an afterthought here; it is 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.
Production & Profile
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 is the mastermind behind wildly successful Union Trading Company, a cocktail bar that in its heyday placed on Asia’s 50 Best.
A standout is the Miami Vice (¥108), a cocktail that is essentially a two-for-one, so you do not 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 3-Year rum and Havana Club 7-Year rum. Sip each side individually — do not stir — and enjoy the combo as the two slowly meld over time. Another favorite is the Luz De Luna (¥118), a more restrained, elegant cocktail that is pandan-forward with floral white peach and melon notes, gentle herbaceousness, a subtle savory edge, and a silky finish.
Brand & Industry History
It is explicitly not a rum bar, but one that brings Yao’s lifelong fascination with Cuba — its culture, hospitality, and cocktail traditions — to life. The interior designed as a mid-century vision of Havana features emerald leather banquettes. Chef Ling Huang (Pirata) brings experience running a Cuban-inspired concept, having previously opened Latin Woo.
What This Means
It is a classy cocktail bar at an intersection that is more often associated with street-side beers and casual watering holes, making Alma Luna a welcome addition. It is Yao’s romantic interpretation of Havana — he has never been, and neither have the reviewers — but it captures a spirit that is easy to love, built on generous hospitality, thoughtful cocktails, and satisfying bites.
Consumer Takeaway
The venue offers a cozy space with a six-seat bar and standing room for approximately 30 guests. The experience includes Havana Club rums, Monkey 47 Dry Gin, and Cuban comfort food through approachable bar snacks and satisfying plates. It is a romantic interpretation of Havana built on generous hospitality, thoughtful cocktails, and satisfying bites.
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